Master the art of Occupational Health and Safety and lead the way to safer workplaces.
Make a lasting impact on workplace wellness with the Higher Occupational Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety Practice. This programme is designed for individuals dedicated to protecting people and promoting a secure work environment.
You'll gain the essential knowledge and practical skills to assess and mitigate risks, develop robust safety protocols, and ensure compliance with all legal and ethical standards. Learn how to inspect workplaces, identify hazards, develop risk profiles, and implement health and safety systems that align with global best practices.
You will also gain the skills to advise management and employees, coordinate emergency preparedness, and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Who should attend?
This programme is ideal for:
- Individuals currently working in safety roles who want to formalise their qualifications
- Professionals in technical fields seeking to transition into health and safety management
- Those passionate about workplace wellbeing and compliance
Anyone aiming to become a certified Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner
Career Opportunities
With this qualification, you can kick start your career as:
- An Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner in corporate, industrial or public sector environments
- A Safety Officer or OHS Coordinator in manufacturing, mining, construction or logistics
- A Risk Management Advisor supporting compliance and safety strategies
- A Health and Safety Consultant offering expert guidance to organisations
- An OHS Superintendent or Supervisor managing teams and systems
Course Outline
Download our comprehensive fact sheet for full details.
- OHS Management Systems is your gateway to becoming a confident safety strategist! You’ll master global standards like ISO 45001, learn how to lead OHS teams, and gain hands-on experience in planning and improving workplace safety systems. This subject empowers you to drive real change in any organisation by combining leadership, strategic planning, and operational excellence.
- Governance and Risk equips you with the strategic mindset to lead safety with purpose. You’ll dive into governance principles, sustainability, and legal compliance while mastering risk profiling techniques that help you protect people and processes. This subject empowers you to become a proactive safety leader who drives accountability, builds resilient systems, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
- Documentation and Reporting is your launchpad into the world of professional OHS communication and leadership. You’ll learn how to audit and enhance safety documentation systems, manage performance reviews, and lead teams with confidence. This subject builds your ability to produce accurate reports, monitor compliance, and drive continuous improvement - skills that make you indispensable in any safety-focused organisation.
- Emergency Preparedness prepares you to be the calm in the chaos. You’ll learn how to design and advise on emergency response plans that protect lives and strengthen organisational resilience. From risk analysis to evacuation strategies, this subject empowers you to lead confidently in high-pressure situations and ensure your workplace is ready for anything.
- Operations Management is your toolkit for mastering the business side of safety. You’ll explore strategic planning, change management, and continuous improvement - all tailored to the OHS environment. From understanding workplace ergonomics to navigating future trends, this subject empowers you to lead smarter, plan better, and drive operational excellence in any safety-focused organisation.
Accreditation and Certification
This Occupational Certificate is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO).
Successful students will achieve:
- A nationally recognised Higher Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner (SAQA ID 121527 at NQF Level 5)
- Hands-on experience working in real OHS environments
- The skills to inspect, assess and manage workplace risks
- Knowledge to implement and improve health and safety systems
- Training in emergency preparedness and stakeholder engagement
Entrance Requirements
- National Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Officer (NQF Level 4)
- All classes and assessments are conducted in English
QCTO Qualification Framework
Knowledge Modules - Theory
- Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- Governance and Sustainability within the OHS Context
- Fundamentals of Operations Management for OHS Practitioners
Practical Modules - Hands-on Learning
- Develop a risk profile and legal register for a designated work area
- Establish, maintain and improve the health and safety documentation and reporting systems, controls and processes
- Advise on the establishment maintenance and improvement of emergency response and preparedness
- Manage the effectiveness of operational Occupational Health and Safety systems
Work Experience Modules - Real World Practice
- Operational planning and review processes
- Management and Supervision Processes