The Perfect OHS Professional

Note I do not routinely refer to people who work in OHS as professionals because being a

professional implies application of a unique body of knowledge. As previously discussed I do not

believe that a unique body of knowledge yet exists in the safety side of OHS in Australia.

Skills of the perfect OHS professional

Number 1-Interpersonal skills-Techniques such as reflective listening and appropriate self-disclosure

can make a real difference. If you cannot get on well with people your technical OHS skills will go to

waste.

Number 1-Communications skills-The biggest and commonest mistake is written communications

that rave on to many pages, succinct written communications is the way to go. Not much use having a

great message if you cannot get it across.

Number 1-Leadership-Some people say leaders are born, not made, I do not know about this but do

know learning programs can enhance leadership abilities. The number 1 job of a leader is to transmit

and embed high value standards. In modern business shared leadership is of more relevance than

individual leadership.

Number 2-A commitment to a continuous improvement philosophy and ability to implement Quality

Management.

Number 2-Change management-OHS management is all about change management and generic skills

can be learnt.

Number 2-OHS technical skills-Tertiary training is important but practical experience and critical

reflection on practice is vital.

Number2-Auditing-Well developed auditing questions are the important first step.

Number 2-Project management-OHS lends itself very well to a project management approach for

major change.

Number 2-Learning-Avoid the lecture, use Adult Learning Principles & Process and promote

interactive approaches and avoid Death by Power-Point

Number 2-Team-building skills-These essential skills can be learnt

Number 2-Time management skills-Relatively easy to learn this

Number 2-Sharing-People support what they create Not involving the workforce in decisions about

OHS change is the road to disaster.

Number 2-Well developed bull-dust detector

OHS Technical skills

Auditing

Facilitating learning

Interpretation of legislation

Safety leadership

Personal damage occurrence investigation

Undertaking safety research

Development and implementation of Safety Management Systems

Development and implementation of Safety Management Plans

Management of workers compensation and rehabilitation

Risk management

Industrial hygiene sampling

Managing safety responsibilities and accountabilities

Measurement, recording and reporting

Fire safety

Using job safety analysis to develop safe working procedures

Management of safety committees and health & safety reps.

Safety inspections

Contractor safety management

Provide advice and training on personal protective equipment

Some people see first-aid as part of the role, stuffed if I see it as relevant