Safety Officer Course: Safety Considerations In The Circus

Safety officer courses are crucial in most work environments as they offer skilled training in the health and safety of employees. This is particularly beneficial in both conventional and unconventional high-risk occupations. One unusual high-risk occupation that requires safety officers is the circus. The circus brings together a myriad of physically taxing acts, which poses possible risks to both performers and spectators.

Safety officer courses teach valuable skills like risk assessment, first aid and height training - which all prove to be valuable in the protection of performers and spectators. In this short read, we explore the role of a safety officer and why they are so crucial. We also go into detail about the safety officer course we offer at EMCARE which will equip you with the appropriate skills to be a safety officer in the circus.

About EMCARE

EMCARE is an accredited health and safety training company that has been operating since 1997. Over the last three decades, we have provided high-quality training courses in a variety of skills and occupations. All our courses are accredited by the relevant regulatory associations and adhere to local accreditation authorities. So, not only are our courses high quality - but you can also rest assured that you walk away with certificates that will be recognised by authorities like the Department of Labour, the Department of Mineral Resources and the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA).

Additionally, you will receive training from qualified and passionate facilitators. Our courses are presented by experts in their subject matter with a minimum of 1000 hours of work experience in their field of instruction. When you sign up for training with EMCARE you are signing up with qualified, accredited and experienced hands. If you would like to learn more about our hands-on safety officer course, continue reading below.

Safety Officer Course

EMCARE;s safety officer courses offer more practical training than theoretical. The course spans over two weeks and covers everything you need to know about the health and safety industry. It will also assist you in managing compliance with South African legislation. Modules will cover topics like risk assessment, SHE representatives, basic firefighting and all three levels of first aid - amongst others.

These modules can be completed individually, which will award you a certificate with a two-year expiry. Alternatively, you will receive a SAIOSH certificate with no expiration date upon completion of the full course. The only prerequisites to join are a grade ten qualification and proficiency in reading and writing in English.

The course is available at all EMCARE branches across South Africa and can be instructed in local languages upon request for large groups. Overall, the safety officer course is imperative for high-risk occupations. Below are a few examples of the value of safety officers in a high-risk occupation like the circus.

1. First Aid Training
   EMCAR's safety officer course includes training on all three levels of first aid. This is crucial in an industry where there are aerialists, trapeze artists, acrobats and contortionists. The circus comprises most, if not all, of these professions. Artists do high-risk stunts in these professions that put them at potential harm. Injuries like sprains, fractures and even broken bones can happen at a moment's notice.
   
   First aid training in our safety officer course ensures you can respond quickly and accurately to any possible injuries:
   • First aid level one equips you with theoretical and practical knowledge of fractures as well as head and spinal injuries.
   • First aid level two goes more into depth on injury management and joint injuries. Finally, level three gives you the most practical training in order to respond to emergencies. Not only are you able to protect performers as a safety officer, but also spectators. Skills on shock, unconsciousness, fainting and environmental injuries are also valuable skills you will learn. Another valuable skill you will learn is also working with the risk of heights.
     
     
2. Working At Heights
   Possible injuries from performers like aerialists and trapeze artists can occur as they work with heights. EMCARE's safety officer course modules cover environmental management and possible hazards that can occur. You learn to identify, control and account for any injuries. Our module on technical safety will train you to work with heights and equipment like ladders and scaffolds.
   
   This will ensure you are protecting the employees and know the proper safety procedures to set up their performing equipment, as well as respond in the case of an emergency. It is an integral skill in unconventional work like the circus. Knowing both the technical aspects and being able to apply them is the skills you walk away from with our safety officer course. Another skill set you will walk away with is the theoretical knowledge that comes with the duty of being a safety officer.
   
   
3. Management And Risk
   The safety officer course teaches you safety management and how to control safety procedures and set safety policies. This is important as it helps set a plan in the case of emergencies for individual performers, as well as the circus as a whole. Learning appropriate legislation and accident investigation is valuable theoretical knowledge.
   
   The duties of a safety officer are not just practical, but also administrative. Our safety officer course ensures you will know how to record incidents, manage employees and document your work effectively. So, get in touch with EMCARE who will give you throughout training on not just practical, but technical aspects of your work.

Get In Touch

Being able to address possible problems before they occur is a prudent step to being able to handle them if they do. With EMCARE's safety officer course, you will learn how to prepare for the worst, but also be the best. You train in both practical skills like first aid and heights, and theoretical knowledge like management and risk assessment. This leaves you with an equipped and qualified set of aptitudes. With a thorough course like ours, you walk away with the appropriate skills to ensure the worst is accounted for but avoided. If this sounds like the course for you, get in touch with us today.