Work Health and Safety Courses

Frequently Asked Questions about Work Health and Safety

What is a WHS training course?

College for Adult Learning’s WHS training courses will provide a solid understanding of occupational health and safety laws. As a result, you will better understand the technical aspects of WHS processes within any organisation. You will gain invaluable skills essential for any Occupational Health and Safety role, such as a Safety Officer or WHS Coordinator.

Our courses will also help develop problem-solving skills and best practices for report writing and documentation. These are all essential transferable skills that can be used in various WHS roles and settings.

Can I study a Work Healthy and Safety course online?

Work Health and Safety courses are a perfect fit for online and self-paced study. By learning at your own pace, you’re not held back by the speed of the classroom and you have the freedom to pause and pick up your studies around your own schedule.

Whether you’re looking to upskill, change your career or kickstart a new pathway, studying WHS online is a smart choice to earn the practical skills you need to excel paired with the flexibility to study when and where it suits you.

How long does it take to study a Work, Health and Safety course?

A Diploma course can take approximately 12 months to complete if studying full-time, Certificate IV courses can be as short as 10 months full-time, while you should expect around 18 months to complete an Advanced Diploma.

The duration of your qualification is also dependent on how many hours you put in each week to study, however at CAL all students are offered a generous 24-month enrolment period to complete their Work Health and Safety qualifications at their own pace.

What are the best Work, Health, and Safety courses to study in Australia?

The best Work Health and Safety courses to study are vocational qualifications, including the Diploma of Work Health & Safety (BSB51319). Getting qualified with a Nationally Recognised course demonstrates a level of skill that employers can rely on, with the right combination of practical skills and interpersonal capabilities to move up the career ladder and apply your knowledge in a variety of roles and sectors relating to WHS.

Do you need to study a Work Health and Safety course to become a Safety Officer?

Getting a Safety Officer role in the Work Health and Safety industry is a key first step in your career. Studying a WHS course will give you the foundation skills you need to kickstart your career and apply practical skills like how to respond to workplace incidents and implement WHS systems straight into your job.

With a few years of experience, the right set of hands-on skills, and a recognised Work, Health, and Safety qualification, you can look to make the move into becoming a Health and Safety Manager, or other managerial roles in the industry.

Do you need to study Work, Health & Safety course to become a Health & Safety Manager

Becoming a Health & Safety Manager usually needs at least a Diploma-level qualification coupled with a few years’ experience to be taken seriously in the industry. A WHS course will teach the relevant technical skills and know-how like risk analysis and how to develop worksafe policies, as well as the transferable people and business management skills essential for getting ahead in the Work, Health & Safety industry. Industry experience is strongly recommended, with most professionals having two years of experience before undertaking a WHS Diploma.

Your future in Work Health and Safety

A Work, Health & Safety career is a challenging but rewarding choice for those ready to upskill and step into a senior role. Becoming a WHS professional will ensure that workers’ health and safety in a range of workplaces and industries are maintained and continuously improved.

To succeed in a career in Work, Health & Safety, you’ll need interpersonal skills such as assertive communication and instructional ability, and close attention to detail. WHS also suits those with a strong ability to analyse data accurately and digital literacy skills, and will impress employers.

A qualification in WHS is your first step to gaining these valuable skills and finding yourself on the right career path. Find out where a career in health and safety can take you.

Discover your future here

About Work Health and Safety

work health safety in construction

Is a Career in Work Health and Safety in Construction Right For You?

