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: 

Occupational Certificate: Safety Inspector (Forestry and Related Industries Safety Health and Environment Officer) 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99712  Occupational Certificate: Safety Inspector (Forestry and Related Industries Safety Health and Environment Officer) 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - FPMSETA (forestry) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Forestry and Wood Technology 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  278  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

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:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Forestry and Related Industries Safety, Health and Environment Officer. A Forestry and Related Industries Safety, Health and Environment Officer ensures forestry and related industry companies adhere to the legal requirements in terms of Occupational Health and Safety Legislation, in line with industry systems and standards in order to direct and support management in achieving its safety, health and environmental goals and objectives.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Implement, maintain and review the specific elements of the forestry and related industry company safety systems to promote a safe and healthy work environment free of hazards and risks.
  • Identify, monitor and mitigate hazards and risks in the forestry and related industry workplace to minimise and control potential for injury and loss.
  • Manage incident scenes, coordinate emergency responses and take part/assist in incident investigations to identify and determine compliance with safety, health and environmental rules and regulations and implement preventative measures.
  • Enforce statutory (legal) and forestry and related industry company compliance requirements through inspections, first party audits and structured meetings.
  • Conduct an appreciation of all operational, chemical and mechanical tasks and activities of a forestry and related industry company to determine compliance with legislation.
  • Conduct elementary Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) activities in a forestry and related industry workplace to promote a safe and healthy work environment.

    Rationale:
    The forest resources of South Africa cover over 40 million hectares (ha) of the land surface area of the country. The Forest sector employs around 165 900 workers and provides about 62 700 direct jobs and 30 000 indirect jobs. Forestry provides livelihood support to 652 000 people of the rural population of the country. The Pulp and Paper industry provides about 13 200 direct and 11 000 indirect employment opportunities. Some 20 000 workers are employed in Sawmilling and 6 000 in the Timber Board and 2 200 in the Mining Timber industries, while a further 11 000 workers are employed in miscellaneous jobs in Forestry.

    In terms of land use, the afforested area is about 1,27 million ha or about 1% of the total South African land area of 122,3 million ha. The forest sector (forestry and forest products) contributes about 1% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of South Africa. In terms of regional GDP, forestry in KwaZulu-Natal contributes 4,4%; in Mpumalanga 3,7%; in the Eastern Cape 0,6% and in Limpopo about 0,6%.

    The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) allocates money annually from the department's budget to Forestry and Natural Resources Management. The DAFF contributes to eradicating poverty through the Forestry Livelihoods Programme. Firewood, construction poles, medicinal plants and edible fruits are all critical to the livelihoods of the rural poor.

    The DAFF develops human resources through Forestry sector skills development initiatives and promotes employment through commercial forestry activities such as forestation and downstream activities. The integration of forestry programmes into provincial and municipal development plans will assist the "Plant a Million Trees" Campaign. The department is pursuing a target of 10 000 ha of nett new afforestation a year.

    Afforestation is taking place in rural areas where there are few other viable opportunities for job creation and economic activity.

    The development of these additional raw material resources will attract greater processing capacity in the form of sawmills, board mills, chipping plants and treatment plants, which will lead to broad economic growth. An additional R500 million a year could be generated from such plantations.

    There are many potential hazards involved in both forestry work practices and equipment. Safe harvesting of timber either mechanically or manually depends on hazard elimination or risk reduction actions to provide the highest level of protection for the worker. By law, employers are responsible for controlling all potential safety hazards in their workplaces. The function of the Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Officer is crucial in the identification and mitigation of risks and in legal compliance. Where solutions are not obvious, the SHE Officers use a process to help them determine the most effective control measures for the risks they find in their workplace. An important role of the SHE Officer is to advise on the required processes and actions employers and employees must take in order to meet their legal obligations.

    This qualification will meet the need in the industry for qualified SHE Officers. Currently, Safety and Health Representatives are trained in the industry and through courses like SAMTRAC, NOSA and IRCA which are offered to existing Safety Officers. This qualification will take the Safety Officers to the required level of competence. Two important forestry industry training objectives, namely to reduce risks and increase safety are relevant to this qualification. The opportunity exists for Safety and Heath Representatives to complete this qualification and progress to Safety Officers in organisations.

    Learners will be equipped with practical skills and gain experience at the work place. Employers will be able to appoint qualified Safety Officers with the required skill level in their businesses. Safety working procedures will be followed, accidents and risks will be reduced and safety will be increased.

    Holders of a Level 3 qualification and who are literate in English and who are able to communicate (verbally and in writing) and who are numerate or learners that have completed grade 10 or a Level 2 qualification, who are literate in English who are able to communicate (verbally and in writing) and who are numerate and have 3 years' workplace experience are eligible to apply for admission to this qualification.

