OAL Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management
The OAL Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management is a nationally recognised and Ofqual-regulated qualification designed for professionals responsible for developing, implementing, and managing health and safety strategies across organisations. Positioned at the equivalent academic level of a UK bachelor’s degree, this qualification equips learners with the advanced knowledge and leadership skills required to influence and lead health and safety performance in complex and high-risk environments.
Ideal for health and safety managers, advisors, and consultants, this diploma reflects current industry practices and regulatory frameworks, making it a vital qualification for those aiming to progress to senior roles or achieve Chartered Membership (CMIOSH) of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), subject to meeting IOSH’s membership criteria.
The OAL Level 6 Diploma is a competence-based qualification that enables learners to demonstrate their ability to identify, evaluate, and control workplace risks while promoting a strong safety culture. It combines strategic planning, operational leadership, and technical understanding to support organisational compliance and employee wellbeing.
Assessment is portfolio-based, allowing learners to showcase real-world performance through workplace evidence, reflective reports, written assignments, and professional discussions.
The qualification supports career advancement into roles such as Health and Safety Manager, Compliance Lead, HSE Consultant, or QHSE Director, and is recognised by employers and professional bodies both in the UK and internationally.
To enrol in the OAL Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management, learners must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum Age: Learners must be at least 19 years old at the time of registration. Registrations for learners under 19 cannot be accepted.
- Educational Background:
- Must hold a Level 3 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety (e.g., OAL Level 3 Diploma) or an equivalent recognised qualification.
- Relevant Work Experience:
- Must have sufficient practical experience in a health and safety role at an appropriate level of responsibility to meet the demands of a Level 6 qualification.
- English Language Proficiency:
- For learners whose first language is not English, a minimum of CEFR Level B2 (or equivalent) in reading, writing, listening, and speaking is recommended.
- Professional Affiliation (Recommended):
- It is recommended (but not mandatory) that learners are members of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). All membership grades qualify.
- Capacity and Opportunity to Achieve:
- Centres must ensure that learners have the potential, support, and access to appropriate workplace activities to enable them to gather the required evidence for assessment.
The OAL Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management qualification consists of 8 mandatory units of 52 credits , 510 Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 229 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
Mandatory Units
| Sr# | Unit Title | Level | GLH | TQT | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Develop the health and safety policy | 6 | 26 | 56 | 6 |
| 2 | Prepare to implement the health and safety policy | 6 | 26 | 56 | 6 |
| 3 | Manage work-based hazards through control measures | 6 | 26 | 59 | 6 |
| 4 | Manage emergency response procedures | 6 | 33 | 74 | 7 |
| 5 | Manage organisational health and safety competence and training | 6 | 40 | 90 | 9 |
| 6 | Manage proactive health and safety monitoring in the workplace | 6 | 26 | 56 | 9 |
| 7 | Manage reactive health and safety monitoring in the workplace | 6 | 26 | 59 | 6 |
| 8 | Review health and safety management systems | 6 | 26 | 60 | 6 |
Learning outcomes for OAL Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management
1. Develop the Health and Safety Policy
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyse the legal and organisational requirements for a health and safety policy.
- Develop a comprehensive health and safety policy aligned with organisational objectives.
- Define roles, responsibilities, and arrangements within the policy.
- Ensure stakeholder engagement and communication of the policy across the organisation.
2. Prepare to Implement the Health and Safety Policy
Learning Outcomes:
- Plan the resources and actions required for effective policy implementation.
- Identify and address barriers to implementation.
- Develop an action plan with defined roles, responsibilities, and timeframes.
- Establish communication strategies to support implementation.
3. Manage Work-Based Hazards Through Control Measures
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify and evaluate common workplace hazards across various environments.
- Apply appropriate risk assessment methodologies.
- Recommend and implement suitable control measures in line with the hierarchy of control.
- Monitor the effectiveness of implemented control measures and recommend improvements.
4. Manage Emergency Response Procedures
Learning Outcomes:
- Assess organisational requirements for emergency preparedness.
- Develop and document emergency response plans and procedures.
- Coordinate emergency drills and simulations to test response capability.
- Evaluate and revise emergency procedures based on outcomes and feedback.
5. Manage Organisational Health and Safety Competence and Training
Learning Outcomes:
- Assess organisational training needs in relation to health and safety.
- Develop a competence and training framework for all staff levels.
- Implement effective training programmes and maintain accurate records.
- Monitor training outcomes and update learning plans accordingly.
6. Manage Proactive Health and Safety Monitoring in the Workplace
Learning Outcomes:
- Design and implement proactive monitoring systems and techniques.
- Conduct routine inspections and audits to identify potential risks.
- Analyse monitoring data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Report findings and propose actions to enhance safety performance.
7. Manage Reactive Health and Safety Monitoring in the Workplace
Learning Outcomes:
- Respond effectively to health and safety incidents and near misses.
- Lead or support investigations into workplace incidents.
- Identify root causes and contributing factors of incidents.
- Implement corrective actions and update risk controls accordingly.
8. Review Health and Safety Management Systems
Learning Outcomes:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the current health and safety management system.
- Identify areas for continuous improvement using data, audits, and stakeholder feedback.
- Recommend and implement system improvements aligned with recognised standards (e.g., ISO 45001).
- Develop reporting mechanisms to inform strategic decision-making.
The OAL Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management is designed for experienced health and safety professionals who are responsible for managing workplace health and safety strategies, systems, and compliance at an organisational level. It is ideal for individuals seeking to formalise their experience, progress into senior leadership roles, or work towards Chartered status with professional bodies such as IOSH.
This course is particularly suitable for:
- Health and Safety Managers and Advisors looking to enhance their strategic and operational capabilities
- Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Professionals managing multi-site or high-risk operations
- Compliance Officers and Risk Managers involved in corporate governance and legal compliance
- Senior Supervisors and Operations Managers responsible for safety performance across departments
- Professionals preparing for progression to Chartered Membership (CMIOSH) or other advanced qualifications
- Consultants and Auditors who provide external health and safety support or services
This diploma is relevant across a wide range of sectors, including construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, logistics, education, and healthcare—wherever robust safety management is essential for business continuity and regulatory compliance.
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