Introduction

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is designed to develop Learners’ knowledge of workplace safety management, hazard control and organisational risk prevention. The qualification focuses on the principles and practices required to create safer working environments, improve health and safety performance, and support compliance with applicable occupational health and safety legislation and standards.

Throughout the course, Learners explore risk assessment, accident prevention, safety management systems, incident investigation, workplace inspections and the development of effective health and safety policies. The programme also highlights leadership responsibilities, employee consultation, emergency preparedness and the importance of monitoring safety performance. These areas help Learners understand how organisations can identify workplace hazards, evaluate risks and implement suitable control measures to protect employees, contractors, visitors and other affected individuals.

The qualification is suitable for aspiring health and safety managers, safety officers, supervisors, risk management professionals and individuals responsible for workplace health and safety. It encourages analytical thinking, professional judgement, communication and decision-making to support effective safety management across different industries.

By developing industry-relevant knowledge, the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety can help Learners prepare for responsibilities involving risk control, safety planning, compliance monitoring and continuous improvement. These competencies are applicable across construction, manufacturing, engineering, logistics and other sectors, subject to relevant experience, employer requirements and professional recognition criteria.

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is suitable for Learners who want to develop advanced knowledge of workplace risk management, safety procedures and occupational health and safety management. The following general entry guidelines can help prospective Learners assess their suitability for the qualification.

Age: Normally 18 years or above, subject to the applicable OTHM qualification requirements and approved centre procedures.
Experience: Relevant experience in occupational health and safety, risk assessment, construction, engineering, manufacturing or workplace supervision is beneficial.
Language Proficiency: Good English reading, writing, speaking and comprehension skills are recommended to understand technical materials, interpret safety requirements and complete assessments.
Educational Background: A relevant Level 5 qualification or equivalent educational background is recommended.

This qualification, the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, consists of 7 mandatory units.

Mandatory units

Health and Safety Management Principles and Policy
Health and Safety Management Practice
Risk and Incident Management
Promoting a Positive Health and Safety Culture
Maintaining a Safe Workplace Environment
Health and Safety Law, Regulation and Influence
Development of the Health and Safety Practitioner

Skills You Will Gain

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety helps Learners develop professional knowledge of workplace risk management, safety leadership, hazard control and organisational health and safety performance. The course focuses on applying systematic approaches to prevent workplace incidents, improve safety practices and support compliance with relevant legislation and recognised occupational health and safety standards.

Occupational Risk Assessment: Develop the ability to identify workplace hazards, evaluate risks and recommend appropriate control measures for different working environments.
Health and Safety Management Systems: Understand how structured management systems support safety planning, implementation, monitoring and continual improvement.
Hazard Identification and Control: Learn to recognise physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic and psychosocial hazards and understand suitable approaches to controlling exposure.
Safety Policy Development: Understand how to develop and review workplace health and safety policies that reflect organisational responsibilities and operational risks.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Develop awareness of applicable occupational health and safety legislation, regulatory obligations and recognised industry standards.
Incident Investigation: Learn how workplace accidents, near misses and unsafe occurrences can be investigated to identify underlying causes and prevent recurrence.
Workplace Inspection and Auditing: Understand how inspections and audits help evaluate safety arrangements, identify non-conformities and recommend corrective actions.
Emergency Preparedness: Develop knowledge of emergency planning, evacuation arrangements, response procedures and organisational preparedness.
Safety Leadership: Strengthen the ability to promote safe working practices, communicate expectations and encourage responsible behaviour across teams.
Employee Consultation and Participation: Understand how worker involvement, safety committees and effective communication can contribute to improved workplace safety.
Accident Prevention Strategies: Explore approaches to reducing incidents through risk controls, safe systems of work, training and effective supervision.
Safety Performance Monitoring: Learn to review incident statistics, inspection findings, audit results and performance indicators to evaluate safety effectiveness.
Contractor and Workplace Coordination: Understand how organisations can communicate safety requirements and coordinate risk controls for contractors and other workplace personnel.
Occupational Health Awareness: Recognise workplace factors that may affect employee health, including hazardous substances, noise, manual handling and work-related stress.
Training and Safety Communication: Develop knowledge of communicating safety information, supporting workforce awareness and promoting appropriate training practices.
Corrective and Preventive Actions: Learn how to address identified safety deficiencies, assign responsibilities and monitor the effectiveness of improvement measures.

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is designed for Learners who want to develop professional knowledge of workplace safety management, risk assessment, hazard control and organisational health and safety performance. It is suitable for individuals seeking to strengthen their ability to identify workplace risks, implement preventive measures, support legal compliance and contribute to safer working environments across different industries.

