Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner.
An Occupational Health and Safety Practitioners serve as a facilitator and advisor to employees and management regarding safety and health aspects in the workplace including the monitoring and inspecting of the workplace and the recording and investigation of incidents and accidents. They also implement and maintain Occupational Health and Safety systems in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
A qualified learner will be able to:
- Inspect work places and environments to identify the occupational health and safety hazards and determine the risks associated with the work.
- Facilitate and support actions to eliminate or control hazards in order to minimise risks in a designated work area.
- Represent the needs of employees with regard to Occupational Health and Safety matters.
- Participate in the planning and implementation of operational Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.
- Monitor and continually improve the effectiveness of operational Occupational Health and Safety systems.
Rationale:
Occupational Health and Safety is a core element for the success of all enterprises globally. The right to work in a safe and healthy environment is entrenched in the South African Constitution. The accountability for Occupational Health and safety is shared by all stakeholders and there are well established global practices and processes for ensuring Occupational Health and Safety. Over the years the development and implementation of these systems have become a science on its own. Line managers are trained in these processes and a cadre of specialised employees has been established to develop, implement and monitor the effective use of these global best practices.
This qualification is aimed at building the competence levels of this cadre of employees. The qualification also covers the work that will be done by the legislated Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) representatives. This qualification meets a critical need in the industry. It is aligned with the National Development Strategy and it will enable employees from the different technical work areas to embark on a career path in Occupational Health and Safety Management. All organisations in South Africa require the services of at least one Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner. The training for this cadre of employees is currently fragmented and done through a series of short courses. This qualification will standardise the training and will enhance the levels of compliance in this area.
QUALIFICATION RULES
This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Workplace Learning Modules:
Knowledge Modules:
226302001-KM-01, Fundamentals of Occupational Health and Safety, Level 2, 9 Credits.
226302001-KM-02, Fundamentals of Communication, Level 3, 6 Credits.
226302001-KM-03, Occupational Health and Safety applications, Level 4, 17 Credits.
226302001-KM-04, Occupational Health and Safety Management, Level 5, 38 Credits.
226302001-KM-05, Operations Management and Supervision, Level 5, 6 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 76.
Practical Skill Modules:
226302001-PM-01, Represent the needs of employees regarding Occupational Health and Safety matters, Level 3, 8 Credits.
226302001-PM-02, Inspect work places, identify hazards and risks and take immediate action to ensure health and safety in the workplace, Level 3, 4 Credits.
226302001-PM-03, Consult with employees and raise their needs and issues at, Level 2, 4 Credits.
226302001-PM-04, Inspect work places and environments to identify the occupational health and safety hazards and determine the risks associated with the work, Level 4, 16 Credits.
226302001-PM-05, Coordinate the work activities of Occupational Health and Safety representatives, Level 4, 6 Credits.
226302001-PM-06, Develop a risk profile and legal register for a designated work area, Level 5, 6 Credits.
226302001-PM-07, Establish, maintain and improve the health and safety documentation and reporting systems, controls and processes, Level 5, 4 Credits.
226302001-PM-08, Advise on the establishment maintenance and improvement of emergency response and preparedness, Level 5, 8 Credits.
226302001-PM-09, Manage the effectiveness of operational Occupational Health and Safety systems, Level 5, Credits 6.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 62.
Work Experience Modules:
226302001-WM-, Exposure to the workplace examination processes, Level 2, 12 Credits.
226302001-WM-02, Exposure to the processes of representing the Occupational Health and Safety needs of employees, Level 3, 4 Credits.
226302001-WM-03, Exposure to Occupational Risk Management processes, Level 4, 12 Credits.
226302001-WM-04, Exposure to the processes of selecting, appointing and managing Occupational Health and Safety representatives, Level 4, 8 Credits.
226302001-WM-05, Exposure to the processes of developing and implementing Occupational Health and Safety systems, Level 5, 48 Credits.
226302001-WM-06, Exposure to the processes of monitoring and improving Occupational Health and Safety systems, Level 5, 34 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 118.
