How to Become a Health & Safety Officer in Ireland

Date: 23 Nov 2022

A health and safety officer in Ireland could make as much as €55,000 per year. If this appeals to you, then you might want to know how to become a health and safety officer in Ireland. Qualifying as a health and safety officer in Ireland requires focus and dedication, but it can certainly be done with the right level of commitment.

Health and safety officers in Ireland have many important responsibilities, especially in the world of construction. By pursuing this career, you will help to make a difference by designing and developing health and safety procedures.

To find out how to become a health and safety officer in Ireland, specifically within construction, keep reading.

Get Your Level 3 Occupational Safety and Health Qualification

This qualification is very practical. The course trains you to handle any health and safety situation that may arise in your field, especially in a construction role. The knowledge this qualification provides you with will play an important role in your career as a health and safety officer.

One of the most significant components of this course is the study of risk assessment and incident management. Understanding these procedures will help you manage a crisis. Plus, you will be able to maintain your composure should unexpected events arise.

An Environmental Health Officer Requires a BSc in Environmental Health

An environmental health officer is a specific role. These officers work to protect both the environment and public health. Some work with food, while others respond to noise and pollution issues.

To get a job in this field, you will usually require a BSc qualification in environmental health. These degrees are usually three years long. This degree is very useful to have, and will serve you will in a construction health  and safety career.

The course will cover a wide range of varying and interesting topics. For example, you will study health sciences, health and safety legislation and law, and even engineering.

The degree program will prepare you for a career as an EHO. Not only will you learn practical skills. You will also be trained by members of the industry who understand what is required for this kind of career.

Environmental health officers keep people and places safe. They are of vital importance to a functioning society. By pursuing this degree, you will set yourself on a path to work in a field that makes a huge difference in Ireland.

Take a Training Course with an Accredited Institution

You may already have a relevant science degree. However, there are certain skills you need as a health and safety officer that can only be learned through proper training. Thankfully, many institutions around Ireland offer such training.

University College Cork is one such institution offering accredited courses. Their Certificate in Safety Health & Welfare at Work is a detailed program. It covers everything needed to improve workplace safety skills and to learn how to stay safe on construction sites.

University of Galway offers an M.Sc. in Occupational Health & Safety & Ergonomics. A postgraduate course can help you to secure an HSO job more easily. However, you will need a relevant undergraduate degree before pursuing this option.

One way or another, taking a training course with an accredited institution is a great choice. Not only does it look great on your C.V., but it will also make you more prepared for a career in the health and safety industry.

Consider the Practical Skills You Will Need

There are certain health and safety officer responsibilities you need to be aware of. For example, you may be responsible for designing fire evacuation procedures, checking the status of equipment, and ensuring every member of staff has the safety gear they need to carry out their work.

To do this successfully, you will need certain practical skills. Organisational skills are very important for HSOs. You will have multiple tasks to perform each day, so it is important you can manage them.

Having a natural sense of authority is also important for a career in health and safety. You are in charge of other people’s well-being, and therefore you must ensure they carry out their duties safely. If they don’t it will be your responsibility to ensure they change their behaviour before someone is injured, which is very common on construction sites.

Finally, there are times when fast and precise decisions are needed to ensure the safety of other people. This is also your responsibility and it’s one of the most common health and safety officer requirements. In an emergency, others will turn to you to know how to react so that safety is prioritised.

Get Your National Examination Board for Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) Diploma

NEBOSH offers a huge range of health and safety diplomas. It is a widely recognised body and is considered a leading expert in workplace and environmental safety.

You can choose from an award, a certificate, a diploma, and even master’s degree courses. From workplace safety to environmental management, there is an excellent range of topics to study and master before beginning a career as a health and safety officer.

NEBOSH qualifications train you to the standard of an already working health and safety officer. By receiving this kind of training, you will make more informed choices and be ready for whatever the job may throw at you. These courses are very valuable for those considering a career in health and safety on construction sites.

These qualifications are also well recognised the world over. This means you are more employable across a wider range of countries. Because of this, you can pursue a much greater range of opportunities throughout your career.

Now You Know How to Become a Health and Safety Officer in Ireland

Health and safety jobs in Ireland are more necessary now than ever. HSOs do important work every day that ultimately keeps people alive.

The training required to become a health and safety officer in Ireland is intensive. However, it is also worth it to pursue this vital career. You will learn excellent skills that you can use in your everyday life as well as your employment.

One area of employment that always requires health and safety officers is the world of construction. For health and safety jobs in construction, have a look at this page. If you need to ask any questions, one of the friendly team is readily available.

BACK
  • SHARE
Image 1 Blog
A Guide to Finding Quantity Surveyor Jobs in London
21 Jul 2023
TOP 10 SKILLS 1 Blog
Top 10 Skills That Construction Recruiters Look for in Candidates in 2023
24 May 2023
Site Engineer Job Interview Blog
Site Engineer Jobs: 7 Ways to Make an Impression During the Interview
28 Apr 2023