Working in construction work health and safety is an exciting and rewarding career that has the potential to make a large difference in worksite safety. Whether you have previous construction experience or are new to the industry, there are steps you need to take to get started on this journey and equip yourself with the skills and knowledge that can help you reach your goals. Find out more about roles within work health and safety in construction, and how you can secure your new career in WHS. Why is Work Health Safety in construction so important? The importance of work health and safety on a construction site cannot be overemphasised.  According to SafeWork Australia, 12,600 workers’ compensation claims are accepted from the construction industry a year. In addition, 35 serious claims are made every day in construction.  A Work Health and Safety position is perfect for those already with construction experience. WHS professionals in construction need to have an understanding of not only the rules and regulations surrounding all workers and sites but also the complex needs and issues unique only to this industry.  What does a Work Health Safety officer in construction do? A WHS officer in construction’s responsibilities can include responding to workplace incidents, identifying (WHS) hazards and controlling the associated risks, and planning the implementation of a work health and safety management system (WHSMS).  In construction, you’ll have a large focus on developing and executing health and safety plans according to current legal guidelines. You’ll inspect equipment and machinery to observe possible unsafe conditions and monitor compliance with policies and laws by inspecting employees and operations.  As a WHS officer, you’ll often conduct training and presentations on health and safety matters and accident prevention. WHS is not just the practice of ensuring workplace safety but making sure everyone on site understands their responsibilities and regulations, to build a culture of safety in the workplace.  Skills needed for WHS professionals A successful career in work health and safety construction requires you to have a variety of technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills. To develop a professional skill set that will make you attractive to prospective employers, look into taking courses or vocational programs specific to this industry that can help boost your expertise. Having the right certification is essential for most entry-level positions, so make sure you are certified in all appropriate areas before applying. Common soft skills to succeed in work health & safety include:   Strong communication skills   The ability to communicate clearly and instruct workers is crucial, given WHS professionals must interact with members at all levels of an organisation and must be able to articulate and convey important information.   Critical thinking   Being able to critically think and continuously question what you can do to improve a workplace and the well-being of workers is paramount.   Close attention to detail   WHS professionals need to have close attention to detail. They have the responsibility of maintaining safety on site, and nothing can be overlooked. As part of your career in WHS in construction, it is also important to stay current on the latest technologies and practices. Make sure you have a working knowledge of various software solutions and technologies used by the construction industry, including platforms that help ensure adherence to safety standards in the workplace. Familiarise yourself with new technologies, equipment, materials, and processes that create efficiencies when it comes to workplace health & safety standards. Keep up with advancements and changes in best practices so that you can suggest innovative solutions for creating safer work environments. Download our FREE 'Your Career in Building and Construction Management' Guide Find the latest information in our eBook about a career in construction management, including current job opportunities, skills you need, salary information and more. DOWNLOAD MY FREE GUIDE Work Health & Safety Courses Obtaining qualifications and certifications relevant to the WHS construction industry is essential. Look for safety-related qualifications that will give you the necessary information about WSH standards, best practices, and regulations in the construction field. Combining your hands-on experience with a qualification is a way to set you apart from other candidates.  If you’re after the basic skillsets to start your career in work health and safety, the Certificate IV in Work Health & Safety (BSB41419) will provide you with a solid foundation of WHS practices. After completing the course, you’ll be prepared to lead and manage change to work health and safety procedures within a construction setting, while developing transferable skills which will support you in a safety officer role. For senior roles in WHS, a Diploma of Work Health & Safety (BSB51319) will afford you a more comprehensive understanding of WHS policies and regulations. This course is designed to give you key occupational health and safety skills and strengthen your ability to make informed decisions, preparing you to take on leading WHS roles within any organisation. Studying either a certificate or diploma in WHS online at the College for Adult Learning allows you the extra flexibility to continue working and gaining valuable experience as you complete your qualification. Upon graduating, you’ll be prepared to enter an entry-level or senior WHS position.  Work Health Safety salaries Construction Safety Officer salary A Construction Safety Officer manages risks and safety issues on a construction site. They ensure health and safety plans meet compliance and are current against regulations. This is a common ‘entry’ pathway into WHS for those with previous construction experience and a certificate qualification.  For a long-term career plan, a WHS officer position offers job security and a strong starting salary. The average Construction Safety Officer salary is $64,221 a year (Payscale), with the average job growth for all Workplace Health & Safety officers at 15.9% over the next 5 years.  Health & Safety Manager salary A Work Health and Safety Manager oversees an organisation’s health and safety compliance. Using risk assessment and management tools, they develop policies, plans, and strategies to promote a safe working environment.  This is a senior position, often for those with extensive experience in work health & safety, coupled with a diploma qualification. As the responsibilities increase, so does the salary. The average Health & Safety Manager’s salary is $117,168 a year (Payscale). A WHS role in construction is a challenging, but rewarding role. Start your new career on the right foot with an online qualification from the College for Adult Learning. Find out how you can begin your career in work health and safety.

