Skip to main content

How to become an occupational health & safety professional

Assess and improve workplace health and safety.

What does a occupational health & safety professional do?

Duties and tasks

  • Collect samples of hazardous materials.

  • Conduct audits at hazardous waste sites and participates in investigations.

  • Conduct safety classes and educational programs, such as "right-to-know" programs.

  • Develop and implements occupational and environmental management plans.

  • Investigate the adequacy of exhaust equipment, lighting, temperature, etc. that could affect an employees health or work performance.

  • Maintain and updates emergency response plans.

  • Record and investigates injuries and malfunctioning equipment to identify causes and to determine how such accidents can be prevented in the future.

Industry bodies

Related jobs

  • Environmental scientist

  • Food safety auditor

  • Food safety officer

  • Food technologist

  • Health inspector

  • Health promotion practitioner

  • Health surveyor

  • Pest and weed controller

  • Primary products inspector

  • Safety inspector

Discover related degrees

Griffith University

Improve safety systems in the workplace

Launch or advance your safety career with this postgraduate OHS qualification. Broaden your understanding of safety beyond the norm and make workplaces safer. Explore current theory, learn from experienced academics, and make industry connections.

Study method
100% online
Curtin University

Prevent accidents and manage safety in the workplace

Study core subjects in accident prevention and risk management. Then pursue your interest or shape your career with electives including ergonomics and compensation. Build up your OHS knowledge and skills and get ready to solve problems in the workplace.

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Australian Catholic University

Management-level OHSEM postgraduate studies

Progress into leadership with in-demand OHSEM expertise. Fortify your knowledge of key legislation and systems. Dive into advanced topics including incident analysis and worker rehabilitation. Become a leader and certified OHS professional.

Study method
100% online
Duration
Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
University of Newcastle

Directly engage with UN resources

A unique DRR course co-developed and certified by the United Nations. You’ll study fundamental disaster risk concepts, with a focus on sustainable development. Learn how to conduct disaster risk evaluations. Get to know current DRR tools and protocols.

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Explore OH&S courses

Discover related subjects

Curtin University

Compensation and Injury Management

PostgraduateCUR-OCHS5000

Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 20 Jul 2026
University of Tasmania

Marine Superintendency

PostgraduateTAS-JND612

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of Tasmania

Maritime Safety

PostgraduateTAS-JND503

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of Tasmania
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Need help making study choices for your career?

Student advisor working on a laptop in OUA’s bright and modern office atrium
Matthew is part of our team of student advisors here to answer your questions.

Need help making study choices for your career?

Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.

They'll help you with:

  • Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.

  • Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.

  • Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.

Get unbiased advice at no cost today.

Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us

Step up your career with these resources

How to write a business plan

Thinking about striking out on your own and starting your own company? Here's how to create an effective business plan.

10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025

Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.

5 small business courses for self-starters

Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.

How to negotiate a higher salary

Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.