Draft Occupational Curriculum- OHS Practitioner

Draft Occupational Curriculum- OHS Practitioner

Occupational Curriculum:

226302 - 001

Practitioner: Occupational Health and Safety

Contents

SECTION 1: Curriculum Overview
SECTION 2: Learning Specifications
Knowledge Subjects
Practical Skills Modules
Work Experience Modules
SECTION 3: External assessment specification

1. Curriculum Overview

Background
Alignment with the Organising Framework for Occupations
Curriculum coverage in terms of progression
Curriculum Structure
Development Quality Partner
Entry Requirements
Assessment Quality Partner
External Assessment Strategy

1. Background to the Curriculum:
The lack of a standard curriculum for training and development of Occupational Health and Safety Practitioners in South Africa has been a problem for all sectors of the industry for many years. Not only did it result in an abnormal variance in entry qualifications being accepted in the broader industry it also created disparity in the training and education being offered by tertiary institutions and related service providers. This unbearable situation led to the Mine Qualification Authority to apply on behalf of the Safety Professions of South Africa to register an Occupational Safety and Health Curriculum with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations. It is the view of the broad spectrum of Safety Professionals who took part and contributed towards the development of this curriculum that this document will be regarded as the true benchmark for training and development of Occupational Health and Safety Practitioners in all the different industries.
2. Alignment with the Organising Framework of Occupations (OFO)
This curriculum includes the following Occupations as indicated on the OFO
226302 - 001 / Practitioner: Occupational Health and Safety
Practitioners: Occupational Health and Safety: Serve as a link between employees and management regarding safety and health aspects in the workplace, monitor and inspect the workplace and record and investigate incidents. They also implement and maintain Occupational Health and Safety systems in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
3. Curriculum coverage in terms of progression
The qualification caters for all Occupational Health and Safety designations included in the occupational classification of “Practitioner”. The skills and knowledge range from NQF 2 to NQF 7. With the bulk of the knowledge and skills falling in NQF 5. Elements of the knowledge and skills can be extracted for use in training “Occupational Health and Safety Representatives. (See the learning extracted as an “Employable Skills Component”). The picture, below, is a visual description of this curriculum. The qualification will serve as the basis for registration with the Occupational Health and Safety Professional bodies.
4. Curriculum Structure
Module of Employable Skill:
The following curriculum components apply to the Occupational Health and Safety Representative and is grouped together here as a module of employable skills. External Assessment is not required to complete this module. Assessment is done by assessors accredited by the industry where the employee works.
Module of Employable Skills:
Representative: Occupational Health and Safety – 226302 - 002
Number / KNOWLEDGE / NQF Level / Credits
226302004-KS-01 / Occupational Health and Safety Practice (1) / 3 / 4
TOTAL KNOWLEDGE / 25% / 4
Number / PRACTICAL SKILLS / NQF Level / Credits
226302004-PM-1 / Inspect a range of work places / 3 / 4
TOTAL FOR PRACTICAL SKILLS / 25% / 4
Number / WORK EXPERIENCE / NQF Level / Credits
226302004-WM-1 / Workplace Hazard Identification Processes / 3 / 8
TOTAL FOR WORK EXPERIENCE / 50% / 8
TOTAL FOR THE MODULE OF EMPLOYABLE SKILLS / 16
The Occupational Qualification: “Occupational health and Safety Practitioner” comprises of the following curriculum components:
Practitioner: Occupational Health and Safety – 226302 - 001
Number / KNOWLEDGE / NQF Level / Credits
226302004-KS-01 / Occupational Health and Safety Practice (1) / 2/3 / 4
226302004-KS-2 / Occupational Health and Safety Practice (2) / 4/5 / 42
226302004-KS-3 / Operations Management and Supervision (1) / 6 / 17
TOTAL KNOWLEDGE / 30% / 63
Number / PRACTICAL SKILLS / NQF Level / Credits
226302004-PM-1 / 1. Facilitating and supporting actions to eliminate or control hazards in order to minimise risks in a designated work area. / 4 / 36
226302004-PM-2 / 2. Participating in the planning and implementation of operational occupational health and safety management systems. / 5 / 12
226302004-PM-3 / 3. Monitor and continually improve the effectiveness of operational Occupational Health and Safety systems. / 5 / 4
TOTAL FOR PRACTICAL SKILLS / 25% / 52
Number / WORK EXPERIENCE / NQF Level / Credits
226302002-WM01 / Workplace hazards and risks mitigated / 3 / 8
226302001-WM02 / Operational Occupational Health and Safety system planned and implemented. / 5 / 58
226302001-WM-03 / Effectively operating operational Occupational Health and Safety systems. / 5 / 34
TOTAL FOR WORK EXPERIENCE / 45% / 92
TOTAL CREDITS: 207
5. Development Quality Partner
The Mine Qualifications Authority (MQA) was appointed, on behalf of the industry, as the “Development Quality Partner” (DQP) for this qualification. The role of the DQP is to facilitate the process of developing the qualification according to the rules set out by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). Participation in the process was extensive and every attempt was made to obtain involvement and inputs from all relevant industry players. (A list of participants can be obtained from the MQA).
6. Entry and Eligibility Requirements
The following are minimum requirements that a learner must meet before they can access the qualification:
Relevant work experience or an appropriate NQF level 3 qualification. (The technical work content is not covered in this qualification. Learners need to acquire the required technical skills, knowledge and experience through gaining work experience or qualifications in related technical occupations. Each industry will prescribe the technical requirements relevant to that industry.
In order to become eligible for access to the final integrated assessment for this qualification learners must submit:

