120-Hour Safety Course Overview

A 120-Hour Safety Course is an intensive training program designed to provide comprehensive safety education for workers, supervisors, and managers in high-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, or oil and gas. The goal of this course is to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify hazards, implement safety protocols, and manage safety systems to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment.

In many countries, including Singapore, a 120-Hour Safety Course is often a requirement for those seeking to become Registered Safety Officers (RSOs) or to advance in their careers in the safety field. The course generally covers a broad range of topics related to workplace safety and health, in compliance with national safety regulations such as the Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSH Act).

Key Learning Areas:

1. Introduction to Safety Management Systems:
   • Understanding the principles of occupational safety and health (OSH).
   • Introduction to safety management systems like ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems).
   • The role of Safety Officers, site supervisors, and management in maintaining safety standards.
2. Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Regulations:
   • WSH Act and Regulations that govern safety practices in the workplace.
   • Legal requirements and compliance standards for various industries.
   • Duties of employers and employees under the WSH framework.
3. Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control (HIRARC):
   • Methods for identifying workplace hazards (physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, etc.).
   • Performing Risk Assessments (RA) to evaluate the severity and likelihood of incidents.
   • Control measures and implementing the Hierarchy of Controls (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, PPE).
4. Safety Audits and Inspections:
   • Conducting safety audits and site inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
   • Identifying safety gaps and suggesting corrective actions.
   • Documentation and reporting of safety performance and compliance.
5. Emergency Preparedness and Response:
   • Developing emergency response plans for various types of incidents (fire, chemical spill, electrical failure, etc.).
   • First aid and basic life-saving skills.
   • Evacuation procedures, emergency drills, and coordinating with emergency services.
6. Accident Investigation and Reporting:
   • Techniques for investigating workplace accidents and incidents.
   • Root cause analysis (RCA) and developing corrective and preventive actions.
   • Proper incident reporting and maintaining safety records.
7. Safety Signage, PPE, and Equipment Use:
   • Understanding the importance of safety signage and warnings in the workplace.
   • Proper use and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) for different hazards.
   • Safe operation and handling of machinery and equipment.
8. Health and Environmental Safety:
   • Managing health risks in the workplace, including exposure to harmful substances and ergonomic issues.
   • Environmental safety concerns, such as waste management, pollution control, and sustainability practices.
9. Safety Communication and Training:
   • Effective communication techniques to promote safety awareness.
   • Training workers on safety procedures and proper use of equipment.
   • Creating a culture of safety through leadership, motivation, and continuous improvement.
10. Behavior-Based Safety (BBS):
    • Understanding how worker behavior impacts safety performance.
    • Techniques to encourage safe behaviors and reduce unsafe practices through training and leadership.

Who Should Enroll?

The 120-Hour Safety Course is typically targeted at:

• Safety Officers who are seeking certification or recertification.
• Supervisors, Foremen, and Managers responsible for overseeing safety operations and ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Construction Workers, Technicians, and Tradespeople looking to improve their safety knowledge and practices.
• HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) Personnel in industries such as manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, and logistics.
• Employers and business owners who want to ensure their workforce is trained in safety management systems and legal compliance.

Course Outcomes:

By the end of the 120-Hour Safety Course, participants will be able to:

• Recognize common workplace hazards and risks and implement strategies to mitigate them.
• Develop and enforce safety policies, conduct risk assessments, and oversee workplace safety audits.
• Respond effectively to emergencies, perform basic first aid, and carry out accident investigations.
• Understand and apply relevant national safety and health regulations in the workplace.
• Become competent in safety communication, training, and promoting a strong safety culture.

Certification:

Upon successful completion of the course, participants typically receive a certificate of completion. In some cases, additional exams or assessments may be required to become a Registered Safety Officer (RSO) or to obtain other safety-related qualifications, depending on the specific industry or country.

Duration:

The 120-Hour Safety Course typically spans 3 to 4 weeks if conducted full-time or may be spread out over a longer period if conducted part-time, such as evenings or weekends. Some courses may offer online or blended learning options.