Level 4 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

This qualification is divided into 10 comprehensive units, each aimed at developing advanced competence in occupational health and safety management.

1. Principles of Health and Safety Management
   Understanding the core principles and functions of safety management systems, including planning, organizing, and implementing safety policies.

2. Health and Safety Risk Assessment
   Learning advanced methods for identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and applying effective control measures to minimize workplace incidents.

3. Control of Workplace Hazards
   Exploring various workplace hazards such as physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic factors, and applying control strategies to manage them effectively.

4. Health and Safety Legislation
   Examining international and national health and safety laws, employee and employer responsibilities, and enforcement procedures.

5. Workplace Health and Safety Culture
   Understanding how leadership, communication, and employee involvement influence organizational safety culture and performance.

6. Incident Investigation and Analysis
   Learning structured techniques for investigating workplace incidents, identifying root causes, and implementing preventive and corrective measures.

7. Fire Safety Management
   Studying fire prevention strategies, emergency evacuation procedures, and compliance with fire safety standards.

8. Environmental Protection in the Workplace
   Understanding environmental management principles, pollution control, and sustainable practices that align with health and safety goals.

9. Emergency Preparedness and Response
   Developing the ability to plan, manage, and evaluate emergency response procedures, including drills, communication systems, and resource coordination.

10. Occupational Health and Wellbeing
    Exploring occupational health issues such as stress, fatigue, and hygiene, and promoting employee wellbeing and productivity through preventive measures.

• Develops advanced managerial and leadership skills in occupational safety.

• Provides in-depth understanding of legal, technical, and strategic safety aspects.

• Equips learners to design and manage complex safety systems.

• Enhances professional credibility and global employment opportunities.

• Serves as a strong foundation for Level 6 Diplomas or NEBOSH International Diploma.

This diploma is ideal for:

• Health and safety officers, supervisors, and consultants.

• Managers and directors responsible for compliance and risk management.

• Professionals seeking career advancement in occupational safety and environmental management.

• Individuals preparing for senior-level roles or chartered membership with professional bodies.

• Assessment Type: Written examinations, workplace-based assignments, and project reports.

• Exam Duration: 3 hours per written paper.

• Format: Essay-style questions, scenario analysis, and practical evaluation.

• Passing Criteria: Minimum 60 percent overall score required.

• Certification: Successful learners receive the Level 4 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.