Your Career in Health and Safety
Your Career in Health & Safety
A career in health and safety can be both rewarding and financially beneficial. On a typical day, you will use your expertise to reduce workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses. You may also be responsible for developing health and safety policies and ensuring that both employers and employees adhere to them. If you’re considering a career in health and safety, here’s some valuable advice:
Health & Safety Qualifications
The qualifications required will vary depending on the specific job you seek. Starting with a short introductory course for beginners, such as the NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work qualification, is a good idea. To gain a comprehensive understanding of health and safety issues, many people continue their studies with the NEBOSH General Certificate. Widely regarded as essential for most health and safety roles, this course covers crucial topics like managerial responsibilities, conducting risk assessments, and investigating risks.
As you progress in your career or require specialized knowledge, you can pursue more advanced courses, such as a NEBOSH diploma. To work as a full-time health and safety practitioner, a higher qualification approved by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is typically required.
Method of Study
When training for a qualification, it's important to consider your method of study. Completing a health and safety course can be demanding, especially if you are balancing work and other commitments. To increase your chances of success, consider a study program with flexible hours, such as an e-learning course. Online learning allows you to study at your own pace without being restricted to a classroom schedule.
Work Experience in Health & Safety
Gaining practical experience in a health and safety role before pursuing a qualification is a good idea. This experience will help you understand the challenges you might face in your career and demonstrate to prospective employers your interest and commitment to the industry.
Another option is to start as a health and safety representative for your current employer. Any health and safety-related work experience will give you a significant advantage when applying for future positions.
