PART-TIME | INTERLAKE CAMPUS OCCHP-CT Occupational Health & Safety

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Overview

  • Certificate program
  • Workplace Experience: 240 hours
  • Available by distance delivery and classroom delivery, as pandemic restrictions allow (see Course Dates and Fees section)
  • Full-time available – see the Occupational Health & Safety full-time page

This program will provide you with a fundamental understanding of occupational health and safety. The program addresses the role and responsibilities of an occupational health and safety practitioner including:

  • Risk management
  • Hazard recognition, control, and prevention
  • Safety management systems in the workplace

The program incorporates a multi-disciplinary approach in contributing to the development of a health and safety culture.

Red River College is continually evaluating programs to ensure that the program best meets student needs and industry standards.  See Recent Changes section regarding revisions to the part-time program.

Admission Requirements

It is strongly recommended that you are proficient in basic computer skills. In this program you will access and use the internet to locate resource material, a word-processing program to complete assignments, a spreadsheet program, and email to communicate with instructors.

Regular Admission Requirements:
 
Successful completion of Grade 12, including one credit in each of the following:

  • Grade 12 English
    and
  • Applied Math 40S
    and
  • Grade 12 Science (Biology 40S, Chemistry 40S or Physics 40S)

Mature Student Admission Requirements:
If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at the time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.   

  1. Successful completion of one credit in each of the following:
  • Grade 12 English
    and
  • Applied Math 40S

Who Should Enrol?

Take this program if you are responsible for occupational health and safety in your workplace, if you wish to advance your knowledge in a specific area of OH&S, or if you are pursuing a career in the field.

Program Outline

Sixteen courses are required to earn a certificate.    
  • OHS-Safety  C
  • OHS-Health C
  • OHS-Documentation & Reporting C (replaced OHS Business Communications 1)
  • OHS-Environmental Issues C
  • Ergonomics - Intro C
  • OHS-Training Intro C
  • OHS-Ethical and Legal Issues C
  • OHS-Information Management C (formerly OHS Data Management)
  • OHS-Risk Management C
  • OHS-Hygiene C
  • OHS-Program Development C
  • OHS-Managing OHS C/D
  • Project Management Fundamentals C/D
  • Hazard Recognition, Evaluation & Control C 
  • OHS-Safety Audit & Analysis C 

Final Course of Study - Choose One: All theory courses must be completed prior to registering
*OHS-Workplace Experience
**OHS Capstone Project

Note: C+ (65 percent) in all courses.

Legend: 
  • C/D - Classroom or Distance Delivery
  • C - Classroom Delivery
  • D - Distance Delivery


*The 240-hour workplace experience must be completed on a full-time basis over a six-week period. You must be available days, evenings and/or weekends. Workplace Experience is arranged by the College. Placements are available in Winnipeg only.

**The OHS Capstone Project may be available for students who have successfully completed all required theory courses and are currently working in the occupational health and safety field.

Courses and Descriptions

(Click the course name to view the description of the course)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution, other RPL processes are available for RPL courses. Click here for more information. For courses with no RPL, please check www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
ENVI-1015OHS - Environmental IssuesRPL
More Information

Explore the basic concepts of environmental management as it relates to the workplace environment including air, water and soil pollution, hazardous waste management and environmental assessment. Review the impact of federal, provincial and municipal environmental legislation on the workplace.

HUMR-1027OHS - Training - Intro
More Information

Write learning outcomes/goals that meet the needs of the organization and individuals. Apply adult teaching and learning principles and practices to develop and deliver OH&S training. Practice using training techniques and methods and apply assessment methods. Learn how to evaluate external training to determine applicability to your organization.

PROJ-1030Project Management FundamentalsRPL
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Study the fundamental aspects and principles of project management including life cycle, integration, planning, organization and communication. Learn about work breakdown structures, diagramming, cost management and resource allocation. Examine today’s issues affecting project management including risk management, quality, conflict, and team building.


SAFE-1015OHS - Safety Audit & Analysis
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This practical application course provides you with experience in the use of a systematic approach to evaluate and explain safety performance in terms of strengths and weaknesses. You will learn to evaluate and explain statistical data, safety objectives, scorecards, critical incidents, and critical behaviors within an organization. Using a case study approach, you will perform an audit to evaluate and analyze the OHS management system in an organization and recommend a continuous improvement process.

SAFE-1020OHS - Information Management
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Locate and use basic research, statistical concepts and terminology in the context of relevant OH&S applications. Learn how to review, compile, interpret, and critically evaluate literature and data to write reports and support enhancements to workplace health and safety.

SAFE-1021OHS - Risk Management
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Risk management is about a proactive approach to managing safety, with prevention as the focus. You will address the key elements of risk management and identify, assess, and evaluate risks and controls to effectively manage OH&S responsibilities. Explore the theories of incident causation and prevention and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to apply the principles of OHS risk management process and the preparation of safe work communication strategies.