A valid statement of results, issued by an accredited provider, that they have been assessed as competent against the knowledge and practical skills requirements as set out in this curriculum;
A valid work experience record, signed off by, a recognised employer that they have completed the work experience, set out in the curriculum, and have demonstrated a satisfactory level of competence in executing each of the indicated work experience activities;
Proof of successful completion of the National Foundational Learning Competence assessment.

7. Assessment Quality Partner:
A structure, made up of the main professional bodies for Occupational health and Safety is being set up to execute the external Assessment Quality Partner role. Consideration is currently being given towards entering into a partnership with the MQA to facilitate the external assessment process.
8. External assessment Strategy.
The final integrated external assessment will be done in the form of a written assessment conducted under exam conditions. The assessment will last plus minus four hours and will cover key elements of the theory and practical skills. It will also check the extent to which workplace applications have contributed towards the learning process. The overall assessment specification is included in SECTION 3 of this document.

SECTION 2: Occupational Profiles

2.1. Occupational Health and Safety Representative

2.2. Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner

2.1. Occupational Profile

226302 - 002 - Occupational Health and Safety: Representative

Occupational Purpose:

The Occupational Health and Safety Representative: Serve as a link between employees and management regarding safety and health aspects in the workplace, monitor and inspect the workplace; and record and investigate incidents to ensure safe and healthy working conditions.

Occupational Tasks:

Inspecting work places and environments to identify the occupational health and safety hazards and determine the risks associated with the work.
Facilitating and supporting actions to eliminate or control hazards in order to minimise risks in a designated work area.
Representing the needs of employees with regard to Occupational Health and Safety matters.
Coordinating the work activities of occupational, health and safety representatives.

1. Inspecting work places and environments to identify the occupational health and safety hazards and determine the risks associated with the work. (NQF Level: 2)

Unique Product or Service

Occupational health and safety hazards identified and risks determined.

