Personnel
Army jobs offer safe place to be
By Maj James Roche

Volume 11, No. 61, March 08, 2007
 
SINCE the launch of ArmySAFE in 2005 there have been significant increases in career opportunities for personnel interested in Army OHS.

Since May 2005, CA has provided 42 full-time OHS practitioners and 67 GRes positions and also amended Army’s establishment to locate resources where they are needed.

The establishment now includes safety risk managers at command, division and formation HQs and high-risk units.

These positions are supported by a restructured and enhanced Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety – Army, which has increased its positions from four to 17 in the past two years.

In addition to full-time positions, the ArmySAFE Advisory Service uses GRes personnel to provide commanders with an OHS management system audit, advice and investigation capability.

OHS positions range from sergeant to colonel. They are collectively tasked with providing specialist OHS technical and policy advice to CA and other commanders, as well as safety management personnel throughout Army. They form a critical part of Army’s thrust to keep our soldiers safe and to enhance operational capability.

Although a formal career stream is not yet in place, the range of positions now available offers new development prospects and allows progression from unit level to Army-level OHS appointments.

These employment opportunities are enhanced by the introduction of the OHS training continuum and changes to the officer and OR all-corps training continuum.

We also offer specialist training through five-day ADFA courses (covering noise, lasers, ionising and non-ionising radiation) or one of two long-term schooling positions to gain a Graduate Diploma in Safety Science.

Personnel interested in OHS with a view to undertaking long-term schooling in 2008 and beyond are encouraged to discuss this option with their career manager.

For further information contact Maj James Roche, DOHS-A, on James.Roche1@defence.gov.au.