The Perfect OHS Professional

Note I do not routinely refer to people who work in OHS as professionals because being a
professional implies application of a unique body of knowledge. As previously discussed I do not
believe that a unique body of knowledge yet exists in the safety side of OHS in Australia.
Skills of the perfect OHS professional
Number 1-Interpersonal skills-Techniques such as reflective listening and appropriate self-disclosure
can make a real difference. If you cannot get on well with people your technical OHS skills will go to
waste.
Number 1-Communications skills-The biggest and commonest mistake is written communications
that rave on to many pages, succinct written communications is the way to go. Not much use having a
great message if you cannot get it across.
Number 1-Leadership-Some people say leaders are born, not made, I do not know about this but do
know learning programs can enhance leadership abilities. The number 1 job of a leader is to transmit
and embed high value standards. In modern business shared leadership is of more relevance than
individual leadership.
Number 2-A commitment to a continuous improvement philosophy and ability to implement Quality
Management.
Number 2-Change management-OHS management is all about change management and generic skills
can be learnt.
Number 2-OHS technical skills-Tertiary training is important but practical experience and critical
reflection on practice is vital.
Number2-Auditing-Well developed auditing questions are the important first step.
Number 2-Project management-OHS lends itself very well to a project management approach for
major change.
Number 2-Learning-Avoid the lecture, use Adult Learning Principles & Process and promote
interactive approaches and avoid Death by Power-Point
Number 2-Team-building skills-These essential skills can be learnt
Number 2-Time management skills-Relatively easy to learn this
Number 2-Sharing-People support what they create Not involving the workforce in decisions about
OHS change is the road to disaster.
Number 2-Well developed bull-dust detector
OHS Technical skills
Auditing
Facilitating learning
Interpretation of legislation

Safety leadership
Personal damage occurrence investigation
Undertaking safety research
Development and implementation of Safety Management Systems
Development and implementation of Safety Management Plans
Management of workers compensation and rehabilitation
Risk management
Industrial hygiene sampling
Managing safety responsibilities and accountabilities
Measurement, recording and reporting
Fire safety
Using job safety analysis to develop safe working procedures
Management of safety committees and health & safety reps.
Safety inspections
Contractor safety management
Provide advice and training on personal protective equipment
Some people see first-aid as part of the role, stuffed if I see it as relevant