Safety is a top priority in modern-day society. With many courses on health and safety management available, getting a course that seeks to address the core safety issues, especially for a society like South Africa, can be a herculean task.
However, with the help of top professionals, we have our top 10 occupational health and safety courses in South Africa.
These courses will help you understand the best practices in occupational health and safety courses.
Our article today will outline what it takes to undertake these courses and the job opportunities that abound in them.
We will also examine the cost implications of taking any of these courses.
Table of contents
- About Occupational Health and Safety Courses in South Africa
- Top 10 occupational health and safety courses in South Africa
- 1. NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
- 2. SAMTRAC (Safety Management Training Course)
- 3. Occupational Health and Safety Representative Training
- 4. Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety (NQF Level 2)
- 5. Basic Health and Safety Induction Course
- 6. Ergonomics Training
- 7. First Aid Level 1-3
- 8. Working at Heights Training
- 9. Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness
- 10. Incident Investigation (Level 3)
- What is the fee structure of occupational health and safety courses in South Africa?
- Where can I study for a degree in Occupational Health and Safety in South Africa?
- How much is a safety certificate in South Africa?
- How long does it take to study occupational health and safety in South Africa?
- F AQs: Occupational health and safety courses in South Africa
- Conclusion : Occupational Health and Safety Diploma courses in South Africa
- References
- Read Also
About Occupational Health and Safety Courses in South Africa
The OHS Act aims to protect people’s health and safety while working and using equipment and machinery. Additionally, it protects individuals who are not employees from risks resulting from or related to work-related activities.
The Act’s primary goal may be characterized as the government’s proactive effort to prevent workplace illnesses and injuries.
The Act regulates the safety and health of South Africa’s varied industries. From the typical office setting to more dangerous settings like manufacturing facilities and building sites, it governs and controls health and safety in all organizations.
Read Also: Nosa Courses and Prices in South Africa
Top 10 occupational health and safety courses in South Africa
While there are many occupational health and safety courses in South Africa, our article will be looking at the best or top 10 of such courses. These courses are designed to help you elevate your game when it comes to occupational health and safety in South Africa.
1. NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
The NEBOSH National General Certificate is among the most recognized and respected health and safety qualifications worldwide. This course is designed for those responsible for ensuring workplace safety and is ideal for professionals seeking to expand their occupational health and safety knowledge.
Course Overview
The course covers essential areas such as risk management, identifying workplace hazards, and implementing safety controls. It also emphasizes building a strong safety culture within organizations, crucial in minimizing risks and promoting safe working environments.
Key Topics
- Health and safety management principles
- Identifying and controlling workplace hazards
- Legal frameworks for occupational health and safety
- Accident investigation and prevention
Who Should Take It?
This course is ideal for health and safety practitioners, managers, and those looking to advance their careers in safety management. It is particularly relevant for industries where safety is critical, such as manufacturing, construction, and energy sectors.
2. SAMTRAC (Safety Management Training Course)
SAMTRAC is a well-regarded occupational health and safety course in South Africa. It offers practical safety management training. Developed by NOSA, SAMTRAC is tailored to help professionals understand and implement effective safety procedures in various industries.
Course Overview
SAMTRAC covers fundamental and advanced safety management techniques, including risk assessments, incident investigations, and safety audits. The course also includes South Africa-specific safety regulations, making it highly relevant to local industries.
Key Topics
- Hazard identification and risk management
- Occupational health and safety regulations
- Safety auditing and reporting
- Incident investigation techniques
Who Should Take It?
SAMTRAC is perfect for safety officers, supervisors, and managers responsible for ensuring compliance with safety regulations and reducing workplace risks. It is widely recognized and can enhance career opportunities across multiple sectors.
3. Occupational Health and Safety Representative Training
The Occupational Health and Safety Representative Training is designed to equip workplace representatives with the skills to ensure safety compliance and promote a safe working environment. South African law requires the appointment of OHS representatives in companies with more than 20 employees, making this training essential for compliance.
Course Overview
This course provides an in-depth understanding of the role of an OHS representative. It focuses on identifying hazards, conducting risk assessments, and effectively communicating safety concerns to management. It also covers legal obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
Key Topics
- Roles and responsibilities of OHS representatives
- Hazard identification and reporting
- Basic risk assessments
- Understanding South African OHS legislation
Who Should Take It?
