Risen Star College of Technology & Business

What Does a Work Health and Safety (WHS) Officer Do?

Admin | May 10, 2026

Protecting People in the Workplace

Every safe workplace depends on people who understand risk management, hazard control and legal responsibilities.
A Work Health and Safety (WHS) Officer plays an important role in helping organisations create safer environments for workers, contractors and visitors.
If you are organised, detail-oriented and passionate about safety, WHS could be a rewarding career path.

Typical WHS Officer Responsibilities

A WHS Officer may assist with:

  • Conducting workplace inspections
  • Identifying hazards
  • Investigating incidents
  • Developing risk assessments
  • Reviewing policies and procedures
  • Delivering safety inductions
  • Monitoring compliance with WHS legislation

Recommended Qualification

One qualification commonly undertaken by individuals seeking practical workplace health and safety knowledge and skills is:

BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety

This nationally recognised qualification is designed to develop skills and knowledge required to support workplace health and safety practices across a range of industries and work environments.

At Risen Star College of Technology & Business, learners may develop skills in:

  • Assisting with workplace risk management processes
  • Identifying workplace hazards and implementing controls
  • Supporting consultation and communication on WHS matters
  • Contributing to incident investigations
  • Monitoring workplace safety systems and procedures
  • Applying WHS legislation and compliance requirements
  • Assisting in the development and review of WHS policies and procedures
  • Promoting safe work practices within the workplace

Practical Workplace Learning

A key part of this course is workplace-based learning and assessment, which enables learners to apply their knowledge in a real workplace environment or in a simulated based enviroment

Career Opportunities

Graduates may seek roles such as:

  • WHS Officer
  • Safety Coordinator
  • Return to Work Coordinator
  • Compliance Officer

Specific roles and responsibilities vary depending on employer requirements and industry sector.

Employment outcomes depend on factors such as prior experience, work performance, location, and employer requirements.

Why Choose Risen Star College?

At Risen Star College, our trainers and assessors bring extensive industry experience and are committed to helping learners develop practical, job-ready skills.

We focus on:

  • Industry-relevant training
  • Personalised learner support
  • Flexible study options
  • Real workplace assessment

Ready to Begin?

If you are interested in developing practical WHS skills, the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety may help prepare you for safety-related roles

Learn More About BSB41419 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety

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