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Safety and Health Practitioner (SHP) is first for independent health and safety news.
August 1, 2024

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Why are more young people choosing careers in health and safety?

According to the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), health and safety is a growing profession. Here, the team at Praxis42 discuss why young people are increasingly choosing careers in health and safety, the types of roles available to them and how they can break into the profession.

Why I chose a career in health and safety…

Tyler Norris is a 23-year-old senior case handler at Praxis42 and he shares why he chose a health and safety career, what his job involves, and tips for others considering a career in health and safety.

Can you describe your job?

I’m a senior case handler helping the team book in jobs for our health and safety advisers. I communicate regularly with clients and the advisers scoping out potential work. I also carry out DSE assessments over the telephone.

What do you do day-to-day?

Credit: Alamy Stock

Lots of communication with clients to figure out which jobs require what resources. These are all reactive, so you do not know what to expect each day. I’m also completing multiple DSE assessments via telephone calls every week and training for other specific jobs as well.

How did you start your career?

I started as an apprentice at Praxis42 for the consultancy side of the business. After seeing the different health and safety assessments that happen, I took an interest and started speaking to colleagues who have been down the health and safety route. After some conversations, it became apparent that this is something I could get involved in and grow a career in.

Are you studying at the moment?

As I look to progress in my role towards a health and safety adviser, I am completing the NEBOSH General Certificate. After this I will be looking towards the NEBOSH Diploma. I will also become a member of IOSH once I have completed the NEBOSH General Certificate.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Two aspects of my job I enjoy is speaking with clients and scoping out potential jobs. I also enjoy improving my knowledge with the help of some of the advisers at the company.

I am gaining good experience communicating with clients, understanding their needs and their point of view as an outsider to health and safety. Also, once I gain the necessary qualifications, I will be able to go out and visit various sites completing different types of risk assessments, expanding my knowledge.

Are there any negative sides to your job?

At the moment some things can be quite repetitive but as I progress in my role, I will be able to expand on my skills so I can look at different areas of health and safety.

Do you have any advice for someone considering a health and safety career?

Don’t be scared to ask questions to people who have a greater understanding of health and safety. I have gained so much knowledge from having conversations with health and safety professionals about subjects that I only had a basic understanding of. There is so much information that no one will be expecting you to know straight away.

What are the benefits of a career in health and safety?

Job satisfaction

Knowing that the work you do contributes to keeping individuals safe and healthy can be highly satisfying. The role is centred around preventing serious illnesses and injuries and saving lives.

Competitive salaries

Health and safety professionals often enjoy competitive salaries, which increase based on experience, specialism, and industry. This financial stability is a significant benefit.

Tailor your career to your interests

career progressionOne of the greatest benefits of a career in health and safety is the opportunity to specialise in areas that align with your passions. These are some examples of specialisations within the field:

  • Health and safety training. Professionals in this area develop and deliver training programmes to ensure employees are well-informed about safety practices and procedures.
  • Health and safety consultancy. Consultants provide a range of services to organisations, helping them protect employees, visitors, and contractors while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and best practices.
  • Risk assessment. Risk assessors identify potential hazards in the workplace and evaluate the level of risk associated with them, determining appropriate control measures to mitigate those risks.
  • Behavioural safety. Specialists in this field focus on influencing and improving employee behaviours to reduce accidents and promote a safety-conscious culture.
  • Construction safety. Specialists in this area ensure that construction projects are carried out safely, addressing risks related to heavy machinery, working at heights, and hazardous materials.
  • Emergency response and disaster management. These professionals plan for and respond to emergencies and disasters, ensuring that employees and facilities are prepared for various crisis scenarios.
  • Environmental health and safety (EHS). EHS professionals manage the environmental impact of businesses, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and addressing issues such as waste management and pollution control.
  • Fire safety. Fire safety specialists focus on preventing and managing fire hazards in workplaces, playing a crucial role in protecting lives and property.
  • Industrial hygiene. Industrial hygienists focus on controlling workplace hazards related to chemical exposure, noise, air quality, and other environmental factors, often working in manufacturing or industrial settings.
  • Safety engineering. Safety engineers apply engineering principles to design and implement safety measures, developing safety systems, equipment, and processes.
  • Transport safety. Transport safety specialists concentrate on the safety of loading, moving, and transporting goods, covering road, rail, air, and maritime transport.

Job security

Organisations are increasingly prioritising workplace safety and must comply with stringent regulations. This trend creates a robust job market with a variety of career opportunities, ensuring job security for those in the field.

Continuous learning

Health and safety is a dynamic field that requires staying up to date with changing regulations, technologies, and best practices. This provides opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, ensuring that your skills remain relevant and cutting-edge.

Contribution to sustainability

Professionals in this field often play a role in promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility within organisations. Aligning health and safety with broader corporate goals helps in creating a more sustainable and responsible business environment.

Global opportunities

The principles of health and safety are applicable globally, meaning your skills and knowledge are in demand both in the UK and internationally. This opens opportunities for travel and working in different parts of the world, broadening your professional and personal horizons.

Influence and leadership

Health and safety professionals can influence workplace culture, policies, and practices. They can become leaders in creating a safety-conscious environment, driving positive change within organisations.

How to start your career

There are a few different ways to begin a health and safety career – apprenticeships, trainee positions in organisations and courses. IOSH, NEBOSH and NVQ are the recognised qualifications.  IOSH courses can be the best starting point.

For some careers in health and safety you need the NEBOSH National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals.

You can also opt for an NVQ in Occupational Health and Safety. These qualifications range from Level 3 to Level 7.

Why choose a career in health and safety?

A career in health and safety offers personal satisfaction, professional growth, and the chance to make a real difference to the safety and wellbeing of people at work. It’s a field that continues to evolve, presenting ongoing opportunities for learning and career advancement.

With opportunities to specialise in areas that align with your interests, you can forge a career path that is fulfilling and meaningful. Every sector requires the services of a health and safety professional, ensuring that your skills will always be in demand.

Advance your career in health and safety

Browse hundreds of jobs in health and safety, brought to you by SHP4Jobs, and take your next steps as a consultant, health and safety officer, environmental advisor, health and wellbeing manager and more.

Or, if you’re a recruiter, post jobs and use our database to discover the most qualified candidates.

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