Knowledge Focus

Roles and responsibilities of the Occupational Health and safety representative as set out in the relevant legislation (Intermediate)
Principles, concepts and processes of hazard identification, risk assessment and control(Intermediate)
Legislative requirements related to Occupational health and safety (Basic)
Principles of safe working practices in and around the place of work (Intermediate)
The principles of hazards identification and risks assessment(Basic)
Definitions of and difference between Occupational Health, Occupational Safety, Occupational Hygiene and Environmental management. (Basic)
Concept of behavioural safety management (Basic)

Occupational Responsibility

Inspect work places and identify the energy sources of hazards. Participate in risk assessment exercises. Evaluate risk assessments to check compliance with regulatory requirements. Contribute towards preventing accidents by participating in and contributing to accident investigations. Communicate identified hazards to employees and management. Complete required documentation. Conduct ongoing day to day observations of work environments. Conduct task observations to observe the safe execution of the work.

Practical Skills

Inspect a range of work places, identify the hazards and determine the associated risks, indicating what actions must be taken to eliminate, mitigate and control the risks. (Includes reporting and record keeping)
Conduct a workplace health and safety meeting with team members, make inputs and presentations at meetings and record the results of meetings.

Occupational Context

This task is executed for designated work areas. In executing the task the incumbent will interface with all employees and management working in that area. Data is captured on manual and electronic reporting systems. The task is executed within the applicable regulatory requirements.

Work Experience

Inspect work places and identify hazards and risks over a period of three months.

2. Facilitating and supporting actions to eliminate or control hazards in order to minimise risks in a designated work area. (NQF Level: 3)

Unique Product or Service

Workplace hazards and risks mitigated

Knowledge Focus

Concepts and theories of coaching, influencing people in an assertive manner and dealing with conflict. (Intermediate)
Principles of occupational hygiene measuring instruments and the interpretation of the readings in terms of the threshold limits of such measurements (Basic)

Occupational Responsibility

Coach employees on what hazards are and how to work according to standards. Recommend actions to deal with hazards and mitigate risks. Follow up on the implementation of agreed actions to deal with hazards and mitigate risk. Stop work that is done in an unsafe environment or executed unsafely. Share learnings from incidents with employees. Present to decision makes improved ways of dealing with hazards.

Occupational Context

This task is done for a designated work area. In executing the task the incumbent will participate in the various Occupational health and safety meetings and committees. Ongoing interface with shop floor workers and first line supervisors take place. The effective Health and Safety representative will be able to escalate matters to the highest level in the organisation if required.

Specific Workplace Knowledge

Workplace specific standards and codes of practice.
Site specific standards and procedures for the safety representative.

3. Representing the needs of employees with regard to Occupational Health and Safety matters. (NQF Level:3)

Unique Product or Service

Employees represented regarding occupational Health and safety issues.

Knowledge Focus

Techniques of accident and incident investigation (Intermediate)
Concepts and principles of emergency preparedness and response (Basic)

Occupational Responsibility

Consult with employees and raise their needs and issues at Health and Safety Meetings. Participate in negotiations to establish an Occupational Health and Safety agreement. Participate in safety campaigns and audits. Attend departmental investigations and inspections. Withdraw employees from unsafe work areas. Provide feedback to employees regarding decisions of Safety and Health meetings. Participate in the development of the code of practice and standard operating procedures.

Practical Skills

Participate in workplace accidents and incident investigations

Occupational Context

This task is done for a designated work area in which the representative is properly acquainted. In executing the task the incumbent will interface with all people working in the area as well as external auditors and regulators. The work is done within the organisational Health and Safety structure. Work is executed as part of a team.

2.2. Occupational Profile

226302 - 001 - Practitioner: Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Purpose:

Practitioners: Occupational Health and Safety: Serve as a link between employees and management regarding safety and health aspects in the workplace, monitor and inspect the workplace and record and investigate incidents. They also implement and maintain Occupational Health and Safety systems in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

Occupational Tasks:

Facilitating and supporting actions to eliminate or control hazards in order to minimise risks in a designated work area.
Participating in the planning and implementation of operational occupational health and safety management systems.
Monitor and continually improve the effectiveness of operational Occupational Health and Safety systems.

