How to Start a Career in Safety – Practical Steps for Beginners

If you’re curious about how to start a career in safety, you’re not alone.

I’m often asked for advice on this, and today I’m going to share the exact steps I recommend for anyone interested in joining this field.

Whether you’re completely new to workplace safety or already involved in some capacity, the following steps will guide you on how to get your foot in the door and start building a rewarding career in safety.

How to Start a Career in Safety: Practical Steps for Beginners
1. Become a Health and Safety Representative (HSR)

One of the easiest ways to start gaining experience in workplace safety is by becoming a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) in your workplace. If your company has this role, raise your hand and request to complete a HSR Training Course. It’s the perfect introduction to safety, and you’ll start understanding the core responsibilities of safety management.

But what if your workplace doesn’t have a safety team or HSR? Or maybe you’re self-employed? I still recommend doing the HSR course on your own. It will give you a solid foundation and help you decide whether safety is something you want to pursue further.

2. Get Hands-On Experience in Your Workplace

Once you’ve completed your HSR training, it’s time to build hands-on experience. Start by asking your workplace safety team if you can assist them. Whether it’s helping with documentation, supporting them during inspections, filling in when they need extra help or whilst they are on annual leave, this experience is invaluable.

If your workplace doesn’t have a safety team, don’t worry, you still have options.

3. Volunteer for Work Experience

Consider reaching out to another company that has a dedicated safety team. During your annual leave, you can volunteer for a week of work experience with them. This will give you first-hand experience of what a safety role looks like day-to-day. Plus, it can lead to some great references for your resume, and if they ever have a job opening in safety, you’ll be top of mind.

4. Pursue Formal Education

If you’re still passionate about safety after your hands-on experience, the next step is formal education. Start by enrolling in a Certificate IV in WHS. This qualification will open doors for you to apply for entry-level safety roles like a Safety Coordinator or a Safety Administrator.

These roles are excellent for gaining practical experience and building your skills while working directly in safety.

5. Advance Your Knowledge with a Diploma in WHS

Once you’ve gained some experience and feel ready to take on more responsibility, consider furthering your education with a Diploma in WHS or even a Degree. This is especially important if you want to move into more senior safety roles, such as a Safety Manager or Safety Officer.

Keep in mind that safety roles require more than just technical knowledge. You’ll need strong skills in communication, education, and leadership. Safety professionals often lead teams, so these soft skills are crucial.

6. Stay on Top of Continuous Learning

Safety is an ever evolving field, especially as regulations and workplace standards change. You’ll need to stay up to date with WHS legislation and industry trends, so make continuous learning a priority.  Participate in safety groups, follow relevant safety sites and attend safety webinars where possible. This will not only keep you ahead of the curve but also position you as a trusted expert in your field.

7. Consider Becoming a Safety Consultant

After you’ve built up at least five years of full-time safety experience, you might feel ready to branch out on your own as a safety consultant. This can be a rewarding path; however, it requires a strong foundation in both safety and business.

To succeed as a consultant, you’ll need to develop a specialty, whether it’s safety training, safety audits, mentoring, or even environmental safety. Having a signature service or industry focus will help you stand out and attract clients.

Final Thoughts on Starting a Career in Safety

Building a career in safety takes time, commitment, and a continuous willingness to learn and grow. Whether you’re starting with volunteering or already working in a safety-related role, the key is to stay proactive and open to opportunities. If you’re passionate about creating safer workplaces, this field can be incredibly rewarding.