Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner
SAQA ID
121527
NQF Level
05
Credits
120
Purpose and Rationale
Prepares learners to operate as Occupational Health and Safety Practitioners by facilitating workplace health and safety practices, advising stakeholders, implementing systems, and promoting a safety culture. It aims to professionalize OHS practice across industries and reduce economic and human costs of workplace incidents.
Entry Requirements and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Entry: National Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Officer, NQF Level 4
- RPL: Recognized for access and credit through accredited institutions.
Qualification Components
- Knowledge Modules (34 credits): Cover OHS systems, governance, and operations management.
- Practical Skill Modules (48 credits): Focus on risk profiling, documentation, emergency preparedness, and system effectiveness.
- Work Experience Modules (38 credits): Practical planning, management, and supervision experience.
Exit Level Outcomes
- Eliminate/control hazards.
- Implement OHS management systems.
- Monitor and improve these systems.
- Promote OHS culture.
- Integrate OHS into organisational reporting.
- Communicate with stakeholders and regulators.
Assessment
- Formative: Internal, based on curriculum criteria.
- Summative: One-day external assessment (written and practical) at approved sites.
International Comparability
- Australia: Similar to the Diploma of Work Health and Safety (CBD College, Melbourne).
- UK: Comparable to the NEBOSH National Diploma.
- Similar in purpose, structure, and outcomes, though the UK program has a longer duration.
Articulation Options
- Horizontal: National Diploma: Occupational Safety, NQF Level 5
- Vertical: Diploma in Safety Management, NQF Level 6