SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Safety Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118634  Advanced Diploma in Safety Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 137/22  2022-02-03  2025-02-03 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-02-03   2029-02-03  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Safety Management is to provide a formal qualification for learners who are interested in pursuing a specialised career in safety management and related aspects by connecting knowledge and skills related to advanced risk and incident management. The qualification integrates knowledge and practical application by utilising simulated work environment examples. This ensures that learners can apply the concepts of toxicology, manufacturing and process safety and advanced safety auditing at a practical level in preparation for possible postgraduate study in the field of safety management. Learners will be knowledgeable in the main theories relating to construction and mining safety, emergency planning and safety systems to ensure that they can apply this knowledge in an ethical manner that takes human behaviour into account. This qualification also integrates the principles of entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship as an approach to safety project management.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the nature, purpose, procedure, requirements and practices of safety risk management principles.
  • Apply advanced skills and knowledge to successfully analyse new and existing measures to conduct effective incident analysis.
  • Assess toxicological risks in an organisation by applying comprehensive and in-depth knowledge and understanding of toxicological classifications, principles, and the natural laws of toxicology.
  • Evaluate and apply integrated knowledge of safety management regulation and compliance in the construction and mining industries.
  • Apply integrated knowledge of the field of safety management in a business environment to analyse, evaluate and propose appropriate and effective integrated safety management systems with specific reference to manufacturing and process safety management, techniques, and design.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of safety auditing principles guidelines and frameworks to interpret and implement safety, health, and environmental audit.
  • Compile and implement disaster prevention-, emergency preparedness-, and recovery plans in a sustainable manner that ensures the continued health and safety of employees and the community.
  • Apply integrated knowledge of the role that ethics play related to all forms and contexts of human behaviour in business operation and implement ethics in the safety management environment.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the entrepreneurial approach to safety project management with a view of enhancing the integration of scientific and management principles in safety project management and improving skills in an intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial environment.
  • Analyse and apply the concepts associated with advanced safety systems with the view of implementing a safety system programme focusing on safety system risk management.

    Rationale:
    Given the dramatic changes that occurred in the business environment over the last two decades where manufacturing, services, construction and mining organisations re-engineer, design and implement systems in their organisations, a need to have an appropriate qualification in safety management has been identified. The shortage of persons in manufacturing, services, construction and mining sectors with the requisite safety management knowledge and skills to execute their duties efficiently and effectively, presents an ideal opportunity to develop an Advanced Diploma in Safety Management.

    The institution identified a requirement for a qualification in Safety Management to serve the needs of lower and middle management to support and improve safety management systems in manufacturing, services, construction and mining organisations. Regular communication from learners, the safety management professional bodies known as the South African Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (SAIOSH), the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) and the Institute of Safety Managers (IOSM), as well as industry, has become the motivation to develop a new qualification. No current qualifications offered at the institution meet the requirements of industry practice in Safety Management to serve the needs in service, manufacturing, construction, and mining organisations with a programme on NQF Level 7.

    The aim is to target persons in junior and/or middle management positions, as well as those aspiring to these positions and who wish to increase their promotion prospects by acquiring this qualification. For this reason, the Department of Operations Management requested support from a safety management advisory board that consists of representatives from the abovementioned professional bodies as well as industry representatives to forge new and creative university-industry alliances, which are key to our growth and sustainability.

    The learning pathway for the qualification starts with the completion of a Diploma in Safety Management or the completion of a degree or diploma in a related field with a view of specialising in Safety Management. The qualification has been designed to meet the needs in the service, manufacturing, construction, and mining sectors for employees with the appropriate critical, analytical and organisational skills in the following key management and business disciplines: Occupational Health and Safety, Management, Business, Work-Study, Operations, Quality Management, Human Resources and Administration.

