This role has a moderate level of AI exposure. AI can enhance efficiency for some tasks, but this job still relies on human skills and decision-making.
Explore all careersHow do I become a Work Health and Safety Officer?
Get qualified to work as a Work Health and Safety Officer with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Work Health and Safety Officer
Common questions
In Australia, a full time Work Health and Safety Officer generally earns $1,832 per week ($95,264 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only.
Courses.com.au Team
There are approximately 16,200 Work Health and Safety Officers employed in Australia right now, and this job has increased slightly over the past 5 years. Work Health and Safety Officers are employed by organisations in all industries and work sectors.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
Courses.com.au Team
Work Health and Safety Officers require the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety. This course takes 6-12 months to complete. In some Australian states (e.g. Queensland) WHSOs are registered with the state WHS Regulator.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
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11th December 2019All work health and safety officer courses
- BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
- BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety
- HLTAID014 Provide Advanced First Aid
- 10862NAT Certificate IV in Risk Management Essentials
- 22300VIC Course in First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis
- 10830NAT Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention
- RIIGOV401E Apply, Monitor and Report on Compliance Systems
- LGA60104 Advanced Diploma of Local Government (Operational Works)
- RIIWHS401E Supervise Work in Confined Spaces
- RIIERR302E Respond to Local Emergencies and Incidents
- MSMWHS217 Gas Test Atmospheres
- PUAFER005 Operate as Part of an Emergency Control Organisation
- Master of Health (Workplace Health and Safety)
- SIR30216 Certificate III in Retail (Intro into WHS Skill Set)
- PUAFER006 Lead an Emergency Control Organisation
- BSB50920 & BSB51319 Diploma of Quality Auditing and Diploma of Work Health and Safety
- CPCCPD3031 Work Safely with Lead-Painted Surfaces in the Painting Industry
- PSP50122 Diploma of Government (Injury Management)
- TLIF2018 Operate Firefighting Equipment
- BSB60619 Advanced Diploma of Work Health and Safety
- RIIWHS301E Conduct Safety and Health Investigations
- PUAFER004 Respond to Facility Emergencies
- PSP60122 Advanced Diploma of Government (Workplace Inspection)
- TLIF3091 Apply awareness of dangerous goods and hazardous materials requirements
- BSBWHS411 Implement and Monitor WHS Policies, Procedures and Programs
- BSBWHS515 Lead Initial Response to and Investigate WHS Incidents
- 22579VIC Course in Verifying the Correct Use of Adrenaline Injector Devices
- PUAFIR324 Render Hazardous Materials Incidents Safe
- CPCCWHS2001 Apply WHS Requirements, Policies and Procedures in the Construction Industry
- BSB30719 Certificate III in Work Health and Safety
Work Health and Safety Officer careers
Work Health and Safety Officers (also known as WHSOs) identify workplace hazards and safety issues. They assess the level of risk to the organisation then recommend suitable control measures to eliminate (or minimise) the impact of the hazard. WHSO’s assist the HSE Manager meet the company’s WHS compliance responsibilities.
As a Work Health and Safety Officer you might be attending a Health and Safety Committee meeting, investigating the cause of a dangerous incident, carrying out a workplace inspection and identifying hazards, or developing a safe work procedure in accordance with Australian Safety Standards.
