The importance of continuous study and revised skills has never been more vital in a career pertaining to all occupational health and safety jobs than it is in the current economical climate. Although the recession has been cited as over by the government, few are realistically out of the water when it comes to job security and safe career advancement.
Occupational health and safety jobs are amongst the most vital in the running of a company. The ILO definition of occupational health as being “the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations by preventing departures from health, controlling risks and the adaptation of work to people, and people to their jobs” Those within the occupational health industry profess that the average position (if there is such a thing) is far more involved than any definition could imply. Calling on skills, instincts and knowledge that will be overhauled, topped-up and revised throughout a career is the bedrock of every occupational health professional’s position.
Health and safety vacancies aren’t’ necessarily thin on the ground, however demand for advanced skills is high and entry level university and college graduates are inward bound on a competitive career path. The right balance between experience, education and qualification is imperative.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) stated back in 2009 that unemployment would continue to rise until late 2010. Notably due to employers exercising caution in terms of postponing expansion until economic recovery takes a firm hold.
As a jobseeker surveying health and safety vacancies, expert advice sanctions the importance of using unemployed time to re-charge skill sets, attend voluntary courses and remain conspicuously up to date on industry protocols and developments.
The future of occupational health will arguably be one of increased responsibility, making continuous study and training a crucial cog in the career machine of every occupational health professional.
