Public perception on health and safety training needs to be improved

Public perception on health and safety training needs to be improved – In a time where the recognition of the health and safety profession is increasing, the growing number of people that want to pursue a job in this industry is encouraging. But they must not be fooled; working in a health and safety environment requires continuing training and education and is a job that hardly ever stops.

Since the start of this year, thousands of vacancies in the South African health and safety industry have appeared on the internet. As the economy is slowly picking up again and the government is issuing new and stricter rules, demanding that certain industries employ more and better trained health and safety officials, the demand for trained officials is significant.

This trend hasn't gone unnoticed by the public. While currently 15 million people are employed, several other million are sitting at home, contemplating their future. The Health and Safety Certificate course Makrosafe recently introduce does offer them a life-line. But, like any other course, it is only a start. To succeed in the health and safety profession, those employed in the industry will need to be updated regularly and will require additional training from time to time.

This is evident from some important vacancies that one can find on the web. A quick scan tell us that previous experience is vital. Some companies are happy with only a few months, but others will expect applicants to have experience that stretches over several years. The level of education also varies, ranging from only a certificate to degree. But it is interesting to note that almost all important vacancies advertised refer to a need for awareness regarding certain recent legislation, social development or industry standards.

Health and safety revolves around 'people'. Being employed in this industry is to some a calling, to others it will be merely a job. But regardless the reason why people go out every day to make a difference in employees' lives, they will be expected to be up to date with the latest developments, trends and standards.

As new technology is entering the workplace and international developments affect society, health and safety officials continuously have to be aware of possible risks and threats that can affect the workforce of their companies. Some might be obvious, but others will be more complicated or difficult to implement.

Leaving it up to a change in legislation or the company's management to be pushed to apply for additional training is something that can backfire seriously. By the time you have finally acquired all information, you might have been overtaken by younger and more ambitious colleagues, or simply those that do recognise the need and the importance of remaining up to date.

A proactive approach towards acquiring training and information can also have a positive impact on a company's operation or financial results. Legislation hardly ever dictates what needs to be done or how things will have to be implemented. It normally describes the situation or outcomes it wants to achieve. As participating in training will bring you in touch will colleagues en like-minded people from various other industries, this will open up debate and can generate inspiration to become compliant without making much effort or financial impact.

While most companies prefer to look at the figures that describe the financial bottom line, it are humans and human life that are the key element for health and safety. Excelling in making a change is, therefore, something that is not limited to working hours only but requires dedication and an ambition to continuously improve. Having your feelers out is important, but participating in additional training, is definitely required.