The Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is designed for individuals who have responsibility for health and safety within the workplace. It enables learners to demonstrate competence through real work activities, making it ideal for supervisors, team leaders, or staff involved in daily safety operations.
Learners will gain the knowledge and practical skills to:
This is a competency-based qualification assessed through:
The Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety qualification is aimed at candidates working as a health and safety practitioner, in a position of responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of a team or organisation. The qualification is generic and appropriate for individuals working in a range of sectors.
The Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety qualification is aimed at candidates working as a health and safety practitioner, in a position of responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of a team or organisation. The qualification is generic and appropriate for individuals working in a range of sectors.
This qualification has been accredited onto the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
| Qualification Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Qualification title | ProQual Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety |
| Ofqual qualification number | 601/4766/0 |
| Level | Level 3 |
| Total qualification time | 310 hours |
| Guided learning hours | 161 |
| Assessment | Pass or fail, Internally assessed and verified by centre staff, External quality assurance by ProQual verifiers |
| Qualification start date | 1/11/14 |
| Revision Date | 17 May 2023 |
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
Centres should carry out an initial assessment of candidate skills and knowledge to identify any gaps and help plan the assessment.
Candidates must complete all of the Mandatory Units, plus ONE Optional Unit.
| Unit Reference Number | Unit Title | Unit Level |
|---|---|---|
| A/650/6127 | Investigate and evaluate health and safety incidents and complaints in the workplace | 3 |
| Y/650/6126 | Ensure responsibility for actions to reduce risks to health and safety | 3 |
| F/650/6129 | Develop procedures to safely control work operations | 3 |
| F/601/9354 | Monitor procedures to safely control work operations | 3 |
| F/601/6633 | Promote a culture of health and safety in the workplace | 3 |
| H/601/6687 | Conduct a health and safety risk assessment of the workplace | 3 |
| Unit Reference Number | Unit Title | Unit Level |
|---|---|---|
| D/650/6128 | Make sure actions in the workplace aim to protect the environment | 3 |
| M/601/6837 | Review health and safety procedures in the workplace | 3 |
| Y/601/6847 | Supervise the health, safety and welfare of a learner in the workplace | 3 |
Centres must be approved to offer this qualification. If your centre is not approved please complete and submit form ProQual Additional Qualification Approval Application.
Staff
Staff delivering this qualification must be appropriately qualified and/or occupationally
competent.
Assessors/Internal Quality Assurance
For each competence-based unit centres must be able to provide at least one assessor and one internal quality assurance verifier who are suitably qualified for the specific occupational area. Assessors and internal quality assurance verifiers for competence-based units or qualifications will normally need to hold appropriate assessor or verifier qualifications, such as:
Materials produced by centres to support candidates should:
This qualification is competence-based, candidates must demonstrate the level of
competence described in the units. Assessment is the process of measuring a candidate’s skill, knowledge and understanding against the standards set in the qualification.
The qualification must be internally assessed by an appropriately experienced and qualified
assessor.
Each candidate is required to produce a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates their achievement of all of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit.
Evidence can include:
Learning outcomes set out what a candidate is expected to know, understand or be able to do.
Assessment criteria specify the standard a candidate must meet to show the learning outcome has been achieved.
Learning outcomes and assessment criteria for this qualification can be found from page 8.
An internal quality assurance verifier confirms that assessment decisions made in centres are made by competent and qualified assessors, that they are the result of sound and fair assessment practice and that they are recorded accurately and appropriately.
Adjustments to standard assessment arrangements are made on the individual needs of candidates. ProQual’s Reasonable Adjustments Policy and Special Consideration Policy sets out the steps to follow when implementing reasonable adjustments and special considerations and the service that ProQual provides for some of these arrangements.
Centres should contact ProQual for further information or queries about the contents of the policy.
All enquiries relating to assessment or other decisions should be dealt with by centres, with reference to ProQual’s Enquiries and Appeals Procedures.
Candidates who achieve the requirements for qualifications will be awarded:
ProQual Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
Claiming certificates
Centres may claim certificates for candidates who have been registered with ProQual and who have successfully achieved the requirements for a qualification. All certificates will be issued to the centre for successful candidates.
Unit certificates
If a candidate does not achieve all of the units required for a qualification, the centre may claim a unit certificate for the candidate which will list all of the units achieved.
