The work of health and safety staff

Dec 4
10:32

2015

Innes Donaldson

Innes Donaldson

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The work of health and safety staff and how they work.

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As a health and safety adviser or officer,The work of health and safety staff Articles you would use your knowledge and skills to reduce injuries, accidents and health problems in the workplace. If you have an eye for detail and love problem solving, this could be the ideal job for you.

You will need to be able to apply your communication skills when writing reports or dealing with employers. You’ll also be expected to have a good knowledge of health and safety legislation. 

Most health and safety advisers get into this role by either completing a qualification and then looking for work or studying whilst working. It is becoming more common for advisers to enter this profession with a degree level qualification.

As a health and safety adviser, officer or practitioner, it would be your aim to prevent accidents, injuries and health problems in the workplace. You would create health and safety policies, and make sure that employers and workers put them into practice and follow safety laws.

Depending on your employer, your work could cover areas such as fire safety, occupational health, noise, safe use of machinery and control of hazardous substances. 

To become a health and safety adviser, you can either study for health and safety qualifications whilst you are working, or take a training course before looking for a trainee position. The type of training you take will depend on the industry you work in.

If you are new to health and safety, or if it is only one part of your job or trade union duties, you can start by taking an introductory course that covers the basics. These are likely to include health and safety in the workplace, regulations, risk assessment and basic accident investigation. Courses are usually available on a part-time basis or by online and distance learning.

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