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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Occupational Safety 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
58625  National Certificate: Occupational Safety 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Occupational Health and Safety 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.  SFAP - Sub-framework Assignment Pending 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  145  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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:

Learners credited with this qualification will be able to report and advise on occupational safety factors in a variety of working environments, so that a high level of health and safety may be maintained. They will be able to apply supervisory skills based on essential knowledge, and be able to take proactive and reactive measures in order to maintain a healthy and safe working environment. The qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible.

Learners credited with this qualification are capable of:
  • Performing essential inspections, measurements and evaluations to ensure health and safety in the occupational environment.
  • Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and language skills in the modes of oral and written presentation.
  • Applying legislation applicable to the working environment.
  • Describing concepts and principles in science and the occupational safety environment.
  • Operating personal computers and computer systems.
  • Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information about occupational safety conditions using science and technology effectively and critically to measure such information.
  • Identifying and solving problems to make responsible decisions regarding workplace hazards and risks.
  • Ensuring a healthy and safe workplace environment and culture.
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community to attain operational competence in occupational safety.
  • Anticipating hazards and risks.

    Rationale:

    The impact of occupational safety on the social and economic environment in South Africa and internationally is significant. Exposure to poor working conditions and unsafe practices impacts on employee well-being and impedes worker productivity, resulting in financial loss. As a result of this indirect costs are also incurred and may include poor morale, poor productivity and excessive downtime. Looking at monetary value only, improved conditions in the workplace could influence the South African economy in direct costs alone to the value of millions of Rands each year. Accepted research in the field of Occupational Safety indicates that indirect costs (production loss, building and plant damage, tool and equipment damage, replacement costs, etc.) outstrip direct costs by up to R53.00 for every R1.00 of direct costs (medical costs, lost time cost, compensation costs). Various companies have experienced that the integration of occupational health and safety into the core business processes leads to decreases in the accident rate, thus leading to a more favourable financial situation.

    This qualification aims to meet the demand for learners who are able to facilitate a safe, healthy and productive working environment.

    There is a critical need in industry to recognise learner competence regarding supervision related to safety management ensuring a healthy, safe and productive working environment. This qualification is a step along a career path of specialisation in Occupational Safety and is generic enough to allow maximum mobility within its scope of application.

    The learning pathway in Occupational Health and Safety can be accessed from NQF Level 2, and Level 3 and 4 qualifications follow. These will qualify the learner to access the National Certificate at NQF Level 5 and subsequently, the National Diploma at NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication skills at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 4.

    Competence in the FETC in Occupational Hygiene and Safety (NQF Level Four) will facilitate learning towards this qualification.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification can be achieved wholly, or in part, through recognition of prior learning. Evidence of competency can be presented in a variety of forms, such as previously obtained, equivalence-rated international or local qualifications, verified portfolios of evidence of previous relevant work done and performance records. Learners who have met the requirements of any unit standard that forms part of this qualification may apply for recognition of prior learning to the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA) or ETQA which has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.

    Access to the qualification:

    Access to this qualification is open to any learner although it will be to his/her advantage to have an understanding of occupational safety before enrolling for this qualification.

    Competence in the FETC in Occupational Hygiene and Safety (NQF Level Four) will facilitate learning towards this qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • All 8 Fundamental component credits are compulsory.
  • All 111 Core component credits are compulsory.
  • A minimum of 26 Elective component credits are compulsory.

    Mining and Minerals Specialisation (Learning Programme ID 79828):
  • ID 115753: Conduct outcomes-based assessment, Level 5, 15 credits.
  • ID 15096: Demonstrate an understanding of stress in order to apply strategies to achieve optimal stress levels in personal and work situations, Level 5, 5 credits.
  • ID 114278: Demonstrate and apply an understanding of the Labour Relations Act (Act 66 of 1995), Level 5, 12 credits.
  • ID 117874: Guide learners about their learning, assessment and recognition opportunities, Level 5, 6 credits.
  • ID 117844: Present, analyse and interpret information on conflict situations, Level 5, 15 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate in a business environment through the application of relevant communication techniques.

    2. Apply labour relations legislation to ensure a productive and harmonious working environment.

    3. Determine and discuss fundamental occupational safety, health and environmental issues.

    4. Identify hazardous conditions within a workplace and take action to control the associated risks.
    > Range: All actions taken must be in accordance with specified procedures and requirements.

