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.
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.
The top ten industries looking for qualified health and safety officers and representatives now are:
Whilst these are the top ten industries requiring qualified health and safety representatives, this kind of work exists in almost every single industry.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
