Higher Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner

The programme

Programme overview

This Higher Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner course is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and workplace experience required to operate effectively as Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Practitioners within a variety of industries. Occupational Health and Safety plays a critical role in ensuring that workplaces are safe, healthy, and compliant with legislative requirements. In South Africa, the responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment is supported by legislation such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which requires employers and employees to work together to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and accidents. OHS Practitioners therefore serve as key facilitators and advisors who assist organisations in identifying hazards, managing risks, and implementing effective health and safety systems.

This Higher Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner qualification prepares learners to support and guide organisations in planning, implementing, monitoring, and continuously improving Occupational Health and Safety management systems. Learners will develop the competencies required to conduct workplace inspections, investigate incidents, compile risk profiles, maintain legal compliance registers, and promote a culture of safety within organisations. The programme also strengthens essential professional attributes such as critical thinking, ethical conduct, analytical ability, and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Who should attend

Who is this programme for?

Contact Ratomac to confirm suitability for your role and prior experience.

Learning outcomes

What you will learn

Review the detailed outline below and ask Ratomac to confirm the learning outcomes for your selected programme.

Explore the programme

Detailed programme outline

Knowledge Modules

• Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
• Governance and Sustainability within the OHS Context
• Fundamentals of Operations Management for OHS Practitioners

Practical Skills Modules

• Develop a Risk Profile and Legal Register for a Designated Work Area
• Establish, Maintain and Improve Health and Safety Documentation and Reporting Systems, Controls and Processes
• Establish and Improve Emergency Response and Preparedness Systems
• Manage the Effectiveness of Operational Occupational Health and Safety Systems

Work Experience Modules

• Operational Planning and Review Processes
• Management and Supervision Processes

After completing all the required Knowledge, Practical Skills, and Work Experience Modules learners are required to undergo the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA). Only learners who have successfully completed all internal assessments and workplace experience requirements will be allowed to register for the EISA. Successful completion of the EISA leads to the awarding of the qualification and confirms that the learner is competent to function as an Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner.

Your learning pathway

Programme structure

The Higher Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner programme is divided into three learning components:

• Knowledge Modules (34 Credits) – Theory and conceptual understanding
• Practical Skills Modules (48 Credits) – Applied OHS competencies
• Work Experience Modules (38 Credits) – Workplace implementation and experience

The programme also includes formative assessments, workplace activities, projects, and preparation for the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA).

Upon completion Learners will be able to:

• Conduct hazard identification and risk mitigation.
• Implement OHS management systems.
• Monitor and improve workplace safety systems.
• Promote a workplace safety culture.
• Integrate OHS reporting with organisational reporting.
• Communicate effectively with regulators and stakeholders.

Learning approach

How you will learn

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Discuss your requirements

Dates, duration & arrangements

Contact Ratomac to confirm dates, duration, delivery format, entry requirements and any applicable assessment or certification before booking.