    5. Develop control measures and programmes within integrated safety, health and environmental (SHE) contexts.

    6. Implement control measures and programmes in accordance with management guidelines.

    7. Monitor effectiveness of control measures and programmes.

    8. Identify and interpret deficiencies in the SHEQ system of an organisation.

    9. Maintain the process of continual improvement in terms of system requirements.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    This qualification addresses the following critical cross-field outcomes, as detailed in the associated unit standards:
  • Identifying and solving problems in which responses indicate that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made:
    > This critical cross-field outcome is addressed primarily through Exit Level Outcomes 3, 4, 7, 9.
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community:
    > This critical cross-field outcome is addressed primarily through Exit Level Outcomes 3, 4, 5.
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively:
    > This critical cross-field outcome is addressed primarily through Exit Level Outcomes1, 2, 4, 5, 8.
  • Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information:
    > This critical cross-field outcome is addressed primarily through Exit Level Outcomes 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9.
  • Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral/written persuasion:
    > This critical cross-field outcome is addressed primarily through Exit Level Outcomes 1, 5, 8.
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others:
    > This critical cross-field outcome is addressed primarily through Exit Level Outcomes 3, 4, 6, 7.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
    > This critical cross-field outcome is addressed primarily through Exit Level Outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
  • Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large:
    > This critical cross-field outcome is addressed primarily through Exit Level Outcomes 1, 2, 5, 8, 9. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Meetings are chaired and conducted according to prescribed standards.
  • Written and verbal communication is conducted according to prescribed business practice.
  • Business reports are generated using various data gathering techniques.
  • Presentations are delivered according to relevant standards.

    2.
  • Minor workplace problems are managed immediately to prevent solve conflict situations.
  • Remedial actions to problems are based on the clear application of legislative and procedural requirements.
  • Conflict management skills are applied according to behaviour intervention initiatives.

    3.
  • Safety theories and their associated principles are explained.
  • Relevant Occupational Health and Safety Legislation and other context-specific requirements, such as relevant Regulations, are identified and applied to an organisation.
  • The cleaner development mechanism (CDM) project cycle is described, stakeholders and role players are identified and their roles and responsibilities determined.

    4.
  • Workplace hazards and associated risks are identified, assessed and control measures applied to prevent accidents.
  • Workplace hazards and risks are recorded and reported accordingly.
  • Follow-up assessments are conducted and addressed accordingly.

    5.
  • SHE Quality management systems are discussed and a suitable system, in line with management guidelines, is applied.
  • A record keeping system is created and implemented according to specified requirements.

    6.
  • Occupational safety and environmental conditions and elements are dealt with accordingly.
  • The communication process in promoting occupational health and safety in the working place is explained.
  • Projects are planned and executed in order to promote occupational health and safety in the working place.
  • Individuals are formed into teams to implement identified control measures and programmes according to management guidelines.

    7.
  • Equipment and techniques are selected and applied in accordingly in terms of their specified contexts and purposes.
  • The concept of decentralised control is explained and applied in a specific context or area.
  • Specific SHE issues are monitored, reported and advised on, according to specified requirements.

    8.
  • Areas of legal and system non-compliance are identified in terms of system requirements.
  • Non-compliances are interpreted and evaluated according to the regulations of business in general and the department/division in particular.

    9.
  • Meeting outcomes, records and reports are utilised for continual improvement.
  • A range of options to ensure continual improvement is considered and recorded for later testing.
  • System optimisation recommendations, with appropriate time frames for implementation, are proposed to management to enhance continual improvement.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated assessment is carried out as a series of structured, evidence gathering processes throughout the period of learning. The learner's performance is assessed through the use of a range of methods and culminates in a final or summative assessment. Methods include, but are not limited to:
  • Written and oral tests.
  • Simulation.
  • Peer group presentations.
  • Written reports and work plans.

    For award of the qualification, a learner must achieve all core and fundamental unit standards, and at least 17 credits from any of the elective unit standards. The assessment criteria in the unit standards are performance-based, assessing applied competence rather than only knowledge, or skills. In addition, learners must demonstrate that they can achieve the outcomes in an integrated manner, dealing effectively with different and random demands related to the environmental conditions in occupational contexts. Evidence is required that the learner is able to achieve the exit level outcomes of the qualification as a whole and thus its purpose, at the time of the award of the qualification. Workplace experience can be recognised when assessing this qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In the effort to establish the international comparability and suitability of the National Higher Certificate in Occupational Safety NQF Level 5 and its associated unit standards, national on-the-job-searches and international literature searches confirmed that Occupational Health and Safety training in the sub-Saharan and specifically, the SADC region, is almost non-existent.

    The search focus then shifted towards all other continents to find countries that might have Occupational Health and Safety qualifications at this level. The search also identified current qualifications and new initiatives at South African tertiary institutions, as well as proposed qualifications put forward by the Institute of Safety Management. A number of international qualifications were identified as representative of a few schools of thought in tertiary education in Occupational Health and Safety. These were and placed in a matrix along with the South African initiatives, so that content and depth could be compared. This matrix is found below.

