Foundations in Occupational Health and Safety

Provides an overview of the OH&S field and discusses how health and safety relate to an organization's overall management system. Introduces leadership commitment, open communication, and legal accountability as core concepts that form the basis for effective safety programs. Also explores the wide variety of functions within the OH&S field and the required resources for the safety generalist.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Introduces the concepts of how accidents/incidents are caused and provides evidence to support the analysis and investigation of these causes. Analyzes a variety of sources, from historical perspectives to current behavioural theories, for their application to today's workplaces. Discusses accident investigation techniques and their legal implications. Students conduct a real or mock accident investigation as part of their course requirements.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in OCHS 1000^† (^† may be taken concurrently)

Discusses how to coordinate, develop, implement, and maintain an OH&S program within an organization. Explores how political, cultural , economic, and industry climates as well as corporate and personal values influence safety culture. Introduces management commitment, employee involvement, communication, supervision, education and training, safety recognition, safety policy, and safety committees. Provides legal, moral, and economic reasons for implementing a safety program. Outlines how to 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.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in OCHS 1000 and (60% in OCHS 1100 or 60% in OCHS 2100)

Introduces the hierarchy of workplace hazard controls- engineering, administrative and personal protective equipment. Examines in detail workplace sanitation and personal facilities, safety through design, lighting and ventilation systems, materials handling, basic electrical safety, lockout and de-energization, personal protective equipment, lift trucks and fall protection. Explains how to successfully eliminate or reduce the risks associated with a variety of work processes.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in OCHS 1000 and (60% in OCHS 1100 or 60% in OCHS 2100)

Builds on the information presented in OCHS 2320 (or OCHS 2321). Examines, in detail: guarding, metalworking machines, woodworking machines, welding and thermal cutting, excavation, blasting, confined space entry, boilers and pressure vessels, commercial fleet safety, automated processes, ladders and scaffolds. Explains how to successfully eliminate or reduce the hazards and risks associated with several work processes.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in OCHS 2320

Introduces legislation regulating hazardous materials used and transferred in the workplace and the environment. Fully explores workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) requirements. Investigates lead abatement and asbestos management and control options for their workplace application.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in OCHS 1000 and (60% in OCHS 1100 or 60% in OCHS 2100)

Explores the provincial OH&S legislation in BC governed by the BC Workers Compensation Act and the Workers Compensation Board Occupational Health & Safety Regulation. The history of BC legislation and how it has evolved sets the tone for discussions on the current legislative system, its enforcement and recent trends toward prosecution. Introduces the BC WCB structure, mandate policies, and procedures. Learning activities revolve around applying key regulations and sections of the Act to the workplace. Students must obtain a copy of the BC legislation or have access to it via the BC WCB's website.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in OCHS 1000

Explores the general concepts of legislation relevant to the safety field. The history of the Canadian legal system sets the tone for introducing the concepts of workers' compensation, safety regulation, due diligence, consultation and enforcement. Critically compares OH&S systems in Canada, the United States, and around the world. Introduces Canadian legislation and other safety regulations. You need access to a copy of your governing OH&S legislation.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in OCHS 1000^† (^† may be taken concurrently)