How to Get Started in your Work Health Safety Career

How to start a career in Work Health and Safety Starting in the Work Health and Safety field can often begin at the job you may already have. Checking in to see what opportunities are on offer to assist with your workplace’s WHS can be an ideal first step in your Health and Safety career. It allows you to learn about the roles and responsibilities of a WHS officer. Positions available may be working as a Work Health and Safety Representative, taking part in a WHS committee or even shadowing another employee to learn more about their role. Work Health and Safety career pathways There are many pathways to a career in Work Health and Safety. While prior experience is always beneficial, a well-rounded Diploma or Certificate IV qualification will equip you with the skills needed to begin your career, no matter what your work history may be. Formal education options are: Diploma of Work Health and Safety The most straightforward pathway to a Work Health and Safety career is completing a Diploma of Work Health and Safety (BSB51319). The well-rounded degree offers a range of units such as Lead WHS Risk Management, Manage Implementation of Emergency Procedures and Communicate with Influence. You’ll learn about effective risk management and how to deal with both internal and external stakeholders. 71% of managers in the WHS industry hold at least a diploma qualification, making this degree the perfect choice to kick-off a long and rewarding career. Note: There are a series of pre-requisites required for undertaking the Diploma of Work Health & Safety (BSB51319). For more information on these requirements click here. The Best Pathway to a Career in Work Health and Safety Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety An alternative to the Diploma of Work Health and Safety is a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (BSB41419). This is an ideal choice for those entering the degree with no relevant experience or who are looking for a qualification that gives them complete insight into the WHS industry. There are plenty of opportunities to progress to the Diploma qualification in the future if further study is desired. The Certificate IV is also a budget-friendly option if you are not yet ready to change careers but are potentially looking to take advantage of the growing opportunities of the WHS industry. People with experience in hospitality, supply chain management, retail and construction, and the like are often well placed for rewarding careers in Work Health and Safety. More specifically, experience as a health and safety representative is an ideal entry point into future roles. What does a career in Work Health and Safety look like? A career in WHS is a smart and rewarding choice with a variety of career progression opportunities and a range of industries in which to work. A typical career lifecycle and salary expectations in WHS may look like the following: Health and Safety Representative Working in a health and safety representative role is often the first step into a WHS career. A health and safety representative is an existing employee who represents the business in matters that relate to WHS. To become a Health and Safety Representative, you need to complete a compulsory five-day training, however it is wise to look at completing either the Certificate IV or Diploma when considering a career move in this direction. Salaries for this role are aligned with the current title of the employee. A salary increase is usually offered to employees who take on this extra responsibility in addition to their usual duties. Work Health and Safety Advisor A Work Health and Safety Advisor is an employee whose specific role is to advise the employer on WHS issues. They identify potential risks in the business, manage safety issues, train staff and communicate with people both inside and outside the company. Salaries for this role can vary significantly based on the industry and the level of risk involved. For example, a WHS Advisor in mining may earn more than one in retail due to the nature of work carried out in those industries. The average salary for those working as a Work Health and Safety Advisor is approximately $100,352. What Qualifications and Skills Do You Need to be a Health and Safety Officer? Work Health and Safety Manager A Work Health and Safety Manager’s role is to manage a business’s WHS requirements on behalf of an employer. More specifically, they ensure that the workplace complies with the relevant laws regarding health and safety. This role requires a higher level of technical knowledge and responsibility than a Work Health and Safety Advisor. Salaries do vary dependent on the industry, with earnings in the range of $200,000 – $500,000+. Download our FREE 'Your Career in Work Health & Safety' Guide Find the latest information in our eBook about a career in work health & safety, including current job opportunities, skills you need, salary information and more. DOWNLOAD MY FREE GUIDE Why pursue a career in Work Health and Safety? The workplace health and safety industry is currently experiencing rapid growth, with an increased number of business sectors seeking suitably qualified health and safety professionals. Almost all businesses need WHS professionals, meaning you can work in a wide choice of industries, tailoring your career to meet your interests or previous experience. Some of the common industries that employ WHS professionals include: Construction Supply Chain Management Mining Healthcare Manufacturing Transport and Logistics Telecommunications Retail Agriculture and Farming Hospitality In Australia, over 30,600 professionals will be employed in the WHS industry by 2022. The industry is dependant on skills that make it protected from the increase in automated roles. Your WHS career will be remunerated well, with a large range of leadership opportunities on offer as your career progresses.

