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Work Health and Safety Managers are business professionals who manage the safety and compliance requirements of public and private organisations across Australia. They identify safety risks and hazards in the workplace, then develop and implement control measures (including policies and operational procedures) that ensure the safety of workers as well as legislative compliance.
As a Work Health and Safety Manager you could be carrying out a safety audit in the warehouse of a transport company, reading an update to the Australian Standard on storing petrol and flammable liquids, creating a safety induction training program for off-shore workers on a mining site, developing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for high-risk construction work, organising a fire evacuation drill for onsite employees, overseeing the purchase and distribution of first aid supplies, reporting a Dangerous Event to the state safety authority, or creating a database of worker injuries and lost-time incidents.
To succeed in this occupation you will need an extensive working knowledge of WHS legislation and risk management as well as excellent writing skills.
There is one course available for people who want to become a Work Health and Safety Manager.
Possible job outcomes:
The Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety offers professional foundational training for students with an undergraduate degree or Graduate Certificate in OH&S or Occupational Hygiene. This course enhances the ability to tackle complex workplace health and safety issues with technical knowledge and practical application. It also emphasises communication skills and techniques crucial for effectively implementing OH&S strategies. Ideal for professionals aiming to deepen their expertise in occupational health and safety, this diploma prepares them for more advanced roles in the field. .
Average duration: 12 months.
The average salary for Occupational & Environmental Health Professionals (including Work Health and Safety Managers) is currently $1,983 per week ($103,116 annually). These are median figures for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only.
There are approximately 29,400 Occupational & Environmental Health Professionals working in Australia right now, some of these are Work Health and Safety Managers. This is a high-growth occupation with good prospects for future employment, particularly in the manufacturing, mining, building and construction, transport, and energy sectors.
You can launch your career as a Work Health and Safety Manager with a VET Diploma of Work Health and Safety, but you will have more employment opportunities with a Bachelor of Business (Work Health and Safety). As your career progresses, consider a Master of Business Administration (Management of Occupational Health and Safety).
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
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Here are some potential career pathways within work health and safety. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Work Health and Safety
Compliance Coordinator
$1,050 weekly pay
Work Health and Safety Officer
$1,550 weekly pay
Health and Safety Manager
$2,150 weekly pay
Work Health and Safety Manager
$1,983 weekly pay