Difference between OHS National Certificate and SHEMTRAC Certificate

The OHS National Certificate and SHEMTRAC Certificate are both certifications related to occupational health and safety, but there are some key differences between the two:

1. OHS National Certificate:
- The OHS National Certificate is a nationally recognized certification that focuses on general occupational health and safety principles and practices.
- It covers a wide range of topics related to workplace safety, including hazard identification, risk assessment, emergency response, and safety management systems.
- The OHS National Certificate is typically awarded by accredited training providers or institutions and is widely recognized by employers in various industries.

2. SHEMTRAC Certificate:
- The Safety, Health, Environment, Management Training and Research Centre (SHEMTRAC) Certificate is a specialized certification that focuses on safety, health, and environmental management in the workplace.
- It is designed for professionals working in industries where there are specific risks and hazards related to health, safety, and the environment.
- The SHEMTRAC Certificate covers topics such as occupational health and safety legislation, environmental management systems, and risk assessment in the workplace.
- The SHEMTRAC Certificate is awarded by the SHEMTRAC organization and is recognized by employers in industries where specialized knowledge of health, safety, and environmental management is required.

In summary, the OHS National Certificate is a general certification in occupational health and safety, while the SHEMTRAC Certificate is a specialized certification focusing on safety, health, and environmental management in specific industries.

OHS National Certificate

- Issuing Body: Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Trust
- Level: Post-matric, NQF Level 5
- Duration: 3 semesters (6 months per semester)
- Target Audience: Individuals aspiring to work in the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) field
- Content:
- Basic principles of OHS
- Risk assessment and management
- Health and safety legislation
- Ergonomics and work-related injuries
- OHS management systems
- Purpose: To provide foundational knowledge and skills in OHS to enable individuals to perform OHS functions within organizations

SHEMTRAC Certificate

- Issuing Body: South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (SAIOSH)
- Level: NQF Level 3 to 6, depending on the specific certificate
- Duration: Varies depending on the certificate
- Target Audience: Individuals working or aspiring to work in the occupational health, safety, and environmental (OHSE) field
- Content:
- Specific to each certificate, covering topics such as:
- Safety management systems
- Environmental management
- Risk management
- Health promotion
- Purpose: To provide specialized knowledge and skills in specific areas of OHSE to enhance individuals' professional competency

Key Differences:

- Issuing Body: OHS National Certificate is issued by ODL Trust, while SHEMTRAC Certificates are issued by SAIOSH.
- Level: OHS National Certificate is NQF Level 5, while SHEMTRAC Certificates can range from NQF Level 3 to 6.
- Target Audience: OHS National Certificate is designed for individuals new to the OHS field, while SHEMTRAC Certificates target individuals with varying levels of experience.
- Content: OHS National Certificate provides foundational knowledge, while SHEMTRAC Certificates focus on specific areas of OHSE.
- Purpose: OHS National Certificate prepares individuals for entry-level OHS roles, while SHEMTRAC Certificates enhance the skills and knowledge of experienced OHSE professionals.