Health and Safety Officer: 10 Days
Course Details:
Price
The course is R9,750.00 excluding VAT R8,500.00 ex VAT (12.5% discount)
Duration
Health and Safety Officer is a 10-day course.
Certification
The delegates will be issued a certificate once they have successfully completed the 10-day course.
Venues
Absolute Health Services has training venues in Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. Delegates can be attended at any of those venues on public course dates, or on-site at your premises if you have a minimum of 8 delegates to attend the course.
Course Description
Health and Safety Officers are responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing an organisation’s health and safety strategy. They assist in ensuring that all employees, visitors, and contractors are safe and that the organisation is fully compliant with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993.
This Health and Safety Officer course equips delegates to fulfil the role of a Health and Safety Officer within their organisation. Delegates will gain a good understanding of the OHS Act and key regulations, and will be able to assist their organisation in complying with this vitally important piece of legislation.
The course is structured to balance theoretical learning with practical, hands-on training, so that delegates leave the course confident in their ability to apply what they have learned in a real workplace environment. Training is facilitated by experienced, qualified instructors.
Studies show that most workplace incidents and accidents can be avoided. Appointing a Health and Safety Officer assists businesses in reducing the possibility of avoidable incidents and reducing OHS risk overall. Knowing that a well-trained Health and Safety Officer is taking care of health and safety across the entire organisation gives business leaders invaluable peace of mind.
Roles & Responsibilities
Assisting the organisation with OHS Act compliance
One of the core Health and Safety Officer duties is assisting the employer and all employees to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and its regulations. This involves keeping up to date with legislative requirements and making sure that workplace procedures align with them.
Enforcing health and safety measures
The Health and Safety Officer plays a key role in enforcing the necessary measures to ensure that the organisation’s health and safety objectives are met.
Conducting risk assessments
Identifying hazards and evaluating the level of risk they present is a fundamental part of Health and Safety Officer responsibilities. Conducting regular risk assessments allows the Officer to prioritise control measures and ensure that hazards and risks are addressed appropriately.
Implementing and maintaining a health and safety management system
A structured OHS management system provides the framework through which all health and safety activities are planned, monitored, and reviewed. Health and Safety Officers review, plan, and assist in implementing OHS policies, procedures, and strategy, and are responsible for keeping this system current and effective within the organisation.
Developing and implementing evacuation procedures
Health and Safety Officers assist with compiling site-specific emergency evacuation plans and ensuring all staff are familiar with them. This is a critical duty that directly affects the safety of everyone on the premises.
Investigating incidents and accidents
When something goes wrong, the Health and Safety Officer conducts a thorough investigation together with Health and Safety Representatives to determine the root cause. This process enables the organisation to implement corrective actions that reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Ensuring the health and safety team’s training is current
The Health and Safety Officer is responsible for keeping the health and safety team organogram up to date and ensuring that team members receive the correct training in first aid, firefighting, evacuation planning, health and safety, and other relevant areas.
Implementing health and safety induction for new employees
The Health and Safety Officer works with HR to assist in conducting health and safety induction programmes for all new employees.
Supporting Health and Safety Committee meetings
Health and Safety Committees are a legal requirement under the OHS Act where two or more Health and Safety Representatives are designated, and Health and Safety Officers play a key role in attending and supporting these meetings. Regular committee meetings ensure that health and safety concerns are raised, discussed, and actioned in a structured way.
Assisting the organisation with OHS Act compliance
One of the core Health and Safety Officer duties is assisting the employer and all employees to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and its regulations. This involves keeping up to date with legislative requirements and making sure that workplace procedures align with them.
Conducting internal OHS audits
Regular audits allow the Health and Safety Officer to measure how well the organisation's health and safety practices align with legal requirements and internal standards. Audit findings should be documented and used to drive continuous improvement.
Assisting with the annual OHS budget
The Health and Safety Officer provides advice to assist in compiling the organisation’s annual OHS budget.
Promoting a culture of health and safety
Beyond compliance, a key responsibility is fostering an environment where employees at all levels take health and safety seriously. This involves advising and informing employees about OHS initiatives and strategy, preparing regular health and safety training and toolbox talks, and demonstrating visible commitment.
Is this course right for you?
This course is designed for anyone who holds, or is stepping into, a health and safety role. It is ideal for:
Health and Safety Officers, or those aspiring to the role
HR Managers responsible for workplace compliance
Operations Managers and Site Managers
Any employee appointed to manage health and safety in the workplace
Matriculants interested in pursuing a career in health and safety
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. Please note that the course is taught in English.
Course Modules
The following modules are covered during the course:
OHS Act and regulations
Health and safety management systems
Risk assessment
Incident investigation
Evacuation procedures
Firefighting
First Aid Level 1
Course Outline
- OHS Act and regulations – A broad understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and relevant regulations is covered. Delegates will gain an understanding of the duties and responsibilities of employers, employees, and Health and Safety Officers in terms of the Act.
Health and safety management systems – Health and safety Delegates will be introduced to health and safety management systems and will understand how to implement and maintain a system within their organisation.
First Aid Level 1 – Delegates will complete a full first aid level 1 course during the Health and Safety Officer course. This will enable the delegate to respond effectively in medical emergencies as well as give them a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of First Aiders in the workplace.
- Risk assessment – Delegates will learn how to identify hazards and assess risks in the workplace. They will also learn how to implement control measures to minimise or eliminate risks.
- Incident investigation – Delegates will learn how to investigate incidents and accidents in the workplace. They will also learn how to compile an incident report and implement corrective actions.
- Evacuation procedures – Delegates will learn how to compile and implement an emergency evacuation procedure for their organisation.
- Firefighting – Delegates will learn about fire prevention and protection, as well as how to use a fire extinguisher effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Health and Safety Officer course?
The course runs over ten days.
Is the course accredited?
Yes. AHS is accredited by the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) to offer Health and Safety Officer training. AHS is also accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).
What do I receive upon completion?
Delegates who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate.
Do I need any prior experience or qualifications?
No formal entry requirements apply to this course. Note that the course is taught in English and a good command of the English language is required.
Where is the course conducted?
The course is conducted at AHS training venues in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Gqeberha, or on-site at your premises for groups of eight or more delegates. Please contact us directly for upcoming course dates.
How do I enrol?
Enrolment is straightforward. Book online or contact us using the details below, and our team will guide you through the booking process.
Book Your Training
Enroll in your course with a simple, secure booking process. Secure your spot online and get certified.
Looking to train your team?
We can conduct onsite training for groups of 8+, or your team can join one of our public courses held at our venues.