The OAL Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is a nationally recognized qualification designed to equip learners with a comprehensive understanding of health and safety practices in the workplace. It provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective control measures in accordance with UK health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act. This qualification is ideal for individuals working in supervisory roles, team leaders, health and safety representatives, or those aspiring to begin or progress in a career within the occupational health and safety field.
Throughout the course, learners will explore key areas such as legal compliance, risk assessment, accident investigation, fire safety, manual handling, emergency preparedness, and the promotion of a positive health and safety culture. The qualification is highly relevant to a broad range of sectors including construction, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, education, and healthcare. It not only enhances professional competence but also enables individuals to contribute meaningfully to the development of safe working environments within their organizations.
The course is structured to support both theoretical understanding and practical application, helping learners develop confidence in managing safety-related responsibilities. It also prepares them to effectively communicate safety procedures, monitor compliance, and maintain accurate safety records. By completing this qualification, learners position themselves for further progression to higher-level OHS qualifications (such as Level 4 or Level 5 diplomas), and may become eligible for technician-level memberships with professional bodies such as IOSH (subject to meeting additional requirements).
Awarded by Occupational Awards Limited (OAL), a leading UK awarding organization regulated by Ofqual, this certificate assures employers and industry regulators of the learner’s competency in health and safety operations. It serves as a valuable stepping stone for anyone looking to formalize their experience or launch a career in occupational health and safety.
Inspire College of Technologies (ICTQual) UK is Directly Approved Training Centre of Occupational Awards Limited (OAL)
The OAL Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is a structured and industry-relevant qualification designed to provide learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to manage workplace health and safety effectively. This course is ideal for individuals who are either currently working in or preparing to take on health and safety responsibilities within their organization. It is especially suitable for supervisors, team leaders, safety representatives, or those aiming to start a career in occupational health and safety.
This qualification introduces learners to the legal framework underpinning occupational health and safety in the UK, including key responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act and other relevant regulations. It covers a wide range of fundamental topics such as risk assessment, hazard identification, accident investigation, fire safety, manual handling, emergency procedures, and the promotion of a positive safety culture.
Delivered through engaging and practical learning sessions, the course emphasizes real-world application to ensure learners can confidently carry out risk assessments, implement control measures, and support the overall safety performance of their workplace. Learners will also develop the communication and reporting skills necessary for effective safety management.
Upon successful completion, learners will gain a nationally recognized qualification awarded by Occupational Awards Limited (OAL)—an Ofqual-regulated awarding body. The certificate not only strengthens employment opportunities across various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, healthcare, and education, but also offers a pathway to advanced study in occupational health and safety at Levels 4 and 5. It may also support membership applications with professional bodies such as IOSH (subject to their criteria).
The OAL Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is a valuable investment for individuals and employers committed to fostering a safe and compliant working environment.
The OAL Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety qualification consists of 7 mandatory units of 34 credits , 335 Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 174 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
Mandatory Units
| Sr# | Unit Title | Level | Credit | GLH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manage own actions to reduce risks to health and safety | 3 | 5 | 15 |
| 2 | Developing procedures to safely control work operations | 3 | 5 | 26 |
| 3 | Monitor procedures to safely control work operations | 3 | 5 | 35 |
| 4 | Promote a positive health and safety culture | 3 | 4 | 18 |
| 5 | Conduct a health and safety risk assessment of a workplace | 3 | 6 | 32 |
| 6 | Investigate and evaluate health and safety incidents and complaints at work | 3 | 5 | 32 |
| 7 | Supervise the health, safety and welfare of a learner in the workplace | 3 | 4 | 22 |
The OAL Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is designed for individuals who have a responsibility for ensuring workplace health, safety, and welfare, or those preparing to take on such responsibilities. It is ideal for people working across a variety of sectors—including construction, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, healthcare, engineering, education, and more.
This qualification is particularly suited for:
- Supervisors, team leaders, and line managers who are required to oversee the safety of others.
- Health and Safety representatives or coordinators looking to formalize and advance their knowledge.
- Employees with delegated health and safety responsibilities within their department or team.
- Newly appointed safety officers or advisors beginning their professional development in OHS.
- Apprentices, interns, or learners working under supervision in regulated or high-risk environments.
- Individuals seeking a career in health and safety, or wishing to progress to higher-level qualifications (e.g., Level 4 or Level 5 Diplomas).
Whether you are entering the field or currently working in a safety-related role, this course provides the essential skills, legal understanding, and confidence to contribute effectively to a safe working environment.
Learning outcomes for OAL Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
1. Manage Own Actions to Reduce Risks to Health and Safety
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand personal responsibilities under health and safety legislation.
- Identify hazards and assess risks in the working environment.
- Demonstrate safe working practices to minimize risk to self and others.
- Follow workplace procedures and use appropriate PPE correctly.
- Report incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions in line with organizational policies.
2. Developing Procedures to Safely Control Work Operations
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the importance of procedures in maintaining health and safety.
- Identify legal and organizational requirements for developing safe systems of work.
- Develop clear, practical procedures to control specific work operations.
- Consult relevant personnel during the development of procedures.
- Ensure procedures are communicated effectively and reviewed regularly.
3. Monitor Procedures to Safely Control Work Operations
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the purpose of monitoring health and safety procedures.
- Use appropriate methods to monitor compliance with procedures.
- Identify and address non-compliance and unsafe practices.
- Maintain accurate records of health and safety monitoring activities.
- Recommend improvements to existing procedures based on monitoring results.
4. Promote a Positive Health and Safety Culture
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the characteristics of a positive health and safety culture.
- Identify the benefits of employee involvement in safety practices.
- Apply strategies to encourage safe behavior and discourage risk-taking.
- Communicate health and safety expectations clearly and positively.
- Lead by example to influence others in adopting safe working practices.
5. Conduct a Health and Safety Risk Assessment of a Workplace
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the legal requirements for risk assessment.
- Identify hazards and those who may be affected.
- Evaluate the level of risk and determine appropriate control measures.
- Record findings in a structured risk assessment format.
- Review and revise risk assessments in response to changes or incidents.
6. Investigate and Evaluate Health and Safety Incidents and Complaints at Work
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the importance of investigating health and safety incidents.
- Gather information using structured investigation methods (e.g., interviews, site inspections).
- Identify root causes and contributing factors of incidents and complaints.
- Produce clear, evidence-based investigation reports.
- Recommend corrective and preventive actions based on investigation findings.
7. Supervise the Health, Safety and Welfare of a Learner in the Workplace
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the responsibilities of supervisors toward learners and trainees.
- Identify potential risks specific to inexperienced workers.
- Provide effective health and safety induction and on-the-job training.
- Monitor the learner’s compliance with health and safety procedures.
- Support the learner’s development of safe working practices and awareness.
