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Occupational Health and Safety Adviser

251312 · Sedentary

Career data Verified

Occupational health and safety advisers monitor workplace risks, train employees on procedures, and record and investigate health and safety incidents.

Most common salary $70k – $114k
Upper salary up to $140k
Training 0-2 years

Description

Implements and evaluates risk management policies and programs, trains employees in occupational health and safety procedures, monitors and audits the workplace, and records and investigates incidents to ensure safe and healthy working conditions.

Typical work tasks

Controls hazards and risks in the workplace; develops, implements and monitors programmes minimising workplace and environmental pollution involving chemical and physical hazards; promotes ergonomic principles within the workplace such as matching furniture, equipment and work activities to the needs of employees; inspects and audits workplaces, processes, plant, and chemical and physical hazards for legislative compliance; trains employees in personal protective equipment and safe working procedures; records and investigates injuries and equipment damage, and reports safety performance; co-ordinates the return of injured workers into the workplace.

Typical work environment

  • Works indoors in officers and general work areas as part of larger organisations or as an independent facilitator for an organisation such as OSH.
  • Occasionally works outdoors when required and in a range of weather conditions.
  • Indoor work areas are generally adequately heated and ventilated spaces. However when visiting sites and carrying out work inspections it is likely conditions will vary greatly depending on the nature of work being undertaken, for example there is a great difference between an office environment and a work site.

Typical physical and mental demands

  • Sedentary physical demand.
  • Standing and walking is frequent within the office and at employment sites, when inspecting and auditing sites. Sitting at an office desk or computer for record-keeping, writing of reports and reviewing policy is likely to be frequent.
  • Stretching and reaching across is not likely to be a significant component of this job. Bending is not likely to be a significant component of this job. Squatting, crouching and kneeling is not likely to be a significant component of this job.
  • Twisting of the body or neck, and lifting, carrying and holding are not likely to be a significant component of this job. Repetitive movements are likely to be necessary when using a keyboard and mouse and other general office equipment.
  • Contact with skin irritants or water may occur when visiting sites; personal protective equipment should be utilised when appropriate.
  • Driving is likely to be required on an occasional to frequent basis.
  • Use of equipment/materials will include copies of legislation, computers, calculators, writing instruments, research data other general office equipment.
  • Mental skills necessary include technical problem solving, interpretation, computing, organisational, environmental and health and safety knowledge, report writing, knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, decision-making and communication skills.
Entry signal Reviewed

Requires a substantial formal qualification.

Entry barrier Formal qualification
Licence / registration No licence required
ANZSCO skill level 1
Next-day ready No

How this was determined (model-generated): OHS adviser - degree or 5 years experience; no mandatory registration in NZ (HASANZ accreditation voluntary).

Entry Requirements

A relevant tertiary qualification or at least five years applicable experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.

Further Comments

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.