Safety Officer Skills Programme (41 Credits – Part Qualification)
Build Your Career in Occupational Health & Safety
Develop the knowledge and practical understanding required to contribute effectively to safer, more compliant workplaces.
The REH Safety Officer Programme is a structured 10-day occupational health and safety skills programme designed for individuals who want to develop their knowledge and capability in workplace safety.
The programme covers important areas of occupational health and safety including workplace legislation, hazard identification, risk assessment, inspections, incident investigation, environmental responsibilities, communication and practical safety activities.
It is suitable for people entering the safety profession as well as employees who have been given additional health and safety responsibilities within their organisation.
Training focuses on practical workplace application so that learners understand not only the theory behind safety requirements, but also how those requirements can be applied within real working environments.
Programme At a Glance
- 10-day training programme
- 41-credit skills programme
- Designed for aspiring Safety Officers
- Practical workplace-focused content
- Suitable for multiple industries
- Centre, online and onsite options
- Assessment and competency-based learning
What You Will Learn
The programme develops knowledge across the core areas that support effective occupational health and safety practice.
Occupational Health & Safety
Understand the foundations of workplace health and safety, safety responsibilities and the role of safety personnel.
- OHS fundamentals
- Workplace responsibilities
- Safety culture
- Basic legal framework
OHS Legislation
Develop an understanding of relevant occupational health and safety legislation and its practical application.
- OHS legislation
- Legal responsibilities
- Compliance requirements
- Workplace documentation
Hazard Identification & Risk
Learn how hazards are identified, assessed and controlled within workplace environments.
- Hazard identification
- Risk assessment principles
- Risk controls
- Safe work practices
Workplace Safety Inspections
Develop practical knowledge for conducting workplace safety inspections and following up on identified findings.
- Pre-use inspections
- Safety inspections
- Audit observations
- Corrective actions
Incident Investigation
Understand the principles used to investigate workplace incidents and identify contributing causes.
- Incident reporting
- Evidence gathering
- Investigation processes
- Corrective actions
Environmental Responsibilities
Understand the role of environmental awareness and responsible workplace practices within safety management.
- Environmental awareness
- Workplace environmental risks
- Control initiatives
- Sustainable workplace practices
Safety Communication
Develop communication skills required to communicate safety information clearly to different workplace audiences.
- Verbal communication
- Safety briefings
- Workplace discussions
- Audience and context
Safety Documentation
Develop the ability to produce and maintain important workplace safety information and records.
- Safety reports
- Inspection records
- Incident documentation
- Safety communication
Practical Safety Application
Apply safety principles to workplace situations and develop confidence in carrying out safety-related activities.
- Workplace scenarios
- Safety observations
- Risk control application
- Practical exercises
Assessment & Competence
Consolidate the knowledge gained throughout the programme and demonstrate understanding through assessment activities.
- Programme revision
- Assessment preparation
- Competency assessment
- Workplace application
What You Will Be Able To Do
On successful completion, learners will have developed knowledge and skills in the following areas.
Apply OHS Principles
Apply occupational health and safety principles within different workplace environments.
Understand Legislation
Interpret and apply relevant occupational health and safety legislation and workplace requirements.
Identify Hazards
Identify workplace hazards and understand appropriate risk control measures.
Conduct Inspections
Participate in and conduct workplace safety inspections and follow up on corrective actions.
Investigate Incidents
Apply basic principles for investigating workplace incidents and identifying contributing factors.
Communicate Safety
Communicate workplace safety information effectively in written and verbal contexts.
Who Should Attend?
The programme is designed for people developing or expanding their responsibilities in occupational health and safety.
This skills programme is a part qualification. Completion of this programme does not by itself provide registration as a SACPCMP Safety Officer. Registration requirements depend on completion of the applicable full qualification and professional requirements.
Build Your Safety Career
The programme provides a foundation for continued development in occupational health and safety.
Safety Officer Foundation
Workplace Experience
Specialist Safety Training
Further Qualification
Choose the Training Option That Works for You
REH Safety Training provides flexible delivery options for individuals and organisations.
Face-to-Face
Attend instructor-led training at our training centres and take part in structured classroom learning and practical activities.
Online Training
Join live training sessions online where available, allowing learners to participate without travelling to a training centre.
Onsite Training
Organisations can arrange workplace training for teams and groups at their own premises.
Related Safety Training
Build additional specialist skills alongside your Safety Officer development.
Safety Officer Programme FAQ
How long is the Safety Officer Programme?
The programme is completed over 10 training days, typically scheduled across two consecutive weeks (Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:00).
During these 10 days, learners engage in intensive facilitator-led sessions, group exercises, case-study discussions, and practical simulations. Following the classroom contact sessions, learners are guided through the completion of their Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) for final summative assessment and verification.
How many credits does the programme carry?
The Safety Officer Skills Programme carries a total of 41 credits registered against South African national qualification frameworks at NQF Level 4.
Credits represent structured learning hours covering essential competencies: workplace hazard identification, risk assessments (HIRA), legal compliance (OHS Act), workplace inspections, accident investigation, and workplace safety administration. Each credit earned contributes directly toward continuous professional education and formal qualifications in safety practice.
Who is the programme suitable for?
The programme is ideal for entry-level candidates, current health and safety practitioners looking to formalize their capabilities, and site supervisors across construction, manufacturing, mining, logistics, and facilities management.
It is specifically tailored for:
• Aspiring Safety Officers seeking foundational competence and employability.
• Appointed SHE Representatives looking to step up into formal officer roles.
• Foremen, site supervisors, and managers responsible for statutory workplace compliance.
• Graduates from technical disciplines looking to add HSE qualifications to their CVs.
Can companies arrange training for groups?
Yes. REH Safety Training provides dedicated corporate group solutions. We can deliver the entire 10-day programme on-site at your company premises or facilitate private group cohorts at our Midrand or Durban branches.
On-site delivery allows our facilitators to reference your organization's specific safe work procedures, standard operating procedures, and industry risks. We also offer customized scheduling (e.g., split modules over alternate weeks) to minimize operational disruption. Volume discount rates and company invoicing options are available upon request.
Where is the programme offered?
We deliver training across three convenient options:
• Johannesburg / Midrand Centre: Modern, fully equipped training facilities with interactive audiovisual aids and workshop spaces.
• Durban Training Centre: Centrally located facility offering scheduled public calendar cohorts throughout the year.
• Virtual / Online Classrooms: Real-time, instructor-led webinars accessible from anywhere nationwide with digital workbook access.
• Client Sites: Nationwide delivery directly at client project sites or business facilities.
Does completing this programme automatically qualify me for SACPCMP registration?
No, completing this course does not grant automatic registration with the SACPCMP (South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions).
This 10-day programme is an NQF Level 4 Skills Programme (part-qualification). The SACPCMP requires candidates applying for professional registration (e.g., Candidate Construction Health and Safety Officer / CHSO) to hold a recognized full qualification, document verifiable practical site experience, and complete their formal council board assessments. However, this programme provides the core foundation and accredited credits necessary to embark on that professional journey.
Ready to Start Your Safety Career?
Speak to REH Safety Training about available dates, training options and group bookings for the 10-Day Safety Officer Programme.