How to Get into a WHS Risk Management Career

Why get into risk management? Work Health and Safety (WHS) specialists cover various fields, including coordinators, assessors, rehabilitation experts and risk management officers. Risk management requires both formal qualifications and ‘soft skills’ such as diplomacy, tact, good communication and discretion. It is a rewarding field where the focus is on preventing the heartbreak and costs of workplace deaths and injuries. The unfortunate downside of poor workplace safety Australia has made substantial headway in terms of workplace safety in recent years. In 2007, a total of 310 Australians lost their lives at work, yet by 2018, that figure was 146. When allowing for an increase in workforce numbers over that period, the death rate was reduced by nearly two thirds, from three per 100,000 workers to just 1.21. It’s clear that the result wasn’t due to luck, nor was it an inherently Australian problem. In 1968, the same amount of Americans died at work (14,000) as soldiers who lost their lives in the Vietnam War that year. Those tragic statistics prompted American authorities to create stringent health and safety laws, a policy decision reflected in Australia and most developed nations. In 2007, a total of 310 Australians lost their lives at work due to poor workplace safety. By 2018, as a result of WHS improvements, that figure dropped to 146. Click To Tweet 5 Industries that need WHS Risk Management Officers Today, occupational health and safety measures are effective thanks to strong legislation and the work of those who are responsible for compliance. For this reason, employers place great value upon the people who take up these roles. Below we identify five fields in which risk management will play an increasingly important role in the years ahead. 1. Agriculture, forestry and fishing Only 2.3% of the workforce is involved in agriculture, forestry and fishing, yet it is an industry that results in more than a fifth (23%) of workplace deaths2. Nearly three quarters are vehicle-related (74%), but other factors also contribute, such as working with animals, extreme weather exposure, use of chemicals and other hazards that are unique to the industry. A qualified risk manager’s job is to provide solutions to prevent, rather than respond to incidents which might cause severe injury or death. In agriculture settings, this might include a regular plan for servicing plant and equipment, remote workplace safety audits, equipment training and fall protection measures. 23% of workplace deaths occur in the agriculture, forestry and mining industry. Click To Tweet 2. Road transport The increase in online shopping, particularly since the onset of COVID-19, has led to more goods delivery (especially door-to-door). While improvements in driving technology have saved many lives, transport is a complicated, large-scale and dynamic industry which is over-represented in fatality statistics. Approximately 17% of Australia’s workplace deaths are in transport, with 93% occurring in the road freight sector, despite it representing only 2% of the workforce3. A WHS risk manager has a host of measures at their disposal to consider implementing in such environments. GPS tracking and automatic driver logs are obvious considerations, but other initiatives can have a real impact. For example, long-distance drivers have higher rates of circulatory and cardiac complaints due to the often sedentary nature of their work. A risk management officer might consider ways of combating this, not only in the company’s interests but also for the drivers’ own health and safety. 