Replacement certificates
If a replacement certificate is required a request must be made to ProQual in writing. Replacement certificates are labelled as such and are only provided when the claim has been authenticated. Refer to the Fee Schedule for details of charges for replacement certificates.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Criterion | Evidence / Learner Response |
|---|---|---|
| LO1: Be able to investigate and report workplace incidents and complaints in accordance with workplace requirements |
1.1 Establish sources of information relevant to the incident | Prior to the investigation, relevant sources such as accident reports, witness statements, CCTV footage, risk assessments, training records, and health and safety policies are identified and selected based on the nature of the incident. |
| 1.2 Gather accurate and comprehensive information | Information is collected through interviews and written statements in a supportive and non-blaming manner. The investigation process is explained clearly to maintain trust and positive working relationships. |
|
| 1.3 Identify inconsistencies and recurring themes | All evidence is reviewed to identify conflicting information, gaps in procedures, and recurring issues such as repeated unsafe practices or lack of training. |
|
| 1.4 Prepare and submit investigation reports | A formal report is prepared detailing the incident, findings, and evidence. The report is submitted in the agreed format, within timescales, and in line with regulatory and workplace requirements. |
|
| LO2: Be able to make recommendations as a result of workplace investigations |
2.1 Recommend improvements based on analysis | Recommendations are developed using detailed analysis of investigation findings, guidance materials, and expert advice. |
| 2.2 Ensure recommendations comply with legislation and practices | All recommendations align with current working practices, relevant legislation, and workplace health and safety policies. |
|
| 2.3 Propose workable recommendations with review measures | Practical and realistic improvements are proposed, including clear review measures to assess effectiveness. | |
| 2.4 Present recommendations with implementation plans | Recommendations are presented to appropriate personnel with clear, achievable plans and defined responsibilities. | |
| 2.5 Produce an action plan with review process | A detailed action plan is created outlining actions, responsible persons, deadlines, and a review process to monitor implementation. |
|
| LO3: Know employers’ and employees’ legal responsibilities for health and safety |
3.1 Explain legal responsibilities | The responsibilities of employers and employees are explained in line with health and safety legislation, including individual capabilities and job roles involved in the investigation. |
| 3.2 Explain workplace investigation requirements | Workplace requirements are explained, including hazard identification, prompt reporting of risks, budget considerations, and the role of external regulatory bodies. |
|
| 3.3 Explain action plans and confidentiality requirements | The process of writing action plans is explained, including analytical techniques used and the importance of maintaining confidentiality of investigation reports. |
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Criterion | Evidence / Learner Response |
|---|---|---|
| LO1: Be able to identify and appropriately deal with hazards and risks arising from working practices and the work environment not covered by workplace risk assessments |
1.1 Identify workplace instructions and practices relevant to own job role | Relevant workplace instructions, procedures, and safe working practices applicable to the learner’s job role are identified and followed to manage hazards and risks not included in existing risk assessments. |
| 1.2 Report differences, recurring themes, or inconsistencies | Any inconsistencies, recurring issues, or deviations from accepted workplace processes are reported to the appropriate personnel using established reporting procedures. |
|
| LO2: Be able to reduce the risks to health and safety in the workplace |
2.1 Perform work activities at required competence level | Work activities are carried out competently and safely in accordance with job role requirements, training, and workplace procedures. |
| 2.2 Recognise limitations in own competence | Personal limitations are identified through self-assessment and appraisal, and support or further training is sought where required. |
|
| 2.3 Set acknowledged personal goals | Realistic personal development goals are set and agreed with the organisation to improve competence and reduce workplace risks. |
|
| LO3: Acknowledge the importance of the needs and requirements of people in the workplace |
3.1 Explain importance of workplace welfare provision | The importance of adequate welfare provision is explained, ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of all individuals within the organisation. |
| 3.2 Determine additional requirements for vulnerable individuals | Additional needs are identified for vulnerable individuals, including young workers, pregnant workers, and those with health conditions or disabilities. |
|
| 3.3 Monitor effectiveness of welfare provision | Welfare provisions are monitored regularly, and any required changes are reported in line with organisational policies and control measures. |
|
| 3.4 Report differences between policy and actual provision | Differences between stated policies and actual welfare provision are reported, highlighting the benefits of improving occupational health and safety. |
|
| 3.5 Describe impact and consequences of change | The potential impact and consequences of changes to welfare provision are described, considering both positive outcomes and possible risks. |
|
| LO4: Be able to communicate workplace findings in line with accepted standards |
4.1 Explain responsibility for remaining alert to hazards | Personal responsibility for staying alert to workplace hazards and risks is explained and demonstrated during daily work activities. |
| 4.2 Describe own responsibilities and scope for action | The learner’s responsibilities and authority for taking action on health and safety matters are clearly described. |
|
| 4.3 Explain how to promote health and safety information | Methods for communicating health and safety information to stakeholders at all organisational levels are explained, including meetings, briefings, and written communications. |
|
| 4.4 Explain importance of following policies and practices | The importance of complying with health and safety policies and safe working practices is explained to prevent incidents and maintain legal compliance. |
|
| 4.5 Describe where to obtain additional health and safety support | Appropriate sources of additional health and safety assistance are identified, including supervisors, health and safety representatives, and external support bodies. |
| Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment Criterion – The learner can: |
|---|---|
| 1. be able to develop procedures for maintaining a healthy and safe workplace | 1.1. identify existing health and safety procedures.
