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OHS
GETTING SAFETY SKILLS
UP TO SPEED
With a tagline of “Capable –
Credible – Certified”, the project
for certification of generalist OHS
professionals and practitioners
represents a landmark for the
recognition of safety professionals,
writes Sue Bottrell.
OHS professionals now occupy very senior roles within
organisations and are relied upon to help workplaces
meet significant legal obligations. Health and safety
is no longer seen as something “just anyone” can
do. Workplaces are looking for highly qualified and
experienced people to help them understand their
obligations and implement systems which will value
add to their business as well as ensure worker safety.
Workplaces need ways to identify capable and credible
OHS professionals to provide that advice.
In response to this need and as the final element of the
Body of Knowledge project, the voluntary certification
of OHS professionals is to commence on 30 June
2014. The process is designed to provide as many
OHS professionals as possible with the opportunity to
become certified.
In 2008, WorkSafe Victoria included under the
definition of “suitably qualified” that those providing
OHS advice must demonstrate knowledge in the field
of OHS either by formal qualification or alternate
means, such as recognition through a professional
body. A “suitably qualified” person is also required to
demonstrate membership of a professional association
which requires continuing development of professional
skills and experience.
Certification of accountants, lawyers, doctors and
other trusted advisers has been in practice for
many years and it is recognised both here and
internationally that certification of OHS professionals
is important to ensure that credible advice is available
to all Australian workplaces.
In 2004, Chris Maxwell QC recognised the need for
the certification of OHS professionals as part of his
review of the Victorian OHS legislation. Certification
Govlink I Issue 1 2014
of generalist OHS professionals and practitioners is
also standard practice in countries such as the USA,
Canada, the UK and Europe with a government report
in the UK calling for more stringent criteria and process
for certification of safety consultants.
Importantly, the certification process will recognise
the role of both OHS professionals and practitioners.
Certification of generalist OHS professionals and OHS
practitioners will benefit Australian workplaces and the
community by:
• Contributing to public assurance that those
providing advice and support meet a certain
minimum standard of knowledge and skills;
• Providing a benchmark for knowledge and skills
required to provide OHS advice and support;
• Providing clarity on the role of the OHS professional
and OHS practitioner reflecting international practice;
• Ensuring understanding of the need for qualified
advice at both professional and practitioner level;
• Providing guidance to employers, clients and
recruiters in selecting OHS professionals and
practitioners; and,
• Providing employers employing certified
professionals and practitioners with added company
image and a potential competitive advantage in
obtaining contracts and instilling public confidence.
OHS generalist professionals and practitioners will
benefit through:
• Recognition of their education, knowledge and skills
in a recognised field;