Occupational Health & Safety Careers: Opportunities for Graduates in Ghana
Pursuing a career in Occupational Health and Safety can be very promising. In fact, there is a wide range of job opportunities once you complete your studies at university. Career opportunities abound both in the private and public sector of the economy. A career in Occupational Health and Safety can lead you to prolific job opportunities.
If you have a flair for making sure that people who work and their environment are safe then a career in Occupational Health and Safety would be a great choice.
As an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist, you would sometimes be required to come up with safety regulations suitable for the environment you work in.
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What is Occupational Health and Safety?
Occupational Health and Safety is a field which deals with using all necessary information gotten from a work environment to make policies and regulations towards a better working environment.
An Occupational Health and Safety Specialist also organises seminars and drills which aims at enlightening workers about occupational hazards and their preventive measures.
In Industries today and other companies all over the world, there is an increase in demand for a specialist in the Occupational Health and Safety field.
It is believed that Occupational Health and Safety Specialists through performing their duties in work environments, can help to reduce occupational hazards which may lead to the loss of life or property.
Industries Where an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Work in Ghana
As an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist, you can work across a variety of sectors such as:
- Government Parastatals (to make regulations and policies for companies and industries)
- Manufacturing Industries
- Oil and Gas Industries
- Construction Sites
- A Consultant (to give recommendations on improving safety measures in companies)
- Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
Duties of an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
An Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Would:
- Develop and ensure adherence to health and safety policies
- Sensitize employees and employers on Occupational Health Hazards
- Promote Work Safety culture in work environments.
- Carry out thorough investigations on any safety inclined accident in work environments.
- Investigate workplace accidents and safety-related complaints.
- Writing reports on the effectiveness of safety exercise in workplaces.
An Occupational Health and Safety Specialist should also be able to:
- Observe situations critically
- Have good Interpersonal Communication skills
- Â Understand the work conditions of employees in work environments.
- Be keen on Research and Planning
- Know the problems faced by employees in areas they work in
- Work Well to promote good safety culture in work environments.
Requirements to Become an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
You can get into Occupational Health and Safety with a Bachelors degree in Occupational Health and Safety or in a science-related degree. Further studies at the postgraduate level or taking Certifications in Health and Safety courses can also be a good way to enhance your career as an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
As a new graduate in the field of Occupational Health and Safety, you can look for Graduate entry Programs to start from so as to gain relevant experience in the Health and Safety Field.
Work Experience with Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Jobs
Work experience in creating environmental and employee work safety policies would be a good area to start gathering experience on.
Also, Look for opportunities in supporting roles as a policymaker, Industry Health and safety specialist, Environmental specialist etc. You should also take professional qualifications to progress into management later on in your career.
Extracurricular clubs and societies, including volunteering at organizations and events, can help to develop your career in Occupational Health and Safety.
Joining a professional body as a member while still a student can give you opportunities to learn from other experienced professionals, keep your skills up to date through training and point you towards job opportunities.
Skills to Include in Your CV for Occupational Health and Safety Jobs
During your degree, you should develop specific skills that employers look for including communication and problem-solving skills. Besides, you can also learn some other skills like:
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent Observational skills
- Good Report writing skills
- Ability to use your initiative and make decisions under pressure