1.2. agree realistic objectives for maintaining a healthy and safe workplace for everyone. 1.3. develop health and safety procedures which: 1.4. develop a health and safety training plan to include the performance indicators for the organisation, underpinning health and safety legislation and regulation. 1.5. disseminate the Health and Safety training plan to those in the workplace with consideration to workload priorities to those affected. |
| 2. be able to review the effectiveness of health and safety procedures in the workplace. | 2.1. identify changes in the workplace and legal requirements to current health and safety procedures.
2.2. provide other people with opportunities to give feedback about current health and safety procedures. 2.3. review all relevant health and safety reports and data to identify any opportunities to improve workplace health and safety procedures. 2.4. identify and obtain feedback and advice from reliable sources of expertise. 2.5. record accurately: |
| 3. be able to communicate health and safety procedures to others in the workplace. | 3.1. report the results of own review to the relevant people.
3.2. alert everyone in the workplace, promptly, to the revised health and safety procedures. 3.3. set effective measures for monitoring the revised health and safety procedures. |
| 4. know the legal responsibilities for health and safety. | 4.1. identify responsibilities for health and safety as required by: a) current legislations b) legislation covering own job role c) the particular health and safety risks present in own job role and the precautions to be taken d) the specific organisational health and safety instructions for own job role.4.2. explain the importance of: a) remaining alert to hazards in the workplace. b) dealing with and promptly reporting risks. c) knowing the hazards that exist in the workplace. d) the specific organisational health and safety instructions for own job role including that as ‘trusted advisor’ where appropriate to senior team members.4.3. explain own awareness of others in the workplace to include: a) the roles and responsibilities of others in the workplace b) commonly used working practices including working with others c) channels of communication and consultation in the workplace, including senior team members and internal stakeholders.4.4. explain the need for health and safety information in the workplace to include: a) the instructions that may be required about health and safety in the workplace. b) where to find the health and safety information that may be available in the workplace. c) how to prepare and write specific instructions and procedures. d) measures to check the different types of health and safety procedures. |
| Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment Criterion – The learner can: |
|---|---|
| 1. be able to check that health and safety instructions are followed. | 1.1. keep up to date with health and safety regulations and workplace instructions, making sure that information is from reliable sources.
1.2. conduct monitoring of the workplace at agreed intervals and in accordance with workplace instructions. 1.3. confirm that workers are health and safety competent as defined in their job role and that identified health and safety training needs have been met. 1.4. communicate workplace instructions and receive feedback. |
| 2. be able to recommend changes to health and safety workplace instructions. | 2.1. respond to any breaches of health and safety instructions in a way which meets workplace and legal requirements.
2.2. make recommendations for any changes to health and safety workplace instructions to the responsible people. |
| 3. be able to make sure that hazards and risks are controlled safely and effectively. | 3.1. maintain accurate records of workplace risks.
3.2. check other people are aware of the hazards/risks and know the action(s) to be taken to minimise them. 3.3. confirm that appropriate precautions to control risks have been agreed with the people responsible for health and safety. 3.4. conduct a review to make sure all recommended action has been taken. 3.5. report any conflicts that still exist between workplace and legal requirements. |
| 4. know how to monitor procedures to safely control work operations | 4.1. explain employers’ and employees’ legal responsibilities for health and safety in the workplace.
4.2. explain the difference between ‘hazard’, ‘risk’ and ‘control’. 4.3. describe the types of information available from reports and records covering the workplace. 4.4. explain the importance of evaluating information from reports and records covering the workplace. |
| Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment Criterion – The learner can: |
|---|---|
| 1. be able to develop plans to promote a health and safety culture in the workplace. | 1.1. identify where any improvements and changes may be necessary.
