OHS Qualifications

Occupational Certificate: Safety, Health and Quality Practitioner (Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner)

SAQA QUAL ID: 99714
This qualification is registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and prepares learners
to operate as an Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner. It is designed to standardise training and
enhance compliance levels in occupational health and safety.

Credits 256 NQF Level 5
Last Date for Enrolment – 2026/12/30
Last Date for Achievement – 2029/12/30
 
Purpose
This qualification trains learners to be Occupational Health and Safety Practitioners, providing workplace safety advice and support.
 

 

Workplace Inspections- Identify anassess hazards.

Hazard Mitigation – Support efforts to reduce workplace risks.
Employee Representation – Address employee OHS needs.
OHS Planning – Implement OHS Management Systems.
System Improvement – Enhance OHS effectiveness.

Qualification Modules
This qualification includes the following compulsory modules:

Knowledge Modules
OHS Fundamentals, Level 2, 9 Credits
Communication, Level 3, 6 Credits
OHS Applications, Level 4, 17 Credits
OHS Management, Level 5, 38 Credits
Operations Management, Level 5, 6 Credits
Total credits: 76

Practical Skill Modules
Employee Needs, Level 3, 8 Credits
Workplace Inspections, Level 3, 4 Credits
Employee Consultation, Level 2, 4 Credits
Risk Assessment, Level 4, 16 Credits
OHS Coordination, Level 4, 6 Credits
Risk Management, Level 5, 6 Credits
OHS Documentation, Level 5, 4 Credits
Emergency Response, Level 5, 8 Credits
OHS Performance, Level 5, 6 Credits
Total credits: 62

Work Experience Modules

Workplace examination processes
Level 2, 12 Credits
Representing OHS needs of employees
Level 3, 4 Credits
Occupational Risk Management processes
Level 4, 12 Credits
Managing OHS representatives
Level 4, 8 Credits
Developing and implementing OHS systems
Level 5, 48 Credits
Monitoring and improving OHS systems
Level 5, 34 Credits
Total credits for Work Experience Modules: 118

Exit Level Outcome 1
Facilitate and support actions to eliminate or control hazards in order to minimise risks in a
designated work area.

Exit Level Outcome 2
Participate in the planning and implementation of operational Occupational Health and
Safety Management Systems.

Exit Level Outcome 3
Monitor and continually improve the effectiveness of the operational Occupational Health and Safety systems.

Articulation Options and Additional Information

Horizontal Articulation
National Diploma: Occupational Safety, Level 5 (ID 79808)
Vertical Articulation
This is a new qualification. There are no cognate qualifications developed at Level 6 at present on the OQSF.
Entry Requirements
A Level 4 qualification with Mathematical Literacy
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is available for access to the external integrated summative assessment and for access to the qualification, subject to specific criteria.

PORTFOLIO OF EVIDENCE

  • Attendance register of company induction process – your signature:
  • Venue checklist – (Facilitator / Assessor).
  • Attendance Register.
  • ID Copies (certified).
  • Written knowledge Assessment in class.
  • Practical operation / observation in the workplace during session.
  • Logbook – signed off by manager or supervisor.
  • POE Building

Occupational Health and Safety Officer

SAQA QUAL ID: 121929

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as an Occupational Health and Safety Officer.

Occupational Health and Safety Officers monitor compliance with health and safety systems and processes in an organisation. They identify hazards and assess risks to health and safety and recommend the implementation of appropriate health and safety controls where required. A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: teamwork, results oriented, tenacity, self-motivation, effective communication, fairness and consistency.

Credits: 120

Last date for enrolment – 2030/01/30

Last date for Achievement: – 2033/01/30

 

A qualified learner will be able to:

  • Evaluate and recommend appropriate Occupational Health and Safety risk management controls.
  • Conduct investigations into Occupational Health and Safety incidents and accidents.
  • Co-ordinate the control of overall Occupational Health and Safety administration.
  • Execute the basic administrative duties required for the management of Occupational Health and Safety.
  • Apply basic data analysis to compile Occupational Health and Safety reports using standard reporting formats.
  • Contribute to production planning by ensuring that the Occupational Health and Safety risks are managed appropriately and report on the Occupational Health and Safety compliance status for a designated area of the organisation. 
 

