Work Health and Safety Officer

Work Health and Safety Officers (also known as WHSOs) identify workplace hazards and safety issues. They assess the level of risk to the organisation then recommend suitable control measures to eliminate (or minimise) the impact of the hazard. WHSO’s assist the HSE Manager meet the company’s WHS compliance responsibilities.

As a Work Health and Safety Officer you might be attending a Health and Safety Committee meeting, investigating the cause of a dangerous incident, carrying out a workplace inspection and identifying hazards, or developing a safe work procedure in accordance with Australian Safety Standards.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $95,264
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a work health and safety officer?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
BSB41419

Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
Blended, Online, Traineeship
6 - 24 months
$950 - $3,095
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Work Health and Safety Officer Safety Consultant Health and Safety Manager
Compliance Coordinator Risk Advisor Safety Officer
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Work Health and Safety Officer Safety Consultant Health and Safety Manager Compliance Coordinator Risk Advisor Safety Officer + 3 more
BSB51319

Diploma of Work Health and Safety
Blended, Online
12 - 24 months
$3,495 - $5,499
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Safety Officer Safety Consultant Work Health and Safety Officer
Operational Risk Manager
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Safety Officer Safety Consultant Work Health and Safety Officer Operational Risk Manager + 1 more
10862NAT

Certificate IV in Risk Management Essentials
Blended, On Campus
18 months
$2,800
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Compliance Officer Operational Risk Manager Governance Officer
Risk Advisor Work Health and Safety Officer Internal Auditor
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Compliance Officer Operational Risk Manager Governance Officer Risk Advisor Work Health and Safety Officer Internal Auditor + 3 more
HLTAID014

Provide Advanced First Aid
On Campus
1 day
$195 - $300
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
First Aider Outdoor Adventure Guide Childcare Worker
Work Health and Safety Officer Aged Care Worker
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
First Aider Outdoor Adventure Guide Childcare Worker Work Health and Safety Officer Aged Care Worker + 2 more
BSB30719

Certificate III in Work Health and Safety
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
8 - 24 months
$0 - $4,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Asset Inspector Compliance Coordinator Work Health and Safety Officer
Safety Officer Risk Officer Compliance Officer
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Asset Inspector Compliance Coordinator Work Health and Safety Officer Safety Officer Risk Officer Compliance Officer + 3 more
BSB60619

Advanced Diploma of Work Health and Safety
Blended, On Campus
12 - 24 months
$2,100 - $10,790
  • Completed Diploma of Work Health and Safety or equivalent qualifications
Additional requirements may apply.
Work Health and Safety Officer Health and Safety Manager Risk Manager
  • Completed Diploma of Work Health and Safety or equivalent qualifications
Additional requirements may apply.
Work Health and Safety Officer Health and Safety Manager Risk Manager
HLTSS00068

Occupational First Aid Skill Set
Blended, On Campus
1 - 2 days
$0 - $685
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
First Aider Work Health and Safety Officer Safety Officer
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
First Aider Work Health and Safety Officer Safety Officer
HLTSS00067

Infection control Skill Set (Transport and Logistics)
On Campus, Online
1 - 5 days
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Warehouse Assistant Freight Handler Work Health and Safety Officer
Biosecurity Officer Vehicle Cleaner Customs and Border Protection Officer Patient Transport Officer Logistics Officer
+ 5 more
HLTSS00065

Infection control Skill Set (Retail)
Blended, On Campus, Online
1 - 4 days
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Retail Assistant Customer Service Officer Store Manager
Work Health and Safety Officer Pharmacy Assistant Security Officer
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Retail Assistant Customer Service Officer Store Manager Work Health and Safety Officer Pharmacy Assistant Security Officer + 3 more
HLTAID016

Manage First Aid Services and Resources
Blended, On Campus, Online
1 - 2 days
$0 - $130
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Australian Defence Force Worker First Aider Work Health and Safety Officer
Facilities Manager Office Manager Community Care Worker Community Support Worker Event Coordinator Event Manager
+ 6 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Compliance Coordinator

WHS Compliance Coordinators support the HSE Manager by managing compliance documents and training, requiring strong organisational skills.

Avg yearly income $85,800
Skill level Advanced

Health and Safety Manager

A Health and Safety Manager ensures compliance with WHS legislation and safety standards, developing risk management plans and coordinating safety audits.

Avg yearly income $149,500
Skill level Advanced

Occupational Hygienist

An Occupational Hygienist ensures safe and healthy workplaces by assessing hazards and implementing risk control measures across various industries.

Avg yearly income $94,640
Skill level Advanced

Safety Officer

A Safety Officer ensures workplaces comply with health and safety regulations, conducts risk assessments, and promotes a safe working environment.

Avg yearly income $67,600
Skill level Advanced

Industrial Hygienist

An Industrial Hygienist assesses workplace hazards and implements safety strategies to protect employee health and ensure regulatory compliance.

Avg yearly income $93,600
Skill level Advanced

Safety Consultant

A Safety Consultant evaluates and enhances safety practices in organisations, ensuring compliance and preventing workplace accidents through training and policies.

Avg yearly income $83,200
Skill level Advanced

Workplace Trainer

A Workplace Trainer develops and delivers training to enhance employee skills, ensuring industry standards are met through workshops, coaching, and assessments.

Avg yearly income $80,080
Skill level Advanced

Common questions

How much do Work Health and Safety Officers earn?

In Australia, a full time Work Health and Safety Officer generally earns $1,832 per week ($95,264 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for Work Health and Safety Officers?

There are approximately 16,200 Work Health and Safety Officers employed in Australia right now, and this job has increased slightly over the past 5 years. Work Health and Safety Officers are employed by organisations in all industries and work sectors.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Work Health and Safety Officer?

Work Health and Safety Officers require the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety. This course takes 6-12 months to complete. In some Australian states (e.g. Queensland) WHSOs are registered with the state WHS Regulator.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Courses by location

Further reading

Do I need a Certificate IV In Work Health and Safety?

22nd October 2019

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