University of Cape Town
Occupational Health and Safety online short course
Enhance employee safety and contentment in the workplace, while guaranteeing your business adheres to local regulations. Study risk assessment and control, hazard management, and more with UCT Occupational Health and Safety.
Start date
05 May 2025
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Course duration
10 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The number of workers around the world who die annually as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases.
International Labour Organization (2023).
The year-on-year decrease in the number of fatalities recorded in South Africa’s mining industry from 2023 to 2024.
Reuters (2025).
Duration: 10 weeks (excluding orientation)
In South Africa, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 requires local businesses with more than 20 employees to have adequate health and safety measures in place. Unfortunately, many companies lack a clear understanding of their legal obligations or how to establish effective health and safety management systems in the workplace. As a result, the role of occupational health and safety (OHS) officers is essential to ensure compliance and promote a safe working environment for employees.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers an online short course in Occupational Health and Safety to provide professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet legal requirements and create a productive work environment. Through this course, students will learn how to identify potential hazards, conduct risk assessments, manage workplace stressors, compile investigative reports, and oversee OHS training within their organisation. Upon completion, students will have acquired valuable competencies that can be applied to a wide range of corporate and industrial settings, and will be awarded a certificate attesting to their proficiency in occupational health and safety.
Is the UCT Occupational Health and Safety online short course for you?
This online course offers a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking to advance their career prospects in the occupational health and safety (OHS) field. Through a combination of theoretical study and practical skills, students from all industries will walk away with the skills to promote good OHS standards. The programme caters to professionals new to the industry and those who wish to enhance their existing qualifications. This Saiosh-accredited course is also highly recommended for business leaders who want to prioritise employee safety and satisfaction and ensure compliance with regulations. With a 10-week duration, the online learning approach provides a structured yet flexible learning environment that allows students to balance their work and personal commitments. Additionally, the course offers comprehensive tutor support throughout to ensure students' success. By completing this course, individuals can improve their knowledge and skills, and expand their career opportunities in the OHS sector.
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GetSmarter is accredited by the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh), a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)-registered professional body for occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals. Saiosh administers professional accreditation and industry insights for OHS professionals in South Africa. By completing this Occupational Health and Safety online short course from the University of Cape Town (UCT), you’ll gain locally recognised and Saiosh-endorsed professional skills.
Saiosh has accredited this online short course as meeting the academic requirements for 5 CPD points. As such, students may be eligible to qualify for Saiosh membership at a technical or associate level, depending on their years of work experience. Technical Membership criteria include an accredited certificate at NQF Level 5 or equivalent and two years’ experience. Should students not meet these criteria, they can apply for a non-professional Associate Level Membership, which requires an NQF Level 5 certificate or equivalent and less than two years’ experience.*
*The Saiosh registration board is responsible for determining the grade of students when applying. Thus, GetSmarter and UCT bear no responsibility for the claiming or validation of these endorsed professional skills with Saiosh.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 10 weeks (excluding orientation)
In South Africa, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 requires local businesses with more than 20 employees to have adequate health and safety measures in place. Unfortunately, many companies lack a clear understanding of their legal obligations or how to establish effective health and safety management systems in the workplace. As a result, the role of occupational health and safety (OHS) officers is essential to ensure compliance and promote a safe working environment for employees.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers an online short course in Occupational Health and Safety to provide professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet legal requirements and create a productive work environment. Through this course, students will learn how to identify potential hazards, conduct risk assessments, manage workplace stressors, compile investigative reports, and oversee OHS training within their organisation. Upon completion, students will have acquired valuable competencies that can be applied to a wide range of corporate and industrial settings, and will be awarded a certificate attesting to their proficiency in occupational health and safety.
Is the UCT Occupational Health and Safety online short course for you?
This online course offers a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking to advance their career prospects in the occupational health and safety (OHS) field. Through a combination of theoretical study and practical skills, students from all industries will walk away with the skills to promote good OHS standards. The programme caters to professionals new to the industry and those who wish to enhance their existing qualifications. This Saiosh-accredited course is also highly recommended for business leaders who want to prioritise employee safety and satisfaction and ensure compliance with regulations. With a 10-week duration, the online learning approach provides a structured yet flexible learning environment that allows students to balance their work and personal commitments. Additionally, the course offers comprehensive tutor support throughout to ensure students' success. By completing this course, individuals can improve their knowledge and skills, and expand their career opportunities in the OHS sector.
GetSmarter is accredited by the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh), a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)-registered professional body for occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals. Saiosh administers professional accreditation and industry insights for OHS professionals in South Africa. By completing this Occupational Health and Safety online short course from the University of Cape Town (UCT), you’ll gain locally recognised and Saiosh-endorsed professional skills.
Saiosh has accredited this online short course as meeting the academic requirements for 5 CPD points. As such, students may be eligible to qualify for Saiosh membership at a technical or associate level, depending on their years of work experience. Technical Membership criteria include an accredited certificate at NQF Level 5 or equivalent and two years’ experience. Should students not meet these criteria, they can apply for a non-professional Associate Level Membership, which requires an NQF Level 5 certificate or equivalent and less than two years’ experience.*
*The Saiosh registration board is responsible for determining the grade of students when applying. Thus, GetSmarter and UCT bear no responsibility for the claiming or validation of these endorsed professional skills with Saiosh.
Get this course for your team
Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
What will set you apart
The skills to improve workplace safety, and boost employee satisfaction and engagement.
The know-how to ensure business compliance with the requirements stipulated in South Africa’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The tools to implement policies that improve company performance and profit by minimising the risk of workplace injuries.
Knowledge of OHS that can be applied in a wide range of sectors and contexts.
Unlimited access to edX's Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Introduction to OHS
Module 2
Organisation of health and safety management
Module 3
Risk assessment and control
Module 4
Managing hazards
Module 5
Managing machinery, power sources and other equipment
Module 6
Managing hazardous substances
Module 7
Managing health stressors and training
Module 8
Managing construction activities and incidents
Module 9
Preventing, preparing for and responding to fires
Module 10
Managing health and safety performance
What past students
think
Antoinette Mashile Mamedzi
Artisan, Eskom Rotek Industries
My expectations were highly exceeded, given that it was a short course. It has broadened my knowledge with regard to occupational health and safety, and I feel confident to apply what I've learnt thus far. The experience was amazing and the modules were easily put, with the concepts clear to grasp. The networking platform was enjoyable in that we shared ideas together with our tutor. Overall, my experience was worth it. Loved it.
Course Convenor
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Lindani Mkhwanazi
Lecturer, Department of Commercial Law, UCT
About the digital certificate
Explore approaches to occupational health and safety, and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Get more information
Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
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