SAFE-1022OHS - SafetyRPL
More Information

This course focuses on physical hazards and controls in the workplace utilizing a risk management framework. Use a variety of inspection skills and outline the essential parts of an incident investigation process. Learn how to evaluate workplace incidents, utilize studies and data, and apply appropriate legislation and regulations.

SAFE-1026OHS - Ethical & Legal Issues
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Acquire knowledge of the legal and ethical responsibilities of all parties and those of the OH&S practitioner, including professional and ethical codes of conduct, commitment to excellence, personal growth and life-long learning. Explore the general concepts of legislation relevant to the safety field, including the history of the Canadian legal system which sets the tone for introducing the concepts of workers' compensation, safety regulation, due diligence, consultation, and enforcement. Learn how to approach and resolve ethical dilemmas.

SAFE-1031Hazard Recognition, Evaluation & Control
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Recognition and evaluation of hazards is foundational to the creation of a safe work environment. This course will develop your ability to identify and determine physical, biological, chemical, cognitive and psychosocial hazards and controls for the workplace environment. This course will provide you both the theoretical and practical experience necessary to evaluate and implement hazard controls in the workplace environment, such as administrative, engineering, and personal protective equipment

SAFE-1032OHS Documentation & Reporting
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The ability to inform management and other stakeholders of the need for change in OHS practices requires significant comprehension of the variables affecting that information. Learn how to prepare reports that utilize current OHS research, issues, and workplace performance data from OHS documentation. Plan and manage meetings following generally accepted formats. Present OHS report findings to the management of an organization for decision making.

SAFE-1045OHS - Hygiene
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Obtain the skills to recognize, identify, monitor, evaluate and recommend control of health and safety risks associated with chemical, physical, and biological agents. You will learn the benefits of implementing an occupational hygiene program. Explore a range of hygiene topics including routes of entry, permissible levels, exposure limits, radiation, temperature and pressure extremes, asbestos contamination, ventilation design and methods of measurement and control.

SAFE-1054Ergonomics - Intro
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Ergonomics is the study of workers' interaction with their workplace. Explore introductory principles and concepts of occupational ergonomics, emphasizing strategies and techniques for improving worker safety, health, efficiency, and comfort. Acquire knowledge related to musculoskeletal injuries, assessment tools and, ergonomic programs. Discuss literature and media reports on recent trends in the ergonomics field and learn how to develop elements of a sound workplace ergonomics program.

SAFE-1057OHS - Managing OHS
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Explore the relationship of Occupational Health and Safety to organizational and management systems. Address leadership commitment, open communication, interpersonal skills, and legal accountability as core concepts that form the basis for achieving organizational goals and effective safety programs. Obligations and liabilities of the OH&S practitioner/safety generalist within the structure and function of management systems and the responsibilities of all parties are addressed.

SAFE-1058OHS - Workplace ExperienceRPL
More Information

This supervised workplace experience or Capstone Project allows you the opportunity to apply your skills and abilities as an OH&S professional. Through the mentorship provided to you, you will work both individually and as a member of the workplace team to advocate change, design and deliver training, and apply risk management principles through the application of legislative requirements, industry standards and best practices.

SAFE-1063OHS Capstone Project
More Information

This supervised workplace experience or Capstone Project  allows you the opportunity to apply your skills and abilities as an OH&S professional. Through the mentorship provided to you, you will work both individually and as a member of the workplace team to advocate change, design and deliver training, and apply risk management principles through the application of legislative requirements, industry standards and best practices. All theory courses must be completed prior to registering for this course.

SAFE-1091OHS - HealthRPL
More Information

Acquire background knowledge about occupational health in the workplace. Promote health and wellness initiatives in the workplace.  Learn about occupational disease and psychosocial risks. Apply appropriate legislation and standards to workplace practices and learn how to manage a return to work process.

SAFE-1443OHS - Program DevelopmentRPL
More Information

Develop the essential knowledge and skills required to develop, coordinate, implement, maintain, and evaluate an OH&S program within an organizational construct. Develop the policies and procedures required for a written OH&S program including workplace inspections, accident investigations, record keeping, first aid, ergonomics, emergency preparedness, job hazard analysis, training, work procedures and regular program review.

CO-OP/Practicum Information

There are currently three options available to students to complete CO-OP/Practicum:

  • OHS - Workplace Experience (SAFE-1058)
  • OHS - Capstone (SAFE-1063)
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Practicum options will be arranged on a student-by-student basis. All students nearing the completion of their program are required to contact Frank Richards, the OHS Practicum Coordinator re: CO/OP/Practicum. Frank can be contacted via email: frichards@rrc.ca

Based on the nature of the work experience placement, you may be required to submit Adult Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector, Provincial Child Abuse Registry and Adult Abuse Registry check documents. You must submit original documents dated not more than six months prior to you attending the work place experience. For further information, visit Police Information Check

You may be placed in a variety of organizations or industries for work experience as an Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner. All practicums are arranged by the College and will take place in Winnipeg.