93% of workplace deaths in the transport industry occur in the road freight sector, despite it representing only 2% of the workforce. Click To Tweet 3. Manufacturing The fact that no ‘one size fits all’ means that risk management can’t focus on just one area of the business but needs to assess several at once. All risks need to be identified and mitigated in different ways. Manufacturing accounts for about one in ten workplace fatalities; however, the rate of serious workplace injury is also of concern. In particular, muscular stress caused by lifting heavy objects comprises 41% of all compensation claims. Those aged 15-24 are most at risk, with an injury rate 44% higher than the overall average4. This poses multiple challenges for risk management professionals, who might oversee large workplaces and complex supply chains. WHS needs to apply to various kinds of work, from transport/forklift drivers to warehouse and assembly line staff, and many others. 4. Construction Construction is an environment requiring specialised risk management professionals. Every day, 35 serious injuries occur on construction worksites across Australia. On the upside, that figure reflects a 31% decrease in claims in the decade commencing 2001. A fifth of claims involve back injuries often caused by slips, trips or falls. Falling from a height is another area of concern. A complicating factor is the number of subcontractors who are involved in construction projects. Part of the risk managers’ role is to ensure that every worker is ‘on the same page’ regarding safe practices and risk mitigation. The Best Pathway to a Career in Work Health and Safety 5. Mining The mining industry has made many remarkable improvements in workplace safety in recent years. However, the nature of the business means there is more that needs to be done. The challenges for risk management professionals in this field are many and diverse since they’ll often involve large workforces comprising both employees and contractors, remote worksites and the use of heavy plant and equipment. The disruption caused by deaths and injuries in any industry has a significant financial impact, though this magnifies in the mining sector due to its’ sheer size. A risk management professional is an invaluable asset to minimise the workforce’s social and emotional impact and increase the overall quality of working life. Why get into risk management? Governments are committed to continuously improving occupational health and safety, given that work-related injury and disease costs the economy $62 billion annually5 or an average cost of $117,000 per claim. Employers must demonstrate a serious and ongoing commitment to the issue of WHS, so they require risk managers who can work both independently and as part of a team. You must be computer literate and have strong analytical and research skills. The job requires good communication and interpersonal skills, as well as someone who can exercise respect for confidentiality and privacy. Integrity and honesty are essential. Work-related injury and disease costs the economy $62 billion annually. Click To Tweet What can I earn, and where do I start? The average Risk Management Manager salary in Australia is $128,000, while salaries above $180,000 are not uncommon based on experience. The College for Adult Learning offers two courses that will kickstart your career in the field: Certificate IV in Work Health & Safety (BSB41419) Diploma of Work Health & Safety (BSB51319) The WHS Cert IV provides a basic understanding of occupational health and safety law and how to navigate the technical aspects related to WHS processes within any organisation. You’ll learn how to contribute to WHS decisions, and develop skills such as responding to incidents, identifying hazards, and planning a work health and safety management system (WHSMS). The Diploma of Work Health and Safety (BSB51319) is a nationally recognised formal qualification that develops your existing essential OHS skills and prepares you for leading WHS roles. The diploma course will help you develop and consolidate your skills around risk analysis and incident response, setting you up to lead and manage health and safety procedures within any organisation. 1Safe Work Australia 2Safe Work Australia – Agriculture 3Safe Work Australia – Transport 4Safe Work Australia – Manufacturing 5Safe Work Australia – Cost Statistics

