How to Become A Safety Officer In South Africa

Safety Officers are responsible for planning, implementing and overseeing company’s employee safety at work. Their main duty is to ensure that the company is in compliance and adheres to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

What does a safety officer do in the workplace?

Safety officers conduct routine workplace safety inspections to identify potential hazards, along with observing workers to ensure they’re following safety procedures while on the job.

How can you describe yourself for safety officer?

Safety Officers need strong analytical and problem-solving skills and be capable of responding quickly to issues, hazards, risks, and problems as and when they occur. A Safety Officer must be able to work with people at all levels from within the organization, as well as being commercially-aware.

Why should we hire you for safety officer answer?

You enjoy inspecting the production process, looking for areas of improvement in terms of employees’ safety. With your knowledge, excellent observation and analytical skills, and attention to detail, you consider this job a great match.

How to Become A Safety Officer In South Africa

Safety Officer Requirements: 

There are certain qualification requirements you need to work professionally as a safety officer in South Africa. 

Qualified in Industry: The safety officer needs to hold a formal qualification within the chosen industry. 

Qualified as a Safety Officer: The safety officer needs to have a valid safety officer qualification, such as the Emcare Safety Officer certificate. 

Experienced: The safety officer needs to have experience working in the selected industry. 

Your specific industry will also have different registration requirements. We have listed a few of the organisations you need to register with to become a safety officer in certain industries. 

Mining Safety Officer: You need to be registered with the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) to be a mining safety officer. 

Medical Safety Officer: You need to register with the South African Society of Occupational Medicine (SASOM) as a requirement of becoming a medical safety officer.  

Construction Safety Officer: To become a construction safety officer, you need to be registered with the South African Centre for Project Construction Managers and Plumbers (SACPCMP). The registration process requires you to apply online, where your profile will be assessed. If you pass the assessment phase, you are then required to write an examination. 

General Workplace Safety Officer: You need to be registered with Saiosh. Saiosh can register safety officers for various industries. 

Safety Officer Course: 

To become a safety officer, you need to have a certified Safety Officer course. Emcare offers a Safety Officer course that will fully equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to have a successful profession as a safety officer in South Africa. 

The Emcare Safety Officer course is specifically designed to suit South African legislation. The course will teach you all theoretical and practical skills to be proficient in your position as a safety officer. 

To enrol in the Emcare Safety Officer course, you simply need an English proficiency and a grade 10 level of education. The Emcare course will take two weeks to complete. On completion, you will receive a safety officer certificate. 

What qualifications do you need to be a safety officer In South Africa?

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Observation skills (attention to detail)

Tactfulness.

Sense of responsibility.

Physical ability to do the work.

Where can I study safety officer in South Africa?

South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (SAIOSH) Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)

How much is a safety officer course in South Africa?

The following are the programmes and their prices: SAMTRAC International E-learning – R25,790 for 9 months. NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety – R27,270 for 11 days. NEBOSH International Certificate in Construction Health and Safety – R29,990 for 16 days.

Which course is best for safety officer In South Africa?

Looking for a career in safety?

Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety.

Certificate IV in Government Occupational Health and Safety.

Certificate IV in Public Safety (Community Safety)

Certificate IV in Public Safety (Emergency Communications Centre)

Diploma of Work Health and Safety.

What is the course for safety officer In South Africa?

Government approved Safety Diploma – Key Facts

Post Graduate Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Post Diploma, DiplomaIndustrial Safety, Fire & Safety, Rig Safety, Offshore Safety, Construction Safety, Environmental Safety, Electrical Safety etc..
Course Duration1 Year / 2 Years

What is the best health and safety qualification In South Africa?

The NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (NGC) is the most trusted health and safety qualification in the world .

Is safety officer a good career?

Occupational safety and health may be a profession that doesn’t often receive attention, but it’s a rewarding career path with plenty of projected growth and opportunities. A safety professional’s goal is to ensure workplace safety and prevent illness and injuries in their organization.

How long is health and safety course In South Africa?

12-18 months

Course Duration

On average candidates complete the NEBOSH International Diploma in 12-18 months. Overview of Time dedication: Unit ID1: 71 taught hours plus 58 recommended study hours. Unit ID2: 60 taught hours plus 45 recommended study hours.