Safety, Health & Environment Technician Level 3 Standard

On a daily basis the SHE Technician will assist to develop, review and check on the implementation of safe systems of work, deliver training (e.g. toolbox talks & inductions), investigate incidents, analyse data and present findings to the management team. The SHE Technician will engage with all aspects of the organisation to support the embedment of a culture that ensures everyone is able to return to their family and friends unharmed every day whilst also protecting and enhancing the global land, air and water resources for future generations. This will be achieved by inspiring and influencing others to see the benefit of working responsibly, understanding the legal framework and showing how safety, health and environmental management can enhance operational activities.

All learners will complete both on and off the job training elements for this standard and at the end of their learning journey will complete a Level 3 Apprenticeship as a Safety, Health & Environment Technician. Dependent upon prior qualifications learners may also need to complete functional skills in English and Maths at Level 2 and ICT at level 1.

For the off the job training element, during the first six month’s of their programme the learner is required to attend our training academy to undertake seventeen days of training on the following subjects in order to ensure they gain knowledge, understanding and competence to further enhance their Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours working within Health & Safety:

• Health and Safety Management Systems: Policy
• Health and Safety Management Systems: Organisation
• Health and Safety Management Systems: Planning and Implementation
• Health and Safety Management Systems: Monitoring Review
• Chemical and Biological Health Hazards & Controls
• Work Equipment Hazards and Controls
• Electrical, Fire Hazards and Risk Control
• Construction Activities, Hazards and Risk Controls
• Physical and Psychological Health Hazards and Control
• Workplace transport, Muscular-skeletal and Risk Control
• Project work & Presentation

All off the job knowledge elements cover the foundations for the IOSH Managing Safety and the NEBOSH Level 3 Certificate in Health & Safety. Companies have the option to pay a top up fee to gain these qualifications outside of the Level 3 Apprenticeship should they so wish.

Throughout their programme further enhancement to knowledge, Skills and Behaviour will be introduced through modules covering:

• Importance of Health and Safety
• Accountability and Responsibility
• Assessing Risks
• Controlling Risks
• Law Functions, Legislation, and Regulation
• Management System
• Common Hazards
• Investigation
• Performance Measuring
• Auditing
• Legal requirements for health and safety at work
• Implementation of health and safety management systems
• Identification of workplace hazards
• Methods of hazard control
• Practical application of knowledge and understanding

In addition to the above further enhancement to knowledge, Skills and Behaviour will be derived from individuals requiring to undertake a work place project putting into practise the theory delivered; along with building a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate competence which culminates as part of their End Point Assessment in a presentation to give an overview of what they have achieved. 

The moral reasons for good safety, health and environmental working practices, ensuring no harm to people or the environment.

The statutory health, safety and environmental legislation and sources of associated guidance and information applicable to their working environment. E.g. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Management at Work Regulations 1999, Environmental Protection Act 1990, Environment Act 1995.

How a SHE Management system works, the range of standards which a typical HSE professional would be involved with e.g. OHSAS 18001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and if applicable how these are applied in their working environment.

Appropriate methods for identifying, evaluating and controlling hazards relevant to their workplace. E.g. 5 steps to Risk Assessment and involving people who are experienced in the activity.

The range of work activities in a given situation and identify how to prioritise and scope out the hazards with the potential to cause harm and/or loss.

The difference between occupational hygiene, health surveillance and health and wellbeing campaigns and methods for implementing these in the workplace.

How to plan and have systems in place to manage change during an activity relevant to the working environment.

How people think and why they make decisions which can lead to risk, how behaviours can be used, the components of a behavioural program and potential blockers to the successful implementation of a behavioural programme.

How to plan for Safety, Health or Environmental emergencies – e.g. accidents, exposure to hazardous substances, fire, pollution.

Theories for incident causation and prevention such as James Reason’s Swiss Cheese model, Heinrich and Hertzberg theories (Domino, Competency Matrix) including behavioural considerations and implications on business risk (fines, reputation, lost work etc).

How to write and present a business justification e.g. cost/benefit analysis to influence managers.

• Present and hold an audience’s attention, for example when delivering SHE training, toolbox talks, inductions or presenting data or investigation findings to the workforce or management team. Show they can sell the SHE message, have personal impact, deal with challenge, reflect on personal performance, use appropriate language for the audience.
• Assist the management team in the development, management, implementation and monitoring of the Safety, Health and Environmental Management System by updating systems in line with changes in legislation or best practice, delivering training, coaching operational teams and undertaking workplace inspections.
• Provide advice on the practical implementation of the company’s SHE policies and processes applying generic industry guidance into the context of the workplace.
• Identify the hazards and evaluate:
• Workplace instructions that are relevant to the individual’s job
• Working practices in the individual’s job that may harm themselves or others’
• Aspects of the individual’s job that could harm themselves or others
• Which of the potentially harmful working practices and aspects of the individual’s work present the highest risks to themselves or others
• How to deal with hazards in accordance with workplace instructions and legal requirements
• Support and assist in the implementation of SHE inspections and monitoring systems demonstrating the balance between enforcement and internal support
• Undertake and/or assist with the monitoring, analysis of and reporting of SHE performance
• Prepare and maintain records relating to safety, health and environmental matters that comply with legal and workplace requirements and are accessible to those who are authorised to use them. E.g. records associated with Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, Lifting Operation and Lifting Equipment Regulations, Noise at Work Regulations, Hand Arm Vibration Regulations or Environmental Permitting Regulations
• Assist the management team in establishing, managing and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders such as local authorities, Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency, Occupational Health, Occupational Hygienists and others as required and directed.
• Research Safety, Health and Environmental Issues and best practices. Review updates of health and safety regulations e.g. changes to Construction, Design and Management Regulations or updates to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health along with workplace instructions, making sure that information is from reliable sources
• Assist and/or manage the investigation of accidents, incidents, dangerous occurrences, near misses and other incidents as directed
• Recognise where decisions have a financial cost and assisting to develop a budget
• Recognise situations where the activity will benefit from contributions and expertise of other internal departments such as HR, Finance, IT or Occupational Health

• Communicate effectively: Be able to contribute effectively in both spoken and written styles, adapting to the audience to present information or training in an assertive, engaging way.
• Work effectively in a team: Be able to work with others (colleagues, suppliers, clients and the public) and lead by example in a collaborative and non- confrontational way. Be able to adjust to change in relation to the requirements of the organisation.
• Contribute to a positive SHE culture. Challenge behaviour that is inconsistent with SHE culture, respect the culture and values of others in contributing a positive SHE culture. Positively influence behaviour in others to achieve desired outcomes and resolve conflicts.
• Drive Innovation: Be able to identify areas for improvement and suggest sustainable innovative solutions.
• Use their Professional Judgement: Be able to work within own level of competence, know when to seek advice from others.
• Apply the code of ethics: Work within rules and regulations of professional competence and code of conduct as defined by a professional institution. Be able to resist pressures to allow others to utilise unsafe working practices.
• Commit to equality and diversity: Apply attributes of equality and diversity to meet the requirements of fairness at work.
• Continue their professional development: Identify own development needs and take action to meet those needs. Use own knowledge and expertise to help others when requested.