    The qualification is designed to provide entry-level vocational preparation for Bachelor's Degree graduates or diplomates by offering an intensive, focused, and applied specialization that meets the requirements of professional bodies and industry in the safety management field. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Diploma in Safety Management, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • A relevant Diploma in a related field, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7,120 Credits:
  • Advanced Risk Management, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Incident Management, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Toxicology, 12 Credits.
  • The Management of Construction and Mining Safety, 12 Credits.
  • Manufacturing and Process Safety, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Safety Auditing, 12 Credits.
  • The Management of Emergency Planning, 12 Credits.
  • Ethics and Human Behaviour in Safety Management, 12 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Approach to Safety Project Management, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Safety Systems, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the nature, purpose, procedure, requirements and practices of safety risk management principles.
    2. Analyse new and existing measures to conduct effective incident analysis.
    3. Assess toxicological risks in an organisation by applying comprehensive and in-depth knowledge and understanding of toxicological classifications, principles, and the natural laws of toxicology.
    4. Evaluate and apply integrated knowledge of safety management regulation and compliance in the construction and mining industries.
    5. Apply integrated knowledge of the field of safety management in a business environment to analyse, evaluate and propose appropriate and effective integrated safety management systems with specific reference to manufacturing and process safety management, techniques, and design.
    6. Demonstrate a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of safety auditing principles, guidelines and frameworks to interpret and implement a safety, health, and environmental audit.
    7. Compile and implement disaster prevention-, emergency preparedness-, and recovery plans in a sustainable manner that ensures the continued health and safety of employees and the community.
    8. Apply integrated knowledge of the role that ethics play related to all forms and contexts of human behaviour in business operation and implement ethics in the safety management environment.
    9. Demonstrate an understanding of the entrepreneurial approach to safety project management with a view of enhancing the integration of scientific and management principles in safety project management and improving skills in an intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial environment.
    10. Analyse and apply the concepts associated with advanced safety systems with the view of implementing a safety system programme focusing on safety system risk management. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and apply knowledge of the science of safety into the planning of safety risk management in an organisation's risk management plan.
  • Access, process and manage information regarding the role and functions of safety risk management in an organisational context to address strategic-level issues.
  • Apply the concepts of safety management systems and performance measurement in a simulated situation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Evaluate and apply theoretical and practical knowledge of the field of incident analysis within a simulated work environment.
  • Apply and adjust the application of incident analysis management within the operating context.
  • Effectively communicate the solution to complex problems entailed in the incident.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Examine the central areas of toxicology to classify toxins and toxic effects in each scenario.
  • Analyse and apply knowledge and skills in the formulation of toxicological hazard identification and risk assessment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Distinguish between the relevant safety standards applicable to construction and mining and practically implement these standards.
  • Identify various forms of safety hazards present in the construction and mining industries and formulate safety measures to eliminate or minimise risk.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Analyse and apply knowledge of various principles of manufacturing safety and safety processes that meet the organisation's safety requirements as applicable to a case study.
  • Evaluate, critically reflect on and implement practical approaches for implementing manufacturing and process safety.
  • Select and apply relevant principles to ensure manufacturing and process safety excellence in a case study situation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify, analyse, evaluate, and critically reflect on the appropriate safety auditing standards and legislation within a given scenario.
  • Facilitate successful implementation of a safety, health, and environmental audit in a simulated work environment.
  • Develop and communicate safety, health and environmental audit protocols, guidelines and checklists for a given case study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply and manage emergency preparedness training in a given case study.
  • Critically reflect on emergency response processes and how it links with recovery projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Apply safety management principles as a science in an ethical manner in the workplace by evaluating ethical and non-ethical human behaviour in an organisational context.
  • Evaluate the contribution of ethical safety management in advancing consistent human ethical safety behaviour as an important factor to attain and maintain a strategic business advantage.
  • Address problems in the safety management environment by counteracting the obstacles that are inclined to jeopardise effective ethical safety management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Integrate knowledge of safety management with an emphasis on the entrepreneurial approach into safety project management.
  • Critically evaluate the application of the entrepreneurial approach in safety project management to solve strategic level problems.
  • Apply integrated knowledge of the safety practitioner as an intrapreneur and entrepreneur and the associated advantages and obstacles regarding the entrepreneurial approach to safety management in a case study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Develop appropriate safety systems in a simulated environment.
  • Apply the principles of risk management with an analytical approach to a safety system.
  • Facilitate the successful implementation of a safety system in a simulated environment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Safety management qualifications are offered around the world at institutions of higher education. Most of these qualifications at a similar level are bachelor's degrees. Most of the international qualifications in occupational health and safety or safety management cover similar concepts in the field of safety management. This qualification compares best with the following international qualifications.

    Country: Australia
    Institution:
    Curtin University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Health, Safety and Environment.
    Qualification structure:
    This qualification covers similar modules with the new qualification and these modules include:
  • Health and safety risk management.
  • Environmental risk management.
  • Workplace health and safety
  • Hazardous agents.
  • Health and safety regulations in practice.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Columbia Southern University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science Occupational Safety and Health
    Qualification structure:
    This qualification covers topics that are similar to the new qualification and these modules include:
  • Risk manager.
  • Accident investigation
  • Interactions of hazardous materials and toxicology.
  • Hazardous materials management.
  • Construction safety and advanced concepts in environmental safety management.
  • Process safety management.
  • OHSA standards.
  • Fire prevention and code enforcement.
  • Training and development.
  • Total environmental health and safety systems.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Glasgow Caledonian University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science Health and Safety Management.
    Qualification structure:
    This qualification addresses aspects such as:
  • Risk assessment and risk management.
  • Injury management and workers compensation, Health and Safety management.
  • Toxicology and diseases.
  • Employment and environmental law.
  • Emergency management and incident investigation.
  • Workplace human factors.
  • Emergency systems management.

    Comparison:
    Within the African context, the Vaal University of Technology presents an Advanced Diploma in Safety Management. The course content includes modules like Advanced Risk Management, Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Strategic and Project Management, and Entrepreneurship, Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Management Systems.

    Conclusion:
    Best practices have been identified from leading international institutions, ensuring that the curriculum and content are relevant and addresses the needs of both industry and prospective learners. The South African qualification is comparable to the above international qualifications in terms of content, purpose, rationale and learning outcomes. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Safety Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Environmental Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Management Development, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Public Health, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Risk Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Transport and Logistics, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Organisational Development, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree in Business Management, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.