Everything you Need to Know About Getting a Level 6 Qualification in Health and Safety

Being safe in the workplace is fundamentally important. Whether your place of work is an office, building site, factory or somewhere else, keeping everyone that enters it safe, including employees, visitors, contractors and freelancers is a legal requirement. Not to mention just good practice.

Aside from avoiding any hefty fines or jeopardising anyone’s life, keeping your business in ship-shape can help to improve appearances and boost staff morale. In order to achieve the highest possible levels of health and safety, many employers turn to the Level 6 Qualification in Health and Safety. 

1. Who’s it aimed at?

The course is a holistic approach to health and safety provided by ProQual and is ideal for any employees but is particularly pertinent for those who are primarily responsible for managing their company’s health and safety procedures. 

The course delivers a deep understanding of occupational health and safety management in a practical way and is an ideal qualification for those looking to balance Diploma level studies with a demanding existing role.

2. What’s involved?

The course is based on each individual student’s competencies, which means it is not exam based. Instead, those undertaking studies are able to learn on the job, which is particularly useful for students that can be deterred from further learning by the thought of having to commit hours outside of work or sacrifice earnings, and from an employersperspective, who can be concerned about depleted staff hours. 

Evidence of carrying out tasks is submitted electronically online to be assessed. The course can be completed over the course of two years but generally takes an average of seven to 12 months. If candidates suffer any issues over this period or need to ask any questions then full support is available. 

As an NVQ Level 6 this qualification is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree. 

3. What will I need?

The course costs £1,995 but, in most cases, the employer covers those expenses. There are 10 mandatory units that must be studied covering a broad range of topics such as promoting a positive safety culture to developing emergency procedures.Each unit will include tasks that can be carried out in the workplace and then submitted to mark and as proof that activities have been completed. 

4. Course Benefits

There are lots of benefits associated for those undertaking this course:

• Work-based Learning

Being able to work whilst you’re on the job is preferable for both employers and employees in many cases. The staff force remains intact, whilst students don’t have to sacrifice wages or their spare time. It also means that what students learn isn’t limited to the theory of a classroom but in a real practical environment. 

• Cost Savings

Using this method to study is also highly cost-effective. In undertaking the studies, the relevant employee will review all methods and procedures currently in place at the business. Funding this service in another way could cost thousands if not more. Students also reduce typical costs such as travel expenses and accommodation.  

• No Exams

Everyone finds exam periods stressful and this can impact on how well a candidate performs. As there are no exams in this method, those taking the course are able to perform stress-free and only submit their work when they are totally happy with it. 

• Globally Recognised

The qualification is globally recognised and is therefore not limiting. Wherever your career takes you, the value of the qualifications remains and helps ensure your career progression in the UK or elsewhere. 

So, as you can see, the Level 6 Diploma in Health and Safety can be of huge benefit to both employees and employers. By undertaking the course, the whole company stands to benefit.