1.2. identify how information on health and safety instructions and regulations are currently communicated. 1.3. identify current level of workforce understanding and support for health and safety instructions and procedures. 1.4. develop a plan based on the findings, to include performance measures, review dates and resources. 1.5. plan opportunities for promoting the advantages and legal necessity of following health and safety procedures. |
| 2. implement the plan to promote a health and safety culture in the workplace. | 2.1. present the plan to the responsible people for the workplace to gain their support.
2.2. identify those in the workplace who will require information and advice about the plan to promote a health and safety culture in the workplace. 2.3. ensure that relevant information and advice is provided at in a timely way and provide opportunities for encouraging ideas on good practice. 2.4. measure the effectiveness of the plan against past and present performance. |
| 3. be able to monitor and review plan to promote health and safety culture in the workplace. | 3.1. research and be aware of the legal and moral responsibilities implied.
3.2. instigate performance measures to monitor the effectiveness of the plan and review opportunities for further improvements. |
| 4. know reasons for promoting a health and safety culture in the workplace. | 4.1. explain employers, employees and moral and legal responsibilities for health and safety.
4.2. explain own legal responsibilities for health and safety in their job role. 4.3. explain how to interpret workplace health and safety data. 4.4. explain how to assess the level of understanding of workplace health and safety data. 4.5. identify the information needs of those affected by the plan, to include: 4.6. explain the awareness of: |
| Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment Criterion – The learner can: |
|---|---|
| 1. be able to prepare for a workplace risk assessment. | 1.1. evaluate the workplace to decide areas for risk assessment.
1.2. select the method of hazard identification appropriate to the workplace being assessed and in line with legal requirements. 1.3. list the hazards in a way which meets legal, good practice and workplace requirements. 1.4. recognise own limitations and seek expert advice and guidance on operational controls when appropriate. |
| 2. be able to identify hazards in the workplace | 2.1. make sure the hazard investigation fully identifies those areas in the workplace where hazards with a potential for serious harm to health and safety are most likely to occur with impact on: a) people in the workplace and b) other people. |
| 3. be able to conduct a risk assessment of the workplace. | 3.1. carry out risk assessment of the hazards identified using appropriate documentation.
3.2. assess the level of risk and how risks can be controlled to minimise harm. 3.3. assess the level of risk, identifying those that could not be eliminated. 3.4. prioritise hazards which could result in serious harm to people at work and other people. 3.5. identify control measures and implement and record them, include actions with expected completion dates. 3.6. identify changes to policies and practices resulting from the risk assessment. 3.7. deliver findings of the risk assessment with actions identified. |
| 4. be able to review risk assessment. | 4.1. instigate a review that compares the latest risk assessment to current workplace and working practices and identify any significant differences between previous and new working practices.
4.2. plan action to be taken resulting from the findings and: |
| 5. know the employer’s responsibility for risk assessments as required by current legislation. | 5.1. explain own responsibilities for health and safety as defined by current legislation and: a) specific legislation covering own job role. b) particular health and safety risks which may affect own job role and precautions required.5.2. identify resources for the risk assessment to take place and: a) how and where to find expert advice and guidance b) the work areas and people for whom the learner is carrying out the risk assessment c) the work activities of the people in the workplace where the learner is carrying out the risk assessment.5.3. describe the purpose, legal implications and importance of carrying out risk assessments and: a) the methods of identifying hazards including direct observation, examining records and conducting interviews b) the workplace hazards most likely to cause harm c) the importance of remaining alert to the presence of hazards in the workplace d) the importance of dealing with or promptly reporting risks. 5.4. apply effective communication methods. |
| Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment Criterion – The learner can: |
|---|---|
| 1. be able to identify risks to the environment arising from the workplace. | 1.1. identify people in the workplace to whom environmental matters are reported.
1.2. confirm they are up to date on environmentally friendly working practices relevant to the workplace. 1.3. identify any current working practices in own job role that could cause harm to the environment. 1.4. identify materials, products or equipment in any part of own job role which could cause harm to the environment. 1.5. report any differences between legal regulations and workplace instructions and the actual use of materials and products hazardous to the environment. 1.6. explain the importance of reporting environmental concerns to the responsible persons and how this is undertaken. |
| 2. be able to minimise the risks to the environment arising from the workplace. | 2.1. research the relevant legal requirements and workplace environmental instructions for own job role.
