Level 3 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
Review the qualification structure, entry guidance, assessment approach, progression opportunities and complete unit information.
Level 3 is broadly equivalent to UK GCE A-Levels or a Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma (120 UK credits). It builds foundational vocational knowledge, factual understanding, and practical competencies, preparing learners for Level 4 undergraduate diploma study or entry-level professional roles.
Educational Aims & Competencies
The Level 3 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is an IQ Awards qualification at Level 3. It supports learners in developing knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours in occupational health and safety.
- • Learners who are starting out in occupational health and safety and want to build a strong foundation.
- • School leavers, new entrants or early-career learners seeking a recognised vocational qualification.
- • Learners who want to progress into further study or employment.
Assessed Units, Learning Outcomes & Criteria
Click on any unit to expand its official Unit Aim, Learning Outcomes (LOs), Assessment Criteria (ACs), Indicative Syllabus Content, and Assignment Brief.
IQA-L3-OHS-U01
• Level 3
• 10 Credits
• 60 GLH
Workplace Hazard Identification
Coursework Portfolio / Applied Assignment (No Exams)
Workplace Hazard Identification
This unit aims to develop learners’ ability to recognise, identify and report workplace hazards in line with basic occupational health and safety practice.
- LO1 Understand common workplace hazards.
- LO2 Be able to identify hazards in different workplace environments.
- LO3 Understand the impact of hazards on employees and organisations.
- LO4 Be able to report identified hazards appropriately.
- AC1.1 Define workplace hazards and related health and safety terms.
- AC1.2 Describe different categories of workplace hazards.
- AC2.1 Identify hazards in a given workplace scenario.
- AC2.2 Explain methods used to identify workplace hazards.
- AC3.1 Explain the possible effects of workplace hazards on workers.
- AC3.2 Explain the possible organisational impact of unmanaged hazards.
- AC4.1 Complete a simple hazard identification record.
- AC4.2 Explain the importance of reporting hazards promptly.
Types of hazards, physical hazards, chemical hazards, biological hazards, ergonomic hazards, psychosocial hazards, hazard spotting, workplace inspection, unsafe acts, unsafe conditions and hazard reporting.
Learners are required to complete a written assignment and practical hazard identification activity based on a workplace or simulated workplace environment.
IQA-L3-OHS-U02
• Level 3
• 10 Credits
• 60 GLH
Risk Assessment and Control
Coursework Portfolio / Applied Assignment (No Exams)
Risk Assessment and Control
This unit aims to provide learners with knowledge and practical understanding of workplace risk assessment and the selection of suitable control measures.
- LO1 Understand the purpose of risk assessment.
- LO2 Understand the risk assessment process.
- LO3 Be able to apply basic risk control measures.
- LO4 Be able to review risk control effectiveness.
- AC1.1 Explain the purpose of workplace risk assessment.
- AC1.2 Describe the difference between hazard and risk.
- AC2.1 Describe the key stages of a risk assessment.
- AC2.2 Explain how risk levels can be rated.
- AC3.1 Identify suitable control measures for workplace risks.
- AC3.2 Explain the hierarchy of control.
- AC4.1 Review whether selected controls are suitable.
- AC4.2 Recommend improvements to reduce risk.
Hazard and risk, likelihood and severity, risk matrix, risk rating, hierarchy of control, elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE and risk review.
Learners must complete a risk assessment for a given workplace scenario and recommend suitable control measures.
IQA-L3-OHS-U03
• Level 3
• 10 Credits
• 60 GLH
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Coursework Portfolio / Applied Assignment (No Exams)
Emergency Preparedness and Response
This unit aims to develop learner understanding of workplace emergency preparedness, response procedures and the importance of effective emergency planning.
- LO1 Understand workplace emergency situations.
- LO2 Understand emergency preparedness procedures.
- LO3 Understand emergency response roles and responsibilities.
- LO4 Be able to contribute to emergency response planning.
- AC1.1 Identify common workplace emergency situations.
- AC1.2 Explain the potential consequences of poor emergency planning.
- AC2.1 Describe key elements of emergency preparedness.
- AC2.2 Explain the importance of emergency drills and training.
- AC3.1 Describe the roles of workers, supervisors and emergency teams.
- AC3.2 Explain communication requirements during emergencies.
- AC4.1 Prepare a simple emergency response checklist.
- AC4.2 Recommend improvements to an emergency response procedure.
Fire emergencies, accidents, medical emergencies, evacuation procedures, emergency exits, assembly points, first aid, emergency communication, drills, incident response and emergency documentation.
Learners are required to analyse an emergency scenario and prepare a basic emergency preparedness and response plan.
IQA-L3-OHS-U04
• Level 3
• 15 Credits
• 90 GLH
Workplace Communication and Teamwork
Coursework Portfolio / Applied Assignment (No Exams)
Workplace Communication and Teamwork
This unit aims to develop learners’ communication and teamwork skills for supporting workplace health and safety practices.
- LO1 Understand the importance of communication in health and safety.
- LO2 Be able to communicate health and safety information clearly.
- LO3 Understand teamwork in maintaining a safe workplace.
- LO4 Be able to participate in workplace safety discussions.
- AC1.1 Explain why communication is important in workplace health and safety.
- AC1.2 Describe barriers to effective safety communication.
- AC2.1 Communicate safety information using appropriate methods.
- AC2.2 Explain how communication methods should match the audience.
- AC3.1 Explain the role of teamwork in preventing accidents.
- AC3.2 Describe how team members can support safe working practices.
- AC4.1 Participate in a safety meeting or discussion.
- AC4.2 Record key points and agreed actions from a safety discussion.
Verbal communication, written communication, safety signs, toolbox talks, safety briefings, team roles, reporting lines, consultation, active listening, teamwork and workplace cooperation.
Learners must produce evidence of communicating health and safety information and participating in a workplace safety discussion or simulated safety meeting.
IQA-L3-OHS-U05
• Level 3
• 15 Credits
• 90 GLH
Safety Documentation and Record Keeping
Coursework Portfolio / Applied Assignment (No Exams)
Safety Documentation and Record Keeping
This unit aims to develop learners’ understanding of health and safety documentation and the skills required to complete and maintain basic workplace safety records.
- LO1 Understand the purpose of health and safety documentation.
- LO2 Understand different types of safety records.
- LO3 Be able to complete basic safety documentation.
- LO4 Understand the importance of storing and maintaining safety records.
- AC1.1 Explain the purpose of workplace health and safety documentation.
- AC1.2 Describe the importance of accurate record keeping.
- AC2.1 Identify different types of health and safety records.
- AC2.2 Explain when different safety records are used.
- AC3.1 Complete basic safety documentation accurately.
- AC3.2 Check completed documentation for clarity and accuracy.
- AC4.1 Explain how safety records should be stored and protected.
- AC4.2 Describe the consequences of poor safety record keeping.
Accident records, incident reports, near-miss reports, inspection checklists, risk assessment forms, training records, maintenance records, legal compliance records, confidentiality and document control.
Learners are required to complete sample health and safety documents and explain the importance of accurate record keeping.
Standard & Mature Entry Guidance
University & Professional Progression
Progression to Level 4 study, further vocational learning or entry-level employment.
Enrol in this Programme
Level 3 • 60 UK Credits
✍ "Tuition includes authentic IQA unit syllabi, assignments, and external moderation. Dedicated 1-on-1 faculty mentoring is included."
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