Over half health and safety jobs cover environment

Well over half of health and safety jobs require environmental management responsibilities, according to the 2012 NEBOSH Jobs Barometer.

Environmental management continues to feature strongly in health and safety job adverts, mentioned in 62% of available positions, the same as in 2011.

The research also showed that, as in previous years, anyone applying for a health and safety role almost certainly needs to have a relevant qualification.

And if you’re looking for a health and safety management position, you’re most likely to find one in the Midlands with an annual salary of around £44K.

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Between 27 February and 12 March 2012, NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) examined 100 nationally advertised jobs for health and safety managers or advisors. In nine out of ten cases, a NEBOSH qualification and/or Technician Membership of IOSH or higher was specified.

Overall, 72% of positions mentioned at least one NEBOSH qualification, up from 66% last year. A NEBOSH Diploma was specified in 42 cases and a NEBOSH Certificate level qualification 37 times. As well as the NEBOSH General Certificate, employers also sought NEBOSH Construction and Environmental Certificates.

Membership of IOSH (The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) at Technician level or higher was mentioned in 30% of job adverts. IOSH membership at Technician, Graduate or Chartered levels requires accredited qualifications.

The average top-end salary advertised was £44,000 per annum, down slightly from £45,000 last year. In terms of availability of jobs, there appears to have been little change from 2011, with the health and safety jobs market remaining relatively healthy.

The majority of vacancies (30%) were located in the Midlands, a shift from 2011 when just 16% were based there. Responsibility for quality assurance was mentioned in 18% of roles, up from 12% last year.

Workplace Law Health and Safety offers a flexible approach to those who want to study for the NEBOSH General Certificate; either home study, classroom learning, a blend of the two and a fast-track course. The NEBOSH National General certificate also covers aspects of environmental management, as does the NEBOSH International certificate, Workplace Law’s newest certificate delivered by e-learning.