Today we look at the different levels of training in occupational health and safety, the qualifications available and their requirements, including specific areas such as the safety protocol for work at height.
The first thing we need to know is: how many levels of occupational health and safety training exist?
Current legislation establishes three levels of occupational health and safety training:
- Basic level of prevention
- Intermediate-level occupational risk prevention technician (formerly known as intermediate technician)
- Senior-level occupational health and safety technician
Basic Level of Occupational Health and Safety Training
To obtain the basic OHS technician qualification, you need to complete a course of between 30 and 60 hours, depending on the sector of activity.
For example, in construction the course lasts 60 hours, while in lower-risk sectors, such as offices, it lasts 30 hours.
This training is crucial for companies with especially hazardous activities. The law requires having a worker with basic-level training on site, known as a Preventive Resource.
These workers can also be the company’s safety representatives, representing employees in matters of occupational health and safety.
The basic OHS technician course must be delivered by a prevention service accredited by the Labor Authority.
Intermediate-Level Occupational Health and Safety Technician
The next level is the Intermediate Technician, or Senior Technician in Occupational Risk Prevention. Unlike the senior-level occupational health and safety technician, for this qualification you only need to have completed high school and then enroll in a two-year program at a vocational training center.
With this qualification, we can work in an external prevention service, providing prevention services to client companies. However, we cannot provide specific training or carry out specific risk assessments without the supervision of a senior technician.
This qualification is essential for working in external or in-house prevention services and managing occupational health and safety in companies.
Senior-Level Occupational Health and Safety Technician
The highest level is the Senior Technician in Occupational Health and Safety. To access this qualification, you need a university degree and must complete a master’s degree in occupational health and safety at an accredited university.
This training makes it possible to specialize in safety, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, and applied psychosociology. With it, we can manage occupational health and safety in any type of company, carry out all kinds of assessments, and provide specific training.
Royal Decree 39/1997 establishes that, to perform risk assessment functions and carry out senior-level preventive activity, a university degree and accredited minimum training of 600 hours are required, divided into common parts, specialization, and practical training.
Additional Resources for Being a Good OHS Technician
Obtaining the qualification is only the first step; if we want to be a good prevention technician, it is essential to acquire a combination of the following knowledge, skills, and qualities:
We must be familiar with occupational health and safety laws and regulations, keeping up to date with national and international regulations and standards, including key aspects such as coordination of business activities, which establishes the cooperation mechanisms between companies working concurrently at the same workplace.
In addition,
- Develop solid technical skills in risk assessment.
- Implement control measures.
- Conduct safety audits.
- Plan for emergencies and train workers.
We must be able to convey risk prevention concepts to workers in a clear, simple, and above all practical way.
Having analytical and problem-solving skills is likewise essential for identifying and evaluating potential risks and proposing effective solutions.
If to all this we add being proactive and committed to continuous improvement, it will allow us to identify areas for improvement and implement positive changes.
Empathy and a genuine interest in workers’ well-being are fundamental qualities for being the best in our field.
I hope you found this article useful and that it serves you in the future. If you have any questions, you can contact us whenever you like.