Find out what it takes to get your career off the ground.
Occupational Health and Safety Program
Learn the skills you need to prevent accidents in the workplace. Qualify for national certification as an Occupational Health and Safety professional. Start your career in just 12 months. Internship included.
Occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals play a key role in keeping people safe in the workplace.
They conduct inspections, deliver health and safety training, and investigate workplace accidents.
Every year, OHS professionals help prevent work-related illnesses, accidents, and deaths throughout Ontario.
Herzing Ottawa Occupational Health and Safety Program
Herzing Ottawa Occupational Health and Safety program is taught by experienced OHS professionals and includes real work experience. This training is fast, effective, and based on the skills Ottawa employers want.
- 12-month diploma program
- Approved by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP)
- 8-week internship in a health and safety role
- In-depth training in health and safety legislation, procedures, and skills
- Expert instructors with years of experience in OHS leadership positions
- Step-by-step help from our Career Development team to find your first health and safety job
- Graduates are immediately eligible to become Canadian Registered Safety Technicians with the BCRSP
- Financial assistance may be available to those who qualify
- Multiple start-dates; enroll at any time
- Study on campus in Ottawa, or online through Herzing Toronto
Prepare for Leading Health and Safety Certifications
Herzing’s Occupational Health and Safety program is approved by the BCRSP. That means our students are eligible for leading OHS certifications.
Entry Level: Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST). Graduates of Herzing’s Occupational Health and Safety program are immediately eligible for CRST certification.
Advanced Level: Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP). Our Health and Safety program graduates can apply for this certification after gaining 4 years of related work experience.
Articulation Agreement with Columbia Southern University
An articulation agreement allows for the transfer of a limited number of credits to an associate or bachelor’s degree program in Occupational Health & Safety offered by Columbia Southern University situated in the USA.
Career Outlook
There is steady demand for occupational health and safety professionals across Ontario.
Successful graduates of this program will find career opportunities in:
- Government offices and agencies
- Insurance companies
- Healthcare organizations
- Safety auditing firms
- Manufacturing
- Construction
Herzing graduates are qualified for the following positions:
- Health and Safety Coordinator
- Health Safety Advisor
- Health and Safety Officer
- Safety Coordinator
Study Topics
The Occupational Health and Safety program teaches the skills you need to become a certified Health and Safety Officer or Coordinator.
In this program, you will learn:
- Occupational health and safety laws
- How to recognize workplace safety hazards
- How to conduct a workplace safety inspection
- How to develop a comprehensive workplace safety plan
- How to deliver worker safety training
- Techniques to improve overall worker health and wellness (ergonomics, environmental factors, hygiene, emotional well-being)
- How to monitor risk and create emergency response plans
- How to manage Workers’ Compensation claims
Click to see a detailed description of courses.
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..
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. The duration of the internship is eight weeks during which the student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 240 hours of work experience.
Instructors
The health and safety of workers always needs to be a priority. Employers must ensure that a Sustainable Safety Management System is developed, well implemented, and maintained in every workplace. I have over 15 years of practical experience in health and safety from Ghana, where I worked as Environmental and Safety Engineer (Oil and Gas industry), Scotland where I worked as Environmental and Safety Advisor (Scottish Government), Canada, where I currently work with the City of Ottawa (Municipal Government).
I am currently Pursuing my PhD (Health and Safety)- Capitol Technology University, USA. I have a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)- Carleton University- Ottawa, Canada and Master of Science (M.Sc.)- University of West of Scotland- UK.
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 continues learning.
Admission Requirements
What you need to get started.
- Minimum of a Canadian high school grade 12 or equivalent (Ontario high school diploma or equivalent) or a mature student (19 years of age or older and has been removed from full-time high school for minimum 2 years)
*Students applying as mature students must demonstrate appropriate levels of math, English literacy, comprehension and/or written skills to warrant success and completion of program - 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
Overview
CAMPUS
INDUSTRY
Business
PROGRAM LENGTH
12 Months (20 hours/week)
Includes 8 week internship
LEARNING MODALITIES
On Campus, Online (Herzing Toronto)
EXPLORE CAREERS
TRY OUR CAREER EXPLORATION KIT
Our online kit takes 3-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.
2022 Overall Graduate Employment Rate
90% of available Herzing College Ottawa graduates were employed in a related field.
*statistics based on most recent available
Your Next Steps
Ready to learn more about the Occupational Health and Safety Officer training program? 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!
Career Infographic
Not sure what to expect after graduating? Download our career infographic and discover your pathway to a new career.
Why Choose this Program?
- 12-month program that gets you job-ready fast
- 8-week internship to gain real work experience
- Many students get hired straight out of their internships
- Earn your CRST certification as soon as you graduate
- Learn from expert instructors with years of health and safety experience
- Small class sizes where every student gets step-by-step support
- Get access to the Herzing Open Education Program (HOEP), which lets you take additional courses after you graduate, tuition-free!
- An amazing Career Development team, who helps create your resume, prepare for interviews, and apply for health and safety jobs
- Friendly, welcoming campus with students of all ages and backgrounds
- Option to earn your diploma online, through Herzing Toronto