Increased public interest in environmental and safety issues has accelerated the demand for occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals, thereby creating opportunities for individuals with varying levels of experience, highlights registered private learning institution Optimi College.

The college’s offering of foundational training in the fundamentals of health and safety enables women to enter different sectors, such as mining, with essential introductory knowledge in the field of OHS, challenging gender stereotypes and increasing female participation in traditionally male-dominated safety roles.

Optimi College highlights the significance of women in driving this imperative, particularly in contributing towards ensuring that workplace standards are more inclusive and ensuring the overall wellbeing of employees in the OHS field.

“Women have played instrumental roles in conducting research, designing and implementing safety protocols and effective preventative measures, and educating employees about potential risks in their respective industries,” says Optimi College MD Eloise Nolte.

She adds that the broad focus for the range of courses offered has been put in place to support gender inclusion by offering women the opportunity to learn more about safety standards.

These programmes focus on the core principles of health and safety management and are, according to the college, ideal for employees who have health and safety management responsibilities or for those who want to pursue a career in health and safety.

Optimi College offers two OHS programmes that are internationally recognised: the National Examination Board of Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) Environment Management Certificate, and the International General Certificate in OHS. Optimi College has been awarded NEBOSH Gold Partner status.

Short courses offered include the OHS Representative in the Workplace: Proficiency programme and the OHS Coordinator in the Workplace: Proficiency programme.

The college notes that their courses are relevant to professionals working in the mining sector if they are interested in gaining a solid understanding of the fundamentals of OHS. To obtain a sector-specific qualification, additional training that is focused on the relevant legislation governing it may be required.

The short learning programmes are aimed at skills development and equipping students with the knowledge required to perform the duties of OHS co-coordinators and representatives.

Nolte adds that Optimi College courses equip students with the necessary skills to effectively address health and safety issues in the workplace, which include risk mitigation, preventing serious injuries and gaining a better understanding of OHS regulations.

Other key focus areas include hazard identification and assessment, risk management, emergency preparedness and workplace incident investigation.

The college believes that having men and women in the field of health and safety creates a diverse outlook and allows for a dynamic approach to workplace hazards. It remains committed to providing students with the skills they need to succeed in OHS roles.

Although the courses focus on fundamental safety management knowledge, rather than industry-specific regulations, Nolte says the institution’s efforts in ensuring that it offers programmes such as NEBOSH courses, which open opportunities internationally to all interested parties, help guarantee greater gender participation, diversity and inclusion in the OHS field, and empowers learners from all walks of life.