Many people intend to build a career as a safety and health officer (SHO). They have the responsibility to prevent any possible injuries or fatal mishaps at work. But just what exactly does that entail?
Safety and health officers are to carry out tasks given by the company, government agencies, or institutions to ensure the safety of the working environment. They are the people who plan, monitor, and analyze safety compliance according to the government’s standards as enforced by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).
This also means that those in the position will be representatives of their respective companies or organizations as they deal with the DOSH authorities for any matter including inspections, audits, or any other areas within the jurisdiction of DOSH.
In addition, in any scenario involving fatal accidents, they are to assist the DOSH’s investigations, thus improving safety and health standards in the workplace.
Occupational Health and Safety in the Maritime Industry
Safety and health officers are necessary in various sectors and industries. One such industry is the maritime industry. Employees in the maritime industry are usually included among those who are at an unusually high risk. They must deal with complex environmental, health, and safety problems on a daily basis. Hazards in such industries include machinery hazards, fire hazards, and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Many maritime industry employees are therefore exposed to some of the most hazardous working conditions imaginable, especially in relation to manufacturing processes and complex heavy machinery. On top of that, their work often requires them to conduct outdoor activities in all sorts of weather conditions as well as in enclosed spaces, aboard boats, and on crowded decks. This is where Occupational Safety and Health Administration comes in. They will act to eliminate maritime-related hazards by using solutions, plans, and implementation of controls to keep workers safe.
Although it may primarily be Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s duty to ensure safety, it is not their burden alone. This is because shipyards are multi-employee environments including shipyard workers, ship crews, and contractors, among others. Therefore, employees and employers alike are also responsible for upholding proper safety standards in order to mitigate safety hazards as much as possible.
Take a Step Towards an Occupational Safety and Health Career at Ranaco
Are you passionate about protecting workers’ lives at the workplace? If so, Ranaco Education & Training Institute provides just the course for you; the Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health! We produce competent graduates in industrial safety and health who have completed three years of studies (eight semesters including industrial training).
Our program is certified by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). To meet our entry requirements, you’ll need to have completed your Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia Vocational (SPMV) with a minimum grade of C in at least three subjects including Mathematics and one Science subject. If you’ve done that, we’d be glad to have you here with us!
