OH & S Officer Jobs

The building industry is not the safest place to be. That's why it's important that building jobs include occupational health & safety (OH & S) officer jobs.

OH & S officer jobs are jobs that employ people to coordinate health and safety systems in a building firm. They are the precursors in identifying hazards and assess risks to health and safety of labourers and tradespeople involved in the project.

On the job

OH & S officer jobs require people working in the jobs to perform the following tasks and functions:

  • plan, design and develop occupational health and safety policies, procedures and manuals
  • inspect and test machinery and equipment
  • ensure that managers and staff understand and comply with OH & S legislations and requirements
  • use instruments to test work areas for hazardous materials
  • identify hazard-prone areas and assess risks involved
  • make sure that labourers comply with the health and safety measures in the workplace
  • develop safer ways of working
  • assist in the investigation of work-related accidents and unsafe working conditions
  • conduct training on health and safety practices and legislations
  • assist in the rehabilitation of workers who had accidents or injuries
  • provide counseling and advise regarding occupational health and safety concerns
  • arrange first aid training for employees.

What you should have

If you are interested in OH & S officer jobs, you must have a tertiary qualification in occupational health or health and safety management or any closely-related field. You have an advantage if you have first aid qualifications.

Apart from the academic requirements, you must have in depth knowledge of the OH & S legislations. You must also demonstrate tact and diplomacy when dealing with OH & S related incidents. Excellent communication and active listening skills are also important in OH & S officer jobs. Being analytical, alert, and safety-conscious are desirable traits.

OH & S officer jobs require that you are physically fit and with normal colour vision since many safety systems are colour coded.

Money matters

Salaries vary depending on experience, areas and level of responsibility, employer, and location of employment. Some self-employed OH & S officers may earn more.

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