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Herzing College › Programs › Program Overview >

Occupational Health and Safety

  • OVERVIEW
  • CAREERS
  • COURSES
  • INSTRUCTORS

Learn the skills you need to avoid workplace accidents and keep people safe on the job. Graduate in just 12 months and qualify for certification through the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP).

What’s Your Role as an Occupational Health and Safety Officer?

Occupational health and safety (OHS) officers aim to ensure the well-being of everyone in the workplace. Their main goal is to minimize accidents and injuries.

Their typical responsibilities include:

  • Conducting inspections to make sure health and safety regulations are being followed
  • Identifying risks and potential hazards
  • Establishing health and safety procedures
  • Delivering health and safety training programs
  • Investigating complaints and accidents
  • Following up on worker’s compensation claims
  • Developing strategies to continuously improve workplace health and safety

Herzing College Occupational Health and Safety Training

Our Occupational Health and Safety training covers the skills needed for entry-level jobs in health and safety.

Students learn from experienced OHS professionals, gain real work experience, and prepare for national certifications.

  • 12-month diploma program
  • Approved by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP)
  • Graduates are eligible for the Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) certification
  • Internship included
  • Enrol at any time
  • Financial assistance may be available for students who qualify
  • Support with finding your first health and safety job after graduation

Qualify for Health and Safety Certification

Herzing’s Occupational Health and Safety program is approved by the BCRSP. That means our students are eligible to apply for national certification.

The BCRSP offers two levels of certification that are respected by employers across Canada:

1. Canadian Registered Safety Technician Certification (CRST)—Herzing graduates can apply for CRST certification immediately after finishing the program.

2. Canadian Registered Safety Professional Certification (CRSP)—Herzing graduates can apply for CRSP certification after gaining four years of OHS work experience.

Only graduates of BCRSP-approved health and safety training are eligible for certification.

Articulation Agreement With Columbia Southern University

Successful graduates of the Occupational Health and Safety program can take advantage of our articulation agreement with Columbia Southern University:

  • Your Herzing OHS diploma counts as 45 credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Health and Safety at Columbia Southern University (the degree requires 120 credits total)
  • The bachelor’s program is approved by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals
  • Graduates are qualified to pursue the Canadian Registered Safety Professional certification with the BCRSP (after completing the required work experience)
  • Graduates can also apply for the Graduate Safety Practitioner designation with the Board of Certified Safety Professionals

Career Outlook

Occupational health and safety professionals are in steady demand across Canada.

Successful graduates can find career opportunities in:

  • Government offices and agencies
  • Insurance companies
  • Safety auditing firms
  • Hospitals and other healthcare organizations
  • Construction firms
  • Factories and manufacturing plants
  • Transportation companies

Common job titles include:

  • Health and Safety Advisor
  • Health and Safety Coordinator
  • Health and Safety Officer
  • OHS Administrator
Smiling Portrait of a Beautiful Latin Female Industrial Engineer in White Hard Hat, High-Visibility Vest Working on Tablet Computer. Inspector or Safety Supervisor in Container Terminal.

Top 10 Safety Officer Qualifications and Skills Employers Want

Find out what it takes to get your career off the ground.

READ MORE

Study Topics

This program teaches the knowledge and skills you need for CRST certification. In addition to studying health and safety legislation, you will learn how to:

  • Conduct workplace safety inspections
  • Recognize workplace safety hazards
  • Develop a workplace safety plan
  • Deliver safety training
  • Improve overall worker health and wellness
  • Monitor risk and create emergency response plans
  • Manage worker’s compensation claims

Hazard Recognition

This course is intended to teach students the basics of recognizing and addressing safety hazards in the workplace. Topics will include performing job function analyses, design issues, equipment safety, hazardous materials handling, WHMIS, tool safety, and working in the presence of robotics or autonomous equipment.

Safety Audit Analysis

This course is intended to teach students the basics of performing a safety audit and analysis of the results. Topics include auditing principles, evaluation of management systems, the role of an auditor, internal vs. external audits, performing inspections, interviews and developing an action plan.

Environmental Issues and Fire Prevention

This course is intended to teach students the basics of fire prevention and protection as well as addressing other environmental hazards. Topics include emergency procedures, safety codes/standards, fire chemistry/behaviour, hazardous spill management, and fire control systems.

Ergonomics

This course is intended to teach students the fundamentals of arranging workspaces to allow staff to work safely and efficiently within them. Students will learn about the dangers of repetitive stress injuries, improper posture, and how to assess workspaces in terms of ergonomic design.

Occupational Hygiene

This course is intended to teach students the basics of body functions and processes in the context of prevention of illness and injury. Topics include anatomy and physiology, toxicology, chemical hazards, physical hazards, and air quality

Worker Health and Wellness

This course is intended to teach students the fundamentals of the promotion of wellness and overall health in the workplace. Topics include injury and disease prevention programs, disability management programs, and work factors that can impact worker well-being.

Laws and Ethics

This course is intended to teach students the basics of the applicable safety legislation and legal requirements. Topics include the basic principles of law, occupational health and safety laws in Canada, environmental legislation, ethical theories, worker rights, and the role of the board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals.

Management Systems

This course is intended to teach students the fundamentals of management’s role in workplace health and safety. Topics include the integration of health and safety into organizational structure, quality management systems, conflict management, leadership styles, and strategic planning.

Risk Management

This course is intended to teach students the basics of risk management. Topics include risk assessment, the risk control process, monitoring and reassessment, emergency preparedness, incident command systems, and workplace harassment/violence prevention.

Effective OHS Communications

This course helps the new OHS professional develop the critical skills to effectively communicate with all stakeholders in an organization regarding health and safety requirements. Critical thinking, writing effective policy and training documents, as well as speaking persuasively will all be covered.

