Knowledge Modules (76 Credits)
KM-01: Fundamentals of Occupational Health and Safety (Level 2, 9 Credits)
- Basic Definitions & Concepts: Understanding “hazard,” “risk,” “incident,” etc.
- Legal Framework: High-level overview of SA’s health and safety legislation.
- Historical Development of OHS: Evolution of safety regulations globally and locally.
- Roles & Responsibilities: Employers, employees, and OHS representatives.
KM-02: Fundamentals of Communication (Level 3, 6 Credits)
- Communication Principles: Verbal, written, and digital communication in OHS contexts.
- Reporting & Record-Keeping: Clear, concise, and accurate documentation methods.
- Conflict Resolution & Team Dynamics: Building rapport, handling disagreements, and motivating teams for safety compliance.
KM-03: Occupational Health and Safety Applications (Level 4, 17 Credits)
- Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment: Practical tools (e.g., HIRA, JHA).
- Emergency Response: Basic principles of firefighting, evacuation, and first aid coordination.
- Incident Investigation: Techniques for root cause analysis, evidence gathering, and corrective action plans.
KM-04: Occupational Health and Safety Management (Level 5, 38 Credits)
- OHS Management Systems: ISO 45001 or similar frameworks; setting objectives and targets.
- Policy Development & Implementation: Creating site-specific OHS policies.
- Auditing & Review: Conducting internal audits, developing leading/lagging indicators.
- Behavioural Safety: Strategies for positive safety culture, employee engagement, and leadership.
KM-05: Operations Management and Supervision (Level 5, 6 Credits)
- Resource Allocation: Planning budgets and resources for OHS interventions.
- Scheduling & Coordination: Overseeing staff, timelines, and safety committees.
- Operational Efficiency: Linking OHS to business goals and KPIs for sustainable practice.
Practical Skill Modules (62 Credits)
PM-01: Representing Employee Needs (Level 3, 8 Credits)
- Advocating for workers’ safety concerns.
- Managing committees and facilitating internal OHS dialogue.
- Engaging with management to propose solutions.
PM-02: Workplace Inspections & Hazard Identification (Level 3, 4 Credits)
- Conducting routine safety inspections in diverse environments.
- Reporting hazards immediately and ensuring short-term fixes.
PM-03: Consulting with Employees (Level 2, 4 Credits)
- Running toolbox talks, briefings, or feedback sessions.
- Gathering worker input on daily safety challenges.
PM-04: Advanced Workplace Assessments (Level 4, 16 Credits)
- Identifying complex hazards (chemical, ergonomic, mechanical).
- Proposing risk control measures in line with regulatory standards.
PM-05: Coordinating OHS Representatives (Level 4, 6 Credits)
- Overseeing OHS reps’ activities and ensuring alignment with policy.
- Leading OHS training sessions to upskill team members.
PM-06: Developing Risk Profiles & Legal Registers (Level 5, 6 Credits)
- Creating comprehensive risk registers.
- Mapping organisational compliance to relevant laws and codes.
PM-07: Document Management & Reporting (Level 5, 4 Credits)
- Maintaining logs, incident records, and compliance reports.
- Ensuring data integrity and easy retrieval for audits.
PM-08: Emergency Preparedness (Level 5, 8 Credits)
- Designing and updating emergency response plans (fire, evacuation, spills).
- Coordinating drills and evaluating readiness.
PM-09: Managing OHS System Effectiveness (Level 5, 6 Credits)
- Measuring KPI performance, accident statistics, near misses.
- Proposing system improvements, linking results to broader business objectives.
Work Experience Modules (118 Credits)
WM-01: Exposure to Workplace Examination Processes (Level 2, 12 Credits)
- Shadowing senior inspectors.
- Learning basic tools for daily hazard checks.
WM-02: Representing OHS Needs of Employees (Level 3, 4 Credits)
- Assisting with communication of OHS concerns to leadership.
- Observing conflict resolution and negotiations.
WM-03: Occupational Risk Management Practices (Level 4, 12 Credits)
- Participating in risk assessments, applying known hazard analysis tools.
- Helping interpret data to propose corrective actions.
WM-04: Selecting & Managing OHS Representatives (Level 4, 8 Credits)
- Exposure to team-building and leadership in safety committees.
- Evaluating reps’ performance, scheduling training.
WM-05: Developing & Implementing OHS Systems (Level 5, 48 Credits)
- Hands-on involvement in policy creation, system rollout, and training.
- Monitoring compliance, gathering feedback for system refinement.
WM-06: Monitoring & Improving OHS Systems (Level 5, 34 Credits)
- Collaborating on audit procedures, root cause analyses, and trend reporting.
- Implementing continuous improvement measures with stakeholder input.
- Assessment & CertificationFormative Assessments: Provider-led evaluations, practical demonstrations, case studies, and simulated tasks.
- Integrated Summative Assessment: Conducted via an external QCTO Assessment Quality Partner, reviewing knowledge, practical competencies, and workplace experience.
- Successful candidates receive the Occupational Certificate: Safety, Health and Quality Practitioner, enabling them to lead OHS strategies in diverse organisational contexts.