I would not say that age is an issue, more that the lack of experience in health and safety may deter some employers. Maybe you should try applying for positions now, if you already have the diploma, and test the water

SBH

Hi - With all due respect, this is one of those "how long is a piece of string" questions, because nobody will be able to give you a definitive answer unfortunately.

In theory, age shouldn't be a barrier (in fact it's discriminatory), but in the real world we all know that prejudices still exist at many levels, so it may well have a bearing (even if it's glossed over as being something else).

However, on the plus side, you have several years experience in retail/warehousing, so you might be exactly what someone is looking for.  I personally wouldn't go to the expense of "redoing" your Diploma (expensive and time-consuming), but I would be looking to update my skills and knowledge with a couple of short (and much cheaper) refresher type course if possible.

If it's not going to cost you a fortune, you don't have anything to lose by putting yourself out there and seeing what happens do you, and I certainly wouldn't dismiss it without trying if you're genuinely interested.

Good luck, and I hope it works out for you.

62 too old- don’t know. What you need to pitch is your wealth of experience both H&S related and general work experience. You have a diploma but you have not been working primarily in H&S so what sort of H&S stuff have you been doing? Can you deliver a toolbox talk or look at risk assessment and judge if it’s any good?  Real life skills can count for more that simply book learning and being able to recite case law.

Keep looking

Some very good advice already, perhaps a niche role either in your own industry or as suggested in fire management. 62 may not be too old, I was 46 when I got my first full-time job, but you need to think about how much time and money you are prepared to invest and what return you are likely to get before you decide to retire. 

I realise this some time after your post but I felt I should throw something encouraging into the pot.

Coming from a retail/warehousing background I first started H&S at the tender age of 53 with the NEBOSH Gen Cert - I now have the NEBOSH Dip, NEBOSH Env. Dip, and NEBOSH Fire Safety Cert. I am currently a H&S manager for a leading rail freight company - sooo far removed from retail.

I have been Grad IOSH for the last 4 years and am now on the cusp of submitting my final project for CMIOSH. I have also just been granted a licence from IOSH to deliver Managing Safely so this will be a pillar for the H&S training and consultancy business that I am launching in about 2 weeks time that I intend to carry on well into retirement, so in essence, no you are not too old to start - nor too old to carry on.

I am still only 60 so all of the above has been achieved in 7 years. If you feel H&S is what you want to do then go for it and don't waste all the hard work you will have put in to achieve your diploma because this can be a useful suppliment to your pension later in life.