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

How To Get Started in Your Work Health Safety Career

A work health and safety (WHS) officer implements and improves safety systems within an organisation. They identify risks and hazards and put processes and controls in place to remove, mitigate or reduce risks to employees. They also earn an average salary of $73,000 per annum. If you use this role as a stepping stone, however, you could be earning $137,000 a year as a WHS manager.  The demand for work health and safety officers is high, as almost all businesses need WHS professionals to ensure they are complying with legislation and best practices.  If you want to become a work health and safety officer, here are some tips to start, some skills you can brush up on, and study pathways that will qualify you for success.  Get involved with health and safety at work and home Starting a career in work health and safety can begin where you are right now.  Learn about the roles and responsibilities of a work health and safety officer and what a career in WHS looks like. Help with your workplace’s WHS where you can. This could be filling in incident report forms, completing hazard and risk assessments, or shadowing a WHS employee. Find voluntary opportunities where you can learn about work health and safety while giving back to your community. This can be anything from completing safety checks at your church or community centre to taking part in a WHS committee at your child’s school or kindergarten. If you can’t practice at work or in a voluntary capacity, why not at home? Print out a hazard or incident report form and fill it in using your house and family members as a base. 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 Brush up on skills that will help you succeed in WHS 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 will keep everyone safe in the workplace.  Research. You will need to stay current with industry compliance standards and best practices. 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. Strong research skills will ensure your success.  Communication. Communication and instructional skills are a necessity, as you will need to articulate instructions for safe workplace practices. You may also need to hold workshops for employees on routine practices and engage their attention to ensure learning outcomes. Work health and safety officers also collaborate with teams frequently throughout the year.  Critical thinking. 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 actions needed. No two incidents are the same, so the ability to comprehensively evaluate each new issue is a valuable feather in your cap. Analysis. 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.  Empathy. Work health and safety officers put themselves in other people’s shoes and imagine the kinds of risks they will encounter day-to-day. 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. Digital literacy. These days, few jobs don’t require digital literacy. 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 makes  using video conferencing while on the road an ideal communication solution.  Confidence. 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 think objectively about each risk or system you assess or design.  To improve and strengthen these skills, you can check out online training videos or visit your local library for books and educational resources (some libraries also offer free access to LinkedIn Learning). You may also find value in networking with others and finding a mentor whom you can bounce your thoughts and feelings off.  Your Career in Work Health and Safety Do you want to learn more about work health and safety skills employers demand, emerging job roles and salaries, and recent industry insights?  Discover your career in work health and safety.  WHS CAREERS PAGE Get qualified with a work health and safety diploma or certificate There are many pathways to a career as a work health and safety officer. 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. Most importantly, it will help you ensure compliance in the field.  Let’s have a look at the options and see which pathway may be most beneficial for you. Diploma of Work Health and Safety (BSB51319) The most straightforward pathway to becoming a work health and safety officer is completing a Diploma of Work Health and Safety (BSB51319). It offers a range of units such as:  Lead WHS Risk Management Manage Implementation of Emergency Procedures Communicate with Influence  You’ll learn about effective risk management and how to deal with both internal and external stakeholders. This is ideal if you have some experience or wish to advance through a range of work health and safety positions and salaries and make a start in WHS sooner rather than later. Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (BSB41419) Alternatively, you can study a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (BSB41419). This is an ideal choice if you have no relevant experience. It’s also a budget-friendly option if you are not yet ready to change careers but wish to dip your toe in the water of the WHS industry. You’ll also have the opportunity to advance to the diploma afterward if you so choose.   Discover your career in work health and safety Explore courses designed to help you take your career to the next level in work health and safety! If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, a Diploma (BSB51319) or Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (BSB41419) will make that happen. View WHS qualifications

How To Get Into a WHS Risk Management Career

What is WHS risk management? Work health and safety (WHS) specialists cover various roles, including coordinators, assessors, rehabilitation experts and risk management officers. Risk management requires 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 costs and tragedy of workplace deaths and injuries. The consequences 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. Even 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 1.2. This 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. The Best Pathway to a Career in Work Health and Safety Industries that hire WHS jobs 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 deaths. Nearly three-quarters are vehicle-related (74%), but other factors also contribute. These include working with animals, extreme weather exposure, use of chemicals and other hazards unique to the industry. A qualified risk manager’s job is to provide solutions to prevent, rather than respond to incidents that 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. 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 that 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 workforce. 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’ health and safety. 3. Manufacturing The fact that no ‘one size fits all’ means that risk management can’t focus on just one area of the business – it needs to assess several at once. All risks need to be identified and mitigated in different ways. Manufacturing accounts for about one in 10 workplace fatalities. However, the rate of serious workplace injury is concerning. 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 average. This poses multiple challenges for risk management professionals who might oversee large workplaces and complex supply chains. WHS applies to various kinds of work, from transport or forklift drivers to warehouse and assembly line staff. 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 manager’s role is to ensure that every worker is ‘on the same page’ regarding safe practices and risk mitigation. 5. Mining The mining industry has made many remarkable improvements in workplace safety in recent years. However, the nature of the business means more needs to be done. The challenges for risk management professionals in this field are many and diverse. 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. 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   What skills do I need in risk management? Governments are committed to continuously improving occupational health and safety, given that work-related injury and disease cost the economy $62 billion annually 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 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 and someone who can exercise respect for confidentiality and privacy. Integrity and honesty are essential. What can I earn in WHS risk management? The average risk management manager salary in Australia is $115,000–$150,000.However, salaries above $180,000 are not uncommon for those with the right experience. How do I become a WHS risk manager? 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. It will also help you 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 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 WHS skills and prepares you for leading WHS roles. The diploma will help you develop and consolidate your skills around: Risk analysis Incident response Setting you up to lead and manage health and safety procedures within any organisation Your Career in Work Health and Safety Do you want to learn more about work health and safety skills employers demand, emerging job roles and salaries, and recent industry insights?  Discover your career in work health and safety.  WHS CAREERS PAGE

The Best Health and Safety Career Paths

Careers in work 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 (work health and safety) industry by 2022. A dynamic career choice with a range of promotion and leadership opportunities, a long-term career in work 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, work health and safety advisor, or work health and safety manager, you can rest assured that you’re a vitally important member of the workplace. Health and safety representative career path A health and safety representative is an employee whose job 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. Industries that need work health and safety officers The top ten industries looking for qualified health and safety officers and representatives 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 almost every single industry. Your Career in Work Health and Safety Do you want to learn more about work health and safety skills employers demand, emerging job roles and salaries, and recent industry insights?  Discover your career in work health and safety.  WHS CAREERS PAGE Work health and safety 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. The average salary for those working as a health and safety representative is approximately $70,000. 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 the mining industry 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 $110,000. 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 depending on the industry, with earnings in the range of $133,000. What training does a work health and safety representative need? 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 course, such as a diploma or certificate IV. It’s also worth considering the best way to receive a well-rounded insight into the skills required for success in the industry. 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). This well-rounded course 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 who 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 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. Download our FREE 'Your Career in Work Health and Safety' Guide Find the latest information in our eBook about a career in work health safety, including current job opportunities, soft skills you need, salary information and more. DOWNLOAD MY FREE GUIDE

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