How to prepare for your next health and safety career move

The health and safety sector is evolving rapidly, driven by stricter compliance requirements, new technologies, and a growing focus on workplace wellbeing. Whether you're an experienced safety officer, a compliance manager, or someone looking to transition into the field, preparing for your next career move requires planning, upskilling, and industry awareness.

1. Evaluate Your Current Skills and Experience

Start by assessing your existing qualifications and experience. Key questions to ask include:

Do I have the certifications required for senior roles (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH)?
Am I up to date with current legislation, such as UK HSE guidelines or ISO 45001 standards?
Do I have practical experience in areas like risk assessment, safety audits, or accident investigation?

Identifying skill gaps helps you target the training and experience needed for advancement.

2. Stay Updated on Industry Trends

The health and safety industry is no longer just about compliance to get get your next safety role —it now incorporates workplace culture, mental health, sustainability, and digital transformation. Stay informed about:

Technology in Safety – Use of AI, IoT sensors, and digital reporting systems.
Wellbeing Initiatives – Mental health support and ergonomic workplace design.
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) – Integration of sustainability practices with safety management.

Subscribing to industry publications and attending webinars or conferences can help you stay ahead.

3. Expand Your Professional Network

Building relationships with other safety professionals can open doors to new career opportunities. Join organisations such as:

IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health)
British Safety Council
Local networking events or LinkedIn groups for health and safety professionals.

Networking not only provides career leads but also keeps you connected with industry best practices.

4. Gain Practical Experience

Employers value hands-on experience. Consider:

Volunteering for internal safety committees.
Leading risk assessments or safety training sessions.
Seeking opportunities in specialised areas like slip safety testing, deep cleaning compliance, or workplace audits.

These experiences enhance your CV and demonstrate leadership in real-world safety challenges.

5. Prepare for Interviews with Evidence-Based Achievements

When applying for your next role, focus on measurable outcomes:

Reduced workplace accidents by X% through improved floor safety measures.
Implemented digital risk assessment tools, improving compliance reporting time by X hours.
Developed staff safety training programs, improving audit scores by X points.

Demonstrating impact is crucial for securing more senior roles.

6. Consider Specialist Areas for Career Growth

Niche areas such as slip safety, pendulum slip testing, and anti-slip treatment services are growing due to increased regulatory demands. Specialising in these services can make you stand out and command higher salaries in the health and safety market.

Conclusion

A career in health and safety is both rewarding and dynamic. By upgrading your skills, expanding your network, and gaining specialist experience, you can position yourself for your next big move in this essential industry.

Looking to specialise in slip safety or workplace hazard prevention?
Contact Slip Safety UK to learn how our services and training solutions can support your professional development.