Qualification Structure

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management is conducted on a Pass/Fail basis. Learner work is internally assessed and verified by the approved centre, with external quality assurance provided by OTHM-appointed External Quality Assurers to ensure compliance with OTHM quality standards.

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

Core Study Units

Unit 1. Health and Safety Management Practice

• Understand what contributes to an
  effective health and safety culture
  and climate in an organisation.
• Understand reasons for the
  effective management of health
  and safety.
• Be able to review organisational
  structures and practices relating
  to health and safety.

Unit 2. Effectiveness of Health and Safety Management Systems

• Understand the relationship
  between traditional and proactive
  safety management models.
• Be able to evaluate the influence
  on an organisation’s safety
  direction from internal and
  external factors.
• Understand what contributes to
  being able to present a plan which
  promotes a health and safety
  strategy for the organisation.

Unit 3. Factors Affecting Risk and Strategic Risk Intervention

• Understand the principles of
  implementing and maintaining a
  sensible risk management
  programme.
• Be able to assess health and
  safety risks within the
  organisation.
• Understand how to develop risk
  control measures.

Unit 4. Strategic Commitment to Health and Well-Being

• Be able to evaluate the strategy
  and policy for a business to
  develop commitment to an
  integrated health, well-being and
  safety strategy..
• Be able to champion plans and
  engage all levels of the business so
  that the strategy is actioned,
  monitored, and evaluated.
• Understand the range of
  occupational health and well-being
  challenges that effect the safety
  and welfare of the employees, the
  reputation and standing of the
  business and the relative threats.

Unit 5. Sustainability and Ethics in Health and Safety Practice

• Ensure the business reflects in all
  its undertakings a strategy and
  implementation plan for
  sustainability alongside its core
  health and safety objectives.
• Be able to demonstrate
  improvements in behaviours at all
  levels of the business and all
  working relationships as a result of
  developing and implementing
  improved business sustainability
  and ethical practices.
• Understand the scope for ethical
  business practices on the part of
  the health and safety professional
  and the scope for developing
  engagement and commitment to
  ethical behaviours and measures.

Unit 6. Advanced Research Methods

• Be able to develop research
  approaches.
• Be able to critically review
  literature relevant to a Health and
  Safety topic.
• UBe able to design research
  methodologies.
• Be able to plan and prepare a
  research project.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management is designed for professionals who are responsible for developing, implementing, and managing occupational health and safety systems within organisations. It is suitable for individuals seeking to strengthen their expertise in strategic health and safety management, risk control, legal compliance, and workplace safety leadership across a wide range of industries.

This qualification is ideal for:

• Occupational health and safety managers
• Health and safety officers and advisers
• Risk management professionals
• Compliance and governance managers
• Operations and production managers
• Facilities and maintenance managers
• Construction and engineering professionals
• Environmental, health, and safety (EHS) practitioners
• Safety consultants and auditors
• Supervisors and team leaders with health and safety responsibilities
• Professionals seeking senior health and safety management roles
• Individuals aiming to gain an internationally recognised occupational health and safety qualification

Career Opportunities

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management prepares learners for senior and strategic roles in occupational health and safety across a wide range of industries. The qualification develops advanced expertise in risk management, legal compliance, safety leadership, and organisational governance, enabling graduates to improve workplace safety, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead health and safety initiatives in both national and international organisations. It is highly valued in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, engineering, oil and gas, healthcare, logistics, utilities, government, and consultancy.

Future Progression

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management provides learners with a strong foundation for career advancement into senior leadership and strategic health and safety management roles. The qualification is recognised internationally and supports progression across industries such as construction, manufacturing, engineering, oil and gas, healthcare, logistics, energy, and public sector organisations, where advanced occupational health and safety expertise is highly valued.

Academically, learners may progress to relevant postgraduate qualifications, including a Master's degree (subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution), or pursue specialist professional development programmes in occupational health and safety, risk management, environmental management, compliance, and corporate governance. The Level 7 qualification also supports lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD).

Professionally, this diploma enhances opportunities to progress into roles such as Occupational Health and Safety Manager, Health and Safety Director, Risk Manager, EHS Manager, Compliance Manager, Safety Consultant, and Corporate Health and Safety Adviser. The advanced knowledge and leadership skills gained through this qualification enable learners to lead organisational safety strategies, improve regulatory compliance, and contribute to creating safer and more resilient workplaces across the UK and internationally.