Who Is This Course For

This course is particularly suitable for:

This course may be particularly suitable for:
Aspiring Health and Safety Managers: Individuals aiming to develop the knowledge required to support or manage occupational health and safety activities within an organisation.
Health and Safety Officers: Professionals responsible for workplace inspections, hazard identification, risk assessments and the implementation of safety procedures.
HSE Professionals: Individuals working in health, safety and environment functions who want to strengthen their understanding of risk control and safety management systems.
Workplace Supervisors: Team leaders and supervisors who need to monitor safe working practices, communicate safety requirements and address unsafe conditions.
Risk Assessment Professionals: Individuals involved in identifying hazards, evaluating workplace risks and recommending suitable control measures.
Construction Professionals: Site supervisors, construction personnel and project team members who contribute to managing site hazards, work activities and contractor safety.
Engineering and Manufacturing Personnel: Professionals working with machinery, equipment, production processes and operational hazards who want to improve workplace safety practices.
Facilities and Operations Managers: Individuals responsible for maintaining safe premises, coordinating workplace activities and supporting emergency preparedness.
Compliance and Audit Personnel: Professionals who contribute to safety audits, compliance monitoring, inspections and corrective action planning.
Incident Investigation Personnel: Individuals involved in reviewing accidents, near misses and unsafe occurrences to identify causes and help prevent recurrence.
Contractor Management Professionals: Personnel responsible for communicating safety requirements, coordinating work activities and monitoring contractor compliance.
Human Resources Professionals: HR personnel who support workplace wellbeing, employee safety awareness, consultation and health and safety training arrangements.
Environmental and Operational Risk Professionals: Individuals whose responsibilities include identifying operational hazards and coordinating measures to reduce workplace risks.
Safety Coordinators and Team Leaders: Professionals who support the implementation of safety policies, toolbox talks, safe systems of work and workplace improvement initiatives.

Future Progression

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety can support Learners in developing their professional knowledge of workplace risk management, safety compliance, hazard prevention and organisational health and safety systems. The skills gained through the qualification may help Learners pursue relevant responsibilities across construction, engineering, manufacturing, logistics, facilities management and other industries where effective occupational health and safety practices are essential.

Occupational Health and Safety Manager: Support the development, implementation and review of organisational health and safety policies, procedures and improvement plans.
Health and Safety Officer: Conduct workplace inspections, assist with risk assessments, monitor safety procedures and report potential hazards.
Health and Safety Advisor: Provide guidance on workplace risk controls, safe systems of work, compliance responsibilities and accident prevention.
Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Coordinator: Coordinate safety activities, maintain documentation, support workforce communication and monitor operational risks.
Risk Assessment Specialist: Identify workplace hazards, evaluate risk levels and recommend proportionate control measures.
Safety Compliance Coordinator: Help organisations monitor compliance with applicable health and safety legislation, internal procedures and relevant standards.
Workplace Safety Auditor: Assist with safety audits, review documented arrangements, identify non-conformities and recommend corrective actions, subject to appropriate auditing competence.
Incident Investigation Coordinator: Support investigations into accidents, near misses and unsafe occurrences, helping identify underlying causes and preventive measures.
Construction Safety Coordinator: Help monitor construction site hazards, contractor activities, work permits and safe working arrangements.
Manufacturing Safety Coordinator: Support the control of machinery-related risks, hazardous substances, manual handling activities and production-related safety concerns.
Facilities Health and Safety Coordinator: Help maintain safe buildings, workplace equipment, emergency arrangements and contractor activities.
Safety Training and Awareness Coordinator: Support the delivery and coordination of workplace safety briefings and awareness activities, subject to appropriate training competence.
Operational Risk Coordinator: Work with operational teams to identify hazards, review control measures and improve risk management procedures.
Health and Safety Policy Coordinator: Assist in developing, reviewing and communicating safety policies, procedures and organisational guidance.

Curious About This Course?

Learners may explore roles such as Health and Safety Officer, HSE Coordinator, Health and Safety Advisor, Occupational Health and Safety Manager, Risk Assessment Specialist, Safety Compliance Coordinator and Construction Safety Coordinator. Career opportunities depend on relevant experience, practical competence and employer requirements.

Assessment follows the applicable OTHM qualification specification and approved centre procedures. Depending on the requirements, Learners may complete written assignments, case studies, reports, knowledge-based tasks or other assessment activities. Learners should confirm the current assessment methods with their approved OTHM centre.

Learners develop knowledge of hazard identification, risk assessment, incident investigation, workplace inspections, safety audits, emergency preparedness, safety leadership and performance monitoring. These competencies can support the implementation and improvement of workplace health and safety arrangements.

Occupational health and safety knowledge is relevant to construction, engineering, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, facilities management, energy and other sectors where workplace hazards must be controlled. The relevance of the qualification to a particular position depends on the industry and job requirements.

The qualification develops relevant knowledge of workplace incident prevention and investigation. Learners explore how incidents and near misses can be reviewed to identify underlying causes, evaluate existing controls and recommend actions to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.