Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner

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Course: Higher Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner

Curriculum Code: 226302-000-01-00

NQF Level: 5

Total Credits:120

Quality Partner: Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA)

This qualification is designed to prepare learners to function as Occupational Health and Safety

(OHS) Practitioners. The curriculum is a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge, practical

skills, and workplace experience, structured into three core components:

1. Knowledge Modules (34 credits): Focuses on the theoretical foundations of OHS management,

governance, and operations.

2. Practical Skill Modules (48 credits): Provides simulated or controlled environments for learners to

practice and master essential OHS skills.

3. Work Experience Modules (38 credits): Requires learners to apply their knowledge and skills in a

real workplace, under the guidance of a qualified mentor.

• KM-01: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (11 Credits)
• KM-02: Governance and Sustainability within the OHS Context (11 Credits)
• KM-03: Fundamentals of Operations Management for OHS Practitioners (12 Credits)

• PM-01: Develop a risk profile and legal register for a designated work area (12 Credits)
• PM-02: Establish, maintain and improve health and safety documentation and reporting systems (12 Credits)
• PM-03: Advise on the establishment, maintenance and improvement of emergency response and preparedness (12 Credits)
• PM-04: Manage the effectiveness of operational Occupational Health and Safety systems (12 Credits)

• WM-01: Operational planning and review processes (19 Credits)
• WM-02: Management and Supervision Processes (19 Credits)

The total duration for the qualification is based on the completion of 120 credits. The curriculum does not specify a fixed time frame in years or months, but the work experience and practical modules require significant time investment. The final external integrated assessment is a minimum of five hours.

• Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner
• OHS Supervisor
• OHS Superintendent

• Facilitate and support actions to eliminate or control hazards to mitigate risks.
• Plan and implement operational OHS management systems.
• Monitor and continually improve the effectiveness of operational OHS systems.
• Promote a culture of OHS and foster continual improvement in safer working practices.
• Facilitate the integration of OHS reporting into overall organizational reporting.
• Liaise with external stakeholders and regulators relevant to OHS management.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• National Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Officer, NQF Level 4.