Digitalisation and automation are transforming millions of jobs worldwide, including those in occupational safety and health careers. However, these technologies create new opportunities to enhance workplace safety.
Smart monitoring systems and automation can help health and safety officers reduce hazardous exposure to harmful chemicals and prevent serious injuries. They can also vastly enhance efficiency and work well-being.
Overview of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) covers all aspects of people’s health, safety, and well-being at work. A safe and healthy work environment ensures the elimination of all risks, or reasonably practical measures are in place to reduce risks at an acceptable level.
Key Objectives
- Prevention of workplace injuries and illnesses.
- Improving compliance with rules and regulations.
- Reducing costs, especially workers’ compensation premiums.
- Engaging with the workers.
- Enhancing social responsibility.
- Enhancing productivity and overall business operations.
How Do You Start a Career in Occupational Safety and Health?
Occupational safety and health careers are highly rewarding, as you help to cultivate a safe working environment for others. The professional journey can vary depending on the industry you choose to pursue.
You may follow the steps below to start a career in this sector:
Safety offers are in demand across many industries, such as manufacturing, retail, warehousing, construction, and oil and gas. Prioritising a specific industry helps to focus on the right career path and obtain the appropriate certifications.
Gaining relevant experience in the industry where you want to pursue a career as a safety officer. You can do so by working part-time or doing internships.
Find the appropriate training and certification courses required in your chosen industry.
Why Choose Occupational Safety and Health As a Career?
A career in occupational safety and health is much more than a job. It promotes well-being and creates safer working conditions. Health and safety officers and other OSH professionals have become increasingly crucial as businesses evolve.
Moreover, the employment of occupational health and safety officers and other technicians is expected to grow by 12% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all other occupations.
1. Attractive Salary
Health and Safety Officers in Malaysia receive highly competitive compensation, reflecting the importance of their role. The average annual salary is RM 92,879 with a yearly bonus of RM 1,755. Entry-level officers earn around RM 66,295/year, while senior officers earn up to RM 115,756/year.
2. Job Satisfaction
Many factors contribute towards job satisfaction. However, it comes from the sense of purpose that your work significantly impacts. Safety professionals play a vital role in preventing serious injuries at the workplace, which is a gratifying experience.
Another factor is the opportunity to gain a wide range of skills. Safety professionals must thoroughly understand regulations, safety hazards, and best practices for avoiding them. A safety officer must also possess strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
If you enjoy helping others, earning a degree in occupational safety and health can open a world of opportunities and prepare you for various career options. Graduates can explore career opportunities in healthcare, environmental science, and construction. These are a few industries to name.
Future Technological Trends Reshaping OSH Careers
Digital transformation is rapidly reforming occupational safety and health careers. It provides professionals with highly sophisticated tools to monitor risks and identify hazards in real-time, which helps them strengthen compliance with OSH standards, enhance support, and develop mitigation strategies.
1. Telehealth
Telehealth uses electronic information and telecommunication technology to support long-distance clinical health care. It promotes professional health-related education, public health, and health administration.
The technology enables employees to consult with health care professionals without leaving workstations. Video conferencing, secure messaging applications, and digital records help employees use occupational health services remotely.
The technology enhances access to healthcare services by reducing absenteeism. People no longer have to consult the doctor, boosting productivity.
2. Wearable Technologies
Smart watches and fitness trackers have become standard accessories in society, with over 200 million users. These devices can potentially redefine occupational health. They can monitor vital signs, activity, and stress levels in real time, which can help identify health risks early on.
This can help occupational and health professionals develop proactive wellness plans instead of reactive plans to keep employees healthy. The wearable devices will also encourage healthy and active lifestyles.
3. Artificial Intelligence
AI can be used to identify patterns in workplace accidents. It makes the risk assessment process transparent, straightforward and highly effective. Artificial Intelligence-enabled risk assessment can quickly identify the common workplace hazards.
This enables the health and safety officers to devise appropriate safety protocols and implement safety measures.
4. Data Analytics
Data Analytics has emerged as an invaluable part of modern occupational health and safety. By combining data from wearable devices with artificial intelligence, organisations can gain deep insights into employee health trends, enabling evidence-based decisions.
Data can help identify health issues even before they occur. This eases targeted intervention and identifies potential health risks among employees. It also enables the development of health and wellness plans that cater to workplace demands.
Start Your Occupational Safety and Health Career at LSBF MY
Suppose you want to pursue a career that promotes workplace safety, employee well-being, and risk management. In that case, the Diploma in Occupational Safety [ST1] and Health at LSBF Malaysia equips you with the skills and practical knowledge needed for a thriving career.
The program emphasises an industry-relevant curriculum covering occupational health and safety regulations, risk assessments, emergency responses, microbiology and workplace management. With practical learning, simulations, and real-world projects, you will gain knowledge that prepares you for a career.
Speak to our consultant to know how this course can shape your career.
FAQs
1. How will AI impact the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Career?
The integration of AI in Occupational Safety and Health is a significant shift. It redefines roles while creating new opportunities. However, professionals must develop technological proficiency to stay relevant.
2. How do safety professionals learn about the latest safety technology?
Safety professionals can stay updated with the latest technology through continuous learning, engaging in professional networks, and attending industry events.
3. Is Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) a good career?
Yes, indeed. Occupational Safety and Health offers strong job prospects, competitive salaries, and diverse opportunities for growth across industries.
4. What is the highest Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) salary?
In Malaysia, Health and Safety officers receive highly competitive salaries. The average salary is RM 92,879 annually, with an average annual bonus of RM 1,755. Entry-level officers earn around RM 66,295/year, while senior officers earn up to RM 115,756/year.
SUGGESTED COURSE
Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health
The Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health program at LSBF equips students with the knowledge and skills to promote workplace safety and prevent occupational hazards. The comprehensive curriculum covers occupational health and safety regulations, risk assessment methodologies, emergency response procedures, and workplace management practices.
