Digital course upskills WHS workers

The number of people undertaking studies in the area of occupational and environmental health is likely to increase steadily over the next five years.

Figures from the Australian Government’s Job Outlook suggest that these numbers will increase from 25,000 in 2018 to 27,300 by 2023. Approximately 13,000 jobs are also expected to open within this time frame.

A digital diploma offered through TAFE NSW is enabling people to upskill and work within the WHS sector.

Sandy Meckiff, who graduated from the TAFE Digital Diploma of Work Health and Safety, now works as an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Consultant with Marsh Risk Consulting, Marsh & McLennan in Melbourne.

“Having worked in the retail pharmacy sector for 25 years, WHS was a far cry from my comfort zone, but I knew I needed to challenge myself, upskill and work in an industry sector which I am passionate about to get ahead,” Meckiff said.

“I decided to study the diploma online, as I was a stay-at-home mum with one child in kindergarten and another in early primary school and also worked evenings,” she said.

This course has enabled Meckiff to make a complete change in career direction.

“I would not have had the understanding, technical knowledge or legislative comprehension required to work in WHS if I had not completed the diploma,” she said.

As an OHS Consultant in the Risk Management team at Marsh & McLennan, Meckiff’s core business focus is to support the implementation of an OHS management system for a state government organisation.

“Each unit studied has had direct use and application in my current role,” she said.

“In particular consultation and communication with health and safety representatives in the workplace; hazard management related to chemicals, dangerous goods and hazardous substances; asbestos legislative requirements; incident investigation including risk management of the area; contractor and risk management.”

Image caption: Graduate Sandy Meckiff.