How to Become a Health and Safety Advisor
Health and safety advisors are professionally trained to offer recommendations of health and safety improvements and to make sure relevant legislation is being followed in making sure people aren’t put at undue risk while working. If this sounds like a career you’d enjoy, read on to find out more!
What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Health and Safety Advisor?
To become a Health and Safety Advisor, you can do a two-year degree or a postgraduate program. However, both need to be recognised by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health to meet entry requirements. Further safety qualifications from online courses can boost your employability and increase your knowledge of health. However, it is possible to become an advisor without having to complete a degree, though you will need to ensure that you have the experience and qualifications necessary through other means, such as through online courses.
As a Beginner, Where Should I Start in Health and Safety?
University or not, you’ll need some type of qualifications in order to be able to secure a job in this field – you can’t just wing it when people’s safety and lives are on the line.
A good place to start would be seeking out some short courses to get you started and give you a good grounding in this field. The following courses should equip you with the knowledge and skills to get you started and make you an attractive candidate for the job:
Skill Set Required for a Health and Safety Advisor
Look below for a list of skills and qualities you’ll need to make it as a health and safety advisor!
Problem-solving skills
Extensive knowledge of health and safety
Excellent communication skills
Ability to keep calm under pressure
Attention to detail
Ability to maintain good relationships with management & employees
What Does a Health and Safety Advisor Do?
A Health and Safety Advisor is assigned to enforce safety policies in the workplace. They are responsible for keeping employees safe while they work by performing risk assessments, making sure occupational health and safety policies are clear to everyone working there and running safety training programs when necessary.
Typical Duties for a Health and Safety Advisor
Popular Career Pathways for Health and Safety Advisors
Health and safety advisors are in-demand professionals that are needed across many organisations and businesses. Once you become qualified, not only will you enjoy above-average salaries, the feeling of really making a difference but you may also be offered exciting job opportunities. For example, working overseas, working in exciting environments and interesting clients. Yours won’t be a standard 9-5, office-based job!