    Learners who have completed this qualification may be employed in the position of Safety Officer and can progress to careers in Management in the field of Safety, Health and Environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
  • NQF Level 3 with Communication in English and Mathematical Literacy.
    Or
  • NQF Level 2 with Communication and Mathematical Literacy and 2 years' of Safety, Health and Environment workplace experience. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules.

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 325705001-KM-01, Safety systems in the Forestry and Related Industry workplace, Level 4, 22 Credits.
  • 325705001-KM-02, Interpersonal skills for the Safety, Health and Environment Officer, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 325705001-KM-03, Forestry and Related Industry Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA), Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 325705001-KM-04, Emergency response, incident investigation and root cause analysis in Forestry and Related Industries, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 325705001-KM-05, Documentation needed for incident and investigation meetings, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  • 325705001-KM-06, Safety, Health and Environmental Legislation and Regulations in the Forestry and Related Industry, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 325705001-KM-07, Operational appreciation in the Forestry and Related Industry workplace, Level 3, 9 Credits.
  • 325705001-KM-08, Forestry and Related Industry Safety, Health and Environment Theory for the SHE Representative, Level 3, 4 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 56.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 325705001-PM-01, Implement and maintain the safety system within the Forestry and Related Industry workplace, Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • 325705001-PM-02, Assess hazards and identify risks in the Forestry and Related Industry workplace and implement control measures, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 325705001-PM-03, Conduct analysis and prevention of incidents, coordination of incidents, investigation of incidents in the forestry and related Industry workplace and make recommendations, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 325705001-PM-04, Enforce and advise on the rules and regulations applicable to the forestry and related industry, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 325705001-PM-05, Ensure safe operational activities according to legislation and company rules and regulations in the forestry and related industry, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 325705001-PM-06, Interact with employees and conduct risk assessments, incident investigations and record information thereby contributing to SHE compliance in a forestry and related industry company, Level 3, Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 65.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 325705001-WM-01, Forestry and related industries safety systems, processes and compliance, Level 4, Credits 50.
  • 325705001-WM-02, Forestry and related industries risk assessment processes, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 325705001-WM-03, Incident prevention processes in forestry and related industries, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 325705001-WM-04, Forestry and related industries safety systems, processes and compliance, Level 4, 25 Credits.
  • 325705001-WM-05, Forestry and related industries machines, equipment and operations compliance, Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 325705001-WM-06, SHE representative activities and processes in forestry and related industry companies, Level 3, 30 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 157. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct elementary safety, health and environment activities in the workplace to promote a safe and healthy work environment.
    2. Implement, maintain and review the specific elements of company safety systems.
    3. Interpret information and present findings and recommendations to ensure preventative and corrective measures are implemented.
    4. Identify, monitor and mitigate hazards and risks in the workplace to promote a safe and healthy work environment free of hazards and risks.
    5. Manage incident scenes and co-ordinate emergency responses.
    6. Take part/assist in incident investigations to identify and determine compliance with safety, health and environmental rules and regulations.
    7. Identify and prioritise preventative measures for non-conformance found.
    8. Enforce statutory (legal) and company compliance requirements through inspections, first party audits and structured meetings.
    9. Conduct a safety appreciation (machine, workplace and operations) to determine compliance with legislation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • All the essential functions of the Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) representative prescribed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act are identified.
  • The scope of the SHE activities/functions such as pre-entry assessment and observation, inspections is discussed.
  • The generic process for conducting SHE activities/functions to ensure continuous and daily compliance such as gathering of information and making recommendations is detailed and motivated.
  • The importance of the correct use and analysis of documentation (including checklists) and interpretation of data and information is discussed.
  • A sound understanding of the application of the relevant sections of the Act and company rules and standards is demonstrated.
  • The importance of timeous and regular dissemination of safety, health and environmental information to all parties is justified.
  • The importance of communicating relevant information at a toolbox talk or presentation to the SHE committee is discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The components of a safety system of a company are identified and defined.
  • The integration of components within the company safety system is understood and explained.
  • The process and procedures for integrating new and updated legislation, processes and applicable documentation into the system is applied.
  • The process to update current elements and sub-elements of the safety system is applied.
  • The assessment of feedback from the field/workplace is performed and is relevant and practical.
  • The importance of up-to-date information in the safety system is analysed and justified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Meaningful and objective information (what is critical and important) for presentation to the committees and inclusion in safety reports is identified and selected.
  • Audit findings are correctly analysed and interpreted and corrective actions are derived from the audit findings.
  • An implementation plan to address the findings and improve compliance is compiled and presented using an appropriate format.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A risk assessment and hazard identification of a working site are conducted and short falls are identified in accordance with legislation and company policies and procedures.
  • Risk ratings are calculated using a risk assessment and a risk rating matrix.
  • Appropriate mitigations to reduce the risk, minimize and control potential for injury and loss are identified and evaluated.
  • Continuous monitoring procedures are applied.
  • Inherent risk and implications are observed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Different types of scenes are identified (first aid, traffic accident and fatalities).
  • Correct procedure for the type of incident scene is identified.
  • A diagram and time line to identify and coordinate the availability and activities of the emergency resources are compiled.
  • The chain of authority and hand over procedures are identified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The steps in an incident investigation are identified and discussed.
  • The importance of the sequence of the steps to preserve evidence is explained.
  • A preliminary report is compiled based on a specific case study founded on fact.
  • Outcomes are used to identify compliance or non-compliance with safety, health and environmental rules and regulations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • The function of observations in ensuring site and workplace compliance to legislation is evaluated.
  • A list of preventative measures and recommendations are compiled.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • An inspection is conducted to correctly identify compliance against the company system and legislation.
  • First party audits are conducted to ensure the relevant observations and finding were identified using appropriate methods and techniques.
  • Structured meetings are prepared for and conducted to achieve the set objectives and pertinent issues of the meeting are addressed.
  • Relevant parties are addressed and feedback is given to the SHE committee.
  • Knowledge of the relevant legislation and ability to interpret and reference the legislation is applied.
  • Correct elements or sections of the systems are interpreted and applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • The concept and principles for conducting an appreciation are evaluated.
  • The procedures for conducting an appreciation are explained.
  • The functions for operational, chemical and mechanical appreciation are justified.
  • Types of information to be observed during an appreciation are identified and categorised.
  • Types of non-conformances related to specific regulations in the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act are identified and categorised.
  • The content of the appreciation is listed in a tabular form.
  • Communication procedures and protocols related to process, rules and regulations are defined.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the external integrated summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability for this qualification proved to be a difficult task since no qualification specific to occupational health and safety in the forestry and related industries could be sourced. Those qualification found through an internet search were very generic and applicable to a wide range of occupations and sectors such as Mining, Construction, Petroleum, Forestry, Health-Care, Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) Regulators, as well as to Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OSHE) Consulting.

