Qualification Structure

The OAL Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 335 hours, 174 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), and 34 total qualification credits.

Assessment for the OAL Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is assignment-based. Learner work is assessed in accordance with OAL assessment and quality assurance requirements to ensure that learners demonstrate the required knowledge, understanding and application of occupational health and safety principles.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all seven mandatory units.

Core Study Units

Unit 1: Manage own actions to reduce risks to health and safety

On successful completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Identify hazards and evaluate risks in the workplace.
• Reduce risks to health and safety in the workplace.
• Explain how to reduce risks to health and safety in the workplace.

Unit 2: Developing procedures to safely control work operations

On successful completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Develop procedures for maintaining a healthy and safe workplace.
• Review the effectiveness of health and safety procedures in the workplace.
• Communicate health and safety procedures to others in the workplace.
• Explain the legal responsibilities relating to health and safety.

Unit 3: Monitor procedures to safely control work operations

On successful completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Understand the legal responsibilities for health and safety.
• Check that health and safety instructions are followed.
• Recommend changes to health and safety workplace instructions.
• Ensure that hazards and risks are controlled safely and effectively.

Unit 4: Promote a positive health and safety culture

On successful completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Develop plans to promote a positive health and safety culture in the workplace.
• Implement plans to promote a positive health and safety culture.
• Review the effectiveness of activities designed to promote a positive health and safety culture.

Unit 5: Conduct a health and safety risk assessment of a workplace

On successful completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Understand the legal requirements relating to workplace health and safety risk assessments.
• Identify hazards and risks in the workplace.
• Prepare for a health and safety risk assessment.
• Conduct a health and safety risk assessment of the workplace.
• Review and update workplace risk assessments.

Unit 6: Investigate and evaluate health and safety incidents and complaints at work

On successful completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Understand the requirements for investigating health and safety incidents and complaints.
• Prepare for the investigation of health and safety incidents and complaints.
• Investigate health and safety incidents and complaints in the workplace.
• Evaluate investigation findings and recommend appropriate actions.

Unit 7: Supervise the health, safety and welfare of a learner in the workplace

On successful completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Understand the responsibilities for supervising and monitoring the health, safety and welfare of a learner in the workplace.
• Monitor the learner's understanding and compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Provide information, advice and support relating to safe working practices.
• Identify and address additional health and safety training needs.
• Review and update arrangements for supervising the learner.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The OAL Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is designed for learners who have, or are developing, responsibility for occupational health and safety within a workplace. The qualification is relevant across different industries and focuses on applying health and safety good practice in real workplace settings.

This qualification is particularly suitable for:

• Workplace Health and Safety Personnel: Learners who have responsibilities for supporting, implementing or monitoring occupational health and safety arrangements within an organisation.
• Supervisors and Team Leaders: Individuals who need to manage workplace risks, monitor safe working procedures and promote positive health and safety practices.
• Managers with Health and Safety Responsibilities: Managers whose roles include controlling work operations, conducting risk assessments or maintaining workplace health and safety standards.
• Learners Developing a Career in Occupational Health and Safety: Individuals looking to develop structured knowledge and practical competence in occupational health and safety.
• Existing Workplace Employees: Employees who already work in an occupational health and safety environment and want to formalise their knowledge and workplace competence.
• International Learners: Learners outside the UK who want a regulated UK occupational health and safety qualification. The qualification is regulated by Ofqual and offered in England; learners should check how UK qualifications are recognised in their own country where local recognition is required.

The qualification is especially relevant to learners whose workplace responsibilities involve risk assessment, health and safety procedures, incident investigation, workplace supervision and developing a positive health and safety culture. OAL states that learners must be working in occupational health and safety to achieve the qualification, as workplace opportunity is required for successful completion.

Career Opportunities

The OAL Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety provides learners with a structured foundation in occupational health and safety principles, workplace risk management and safe working practices. The qualification develops knowledge and practical understanding of workplace hazards, risk assessment, health and safety procedures, incident investigation, workplace supervision and the promotion of a positive health and safety culture.

Future Progression

The OAL Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety provides learners with a foundation for developing occupational health and safety knowledge and progressing towards workplace safety responsibilities. The qualification covers areas including risk assessment, health and safety procedures, incident investigation, workplace monitoring, supervision, and the promotion of a positive health and safety culture.

Academically, learners may progress to higher-level qualifications in occupational health and safety, workplace safety, risk management, or related disciplines, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification can also support further learning in areas such as occupational safety, environmental health and safety, workplace risk management, and compliance.

Professionally, this qualification can support progression towards roles such as Health and Safety Assistant, Health and Safety Coordinator, Occupational Health and Safety Officer, Safety Supervisor, Workplace Safety Coordinator, Risk Assessment Assistant, and Safety Compliance Assistant, depending on the learner’s experience, workplace responsibilities and employer requirements. The knowledge developed through the qualification provides a foundation for identifying workplace hazards, assessing and controlling risks, monitoring safety procedures, investigating incidents, and supporting effective health and safety practices.