Workplace Safety – Manufacturing and engineering

Course Overview 

The manufacturing and engineering module will build upon knowledge gained in the General work health and safety module and provide participants with a greater understanding and knowledge of hazards and issues in the manufacturing and engineering industry. The manufacturing and engineering industry includes a wide range of industry sectors - metal fabrication, metal manufacturing, aero skills, metal machining, transport equipment manufacturing, electrical equipment and appliance manufacturing, and industrial machinery and equipment manufacturing. Working in the manufacturing and engineering industry involves:

• constructing, assembling, installing, modifying, repairing and maintaining machines;
• assembling, making parts, equipment, machines, instruments and tools;
• designing machinery, parts, computer hardware and electronic circuits, using 3D graphics and drafting skills; and,
• managing clients and workers, overseeing quotas and information and leading projects.

Course Units 

• Mechanical equipment
• Welding
• Forklifts
• Hazardous substances
• Manual handling
• Slips, trips and falls
• Electrical safety
• Noise
• Related resources
• Contact options

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, a learner should:

• Evaluate workplace to determine the existence of occupational safety and health hazards
• Identify relevant regulatory and national consensus standards along with best practices that are applicable.
• Select appropriate control methodologies based on the hierarchy of controls
• Analyze injury and illness data for trends.

Course Objectives:

Learners will be able to recognize and evaluate occupational safety and health hazards in the workplace, and to determine appropriate hazard controls following the hierarchy of controls. Students will furthermore be able to analyze the effects of workplace exposures, injuries and illnesses, fatalities and the methods to prevent incidents using the hierarchy of controls, effective safety and health management systems and task-oriented training.

Career Opportunities:

Some of the job titles for people employed in this field include:

• Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Specialist
• Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Inspector
• Health and Safety Practitioner
• Occupational Health Practitioner/Nurse
• Industrial Hygienist
• Environmental Protection Officer
• Environmental Health and Safety Advisor
• Compliance Officer
• Wellness Specialist
• Chief Safety Officer
• Mine Examiner
• SHE Officer

To work in occupational health and safety, you will need:

• A relevant qualification and/or relevant training
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and industry practices
• Practical experience
• Good references

You will also need certain personal characteristics:

• Communication skills
• Negotiation skills
• Analytical thinking skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Willingness to take responsibility
• Good attention to detail
• Tactfulness