Occupational Health & Safety – What is it & Why Does it Matter?

Anyone who has worked, in any position, knows how essential feeling safe is when you’re on the job. There’s a whole field dedicated to just this focus, and online safety training courses and in-person occupational health and safety training courses dedicated to honing skills for this vital industry. If you’re passionate about protecting people, can imagine getting a buzz from improving workplace efficiency and compliance, then a career in occupational health & safety (OHS) may just be for you. Here’s all you need to know to make an informed decision about your future.

All You Need to Know About Occupational Health & Safety

1. What is Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)?

OHS is focused on the safety of employees at work, making employers responsible for protecting the health and well-being of their workers, and ensuring employees have the systems and support to identify and resolve safety concerns.

OHS depends on a strategic plan designed to prevent injuries and accidents that clearly identifies what employers are responsible for. It outlines potential hazards, safety protocols, the employee training required and who will provide it, and who will be responsible in case an accident, injury or illness on the job occurs.

In Canada, organizations are required to set up an OHS policy, in keeping with federal guidelines and employers and employees have distinct responsibilities.

Employer Responsibilities:

• Provide a safe workplace, free from hazards, all machinery and equipment are safe to use, and protection gear and proper training is provided.
• Develop a hazard prevention program, that includes regular assessment, and implementation of controls to prevent harm.
• Provide training and education on workplace hazards and safe practices.
• Report and investigate workplace-related accidents, incidents, illnesses and injuries and take preventative action to avoid issues in future.
• Coordinate with Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSC) if more than 20 employees, to identify hazards and develop solutions to counter issues.
• Ensure compliance with OHS regulations or face the consequences that can include fines, and even criminal charges in extreme cases.

Employee Responsibilities:

• Report concerns and hazards, such as faulty equipment and unsafe work conditions.
• Use protective equipment and devices provided.
• Cooperate and participate with JHSC.
• Follow work safety practices as outlined by the organization and use equipment in a responsible and safe manner.
• Failure to comply as an employee also has consequences, can lead to accidents and injuries and incur financial and reputational costs for the employer.

2. Why is OHS Essential?

If you study occupational health safety, you will quickly come to recognize that proactive consideration, plan development and safety training can statistically and significantly reduce the risks of injury, accident and illness in the workplace. With a reduction in health and safety issues, as well as a considered focus on the overall physical and mental well-being of employees, company production goes up, and even loyalty is enhanced. It is well worth the strategic, conscious and measured focus on OHS protocols and daily implementation for both employer and employee.

3. What Does an OHS Professional Do?

OHS professional responsibilities typically include:

• Identifying risks and hazards
• Creating health and safety plans
• Delivering training programs
• Investigating complaints, accidents and injuries
• Dealing with the Worker’s Compensation Board and disability claims
• Conducting ongoing inspections
• Developing strategies to continuously improve workplace health and safety in a variety of environments.

OHS professionals are collaborative team players and work alongside all levels of staff and management to ensure all are compliant with laws and regulations and this role contributes to the fundamental success of any organization.

4. What OHS Career Opportunities Exist in This Expanding Field?

This is a booming field with a myriad of options for career focus, development and advancement, across various industries. To find out where you can apply your skills, the various positions that you could potentially explore after you’ve completed your workplace health and safety course, check out our popular blog on all the details: Professional Opportunities Await … for Occupational Health and Safety Graduates!

5. Why Pursue Training in OHS?

Training in this precise, demanding and expanding field is essential to set you up for success. If your occupational health safety course is approved by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP), then you will be well on your way to understanding leading-edge standards for your jurisdiction and how to comply.

As you explore your options, you may want to consider programs that have small class sizes, are taught by experts in the field, blending theoretical and hands-on practical training, with an ability to apply your skills on the job with potential employers. This kind of student-centred attention sets you up for being highly prepared, skilled and in-demand when it comes time to land that dream job.

Want to know even more? Connect with these insightful blogs:

• Beginner’s 6-Step Guide to Becoming an Occupational Health and Safety Professional
• The Power of Certification – All You Need to Know – For Occupational Health and Safety Grads
• Your Well-Being – An Occupational Health & Safety Professionals’ Top Priority
  ______________________________________________________

A career in OHS significantly influences the lives of others, setting the tone for support, safety and well-being everyday on the job. If you’ve envisioned making a difference in the work you do, getting the right training, held to the highest industry standards, matters. We’re here to help you navigate your way from program selection to graduation and landing that position you’ve dreamed of.

If you’re still considering whether an OHS career may be for you, take the “Medical Professional Career Discovery Quiz”.

But when you’re ready to explore and launch your Occupational Health & Safety career, book a virtual appointment with one of our Admissions Advisor and we’ll get you started right away.

Quick Links to Fuel Your Success!

We want to make sure you have what you need to succeed! Check out these reference links:

• Occupational Health & Safety program – Anderson College
• Beginner’s 6-Step Guide to Becoming an Occupational Health and Safety Professional – Anderson Blog
• Top Skills for an Occupational Health and Safety Professional – Anderson Blog