What Qualifications and Skills Do You Need to be a Health and Safety Officer?

Health and safety officers are responsible for organising the health and safety systems within an organisation. Their responsibilities include identifying daily risks, implementing ongoing systems for recurring risks, ensuring compliance with industry standards, returning people to work after an injury, and managing staff in the interest of increasing everyone’s safety and overall wellbeing in the workplace. 9 Core professional skills to succeed in health and safety   1. Attention to detail In the health and safety sector, one small oversight could put people at risk. Close attention to detail is crucial in grasping the steps that need to be taken to keep everyone safe in the workplace. You will need to stay current with industry compliance standards and optimise your company’s sustainable output by continuously questioning what you can do to improve. 2. Research skills As mentioned above, it is paramount to any health and safety officer role that the business is remaining compliant with rules and regulations applicable to the company and its operation. Strong research skills will ensure success in this area and allow you to network and learn with other health and safety officers. You will also need to be across compliance regulations relating to new workplace hazards, for example, a toxic chemical that has not previously been used on site. Research skills are essential to the job. 3. Communication/instructional skills Social interaction with people at all levels of an organisation can make this job appealing if you are a confident communicator or enjoy helping others. Communication and instruction skills are a must as you will need to write articulate instructions for safe workplace practices. You may also need to hold workshops for workers on routine practice and keep their attention in construction or factory settings. Work health and safety officers can also be responsible for organising and working with teams at frequent times throughout the year. The ability to collaborate professionally with others is essential. 4. Critical thinking Following best practice in each problem that you encounter will place you in a strong position to dodge and manage obstacles. Some issues or tasks may require more considered, critical thinking. As a work health and safety officer, it is your responsibility to take the first course of action after an incident occurs and deduce any potential causes, faults and action needed. No two incidents are the same, so the ability to comprehensively evaluate each new issue is a valuable feather in your cap. 5. An analytical mind Depending on the industry you are working in, you may need to visit multiple sites and travel between offices or factories. You will need to analyse data, reports and other documentation to assess the workplace performance of existing health and safety programs. Developing a naturally inquisitive outlook will allow you to look beyond the numbers and anticipate trends and patterns from the results. It will also help you offer critical advice to the people you are supervising. It is the responsibility of Work Health and Safety Officers to assess performance and create an optimal environment for continuous improvement. 6. Empathy Jobs like Safety Officers can be enjoyable because you get to put yourself in other people’s shoes and imagine their perspective on the kind of risks they will encounter day-to-day. You can enjoy the ‘out of office’ freedom as you visit different sites, research new methods or take time away from the office to think outside the box. Developing and exercising emotional intelligence and empathy will help you across the varied roles you will need to play in the workplace. These include managing work-related psychological health and safety, managing WHS consultations, and coordinating rehabilitation and return to work programs. 7. Digital literacy These days, there are very few jobs that won’t require digital literacy, and a Health and Safety Officer is no exception. Proper email etiquette, online presentations and operating data analysis software are digital skills you will have to employ regularly. The nature of a WHS officer’s calendar can also often mean you feel like you have to be in two places at once, and using video conferencing while on the road can solve this problem. Strong digital literacy, paired with keen communication, will reward you with the satisfaction that you’re keeping everyone in your workplace accounted for and safe. 8. Self-belief The challenges in this career make it an incredibly rewarding one, as you directly influence and improve people’s lives by keeping them safe in the workplace. It does, however, mean that you will be required to make difficult decisions regarding safety, and in some instances, make tough choices to lead organisational change. Diligent self-belief in your skills and training is crucial to ensuring you can think objectively about each risk or system you assess or design. Quality diploma level education and an attitude of self-improvement are essential to success. As is finding a career mentor who you can bounce your thoughts and feelings off when you have had a tough day or to remind you of what you are doing well. 9. Diploma level WHS qualification On a practical level, gaining a qualification in work health and safety will build a substantial knowledge base and offer you well-developed skills in a wide variety of work health safety contexts. When considering your career path, a diploma will progress your career towards a managerial or supervisor level. Work health and safety is a career that will equip you with valuable life knowledge you can transfer to other senior roles such as Project Manager, Chief Operating Officer, or to start your own business. To begin with, you want a CV that will open doors, by reflecting that you are a hardworking, diligent, and studious person who is willing to do what it takes. A quality online diploma course like the Diploma of Work Health & Safety (BSB51319) will offer case studies where you analyse complex situations and apply real-world solutions. You will receive mentoring from learning professionals in the field and form a solid network with other people who are doing the same course. This foundation will allow you to be a valuable cog within your organisation who has a clear impact on people’s lives.  

