A Health and Safety Officer is responsible for tasks such as developing, implementing, and improving the health and safety plans, programmes and procedures in the workplace, as well as ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety legislation.
Workplace safety is the responsibility of every individual in the workplace. As a Health and Safety officer, it is important to stay alert and take care of your own safety as well as the safety of others.
The average Health and Safety officer salary in South Africa is R276,000 per year or R142 per hour. Entry-level positions can start at R180,000 per year, while most experienced workers can make up to R 540,012 per year.
Most businesses and organisations in South Africa need to stay compliant with health and safety legislature, and because of this, the opportunities for health and safety officers are endless.
In addition to protecting a company's employees, workplace Health and Safety will help to meet legal obligations and reduce the risks of being fined. Investing in a strong team of safety professionals is a great way to get a jump-start on meeting these obligations.
A career in Health and Safety offers diverse opportunities because many industries require qualified Health and Safety professionals.
With the right health and safety qualifications, you could be working in big companies within the mining, construction, or engineering industries, or you could be working in smaller retail or manufacturing businesses.
In order to become a health and safety officer with a professional body such as the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (SAIOSH), you'll need an accredited certificate at NQF level 5 or equivalent, as well as some work experience under your belt.