Qualification Rules

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

Knowledge Modules

  • 226302-001-01-KM-01, Fundamentals of Occupational Health and Safety, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 226302-001-01-KM-02, Fundamentals of Representing Employees Regarding OHS Issues, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 226302-001-01-KM-03, Fundamentals of Communication within the OHS Discipline, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 226302-001-01-KM-04, OHS Administration and Record Management, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 226302-001-01-KM-05, Occupational Health and Safety Applications, NQF Level 4, 22 Credits.

Total number of credits: 50

Work Experience Modules

  • 226302-001-01-WM-01, Processes of Representing Employees Regarding their Workplace OHS Needs, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 226302-001-01-WM-02, Processes of Executing OHS Administration and Document Management, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 226302-001-01-WM-03, Processes of Managing Workplace Accidents, Incidents and other Emergencies, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 226302-001-01-WM-04, Incident Investigation Processes, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 26

Practical Skill Modules

  • 226302-001-01-PM-01, Represent the Needs of Employees with regard to Occupational Health and Safety matters, NQF Level 3, 1 Credit.
  • 226302-001-01-PM-02, Inspect Workplaces, Identify Hazards and Risks and take Immediate Action to Ensure Health and Safety in the Workplace, NQF Level 3, 1 Credit.
  • 226302-001-01-PM-03, Conduct Workplace Inspections, Check the Application of Fundamental Workplace Standards and Report on Compliance Variations, NQF Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 226302-001-01-PM-04, Administer the Key Activities of an OHS Function, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 226302-001-01-PM-05, Participate and Contribute Towards the Development of Hazard and Risk Assessments, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 226302-001-01-PM-06, Supervise the Smooth Execution of the Activities of an OHS Function, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 226302-001-01-PM-07, Coordinate the Work Activities of Occupational, Health and Safety Representatives, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 44

Exit Level Outcomes

  1. Apply procedures and techniques to evaluate and recommend appropriate Occupational Health and Safety risk management controls.
  2. Gather and interpret information to Investigate Occupational Health and Safety Incidents and Accidents.
  3. Apply procedures to co-ordinate the control of overall Occupational Health and Safety administration.
  4. Execute the basic administrative duties required for the management of OHS meeting.
  5. Interpret basic data analysis to compile Occupational Health and Safety reports using standard reporting formats.
  6. Contribute to production planning by ensuring that risks are managed appropriately and report on the Occupational Health and Safety compliance status of the production plans for a designated work 
 

International Comparability

This qualification was compared with qualifications in Australia and the United Kingdom. The National Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Officer compares favourably with international examples in terms of purpose, level, duration and learning content. The South African qualification is unique in that it specifically caters for the administrative component.

Articulation Options

This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal, vertical and diagonal articulation options.

  • Horizontal articulation: National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4.
  • Vertical articulation: Occupational Certificate: Health Products Information Officer, NQF Level 5.
  • Diagonal articulation: Higher Certificate in Health Care Services Management, NQF Level 5.

PORTFOLIO OF EVIDENCE

  • Attendance register of company induction process – your signature:
  • Venue checklist – (Facilitator / Assessor).
  • Attendance Register.
  • ID Copies (certified).
  • Written knowledge Assessment in class.
  • Practical operation/observation in the workplace during session.
  • Logbook – signed off by manager or supervisor.
  • POE Building

Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Assistant

SAQA ID:121930 
Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Assistant qualification as registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

CREDITS 44 NQF Level 04

Last date for Enrolment – 2030/01/30
Last date for Achievement – 2033/01/30
 

Purpose:
This qualification prepares learners to become Occupational Health and Safety Assistants. They will handle basic administration, coordination, and compliance monitoring in this field. Key attributes of a qualified learner include attention to detail, sense of urgency, time management, communication skills, proactivity, and a strong sense of ethics.

