Career outlook for
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£40,040
Currently employed in Scotland
3,500
Five year job forecast
+4.70%
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
What's it like?
You would keep people safe from accidents, injuries and health problems in the workplace. You’d create health and safety policies and make sure employers and workers follow them.
Depending on your employer, your work could cover areas such as:
- Fire safety
- Occupational health
- Noise
- Safe use of machinery
- Control of hazardous substances
You would:
- Develop effective policies and procedures
- Make regular inspections and risk assessments
- Keep records of accidents
- Advise on protective clothing and equipment
- Train employees on safety issues
- Investigate accidents and recommend improvements in safety standards
- Write reports
You’d work with Health and Safety Executive inspectors and trade unions.
You’d need to have a good knowledge of health and safety legislation and keep up to date with changes in the law.
In some companies, responsibility for health and safety may be part of another job role such as personnel or facilities management.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
71%
Part-time
11%
Self employed
18%
Create a qualification route
We’ve found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Negotiating
- Developing a plan
- Attention to detail
- Understanding
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Building relationships
- Empathising
- Problem solving
Build your skills
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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.
Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Qualifications
To become a health and safety adviser, you can either study for health and safety qualifications whilst you are working or take a training course before looking for a trainee position.
The type of training you take will depend on the industry you work in.
Relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Occupational Health & Safety (SVQ level 3/4) or a Higher National diploma (SCFQ level 8), degree (SCQF level 9/10) or postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11) in a subject like Occupational Health & Safety, Engineering, building or sciences.
The University of the West of Scotland offers a Occupational Health & Safety Degree (SCQF level 9/10) which requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
Qualifications should meet Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) standards.
Useful subjects
- Maths, (required by most courses)
- English (required by most courses)
- Science subjects (required by most courses)
- Business Management
- Sociology
Technologies (many involve health & safety procedures) may also be helpful.
You will also need
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to work and train on construction sites.
Helpful to have
Qualifications and experience that develop an understanding of relevant health and safety regulations and allow you to use problem-solving and communication skills.
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