    The comparison highlighted the fact that international terminology in Occupational Health and Safety is not standardised, thus resulting in a relatively subjective analysis caused by the required interpretation. Furthermore, the assessment of subject content and depth had to be based on titles, levels of subject and the very brief descriptions available of subjects/aspects compared. This clearly also increased the level of subjectivity of comparisons.

    During the comparison, two main aspects for comparison analysis were isolated, viz.:
  • The number of qualifications in which a specific subject/aspect were represented, as an indication of the significance or importance of that aspect to be included in an Occupational Safety qualification at this level.
  • The number of subjects/aspects represented in a qualification as an indication of how well that qualification covered the breadth of possible aspects in the field of Occupational Safety.

    The following conclusions were drawn from the comparison:
  • Of all the qualifications used for comparison, the National Higher Certificate as proposed by the SGB: OHS covers the second highest number of subjects/aspects out of a possible 87. The National Certificate covers 29% of possible aspects and the National Diploma covers 38% of the possible aspects. The qualification that provides the next best coverage covers only 23% of subjects/aspects.
  • Of the 13 subjects/aspects isolated as being the most significant across the board (represented in six and more of the 13 qualifications) the proposed National Certificate covers six and the proposed National Diploma covers most of the remainder. Therefore, the two qualifications should be seen as a unit. Other significant subjects/aspects are covered in higher and/or lower level qualifications.

    It is thus concluded that the proposed National Certificate: Occupational Safety NQF Level 5 compares favourably with a selection of qualifications from all over the world. An added advantage, when comparing the proposed certificate with other qualifications, is that our qualification focuses on aspects specifically required in Southern African conditions and thus addresses our specific needs. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical articulation:

    Level 5 or 6 qualifications in the discipline of Occupational Safety, or in various industrial sectors and related sub-fields. Most qualifications on the NQF require competence regarding this discipline, and it thus provides an access point to, for example, qualifications in the Physical Planning and Construction field, the Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology field, and also the Business, Commerce, Management and other related fields.

    Horizontal articulation:

    Any other related qualification at NQF Level 5 certificate level for instance:
  • National Certificate: Occupational Hygiene, NQF Level 5 (to be registered)
  • National Certificate: Occupationally Directed ETD Practice, NQF Level 5
  • National Certificate: Inspection and Enforcement Services, NQF Level 5
  • National Certificate: Labour Relations Practice, NQF Level 5
  • National Certificate: Incident Management, NQF Level 5 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any provider offering this qualification must be accredited as a provider by the relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment will be undertaken by assessors accredited by and in accordance with the agreement of the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessors must be in possession of a relevant qualification at least at NQF level 6.
  • Have at least five years experience in the OHS sector or be an experienced subject matter expert in this learning area.
  • Moderation will be carried out by accredited moderators and in accordance with the agreement of the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  11273  Apply Fundamental Concepts of Supply Chain Management Optimisation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  15237  Build teams to meet set goals and objectives  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Core  244287  Conduct a baseline risk assessment and take appropriate action  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Core  244288  Demonstrate understanding of occupational health and safety legislation in the workplace  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  117854  Facilitate meetings to deal with conflict situations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  244283  Facilitate the development, implementation and maintenance of a Safety, Health and Environment management system  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  119032  Identify and deal with dangerous goods  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  13 
    Core  15225  Identify and interpret related legislation and its impact on the team, department or division and ensure compliance  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  9224  Implement policies regarding HIV/AIDS in the workplace  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  119035  Isolate and secure a scene  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  244284  Monitor report and advise on the safety principles pertaining to sources of mechanical energy  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Core  244282  Monitor, report and advise on the safety principles applying to non-electrical and non-mechanical sources of energy  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  244286  Monitor, report and advise on the safety principles pertaining to sources of electrical energy  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Core  244290  Motivate for a clean development mechanism (CDM) project  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  110526  Plan, organise, implement and control record-keeping systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  244285  Promote occupational health and safety in the work place  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  13102  Apply the processes of planning and control as it relates to budgeting, standard costing and decentralised control  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  15 
    Fundamental  10622  Conduct communication within a business environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  115753  Conduct outcomes-based assessment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Elective  15096  Demonstrate an understanding of stress in order to apply strategies to achieve optimal stress levels in personal and work situations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  114278  Demonstrate and apply an understanding of the Labour Relations Act (Act 66 of 1995)  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Elective  117874  Guide learners about their learning, assessment and recognition opportunities  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  117844  Present, analyse and interpret information on conflict situations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    79828  National Certificate: Occupational Safety: Mining and Minerals  Generic Provider - Field 09  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  145     MQA  OQSF 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: 
    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.