WHS Manager

What does a WHS Manager do?

WHS Managers are responsible for the performance of their company’s health and safety team, ensuring all standards of business health and safety are understood and implemented. Employment for this role is expected to grow strongly to 2022, from 26,400 workers in 2017 to 30,600 by 2022. 16,000 job openings are expected over this time from workers leaving and new jobs being created.

Read more about the WHS industry.

What are the key skills of a WHS Manager?

WHS advisors are required to exert strong leadership and communication skills to effectively supervise and ensure quality performance from their health and safety team.  

• An excellent understanding of government legislation as well as their company policies and regulations
• Excellent interpersonal skills for training employees on WHS procedures and for advising WHS strategies
• Ability to identify hazards and control risks in the workplace; and implement health and safety plans
• High-level documentation skills for the recording, investigation, and reporting of safety performance
• Strong leadership and managerial skills to ensure the efficient and ethical performance of their health and safety team
• Ability to effectively handle injury and compliance investigations.

How to become a WHS Manager

WHS Managers typically hold bachelor-level qualifications in business or science, however, you can gain relevant skills and knowledge through a VET qualification as well.

We recommend studying a BSB51319 - Diploma of Work Health and Safety as this qualification can help you prepare for this career outcome, giving you an in-depth overview of the WHS Industry and its impact across businesses and organisations.