Computer/Laptop Requirements

Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College students require, at minimum:

1.  Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam

2.  A high speed internet connection

• Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
• Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.
• Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.


Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes

Through successful completion of this program, you will acquire the knowledge, skills, and judgement to function as an entry-level practitioner in occupational health and safety. You will be able to contribute to the development and maintenance of a healthy and safe work environment.

Upon completion of the Occupational Health and Safety Program you should be able to: 
  • Interpret and apply legislative requirements, industry standards, and best practices in a variety of workplaces.
  • Apply risk management principles to anticipate, identify, evaluate and control physical, chemical, biological and psychosocial hazards.
  • Collect, manage, and interpret information and data to identify trends and issues in the workplace.
  • Design, support, and evaluate health and safety programs and implement procedures using project management principles and processes appropriate to the task.
  • Affect/manage change by advancing OH&S principles within management systems, cultures, practices, and priorities.
  • Apply basic adult learning and assessment principles in the design, development and delivery of training and information for differing levels within the workplace. 
  • Set and achieve work priorities and goals individually and as a team member.
  • Use a range of effective communication skills and methods to clearly and briefly convey regulatory and technical information and data to designated audiences.
  • Practice due diligence and employ ethical standards in all aspects of professional conduct.
  • Use current technologies and applications appropriate to the task.

Recent Changes

Program Changes:

During 2013-2014, the College conducted a review of the Occupational Health and Safety Certificate Program as part of the quality curriculum process. The review was facilitated by the Program and Curriculum Department in consultation with the Program Advisory Committee, industry and program instructors. 

As a result of this review, effective July 1, 2014, the following revisions have been made to the program:

1. SAFE-1032 OHS Documentation & Reporting - This course has replaced the COMM-1022 OHS-Business Communication 1 course.  Learn how to prepare reports that utilize current OHS research, issues, and workplace performance data from OHS documentation.

If, prior to July 1, 2014, you have successfully completed COMM-1022 OHS-Business Communication 1, you will maintain credit for a communications course in the program.  You will not be required to take the SAFE-1032 OHS Documentation & Reporting course. 

Currently, there is no other communications course equivalent to the SAFE-1032 OHS Documentation & Reporting.


2. SAFE- 1031 Hazard Recognition and Control - This course will develop your ability to identify and determine physical, biological, chemical, cognitive and psychosocial hazards and controls for the workplace environment. This course will provide both the theoretical and practical experience necessary to evaluate and implement hazard controls in the workplace environment, such as administrative, engineering, and personal protective equipment.

You must successfully complete this course prior to completing the SAFE-1015 Safety Audit and Analysis and attending the workplace experience.


3. SAFE-1015 Safety Audit and Analysis - This practical application course provides you with experience in the use of a systematic approach to evaluate and explain safety performance in terms of strengths and weaknesses. This course provides you with the necessary skills and application for conducting safety audits and analysis.

For the part-time program, this course will also gives you the necessary knowledge, skills and judgments required for completion of a Capstone Project in lieu of a six-week workplace experience.


4. SAFE-1063 OHS Capstone Project is an alternative to the workplace experience for part-time Continuing Education students. To participate in the project you must be employed in the field.

Students who register in the OHS program on or after July 1, 2014 will be required to complete sixteen courses in the OHS Program to earn a certificate. Students who began the program prior to July 1, 2014 may continue in the 14 course program or choose to complete the sixteen courses.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Call 204-632-3094 for PLAR information regarding the Occupational Health and Safety Certificate Program.

Other Information

Students have a maximum of four (4) years to complete this program.

Individuals who wish to obtain a professional designation such as with the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals, must meet their stated eligibility requirements.

Partnerships

The development of the Occupational Health and Safety Certificate program was made possible through joint funding with the Workers Compensation Board's Community Initiatives and Research Program.

Graduation Requirements

You must complete your part-time program within four years from the start of the first course in the program, unless otherwise stated in the program outline. 

To graduate you must successfully complete all OHS theory courses, with a minimum of C+ and pass the workplace experience. The workplace experience is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

You will not be granted more than 75% of your credit requirements for graduation through transfer of credit.

When you have successfully completed all the required courses in this program, be sure to apply for your certificate. For complete details on applying to graduate and convocation, see rrc.ca/convocation.

Questions about graduation? Please call 204-694-1789 or 1-866-242-7073 for assistance.

Graduation with Honours
If you obtain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 or better for the program, you will graduate with honours. If you fail any course in the program, you will not be eligible for this honours designation.

Employment Potential

Graduates will be prepared for career opportunities as entry-level practitioners in Occupational Health and Safety in a variety of industries and organizations.
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Red River College Polytechnic endeavours to provide the most current version of all program and course information on this website. Please be advised that classes may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, process, or procedure without notice or prejudice. Fees may change without notice.