Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner (Certificate)

Location(s): Distance Learning Option

Occupational health and safety (OH&S) practitioner is an exciting career path, with demand for qualified practitioners growing in just about every sector of the economy. Every employer operating in Saskatchewan must meet the Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations. Failure to do so could result in injury to workers and fines.

Graduates of SIAST’s Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner programs have the specialized knowledge necessary to provide advice to employers and make recommendations on critical OH&S issues.

Advanced level of OH&S education
SIAST’s Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner certificate program is an advanced level of OH&S education. It is ideally suited to individuals who:

are already working in OH&S and want to expand their career opportunities and/or management credentials

are already trained with experience in another field and want to add to their employability skill set and portfolio

are graduates of the SIAST Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner applied certificate program and want to further their knowledge

want to prepare to write the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) exam

The certificate program includes all of the SIAST Occupational Health and Safety applied certificate program courses and more. It offers a hands-on approach to learning and a well-rounded course of study, resulting in workplace-relevant knowledge and skills including:

analysis and investigation of accident causation

auditing safety management systems

communication strategies

assessment of safety systems including contractor safety systems

disability management

fire prevention and protection

fundamentals of industrial hygiene 1 & 2

occupational health and safety programming

organizational behaviour, leadership and safety culture

principles and practices of adult learning

risk analysis and hazard control

leading and communicating for effective teams

Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) and Workplace Hazardous Information System (WHMIS) “Train the Trainer” training

Respiratory Fit Testing Train the Trainer and Industrial Audiometric Testing Technician courses available in 2011-2012

Additional Courses available in 2012: OHC Training, Supervisor Safety, Law and Ethics, Radiation Safety, Ergonomics and Workplace Assessment and Safety Performance.

Note: SIAST’s Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner Applied Certificate program offers entry-level OH&S education.

Flexible Learning Options
Theory courses are available through a combination of online and print-based study, with intakes in September and January. Two face-to-face “Train-the-Trainer” courses will be held at SIAST Kelsey Campus in Saskatoon. (Watch for additional offerings with adequate requests from students).

Did you know?
SIAST’s Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner programs are the only OH&S education programs in Saskatchewan, and the only OH&S education programs in Canada that offer Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

How does it fit?
If you are a self-directed individual with strong communication, enjoy being part of a team and team-building skills, OH&S could be a good career fit. OH&S practitioners also need strong organizational capabilities, change management specialists, keen observational skills, a knack for multi-tasking and the ability to routinely handle large volumes of information.

Refer to Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.

Length: 1.5 to 3 years to complete

The program must be completed within 5 years. Students must take at least one course per academic year to be considered ongoing in the program. The program also includes a 36-hour practicum.

Career Opportunities

OH&S is an exciting career path with remarkable possibilities. As a SIAST Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner certificate program graduate, you will have the OH&S skills you need to apply to the following positions: a health and safety officer, environmental health and safety coordinator, safety supervisor and safety manager with career opportunities in every sector including federal, provincial and municipal governments; mining and milling companies; oil and gas companies; health care facilities; educational institutions; and trades, construction and safety associations. You will acquire the knowledge with relevant safety experience in a full-time safety position needed to write the CRSP exam and receive your professional designation.

OH&S practitioners frequently are part of teams working on environmental and wellness initiatives and disability management, and can explore career opportunities with regulatory agencies and consulting companies in Saskatchewan, across Canada and around the world.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.

Program Details

Start Date(s): September and January

For more information, contact the program at ohspractitioner@siast.sk.ca.

Apply Now

Admission Requirements

Grade 12

English Language Requirement

Note

You must apply to and be accepted into the Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner certificate program before you can register for a course. We highly recommend that you apply to the program at least two months prior to the start date of any course you wish to register in, to allow enough time for processing and acceptance before the course begins.

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER^© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER ^©

ACCUPLACER^© Cut Scores
for this program

Not applicable at this time

Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

Not applicable at this time

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.

Classroom

Clinical/Practicum

Home Study

Online

Shop/Lab

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Fact Sheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.

Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Find out more about transfer credit options.

Courses
expand/contract all

EDUC 182 Principles and Practices of Adult Learning

Using the principles of adult learning, your studies will focus on the characteristics of adult learners and approaches to use while educating them in occupational health and safety concepts. Developing a professional portfolio will support you in creating a personal continuing education plan for occupational health and safety.

3.0 Credit Units
52.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

Equivalent Course(s): NEPS 218

Prerequisites:
HLTH 180 Minimum Grade of 60

HLTH 180 Risk Analysis and Hazard Control

Organizational culture and behaviour directly impact the effectiveness of an occupational health and safety system. Your studies will focus on corporate culture, organization behaviour, risk analysis and hazard identification. Critical thinking skills, problem solving abilities, monitoring strategies and control recommendations will be emphasized.

3.0 Credit Units
52.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

Prerequisites:
PCOM 180 Minimum Grade of 60 and SFTY 191 Minimum Grade of 60

HLTH 181 Occupational Health and Safety Programming

You will learn to develop an organizational health and safety program and manual. Opportunity to practice evaluating, revising and implementing guidelines and programs will enhance your ability to determine prevention strategies and corrective action plans.

