Introduction

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management is designed for professionals seeking to develop advanced knowledge of strategic safety leadership, organisational risk management and workplace health and safety performance. The qualification focuses on the management approaches required to identify complex hazards, evaluate operational risks and establish effective systems that protect employees, contractors and other people affected by workplace activities.

Throughout the course, Learners explore occupational health and safety strategy, risk assessment, safety management systems, incident investigation, legal compliance, emergency planning and performance evaluation. The programme also emphasises leadership, organisational culture, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement, enabling Learners to understand how health and safety objectives can be integrated into wider business operations and decision-making.

This qualification is suitable for experienced health and safety practitioners, HSE managers, safety advisors, operational managers and professionals responsible for managing workplace risks across industries such as construction, engineering, manufacturing, logistics and facilities management. It supports the development of analytical thinking, strategic planning and evidence-based decision-making for complex occupational health and safety challenges.

By strengthening professional competence in safety governance and risk control, the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management can support career development towards senior health and safety responsibilities, subject to relevant experience, employer expectations and applicable professional or regulatory requirements.

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management is suitable for Learners seeking advanced knowledge of strategic safety management and workplace risk control.

Age: Normally 21 years or above, subject to approved centre requirements.
Experience: Relevant experience in occupational health and safety, risk management or a related management role is recommended.
Language Proficiency: Good English reading, writing, speaking and comprehension skills are recommended.
Educational Background: A relevant Level 6 qualification or equivalent educational background is recommended.

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

Mandatory units

Health and Safety Management Practice
Effectiveness of Health and Safety Management Systems
Factors Affecting Risk and Strategic Risk Intervention
Strategic Commitment to Health and Well-Being
Sustainability and Ethics in Health and Safety Practice
Advanced Research Methods

Skills You Will Gain

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management helps Learners develop advanced skills in strategic safety leadership, organisational risk management and the continuous improvement of workplace health and safety performance.

Strategic Safety Leadership: Develop the ability to align health and safety objectives with organisational goals and operational priorities.
Advanced Risk Management: Evaluate complex workplace risks and recommend effective prevention and control strategies.
Safety Management Systems: Understand how to develop, implement, review and improve occupational health and safety management systems.
Legal Compliance Management: Evaluate organisational responsibilities under applicable health and safety legislation and regulatory requirements.
Safety Culture Development: Promote leadership accountability, workforce participation and positive safety behaviours.
Incident Investigation: Analyse accidents and near misses to identify root causes and recommend preventive actions.
Performance Measurement: Use safety indicators, audit findings and incident data to evaluate organisational performance.
Emergency and Crisis Planning: Develop knowledge of emergency preparedness, response coordination and business continuity considerations.
Safety Auditing: Evaluate workplace procedures, identify non-conformities and support corrective action planning.
Occupational Health Management: Recognise workplace health risks and develop strategies to protect employee wellbeing.
Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate safety priorities effectively with senior management, employees, contractors and external stakeholders.
Contractor Risk Control: Understand how to manage safety responsibilities and coordinate risk controls across contracted activities.
Strategic Decision-Making: Apply critical analysis and professional judgement to complex health and safety challenges.
Safety Policy Development: Contribute to policies, procedures and governance arrangements that support organisational safety objectives.

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management is designed for Learners seeking advanced knowledge of strategic safety management, organisational risk control and leadership in occupational health and safety.

Who Is This Course For

This course is particularly suitable for:

Health and Safety Managers: Professionals responsible for developing and monitoring organisational safety strategies.
HSE Managers: Individuals overseeing health, safety and environmental risk management activities.
Senior Safety Advisors: Experienced practitioners seeking to strengthen their strategic decision-making skills.
Occupational Health and Safety Officers: Professionals aiming to develop their management and leadership capabilities.
Risk Management Professionals: Individuals involved in identifying, evaluating and controlling complex workplace risks.
Construction Safety Professionals: Managers and practitioners responsible for safety across construction projects and sites.
Engineering and Manufacturing Managers: Professionals managing operational hazards, machinery risks and workplace safety procedures.
Compliance Professionals: Individuals responsible for monitoring safety requirements, audits and organisational policies.
Safety Consultants: Professionals providing guidance on risk control, safety management systems and performance improvement.
Operations Managers: Managers who need to integrate health and safety into operational planning and business decisions.
Safety Auditors: Professionals involved in reviewing safety systems, identifying non-conformities and recommending improvements.
Experienced Safety Practitioners: Individuals seeking to strengthen their knowledge of safety leadership and organisational governance.

Future Progression

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management can support Learners in developing the strategic, analytical and leadership skills needed for senior responsibilities in occupational health and safety. The knowledge gained is relevant to organisations seeking to improve safety governance, manage complex workplace risks and strengthen regulatory compliance.

Potential career opportunities include:

Occupational Health and Safety Manager: Lead safety policies, risk management activities and organisational improvement initiatives.
HSE Manager: Oversee health, safety and environmental management systems across operational activities.
Health and Safety Consultant: Advise organisations on risk control, safety procedures and management system improvements.
Senior Health and Safety Advisor: Provide specialist guidance on workplace hazards, compliance and preventive measures.
Risk Management Manager: Coordinate risk identification, evaluation and mitigation strategies.
Health and Safety Compliance Manager: Monitor compliance arrangements, review procedures and coordinate corrective actions.
Occupational Safety Auditor: Evaluate safety management systems, audit findings and opportunities for improvement, subject to relevant competence.
Construction Health and Safety Manager: Oversee safety planning and risk controls across construction projects.
Corporate Safety Manager: Coordinate safety standards, policies and performance monitoring across multiple departments or locations.
Safety and Risk Consultant: Support organisations in evaluating operational risks and improving preventive controls.
Health and Safety Training Manager: Coordinate workplace safety training and awareness programmes, subject to appropriate training competence.
Operational Risk Manager: Integrate safety considerations into operational planning, business processes and organisational decisions.

Curious About This Course?

Learners may pursue opportunities such as Occupational Health and Safety Manager, HSE Manager, Senior Health and Safety Advisor, Safety Consultant, Risk Management Manager or Health and Safety Compliance Manager. Eligibility depends on experience, competence and employer requirements.

Assessment follows the current qualification specification and approved centre procedures. Learners should confirm the required assessment methods, submission criteria and evidence requirements with their approved OTHM centre.

The diploma helps Learners strengthen their understanding of safety leadership, risk control, management systems, compliance monitoring and organisational performance improvement. These competencies can support professional development in health and safety management.

Strategic risk management helps organisations identify significant workplace hazards, prioritise preventive measures, allocate resources effectively and integrate health and safety into operational and business decisions.

The qualification develops knowledge of reviewing safety arrangements, monitoring compliance, evaluating performance and identifying areas for improvement. Specific auditing responsibilities may require additional practical competence or relevant experience.