Why a Work Health & Safety Diploma is an Excellent Career Choice

The opportunities within work health and safety are diverse and ever-evolving to meet the challenges that face the modern workplace. The importance of these roles extends across all industries from medical practices to construction sites. For people entering the workforce, a job in health and safety is looking like an excellent career choice, backed by great job security and career advancement opportunities. 2020 brought health and safety challenges to the workplace previously not seen on such a scale for a hundred years. The COVID-19 pandemic meant that workplaces redefined the way they operated. They were subject to social distancing, temperature testing, working from home, reduced numbers on worksites, and much more. Though always important, health and safety are now paramount. How can workplaces continue to meet productivity goals while managing risk, leading teams, and ensuring workers stay safe from the virus? Health and safety is now a career that is very much in the spotlight. The excellent news for people looking to get into this valuable field is that the College for Adult Learning is now offering the Diploma of Work Health & Safety (BSB51319). Why is the WHS Diploma a good career choice? The benefits offered by the Diploma of Work Health Safety are many. By choosing to undertake this qualification, you guarantee yourself a strong foundation of useful, quality skills. Like all online diplomas offered by the College for Adult Learning, this one can be completed at your own pace, with a generous 24-month course length offered. Freedom to study how you choose means you can tailor a solution that fits your lifestyle, and you can better determine the length of time it will take you to complete the diploma. For people with more time or determination, the qualification can be achieved in 12 months. For those who have varied work or family commitments, there is the option to complete the course over 24 months. You will develop knowledge across a broad platform of subjects, covered through engaging tutorials, assessments relevant to the industry, and work that will get you ready for the real-life situations you will be facing. A taste of the learning offered includes: Lead initial response to and investigate work health safety Manage work health safety compliance and contractors Communicate with influence Lead and manage organisational change Contribute to managing a work health safety system Is the WHS Diploma worth it? Seeking to obtain further qualifications is always a positive career move. It demonstrates to employers that you are dedicated to your job and industry. Education like this can go a long way in helping employees gain a position, be given promotion, and receive a salary raise. If you already hold a WHS position, completing a certification like the Diploma of Work Health Safety (BSB51319) can add depth to your existing knowledge that you can apply immediately to your role as you study. Foundational and educational diploma qualifications aid in future-proofing your career. When you complete a WHS qualification, you are developing essential skills relating to occupational health and safety that strengthen your ability to make mindful decisions in your work. You will complete this course, having gained strong communication skills and the ability to lead a group into making meaningful workplace decisions. Rewarding opportunities in work health and safety The world and workforce are ever-changing, and many workplaces were changed forever during 2020. The way business must operate post-pandemic, and the policies required have entirely changed. The post-covid norm requires tightened policies that are thoroughly reviewed and implemented depending on changing government mandates. While this was challenging, it also presents great opportunity across all industries. Health and safety laws are a vital part of any and all workplaces now more than ever. Taking the initiative to secure a respected qualification in WHS will create rewarding career opportunities. Being able to demonstrate WHS skills will stand you in good stead throughout the entirety of your working life. As a WHS professional, you will be working in a career responsible for ensuring employees’ practical wellbeing while keeping the company doors open. By guarding employees’ health and safety, you guarantee security for people who rely on the business running safely with top-notch policies and procedures. A flexible career choice Work health and safety is a rewarding career that will keep you satisfied. As your WHS skills and knowledge are transferrable, it is a field that can be applied across multiple industries. This flexibility means that career advancement is possible, easy, and gratifying. You have the freedom to try a range of industries until you find the one that suits you best. Completing an online course, like the Diploma of Work Health Safety (BSB51319), will give you the risk-assessment skills to safely lead and manage a changing workforce. With change being the only certainty there is, you will be making an excellent career choice.