2.2. define within own capability and the scope of job responsibilities how to: 2.3. apply the correct instructions for: |
| 3. know the legislation relating to environmental matters that affect own workplace. | 3.1. explain own responsibilities for the environment as defined by any specific legislation covering own job role and: a) responsibility for controlling hazards to the environment b) particular risks to the environment that may be present in own workplace and job role c) how to use resources and materials effectively and efficiently d) the importance of remaining alert to the presence of hazards to the environment in the whole workplace e) the responsibility for items (materials and equipment) that can be hazardous to the environment f) the specific workplace environmental instructions covering own job role g) specific working practices covering own job role.3.2. discuss the importance of working with stakeholders within the organisation to apply ethical codes and sustainability practice within occupational safety and health. 3.3. describe the substances and processes categorised as hazardous to the environment. 3.4. explain workplace instructions for handling hazards to the environment that the learner is unable to deal with. |
| Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment Criterion – The learner can: |
|---|---|
| 1. be able to undertake a review of health and safety in the workplace. | 1.1. obtain authorisation for the review from the person responsible for the workplace.
1.2. agree work schedule, purpose, scope, timescales and priorities for the review with the responsible person for the workplace. 1.3. identify areas in the workplace to be reviewed and the methods to be used. 1.4. identify suitable resources and documentation for the workplace under review. 1.5. brief other people involved in the review to make sure they understand its purpose and the process undertaken. |
| 2. be able to carry out a review of workplace health and safety. | 2.1. identify and use appropriate protective clothing and equipment that is suitable to the workplace under review.
2.2. research working practices to make sure the review covers all areas including those that may need special checking. 2.3. record differences between previous review findings and the current situation. 2.4. list the health and safety hazards that could cause serious harm in the workplace. 2.5. consult with the responsible person to list any non-compliances with health and safety in priority order and make recommendations to control hazards. 2.6. produce an action plan for improving health and safety to include follow up for monitoring and implementation of recommendations and corrective action. 2.7. evaluate and report findings: |
| 3. know how to review health and safety procedures in workplaces. | 3.1. explain the employers and employees legal and moral responsibilities.
3.2. explain own responsibilities for health and safety as defined by: 3.3. explain what notice period needs to be given before the review takes place. 3.4. explain the importance of knowing the hazards and risks which may arise in the workplace. 3.5. describe the resources needed to carry out a review and: 3.6. describe appropriate post review plans and the recording and reporting procedures. |
| Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment Criterion – The learner can: |
|---|---|
| 1. prepare for and receive a trainee in the workplace. | 1.1. define his/her responsibilities for a trainee entering the workplace.
1.2. prepare for the trainee to enter the workplace by: 1.3. identify and report to the responsible person all control measures needed to ensure the health and safety of the trainee in the workplace. 1.4. confirm that the trainee can demonstrate understanding of safe working practices prior to entering the workplace, and has been provided with health and safety information and training in line with: 1.5. inform all others who will be involved with the trainee of their responsibilities for their health, safety and welfare. 1.6. produce and implement a plan for the supervision of the trainee to include arrangements to cover absences and that they are recorded. |
| 2. supervise, monitor and review the health, safety and welfare of a learner in the workplace. | 2.1. explain to the trainee the responsibilities for supervising and monitoring health, safety and welfare in the workplace.
2.2. check the trainee: 2.3. provide ongoing information, advice and support to the trainee in relation to safe working practices and organisational instructions. 2.4. identify additional training needs relative to health, safety and welfare of the trainee and that they are recorded and met. 2.5. assess the trainee’s understanding of, and compliance with, health and safety requirements are reviewed on a regular basis. 2.6. liaise with others to support the trainee’s progress. 2.7. contribute to reviews and ensure that the supervision plan is regularly updated and recorded. 2.8. inform the person responsible of any concerns regarding the trainee’s performance relative to health and safety. |
| 3. know how to introduce a trainee to the workplace. | 3.1. explain what information is necessary and available to assess the suitability of the workplace for the trainee that the learner is supervising in the workplace and: a) specific learning barriers to the trainee, e.g., physical, communication, prohibited areas b) specific risk assessments and control methods relating to a trainee c) health, safety and welfare training and support required by the trainee during induction d) employers’ instructions and procedures in relation to the health, safety and welfare of the trainee e) own responsibilities relative to supervising the trainee. 3.2. explain the need to check the trainee’s understanding of health and safety relative to their job role: 3.3. explain how to respond to incidents, development needs and achievements of the trainee relating to health and safety. 3.4. identify others involved in the trainee’s programme, their role and responsibilities. 3.5. understand the terms ‘hazard’ and ‘risk’ as applied to health and safety. |
