Health and Safety Adviser

Job Description:

Health and safety advisers work to reduce accidents, injury and health problems in the workplace.

Job Category:
Health Care & Social Assistance
See Health Care & Social Assistance jobs

What you will do:

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • developing safety policies and procedures
  • advising and training staff on health and safety practices
  • making regular inspections
  • doing risk assessments
  • investigating and recording accidents in the workplace
  • working with relevant inspectors and trade unions

You could work in many different industries including:

  • construction and engineering
  • mining, quarrying, oil and gas exploration
  • manufacturing and services
  • chemical processing

You could also work in public services like hospitals, education and local government.

Skills:

You’ll need:

  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • maths knowledge
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As well as:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative (drive)
  • the ability to work well with others (teamwork)
  • persistence and determination
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You’ll usually need a degree, MSc or postgraduate diploma recognised by your local Health & Safety department (in the UK it is the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)).

You can also take an approved degree-level qualification in the UK through:

  • NEBOSH
  • British Safety Council
  • City& Guilds
  • National Compliance and Risk Qualifications (NCRQ)

If you don’t have a degree, you’ll usually need some relevant work experience and a qualification in health and safety recognised by IOSH.

You could study for a health and safety qualification while you’re working. You could also take a course before looking for a trainee position.

Working Hours and Environment:

You’ll usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. In some industries, your hours may be irregular and you could work shifts or be expected to be on-call for emergencies.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience, you could move into a management role.

You could also become a consultant and specialise in a particular area, like environmental safety. With further study you could move into research or lecturing.

Related Careers.

Agricultural Inspector