Workload Control

The role of the health and safety officer is essential in organizations. While most organizations have an EHS manager on their payroll, additional safety-related positions can provide additional value to the company.

If you are new to the occupational safety and health (OSH) field and are considering becoming a safety officer after taking a safety course, this blog provides an overview of occupational safety officers and how to develop the necessary skills to be effective in this role.

What Is An Occupational Safety Officer?

An occupational Safety Officer within an organization involves overseeing the health and safety of both employees and visitors. This includes assessing risks, identifying hazards, implementing safety controls, and providing guidance to senior managers and employees to prevent accidents.

It’s his responsibility to respond to emergencies and ensure that the company's safety protocols comply with regulations. Different organizations may use various job titles, such as safety advisor, enforcement officer, safety coordinator, loss control coordinator, manager, practitioner, or specialist, to describe this vital position.

Safety Officer’s Role In An Organization

The role of a safety officer can differ among organizations depending on factors like company size, structure, and specific safety requirements. However, a shared responsibility of the role is ensuring the safety of all individuals in the workplace. Generally, they perform five primary functions within an organization.

Workplace Training

A significant role of a safety officer is to educate employees on OSHA standards, company guidelines, and best practices, which may involve instructing them on various Safety Course topics such as noise levels, basic first aid, proper usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and more. Additionally, they are responsible for hiring new employees and working closely with HR teams to ensure that all staff members are safe and secure.

Planning

Safety officers must create a safe environment by developing an onsite emergency plan. They must also ensure that all of the necessary equipment for their team is available. For example, consider the assurance of shoring equipment for use in shoring an unstable wall.

Another example is a fire extinguisher, which is used to put out the fire. It is also their responsibility to ensure that the employees of the organization understand how to use the equipment properly.

Relevant Resource: Safety Courses in Pakistan: Scope and List of Courses

Workload Control

By organizing the workloads of employees, safety officers create a safe environment. This is critical for enhancing workers' productivity and minimizing harm to employees while at work. Moreover, they must ensure that employees can perform their tasks without causing harm to the workplace or others.

Supervising Workers

Safety officers are in charge of supervising their team members and ensuring that they perform their job duties effectively. Their responsibilities include making sure that each employee comprehends their role within the workplace and the current safety procedures. Moreover, they perform various first-aid procedures and inspect equipment to ensure safety.

In some companies, only one safety officer is present, who has first-aid training and supervises a team of non-certified first-aid trainers. Regardless of their particular role within the organization, they should follow up on other site-related tasks.

Inspections and Audits Of Workplaces

The terms 'inspection' and 'audits' are integral components when discussing environment, health, and safety (EHS). Safety officers are accountable for these tasks, which are critical in developing an EHS strategy. Regular workplace safety inspections are conducted to identify potential hazards and ensure the use of equipment is safe for employees.

Additionally, audits are carried out to ensure that procedures and permits adhere to the company's legal standards. These efforts are essential in maintaining safety programs and preventing potential fines.

Skills and Safety Course Requirements For Safety Officers

A safety officer must remain updated on new regulations and guidelines issued by higher governing bodies. Safety-related courses such as safety management and engineering can be beneficial.

A bachelor's degree in environmental science, occupational health, and safety, or engineering or science-related fields is preferred for entry-level safety officer positions. The following safety courses are taken to advance their role.

• SAFETY OFFICER COURSE
• NEBOSH CERTIFICATE IN FIRE SAFETY
• IOSH MS (IOSH MANAGING SAFELY COURSE)
• NEBOSH IGC (KNOWN AS NEBOSH SAFETY COURSE)
• OSHA 30 HOURS (CONSTRUCTION SAFETY COURSE)
• SAMTRAC (SAFETY MANAGEMENT TRAINING COURSE

Having excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong leadership abilities, and effective problem-solving skills can improve the chances of being hired as a safety officer. Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with data analysis are also advantageous additions to your portfolio.

Takeaway

Every organization requires a safety officer to ensure the safety of its employees. As part of their role, they work to maintain a secure and healthy environment by preventing workplace accidents and injuries. Additionally, they’re responsible for managing assessments, providing training, and supervising tasks.

Here are list of online safety courses.

• NEBOSH Online Course in Dubai
• NEBOSH Online Course in Qatar
• NEBOSH Online Course in Saudi Arabia
• Safety Officer Online Course