    This qualification is comparable to two qualifications, namely the:
  • New Zealand National Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (Coordination), Level 4.
  • Canadian Certificate in Health, Safety and Environmental Processes (CHSEP).

    The New Zealand National Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (Coordination), Level 4 follows on from the National Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (Workplace Safety) Level 3. The qualification focuses on the practical management of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in the workplace and includes a few elective modules related to selected industries.

    It is targeted at those currently working in industry that hold positions as First Line Managers, Safety Supervisors/Representatives, Co-ordinators or Team Leaders and who are actively involved in the practical management of OSH and wish to gain further skills and knowledge in this area. This qualification is awarded after gaining a minimum total of 65 Credits at Level 4.

    All of the core unit standards of this qualification are covered in the South African qualification. However, the Occupational Certificate: Safety Inspector (Forestry and Related Industries Safety Health and Environment Officer) includes an additional module on hazard identification and risk assessment, as well as a module on the appraisal of operational, chemical and mechanical tasks and activities in the workplace. Both these aspects are regarded as crucial in ensuring compliance with legislation in the South African context . The implementation of aspects of the company safety system forms a large portion in both qualifications. The Occupational Certificate: Safety Inspector (Forestry and Related Industries Safety Health and Environment Officer )also includes a module on the legislation applicable to the role and responsibility of the SHE officer which is not part of the New Zealand qualification. The two qualifications are similar in level and credit values.

    The Canadian Certificate in Health, Safety and Environmental Processes (CHSEP) is targeted to cover as broad a range of industries as possible and is therefore quite generic in its approach. The content of this qualification is very similar to that of the Occupational Certificate: Safety Inspector (Forestry and Related Industries Safety Health and Environment Officer) in the way that it covers similar aspects related to Occupational Health, Safety and Environment aspects. However, the focus of the CHSEP is more on the technical aspects of risk assessment, accident causation and investigation and does not include a component on the implementation and maintenance of aspects of the company safety system. The South African qualification contains more learning in this regard.

    Conclusion:
    The South African Qualification compares well with the two international qualifications in terms of technical aspects such as risk assessment and incident investigation. However, it includes additional learning such as the implementation and maintenance of aspects of the company safety system which is crucial to the effective operation of the SHE Officer. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Occupational Hygiene and Safety, Level 4 (ID 79807).

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Diploma in Occupational Safety, Level 5 (ID 79808).
  • Occupational Certificate: Safety, Health and Quality Practitioner (Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner), Level 5 (ID 99714). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
    In order to qualify for the external summative assessment learners must have a copy of a completed and signed Statement of Work Experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules including the foundational learning competence.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
  • None.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Forestry and Related Industries Safety Health and Environment Officer: 325705001.

    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • This is not a trade.

    Part Qualifications
  • None. 
    		•

    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.