A qualified learner will be able to:

  • Maintain appropriate Occupational Health and Safety documents management systems.
  • Execute the administrative duties required for the management of Occupational Health and Safety meetings.
  • Apply basic data analysis to compile basic Occupational Health and Safety reports using standard reporting formats.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

  • Co-ordinate the control of overall Occupational Health and Safety administration 1.
  • Perform basic administrative duties required for the management of OHS meeting 2. 

ARTICULATION OPTIONS
This part-qualification provides opportunities for horizontal, vertical and diagonal articulation options.

Horizontal articulation:
There are no registered articulation options within the sub-framework.
National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4.

Vertical articulation:
Occupational Health and Safety Officer; NQF Level 4.

Diagonal articulation:
Occupational Certificate: Health Products Information Officer, NQF Level 5.

Qualifying for External Assessment:
To qualify for the external summative assessment, learners must have a copy of a completed and signed Statement of Work Experience as well as proof of successful completion of all the knowledge and practical skill modules specified in the curriculum or through the Recognition of Prior Learning Process (RPL). Foundational Learning Competency (FLC) is a requirement for access to EISA.

Criteria for the accreditation of providers
Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.
The curriculum title and code are: Occupational Health and Safety Assistant: 226302-001-01-01.

PORTFOLIO OF EVIDENCE

  • Attendance register of company induction process – your signature:
  • Venue checklist – (Facilitator / Assessor).
  • Attendance Register.
  • ID Copies (certified).
  • Written knowledge Assessment in class.
  • Practical operation/observation in the workplace during session.
  • Logbook – signed off by manager or supervisor.
  • POE Building.

Safety Officer NQF 5 - SAIOHS

Safety Officer NQF 5 

This guide provides an overview of the Safety Officer NQF 5 qualification, covering its curriculum, learning objectives, and essential components.

Course Overview
The Safety Officer NQF 5 qualification is a 46-credit program, total 460 notional learning hours. It’s designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills required to perform safety officer duties effectively.

Course Structure
The course is comprised of both theoretical and practical components.

 Students can expect approximately 18 days of theory instruction and 40 days of practical application in a workplace setting.

Notional learning time encompasses classroom lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and practical exercises, and independent study.
Students will also dedicate time to preparing for and completing assessments, including written coursework, presentations, exams, and workplace implementation activities.

Unit Standard Requirements
To be successful in this qualification, learners are expected to have a foundation in Mathematical Literacy
and Communication at NQF Level 4.

Core Course Outcomes
Manage safety records.
Provide records as needed.
Lead safety teams effectively.
Manage SHE systems.
Understand workplace safety legislation.
Conduct and act on risk assessments.
Investigate incidents.
Conduct and report safety audits.

Key Learning Areas
Team Leadership
Team roles, purpose, commitment, and objective
monitoring.
Safety Management
Occupational SHE, safety theories, risk
management, and SHE systems.

Legal Compliance
Understanding and applying workplace health and safety legislation, including workplace-specific laws, common law principles, delict, criminal law, and compensation for injuries and diseases.

Practical Applications
The Safety Officer NQF 5 program emphasizes practical skills, including:
Risk assessment and hazard remediation.
Incident investigation.
Safety and audit inspections.
Inspection reporting and follow-up

PORTFOLIO OF EVIDENCE

  • Attendance register of company induction process – your signature:
  • Venue checklist – (Facilitator / Assessor).
  • Attendance Register.
  • ID Copies (certified).
  • Written knowledge Assessment in class.
  • Practical operation/observation in the workplace during session.
  • Logbook – signed off by manager or supervisor.
  • Build Safety File.
  • 2 Months Practical at a workplace.
  • POE Building.

Ready to get started?

Get in touch, Our Team is always ready!