What is a Health and Safety Manager?
- A professional responsible for ensuring the health, safety and well-being of workers and visitors at construction sites.
- The primary role is to prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational hazards by implementing and overseeing safety protocols and procedures.
- Responsible for creating and maintaining a safety culture on the site, which should include regular safety meetings, and staff training sessions.
How to become a Health and Safety Manager
Qualifications
- A degree in the relevant field such as Occupational Health and Safety, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
- Holding recognised health and safety qualifications is crucial. The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) offers a range of highly regarded certifications in the industry.
- It will be beneficial to have construction-specific qualifications to understand unique risks and challenges from the industry. For example, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), which includes the Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) or the Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS).
- Having a professional membership such as the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) can be beneficial for your skills and knowledge.
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is important to stay up to date with the latest developments in health and safety.
Skills
- Extensive understanding of health and safety regulations, legislations, and best practices specific to the construction industry.
- Familiar with processes, methodologies, and equipment in construction to be aware of unique risks.
- Be able to lead by example and provide efficient guidance and knowledge to ensure compliance.
- Attention to detail is crucial when having to identify potential hazards. Inspections and processes need to comply with safety procedures.
- Have significant team building skills to create effective working relationships. Promoting a positive safety culture is important for successful safety on site.
Day-to-day tasks
- Visit construction sites regularly to inspect work areas, equipment, and processes.
- Staying up to date with current regulations and practice, also reviewing existing policies.
- Organise and conduct safety training for contractors, workers, and supervisors. Inductions conducted by Health and Safety Managers also.
- Perform risk assessments, identify potential hazards with activities, equipment, and work environments.
- Document all assessments, inspections, incidents, training, and other safety related aspects.
- Investigate into any accidents, incidents, or near-misses when occurred on site. Identify causes, collect any evidence, and prepare the appropriate reports.
How much can you earn as a Health and Safety Manager?
- The salary for entry-level or junior health and safety managers in construction can range from £25,000 to £35,000 per annum.
- Having a few years of experience behind you, and the relevant qualifications, can earn you a salary of between £35,000 and £50,000 per annum for mid-level health and safety managers.
- A salary from £50,000 to £80,000 per annum can be earnt at senior level of health and safety managers. Senior level will include many years of experience, a successful record of accomplishment and any additional certifications.
If you are looking into starting your health and safety management journey or have years of experience and are wanting a change, contact Amy Lammie;
07514 665515
amy.lammie@venatu.co.uk