This course is ideal for employees appointed as OHS representatives, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and retail. It is also suitable for those seeking to gain foundational workplace safety knowledge to support their organizations’ safety initiatives.
Read Also: List of Moi University Courses Main Campus and Fee Structure
4. Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety (NQF Level 2)
The Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety (NQF Level 2) course is an entry-level qualification for individuals new to the field of OHS. It provides a solid foundation in the principles of workplace safety, hazard identification, and emergency procedures.
Course Overview
This course focuses on occupational health and safety basics, providing learners with a thorough understanding of safe working practices. It introduces key concepts such as workplace hazard identification, emergency protocols, and safe operating procedures in line with South African regulations.
Key Topics
- Basic principles of health and safety
- Identifying workplace hazards
- Emergency response procedures
- Safe working practices
Who Should Take It?
This course is ideal for entry-level employees, supervisors, and anyone new to occupational health and safety who wants to gain foundational knowledge. It is especially relevant for employees in high-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, and mining.
5. Basic Health and Safety Induction Course
The Basic Health and Safety Induction Course provides essential training for new employees to ensure workplace safety. This course introduces fundamental health and safety practices, helping workers recognize and manage common hazards in various environments.
Key Segments of the Course
- Identifying risks and potential dangers.
- Responding to accidents, fires, and evacuations.
- Proper usage of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and its importance in hazard prevention.
- How to document and communicate incidents effectively.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is ideal for all new hires, particularly in high-risk sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics. It equips employees with the basic knowledge to maintain safety and compliance from day one.
6. Ergonomics Training
Ergonomics Training focuses on optimizing workplace design and practices to prevent injuries related to poor posture and repetitive tasks. The course teaches employees how to set up their workstations to reduce strain and improve comfort and efficiency.
Key Segments of the Course
- Workstation Assessment: Identifying and adjusting furniture and equipment for better posture.
- Posture and Movement: Techniques to reduce strain on muscles and joints.
- Ergonomic Risk Reduction: Implementing strategies to prevent long-term musculoskeletal disorders.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is beneficial for office workers, factory employees, and anyone who performs repetitive tasks. It helps them work more comfortably and safely, reducing the risk of workplace injuries related to poor ergonomics.
7. First Aid Level 1-3
First Aid Level 1-3 courses are crucial for providing employees with the skills to handle medical emergencies in the workplace. These courses focus on basic to advanced first aid techniques, ensuring that workplaces are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to injuries and health crises.
Course Overview
The First Aid courses are typically divided into three levels:
- Level 1 covers basic life-saving skills, including CPR, treating wounds, and stabilizing injured individuals.
- Level 2 includes more advanced first aid techniques, such as handling fractures and managing serious injuries.
- Level 3 focuses on emergency medical response, including handling severe injuries and life-threatening situations.
Key Topics
- Basic first aid and CPR
- Treating common workplace injuries
- Emergency response procedures
- Stabilizing victims until professional help arrives
Who Should Take It?
These courses are ideal for safety officers, first responders, and employees in high-risk industries. Every workplace should have trained first aiders to comply with safety regulations, especially in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and transport.
Read Also: MANCOSA Courses and Fees | 2025 Requirements
8. Working at Heights Training
The Working at Heights Training course is designed for workers exposed to the risks of working at elevated positions. Falls from heights are among the most common causes of workplace injuries, making this training essential in industries like construction, maintenance, and mining.
Course Overview
This training covers safe work practices for those working at heights, including the use of fall-prevention equipment and techniques for reducing the risk of injury. It also teaches participants how to assess work environments for potential hazards and implement appropriate safety measures.
Key Topics
- Fall prevention and Arrest systems
- Safe use of ladders, scaffolding, and harnesses
- Risk assessment for working at heights
- Emergency procedures for fall-related incidents
Who Should Take It?
This course is essential for employees and supervisors in industries where working at heights is common. It is particularly useful for construction workers, maintenance teams, and safety officers tasked with overseeing elevated work environments.
9. Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness
The Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness course equips employees with the knowledge and skills to prevent, identify, and respond to fire hazards in the workplace. This training is essential in industries where fire risks are prevalent, such as manufacturing, hospitality, and energy.
Course Overview
Participants learn fire prevention techniques, proper use of firefighting equipment, and how to implement emergency evacuation procedures. The course also covers the legal requirements for fire safety, ensuring that companies comply with fire regulations and standards.
Key Topics
- Fire prevention and risk management
- Using fire extinguishers and firefighting equipment
- Emergency evacuation procedures
- Fire safety regulations in South Africa
Who Should Take It?
This course is ideal for all employees, especially those working in high-risk environments. Fire marshals, safety officers, and anyone responsible for emergency preparedness in the workplace will greatly benefit from this training.
10. Incident Investigation (Level 3)
The Incident Investigation (Level 3) course equips participants with the skills to investigate workplace incidents thoroughly. This training focuses on identifying root causes, gathering evidence, and developing corrective actions to prevent future incidents.
Course Overview
Participants learn how to conduct incident investigations, analyze findings, and compile reports. The course also covers legal requirements and effective communication of investigation results.
Key Topics
- Root cause analysis
- Incident documentation and reporting
- Corrective action planning
- Legal aspects of incident investigation
Who Should Take It?
Ideal for safety officers, supervisors, and HR professionals tasked with handling workplace incidents.
Read Also: Algoma University: Rankings 2023, Fees, Courses, Admission, Scholarships
What is the fee structure of occupational health and safety courses in South Africa?
Applicants will spend an average of R8,410.00 to R 14,900 excluding VAT, which covers certification and other key course affiliations.
Your choice of institution and the location of your institution might affect the fee structure of the occupational health and safety courses you choose to study in South Africa.
Where can I study for a degree in Occupational Health and Safety in South Africa?
All accredited South African universities offer courses in occupational health and safety in South Africa. Among them is Stellenbosch University. South Africa, Stellenbosch.
Bachelor, University of KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa, Durban. Bachelor North-West University. South Africa, Potchefstroom, Bachelor University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, Johannesburg, Bachelor, University of the Western Cape South Africa, etc
How much is a safety certificate in South Africa?
The cost of your Health and Safety Compliance Certificate may range from R3,950 to more.
How long does it take to study occupational health and safety in South Africa?
It will take at least a year of study to finish the Occupational Health and Safety Certificate Program.
However, for short programs in OHS, you might only need to spend 10 weeks, as it’s the case of UCT OHS online short.
Read Also: Duolingo Test Pattern/Format 2023: Types of questions and Time limit
FAQs: Occupational health and safety courses in South Africa
All things considered, serving as a safety officer in South Africa is a demanding yet fulfilling job. Building relationships with management and employees, being able to adjust to changing rules, and having a strong commitment to health and safety are all necessary.
With an average monthly income of ZAR 26,000, the estimated total salary for an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist in the Johannesburg, South Africa, area is ZAR 30,989 per month.
Indeed, because of the greater dangers involved in their operations, industries like mining, building, manufacturing, and energy usually have a greater need for safety officers.
Aspiring health and safety professionals can earn the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, which builds directly on the body of knowledge offered.
Conclusion: Occupational Health and Safety Diploma courses in South Africa
In conclusion, investing in occupational health and safety courses in South Africa is crucial for ensuring a safe and compliant work environment.
These courses equip professionals and employees with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent accidents, manage risks, and respond effectively to emergencies.
Whether you’re a safety officer, manager, or employee, completing the right OHS training can significantly enhance workplace safety, boost career prospects, and ensure compliance with legal standards.
Choose the course that best fits your needs and industry to create a safer work environment for everyone.
References
- TOP 10 HEALTH AND SAFETY COURSES IN SOUTH AFRICA – https://coursetakers.com
- How To Get Your Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Certificate – https://firstaidfiresafety.co.za
Read Also
- Can You Apply to Both Oxford and Cambridge University?
- What Are The Best Books To Read For GCSE English Language?
- How Long Do Graduation Ceremonies Last? | What You Need To Know
- MBA in Abroad – Top Universities, Courses, Cost 2023, Ranking, Eligibility
- Free Online Childcare Training Courses With Certificates In 2023
