What is a Work Health and Safety (WHS) Manager?
Summary
Work Health and Safety (WHS) Managers play an important role when it comes to endorsing and managing workplace health and safety. They are responsible for ensuring that businesses comply with Occupational Health and Safety regulations by working to prevent workplace injuries, both physically and mentally.
A WHS Manager is tasked with developing, implementing, and maintaining health and safety policies. They are also required to conduct risk assessments and provide staff with training opportunities when deemed necessary. In Australia, there is a high demand for WHS managers across many workplaces, particularly those who operate in the construction, manufacturing, mining, and healthcare industries.
Key Responsibilities of a Work Health and Safety (WHS) Manager
The main job functions of a Work Health and Safety (WHS) Manager depends on the type of industry they work in, but their core responsibilities traditionally include:
- Conducting regular risk assessment, inspections, and site audits and to ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.
- Developing, updating, and implementing safety and compliance policies and procedures.
- Overseeing the implementation of emergency response plans and evacuation procedures.
- 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.
- Liaising with government agencies, lawyers, and insurers to report on safety.
How to Get a Job as a Work Health and Safety (WHS) Manager in Australia
- Certifications: To become Work Health and Safety (WHS) Manager, you are required to obtain a diploma or degree in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). Harnessing further education in workplace or environmental health is also highly beneficial.
- Learn the Key Skills: Previous experience in a health and safety related position is highly valued by employers looking to hire a WHS Manager. Most WHS Managers will start in an entry-level safety role, such a Site Coordinator or Safety and Compliance Officer. Having a clear understanding of Australia’s health and safety laws, employment laws and FairWork policies is essential to succeeding in this role.
- Industry Experience: Depending on the sector, obtaining skills and knowledge of specific health and safety needs in construction, mining or manufacturing is highly advantageous. Further to this, The Australian Institute of Health & Safety (AIHS) offers opportunities for networking and career development.
- Showcase your Soft Skills: WHS Managers should be great at communicating to others and demonstrate a high attention to detail.
- Search for Jobs: Reach out to staffing and employment agencies that specialise in filling industrial roles and management positions.
- 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 WHS Manager in Australia?
At least a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety is typically required to become a WHS Manager. For senior roles or management positions, a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is preferable in most industries, along with relevant industry experience
What industries often hire WHS Managers?
WHS Managers are in demand across various blue-collar and white-collar industries, such as manufacturing, construction, logistics, mining, and corporate services.
What is the average salary of a WHS Manager in Australia?
The average annual income for a full-time WHS Manager in Australia can be upwards of $130,000, however this is dependent on the candidate’s experience, skillset, industry, and job location.
What skills does an employer look for when hiring a WHS Manager?
A successful WHS Manager often acquires various soft and hard skills, which includes problem solving skills, high attention to detail, proficiency using record keeping software, and effective communication skills.
*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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