OHS Training in the Workplace

This course guides the student through the process of developing training materials for staff and other stakeholders. All phases of the development from planning, materials creation, delivery of training, and measuring training effectiveness will be included.

Worker's Compensation Board and Disability Management

This course covers the role of the Worker’s Compensation Board as well as other legislation that addresses disabilities caused in or out of the workplace. The process of submitting a claim, the role of OHS professionals in applying for/managing the disability case, appropriate communications with specific agencies, and the applicable legislation will be covered.

Documentation and Reporting

This course helps students understand reporting requirements as well as which stakeholders need which reports. The legislation regarding records, preparing reports to stakeholders, recording workplace performance data, and facilitating/recording meeting proceedings will be covered.

Career Development Seminar

This seminar provides an opportunity for the student to apply the techniques and processes for developing a career path and to learn lifetime career management tools and skills. Topics include career-planning, job searching, developing career search documents, refining interview skills, and preparing for a new position.

Internship

The internship component of the program is the practical application of a student’s knowledge and skills in a business environment. The company shall provide work that is directly related to the student’s program of study.

Instructors

Hammad Muzaffar
Instructor, Occupational Health and Safety

I’m a professional chemical engineer with a Master’s in Engineering Management and 15+ years of experience in fertilizer, refinery, energy, power, and water treatment plants. I hold the following HSE qualifications:

▪ Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) from BCRSP, Canada.

▪ Certified Safety Professional (CSP) from BCSP, USA.

▪ Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP) by NFPA, USA.

▪ Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) by NFPA, USA.

▪ Lead Auditor QMS ISO 9001, EMS 14001 & OHSMS 45001 by CQI/IRCA, UK.

I have specialties in safety training, HAZOP, safety culture improvement through behavioural-based safety (BBS), job safety analysis (JSA), incident investigation & root cause analysis, hazard identification & risk assessment, safety-critical devices management, management of change (MOC), pre-startup safety review (PSSR), contractor safety management, process safety, and implementation of HSE management systems.

I love to travel and explore nature. So far, I have travelled across 14 countries. I enjoy teaching so I can make a difference in someone’s life and help them to become a proficient professional.

Eric Obeng
Instructor, Occupational Health and Safety

I have over 16 years of practical experience in health and safety in manufacturing, construction, health care, mining, oil and gas, government, education, transportation, supply chain, and logistics.

I hold a PhD in health and safety from Capitol Technology University in the USA. I also have a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) from Carleton University and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) from the University of West of Scotland.

I love to play and watch soccer and read. I enjoy teaching because it gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience and to be involved in continued learning.

Admission Requirements

What you need to get started.

  • Have a minimum of a Canadian provincial high school diploma or equivalent, or be a mature student
  • Pass an entrance test administered by Herzing College
  • Be interviewed in detail regarding interest in the field
  • Note: admission to some programs may include additional requirements
Get Started Today

Not all programs and learning formats available at all campus locations.

An Occupational Health and Safety Officer program is registered at and delivered by Herzing College Toronto. Please click for information on program tuition and fees 

An Occupational Health and Safety Officer program is registered at and delivered by Herzing College Ottawa.

An Occupational Health and Safety program is registered at and delivered by Herzing College Winnipeg.

Overview

Industry
Business
Program Length 12 months, includes internship
Learning Format Online
Language English

EXPLORE CAREERS

TRY OUR CAREER EXPLORATION KIT

Our online quiz takes three minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.

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Your Next Steps

Ready to learn more about Occupational Health and Safety training? It’s easy to get started. Choose from the following options:

  • Fill out the form to ask questions via email
  • Chat live with an Admissions Advisor to get your questions answered now
  • Click Request Info to get started today!
Get Started Today

2024 Overall Graduate Employment Rate

84% of available Herzing College graduates were employed in a related field.

*statistics based on most recent available 

Download Program Brochure

Program Partners

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Why Choose This Training?

  • Get to work faster with an accelerated 12-month Occupational Health and Safety diploma
  • Approved by the BCRSP
  • Graduates are immediately eligible for certification
  • Get personalized support from your instructor whenever you need it
  • Get real work experience with a health and safety internship
  • Enjoy the Herzing Open Education Program (HOEP), which lets you take additional courses after you graduate, tuition-free!
  • Exceptional career development team that can help you create your resume, prepare for interviews, and apply for health and safety jobs
Request Info

RELATED BUSINESS PROGRAMS:

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  • Supply Chain Management and Logistics


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BRENDA H. WINNIPEG

Very friendly staff, provide all information and are very eager and willing to help you in the process. I would definitely recommend Herzing to anyone interested in returning to school to further their education.

PARASKEVI S. MONTREAL

Herzing College gave me the education I needed to get a great job in the aerospace industry. Classes were interesting, pertinent and fun! Not only does this school help you find an internship, they help you find the right job, and continue to maintain relationships with alumni in the future. Great experience at Herzing!

JENNA D. WINNIPEG

As a single mom going back to school was intimidating but at Herzing College I actually feel that I can reach my career goal!

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Campus Locations

Multiple locations, one collaborative environment.

Visit one of our convenient campus locations in: Winnipeg, MB, Cambridge, ON, Toronto, ON, Ottawa, ON, Montreal, QC. Admissions, career development, and educational funding staff are available at each location to meet with students and answer any questions and assist with application processes.

Locations
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Request more information

Please fill out the form below and our admissions team will contact you with all the requested information and answer any other questions you may have.

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EXPLORE CAREERS

TRY OUR CAREER EXPLORATION KIT

Our online quiz takes three minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.

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Coming From Abroad?

Attend Herzing College as an international student

We welcome students from all over the globe. At Herzing, you can join a vibrant community of diverse learners and build the skills you need to thrive in the Canadian job market.

 

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