What is a Compliance and Safety Officer?

Summary

The primary functions of a Compliance and Safety Officer is to verify that the business or businesses are adhering to all the legal requirements, industry standards and internal policies that are in place to maintain a safe working environment employees and staff who may be put in a hazardous situation. Establishing a safe and compliant workplace is especially important in high-risk occupations and industries which includes construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and human resources. Compliance and Safety Officers can oversee the mitigation of both physical risk and confidential risks. They are required to conduct regular business audits, report to government bodies, and provide training and development to employees who are placed in high-risk environments.

Key Responsibilities of a Compliance and Safety Officer

The main job functions of a Compliance and Safety Officer can depend on the type of industry they work in and the services required by the organisation they work for. Key job functions include:

Conducting regular site inspections and audits and to ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.
Developing, updating, and implementing safety and compliance policies and procedures.
Undergoing risk assessments to identify and resolve and potential hazards that could cause physical or psychological harm.
Educating and training employees to make sure they understand compliance requirements, safety procedures, and emergency protocols.
Investigating workplace accidents to determine the cause and writing up reports for legal proceedings if necessary.

How to Get a Job as a Compliance and Safety Officer in Australia

Certifications: To become a Compliance and Safety Officer, you are often required to obtain a diploma or certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). Some positions may also require further education such as a degree in health and safety or engineering.
Learn Key Skills: Having a clear understanding of Australia’s health and safety laws, employment laws and FairWork policies is essential to succeeding in this role. These skills can be learned by obtaining a qualification or using online resources.
Showcase your Soft Skills: Safety and Compliance Officers should be great at communicating to others and demonstrate a high attention to detail.
Search for Jobs: Consider reaching out to staffing and employment agencies that specialise in filling business support roles.
Prepare a Strong Resume: Tailor your resume to the specific role you’re applying for.

5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What qualifications do I need to become a Compliance and Safety Officer?

To become a Compliance and Safety Officer, you are often required to obtain a diploma or certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). Some positions may also require further education such as a degree in health and safety or engineering.

What industries or businesses will hire Compliance and Safety Officers in Australia?

Compliance and Safety Officers work across blue-collar and white-collar industries, including manufacturing, construction, government agencies, logistics, healthcare, education, and professional services.

What kinds of skills does a business look for when they hire a Compliance and Safety Officer?

Highly valuable skills for a Compliance and Safety Officer to acquire includes: analytical skills, attention to detail, proficiency using record keeping software and communication skills.

What is the average income for a Compliance and Safety Officer in Australia?

The average annual full-time salary for a Compliance and Safety Officer ranges between $70,000 to $85,000.

*This is to be used as a guide only and is not a representation of the roles we currently have available.

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