1. Facilitating and supporting actions to eliminate or control hazards in order to minimise risks in a designated work area. (NQF Level: 4)

Unique Product or Service

Workplace hazards and risks mitigated

Knowledge Focus

Roles and responsibilities of the Occupational Health and safety representative as set out in the relevant legislation (Intermediate)
Principles, concepts and processes of hazard identification, risk assessment and control(Intermediate)
Legislative requirements related to Occupational health and safety (Basic)
Principles of safe working practices in and around the place of work (Intermediate)
Principles of hazards identification and risks assessment(Basic)
Definitions of and difference between Occupational Health, Occupational Safety, Occupational Hygiene and Environmental management. (Basic)
Concept of behavioural safety management (Basic)
Techniques of accident and incident investigation (Intermediate)
Concepts and principles of emergency preparedness and response (Basic)
Principles of developing and implementing operational controls.(Advanced

Occupational Responsibility

a. Inspect work places and environments to identify the occupational health and safety hazards and determine the risks associated with the work; b.Represent the needs of employees with regard to Occupational Health and Safety matters. c. Coordinate the work activities of occupational, health and safety representatives.

Practical Skills

Inspect a range of work places, identify the hazards and determine the associated risks, indicating what actions must be taken to eliminate, mitigate and control the risks. (Includes reporting and record keeping)
Conduct a workplace health and safety meeting with team members, make inputs and presentations at meetings and record the results of meetings.
Facilitate a process using a range of incident investigation techniques to determine the root causes or failures of controls and recommend corrective actions to prevent future incidents and complete the reports.
Plan, schedule and review the work of Occupational Health and Safety Representatives
Conduct performance improvement discussions with peers and subordinates.
Inspect a range of work places

Occupational Context

a. Organisational Risk Management Processes; b. Safety representative appointment and management processes; c. Hazard identification processes.

Work Experience

Over a period of three months inspect work places, identify hazards and risks and recommend corrective actions.
Discuss the nomination of Occupational Health and Safety representatives with constituency groups;
Coach newly appointed and practicing Occupational Health and Safety representatives and/or employees in the duties required from them.
Participate in Hazard and risk identification processes
Participate in accident/incident investigations.

2. Participating in the planning and implementation of operational occupational health and safety management systems. (NQF Level: 5)

Unique Product or Service

Operational Occupational Health and Safety system planned and implemented..

Knowledge Focus

Principles of designing and developing appropriate Occupational Health and Safety policies, procedures and standards. (Advanced)
Occupational health and safety management systems and the key components of an effective system. (Advanced)
Concept of integrated risk management and the role of the occupational health and safety function in risk management. (Intermediate)
Structure of the regulatory requirements regarding occupational health and safety and how it links to the occupational health and safety management system. (Advanced)
Economics of occupational health and safety and how this impacts on the value chain (Intermediate)
Concepts and principles of cause and effect analysis and how this applies to occupational hazard identification and risk assessment. and incident and accident investigation.(Advanced)
Theories, concepts and principles of strategic planning and how this applies to occupational health and safety management. (Intermediate)
Fundamentals of Safety aspects related to industry and operations
Concepts and principles of integrated value chain management (Intermediate)
Principles and concepts of human resources planning and management and how it supports the occupational health and safety management system (Basic)
Concepts and principles of interpreting and using occupational hygiene survey results. (Intermediate)
Concepts and principles of effective communication and internal consulting (Advanced)
Learning and development process and cycle and how this is used to improve the effectiveness of occupational health and safety (Intermediate)
Criteria and standards for effective documentation and document control (Advanced)
Concepts and principles of developing an emergency preparedness plan and process for different organisations and key approval, rehearsal and implementation steps. (Advanced)
Application of monitoring tools and technical reports related to occupational health and safety. (Intermediate)
Concept of behavioural safety management (Advanced)
Principles of developing and implementing safe working practices (Advanced)
The application of monitoring, evaluation and corrective action in occupational health and safety. (Intermediate)

Occupational Responsibility