How to Build a Career in Occupational Safety and Health

A health and safety officer is a specialist who identifies, evaluates, and addresses workplace hygiene and safety challenges. They help organisations comply with regulations and maintain a safe working environment for employees.

As a specialist, you can use your training and experience to educate employers on safety protocols, conduct industry hygiene workshops, and contribute to building a stronger safety culture.

What Is Occupational Safety & Health (OSH)?

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has defined occupational safety and health as all aspects of health and safety in the workplace, with the primary goal of preventing accidents, injuries, and diseases.

Creating a safe and healthy workplace requires eliminating potential risks or ensuring reasonable measures are in place to reduce them to acceptable levels. Moreover, prevention should be an integral part of the organisation’s culture.

What are the Responsibilities of Occupational Safety & Health Professionals?

A Health and Safety Officer carries out various responsibilities to ensure workplace safety and long-term compliance.

Identifying Risks and Hazards

Employees may not always notice potential risks, especially when they are not immediately visible. For example, a warehouse may operate without proper fire safety measures, and employees may continue to work unaware of the risks. A health and safety officer identifies such hazards early, enabling organisations to take necessary preventive measures.

Finding Practical Solutions

Identifying hazards is merely one part of the job. However, solving them is equally important. Based on the severity and nature of the risk, the officer identifies the best approach to address it. In industries where working with hazardous materials is unavoidable, they establish protocols for safe handling, storage, and disposal. They may also collaborate with specialists such as engineers and physicians to design and execute long-term safety strategies.

Investigating Workplace Incidents

If an incident occurs, the health and safety officer thoroughly investigates to identify the root cause. Since many workplace accidents are preventable, it helps organisations to take appropriate measures to reduce the likelihood of future incidents.

Conducting Equipment Evaluation

Another major responsibility is ensuring that workplace equipment is functional. Routine checks confirm that essential tools, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), are available to all employees and in proper condition. During the inspection, officers may also assess adherence to PPE standards.

The Safety Officer plays a crucial role in maintaining safe workplaces. Pursuing Occupational Safety and Health can be a rewarding and impactful career choice.

Why Should You Study Occupational Safety & Health

The Safety Officer plays a crucial role in maintaining safe workplaces. Pursuing Occupational Safety and Health can be a rewarding and impactful career choice.

Enhancing Business Reputation

Today, safety compliance has evolved to be much more than a checkbox. It is a priority for businesses. Organisations that do not comply with safety regulations will struggle to stay competitive.

In fact, a 2024 survey revealed that 56% of job seekers research a company’s safety before applying. This highlights how safety standards directly influence decision-making. It also indicates that when an organisation prioritises employee well-being, it can attract the best talent.

Promoting Health Awareness

A career in Occupational Health enables you to promote workers’ physical, mental, and social well-being across various industries. Your role goes beyond managing risks. You actively help shape workplace practices that encourage long-term wellness.

According to the International Labour Organisation, integrating health and safety policies can enhance work-life balance. This benefits employers and employees by improving long-term well-being and increasing productivity and performance. It also reduces pressure on health, welfare, and social security systems.

In Malaysia, the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994) and its amendments mandate organisations to ensure the safety and welfare of employees in the workplace.

What Skills Will You Gain from the Occupational Safety & Health Diploma? 

Developing a particular set of skills is essential for building a successful career as a Health and Safety Officer. Here is the list of a few skills that you will acquire and polish while pursuing a Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health.

Problem-Solving

As a Health and Safety Officer, you will encounter challenging situations such as assessing risks and developing effective solutions. You will identify hazards, create comprehensive control plans, address physical hazards and equipment safety, and manage resistant employees or organisational challenges.

Communication

Clear communication is essential to effectively upholding safety standards. If you are solving problems, guiding your team, or addressing the public, you must be able to convey instructions confidently and persuasively.

In this role, communication is not limited to casual conversations. It often involves public speaking, report writing, conducting training sessions, and briefing management or staff.

Pursuing a Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health will help you develop the skills to engage with people at all levels of an organisation.

Technological

Proficiency in using technology will enhance your efficiency as you guide your team and organisation. You will utilise technology to follow procedures, examine equipment, and test chemicals, biological, physical, or radiological samples.

Analytical

With a keen eye for detail, you will see the bigger picture and be able to navigate complex safety regulations and standards, collect and examine data, offer reports, and give briefs to explain what’s needed for the well-being of all.

Your analytical skills and ability to translate your analysis into driving meaningful changes will help build trust.

Accountability

As a professional, your colleagues and organisation will rely on you. Your commitment to helping others includes observing, educating, and providing direction whenever needed. It even includes stepping in if hands-on action is needed.

You will also address the physical, mental, and emotional needs of those who turn to you for guidance, reassuring them that their well-being will be managed professionally.

Advance your Occupational Safety and Health career with LSBF MY

A Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health from LSBF MY equips graduates with relevant skills to uphold workplace safety and health. The program has a comprehensive curriculum covering occupational safety and regulations, risk assessments, emergency response procedures, occupational toxicology, and workplace management practices.

In addition to the theoretical approach, students gain hands-on experience through simulation labs and industry-standard equipment, preparing them to navigate real-world challenges effectively.

To know how this course can help you achieve your career goals, speak to our consultant today.

FAQs

Can I start a career in OSH without a degree?

Relevant work experience or certifications can help you start a career in OSH without a degree. However, career progression often requires a Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health.

Do OSH roles require much travel?

Safety experts often travel, as their work involves various situations—for example, inspecting safety protocols on different sites or investigating incidents to determine the root cause.

Are certifications necessary to pursue OSH?

Although certification is not mandatory to start a career in OSH, obtaining relevant certifications makes you a desirable candidate to employers.

How can I find job openings in Occupational Safety and Health?

You can find job openings on online job portals and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. You can also expand your opportunities by joining professional networks or associations related to workplace safety.