3.0 Credit Units
52.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

Prerequisites:
HLTH 180 Minimum Grade of 60

HLTH 187 Disability Management

You will be introduced to disability management as a key essential component of an occupational health and safety program. Disability management starts at the time of illness or injury and continues until the individual has recovered and returned to work. In this course, you will acquire knowledge and skill to develop and implement a disability management program including Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) claims information and return to work plans.

4.0 Credit Units
64.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time, Online/Blackboard

HLTH 188 Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene 1

You will be introduced to the basic principles of industrial hygiene, sometimes referred to as occupational hygiene. You will be prepared to anticipate, recognize, evaluate and control workplace hazards. Specific topics include occupational contamination, chemical, biological and radiation hazards, occupational disease and injuries.

3.0 Credit Units
42.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

HLTH 189 Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene 2

You will learn to anticipate, recognize, evaluate and control noise, thermal, ergonomics, and respiratory hazards. You will have the opportunity to become familiar with sampling techniques and equipment.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

HLTH 190 Accident Causation, Analysis, and Investigation

You will be introduced to accident/incident investigation, which is a critical tool in preventing accident reoccurrence and worker injury and illness in the realm of occupational health and safety. You will study investigation theories and procedures and by the end of the course, you will be able to put these procedures into practice enhancing your role as a safety professional.

4.0 Credit Units
60.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

MGMT 191 Organizational Behaviour and Leadership

Your studies will focus on how to best assist employers and their workers through changes and challenges in the realm of occupational health and safety. You will also focus on improving your personal leadership qualities to assist you in recognizing how principles of organizational behavior and leadership style can be used to capitalize on the strengths and weaknesses in any occupational health and safety management system.

5.0 Credit Units
75.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time, Online/Blackboard

MGMT 192 Leading and Communicating for Effective Teams

You will learn the skills needed as an occupational health and safety (OH&S) professional to lead a team and participate in team work. You will be prepared to provide strong leadership and communication skills emphasizing supervision, problem solving, team work, and team effectiveness.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

PCOM 180 Communication Strategies

You will examine interpersonal communication theory and its application in the workplace including conflict resolution, teamwork and positive political skills. You will develop research and report-writing skills as well as practice conducting a meeting and resolving conflict.

3.0 Credit Units
48.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

Equivalent Course(s): COMM 107 COMM 289 NEPS 114

PRAC 189 Practicum

You will preceptor with an occupational health and safety professional. This experience will allow you to apply the theory and skills you learned in previous courses in a work environment.

2.0 Credit Units
36.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

Prerequisites:
EDUC 182 Minimum Grade of 60 and HLTH 181 Minimum Grade of 60

SFTY 171 Auditing Safety Management System

Your studies will focus on both internal and external audit processes from initial planning through to completion. The course will include an overview of why auditing is needed. Specific topics covered include audit criteria, steps for planning and conducting the audit, as well as reporting and follow-up on corrective actions. A variety of audit strategies will be used throughout the course to enhance your learning.

4.0 Credit Units
60.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Correspondence-Structured Time

Prerequisites:
PRAC 189 Minimum Grade of P

SFTY 191 Safety Systems

Your studies will focus on an overview of occupational health and safety systems. You will examine societal and organizational aspects, core principles, essential elements and a variety of legislation.

3.0 Credit Units
52.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

Prerequisites:
PCOM 180 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

SFTY 198 Contractor Safety Systems

Your studies will focus on safety systems and their relationship to contractors. Most organizations require contractor services at some point in time, and you will explore how to manage these contractors and sub contractors within your safety management system. Specific topics covered include legislated roles and responsibilities of employers, contractors and supervisors; requirements for a safety management system; and Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) relationship with contractors.

3.0 Credit Units
42.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

SFTY 199 Fire Prevention and Protection

Your studies will focus on applying current concepts, principles, and practices involved in the evaluation, control, prevention, reduction, and elimination of fire hazards, resulting in the protection of workers and workplaces. Specific topics include the chemistry of fire, causes of fire, fire detection and suppression systems, legislated codes and regulations, emergency preparedness plans, and stakeholder responsibilities.

4.0 Credit Units
60.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

TRAN 181 Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Train the Trainer

Your studies will focus on the preparation required to educate workers on the basic requirements for road transport. You will learn about the requirements for transporting and handling dangerous goods. Specific topics include legislative requirements, classification criteria, shipping documentation process, required signage, exemptions, and spill reporting requirements.

1.0 Credit Units
16.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

WHMS 184 Workplace Hazardous Information System (WHMIS) Train the
Trainer

Your studies will focus on the preparation required to successfully facilitate in-house workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) sessions for front line workers. You will learn about relevant legislation including requirements of worker training, controlled product classification, and required documentation and labeling. You will also develop skills to design specific workplace training sessions.

1.0 Credit Units
16.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

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