What do you do if you want to switch to a career in workplace safety and need continuing education?

1 Assess your skills and interests

Before you decide to switch to a career in workplace safety, you should assess your current skills and interests and how they align with the demands and opportunities of the field. Workplace safety professionals need to have a strong knowledge of occupational health and safety standards, regulations, and best practices, as well as the ability to communicate, collaborate, and problem-solve effectively. They also need to be adaptable, flexible, and willing to learn new things, as workplace safety is constantly evolving with new technologies, risks, and challenges. You should also consider what kind of industry, sector, or organization you would like to work in, as workplace safety can vary widely depending on the context and the nature of the work.

2 Explore your options

Once you have a clear idea of your skills and interests, you can explore your options for switching to a career in workplace safety. Depending on your background and experience, you may need to obtain a formal qualification, such as a certificate, diploma, or degree in occupational health and safety or a related discipline. Alternatively, you may be able to leverage your existing skills and qualifications and apply for a workplace safety role that matches your profile. You can also look for opportunities to gain practical experience in workplace safety, such as volunteering, interning, or shadowing a workplace safety professional. You can also network with other workplace safety professionals and join relevant associations or groups to learn more about the field and the available opportunities.

4 Plan your learning journey

Once you have chosen your learning path, you will need to plan your learning journey and set realistic and achievable goals for yourself. You should create a learning plan that outlines your objectives, milestones, and deadlines, as well as the resources and support you will need along the way. You should also monitor your progress and evaluate your performance regularly, and make adjustments as needed. You should also seek feedback and guidance from your instructors, mentors, peers, or colleagues, and learn from their experiences and insights. You should also celebrate your achievements and reward yourself for your efforts.

5 Apply your learning

The ultimate goal of continuing education in workplace safety is to apply your learning to your current or future workplace safety role. You should look for opportunities to use your newly acquired knowledge and skills in real-world situations, such as conducting risk assessments, developing safety policies and procedures, implementing safety programs and initiatives, or providing safety training and education. You should also demonstrate your competence and confidence in workplace safety and showcase your value and potential to your employers, clients, or stakeholders. You should also update your resume and portfolio with your qualifications, certifications, and accomplishments in workplace safety.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?