The Best Pathway to a Career in Work Health and Safety

Careers in workplace health and safety are currently experiencing a period of rapid growth, with an increased number of industries seeking suitably qualified health and safety professionals. In Australia, over 30,600 professionals are expected to be employed in the WHS industry by 2022. A dynamic career choice with a range of promotion and leadership opportunities, a long-term career in Workplace Health and Safety is generously remunerated. In addition, it is a career that is mostly protected from redundancies due to automation. Whether working as a Health and Safety Representative, a Work Health and Safety Advisor or a Work Health and Safety Manager, you can rest assured that you’re a vitally important member of the workplace. Health and Safety Representative Career Pathways A health and safety representative is an employee whose job it is to act on behalf of the business for issues regarding the workplace’s health and safety. While this role is usually carried out alongside the employee’s regular duties, becoming a Health and Safety Representative in your business is an excellent way to increase your skills and therefore your future employability and career growth opportunities. Gaining experience as a health and safety representative is an ideal entry point into future roles such as a Work Health and Safety Officer. It adds vital skills to your resume, which can open up opportunities in other industries or management roles. Completing a Certificate IV or Diploma in Work Health and Safety is the next step into a rewarding career in WHS. 10 Industries Requiring Work Health and Safety Officers Top ten industries looking for qualified health and safety reps now are: Construction Supply Chain Management Mining Healthcare Manufacturing Transport and Logistics Telecommunications Retail Agriculture and Farming Hospitality Whilst these are the top ten industries requiring qualified health and safety representatives, this kind of work exists in every single industry. WHS Career Salary Guide There is a choice of job titles and salary packages to consider when planning a pathway to a WHS career. Three common health and safety representative roles are outlined below. Health and Safety Representative A health and safety representative is usually the first step into a WHS career. A health and safety representative (HSR) is a fellow employee who represents the business in matters that relate to WHS. A compulsory five-day HSR training course is required to become a health and safety representative. Salaries for this role are aligned with the employee’s current title, with an appropriate increase usually offered to employees who take on this extra responsibility in addition to their usual duties. Work Health and Safety Advisor A Work Health and Safety Advisor is an employee whose specific role is to advise the employer on WHS issues. They identify potential risks, manage safety issues, train staff and communicate with people both inside and outside the business. Salaries for this role can vary based on the industry and the level of risk involved. For example, a WHS Advisor in Mining may earn more than one in Retail, due to the nature of work carried out in those industries. The average salary for those working as a Work Health and Safety Advisor is approximately $100,352. Work Health and Safety Manager A Work Health and Safety Manager’s role is to manage a business’s work health and safety requirements on behalf of an employer. More specifically, they ensure that the relevant laws regarding health and safety in the workplace are complied with. This role requires a higher level of technical knowledge and responsibility than a Work Health and Safety Advisor. Salaries do vary dependent on industry, with earnings in the range of $200,000 – $500,000, or more. What training does a Work Health and Safety Representative need to do? A combination of formal education and on-the-job HSR training is recommended to become a work health and safety representative. The first step is completing a relevant, practical degree, and considered the best way to receive a well-rounded insight into the skills required for success in the industry. Both Diploma and Certificate IV options are available. Diploma of Work Health and Safety (BSB51319) The easiest and most direct pathway to a career in Work Health and Safety is completing a Diploma of Work Health and Safety (BSB51319). The well-rounded degree offers a range of units such as Lead WHS Risk Management, Manage Implementation of Emergency Procedures and Communicate with Influence. You’ll learn about effective risk management and how to deal with both internal and external stakeholders. 71% of managers in the WHS industry hold at least a diploma, making this qualification the perfect first step in a long and rewarding career. Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (BSB41419) An alternative to the Diploma of Work Health and Safety (BSB51319) is a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (BSB41419). This is an ideal choice for anyone entering the degree with no relevant HSR training or experience and wants a qualification that gives them a well-rounded insight into the WHS industry. It is then easy to progress to the Diploma qualification when ready. The Certificate IV is a budget-friendly choice for those who may not want to change careers yet, but are looking to take future advantage of the growing opportunities of the WHS industry. There are several pathways to a career in WHS. Completing formal education through a qualification such as a Certificate IV or Diploma, combined with valuable on the job training, is the best way to achieve a long and rewarding career in work health and safety.  

Meet your Learning Coaches

Robyn Smith
Head Coach: Safety, Quality & Compliance

Robyn has worked in the VET sector throughout Queensland for the past 5 years.

She has worked with domestic, international and school-based students as well as job seekers and other trainers.

Robyn has a background in education, where her teaching skills and understanding of students lead her to look at training. After owning her own businesses in Victoria, she gathered her knowledge, experience and skills to become a trainer to help others in the workforce or want to join the workforce.

Robyn has designed, developed and delivered assessment packages in business, travel, leadership and management, small business and foundation skills. She has also developed employability and life skill resources that she has used with job seekers and international students.

Being with students comes from a genuine desire to support and help them to be the best they can be. To see a student gain employment, gain a promotion, or finish a course is her reward.

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I thoroughly enjoyed the course and would happily recommend to anyone who is in a leadership role.

Lee Hartwell

It covered all topics. Talent management, operations, leadership and metrics. Great overview issues in work place discussion. Great output.

Lenny Ewers

It was really great to be able to complete my Diploma at my own pace and I received excellent support from my CAL coach.

Kylie Jarvis

Very practical and useful information that is directly related to the workplace.

Angela Henderson

There are no other RTO's where you can do this and undertake work at your own pace in your own time. 

Shannon Watkins

Thank-you to the CAL team for providing me with a flexible learning environment that would fit around my working commitments.

Joshua Polkinghorne