Occupational hazard training plays an important role in preparing you for a career across many industries and sectors. Under the Workplace Health and Safety Act, there are obligations imposed on employers and employees to ensure health and safety in the workplace.
An occupational hazard can be classified as any hazard that could result in injuries or fatalities in the workplace. Some occupational hazards are inherent to a workplace, while other occupational hazards may be caused by human error and negligence, chemical spills and leaks, structural and equipment failures.
While health and safety in the workplace is important for every employers and employees, Safe Work Australia has identified the Agriculture, forestry & fishing, Manufacturing, Construction, Transport & Storage, and Health & Community services industries as top priority industries where occupational hazard and occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training and knowledge are critical.
Occupational Hazard Training for a safer workplace
To be a qualified occupational hazard personnel or occupational hazard safety auditor with the responsibilities to identify hazards, assess hazardous risks and recommend safety measures in a workplace, it is important to ensure that the course you plan to undertake is a nationally recognised course and delivered by a registered education provider.
Occupational hazard training aims to provide the skills and knowledge to required to identify hazards, and to assess OHS risk within the workplace. Occupational hazard training can cover these topics:
- Assessment of hazards and risks,
- Legal (the Code of Practice, Workplace Health and Safety Act and/or Workplace Health and Safety Regulation),
- Hazardous materials
- First Aid and
- Stress and its management.
Legislative, licensing and certification requirements may apply in different industries.
Modes of learning for occupational hazard training courses
Occupational hazard courses are usually tailored to suit the demands and audit standards of various industries. Many occupational hazard courses are online or correspondence programs while some occupational hazard training may require contact hours and practical lessons such as first aid training where you will learn how to give Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machine.
If your role requires you to work with hazardous material, it is important for you to know how to interpret a material safety data sheet (MSDS).
Occupational hazard training courses are offered as statement of attainment, re-accreditation, certificate or diploma programs.