Photo: OHS instructor Navin Homenauth 

Occupational health and safety (OHS) has moved into the spotlight lately, as organizations race to implement new regulations and safety measures against Covid-19.

But even before the pandemic, there's been rising concern about workplace safety in Ontario. With accidents and injuries on the rise, both government and private industry are investing in better OHS programs.

There's growing demand for health and safety professionals at all levels, from entry-level to management. 

Navin Homenauth started in the industry over 10 years ago, working in many different OHS roles, creating and implementing safety programs for a variety of organizations.

Last year, he started teaching the OHS diploma program at Herzing College Toronto. We interviewed him this week to learn more about the training and latest industry trends.

Navin walked us through Herzing's program, explained what to expect in class, and typical jobs for new graduates.

Read on to meet the instructor and get an inside look at the career.

Andrew Pugachev, Occupational Health & Safety instructor, Herzing College Winnipeg

In 2017, almost 1000 Canadians died on the job. That's an increase of 46 people from the previous year.  And 23 of those workers were very young—between the ages of 15-24 (Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada)

Earlier this year, the CBC reported that these numbers don't even come close to reflecting the true extent of work-related deaths in Canada.

The CBC cites a new study called Work-related Deaths in Canada, which reveals those stats from the Worker's Compensation Boards only include approved compensation claims.

The study authors estimate the "true number of workplace deaths are 10 times greater than official numbers."

So, what are we doing to reduce these fatalities, and other job-related illnesses and injuries?

Enter Andrew Pugachev: expert in workplace safety, and instructor for Herzing's Occupational Health and Safety Officer program.

A career in workplace health and safety can be incredibly rewarding.

This field focuses on preventing accidents and injuries on job sites, which is valuable and meaningful work.

Plus, the health and safety industry is growing fast and offers a wide variety of job opportunities.

But like any career, working in health and safety comes with challenges and downsides. What should you know in advance, before you start down this path?

In this post, we break down the most common pros and cons of a career in workplace health and safety.

We'll give you a clearer understanding of what this role is about, so you can decide if it's right for you. Let's get started.

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a fast-growing field in Canada. Long before Covid-19 pushed workplace safety into the spotlight, we have been striving to reduce work-related accidents, injuries, and deaths. 

This is what OHS is all about: protecting the physical and psychological wellness of people at work.

Ontario has clearly defined occupational health and safety laws—regulations both business owners and employees must follow.

Unfortunately, not all employers and workers understand or comply with these rules.

This is why skilled health and safety officers are in such high demand. These professionals ensure companies are following the law, and they provide training and strategies to improve workplace safety.

Considering a career in OHS? Her are the steps to become a certified occupational health and safety officer, plus helpful information on skills and careers.

A health and safety worker screens employees for Covid-19 symptoms before they enter the building

There is no doubt about it: the Covid-19 pandemic has caused massive changes in how we work, especially when it comes to workplace health and safety.  

From mandatory masks and temperature screening, to plexiglass partitions and work-from-home orders. Businesses across the planet are racing to revise their occupational health and safety (OHS) policies. 

This is a good time to begin a career in occupational health and safety (OHS). We’re seeing growing demand for OHS professionals across Canada. What’s driving growth in this field? 

Every year, thousands of Canadians suffer injuries or lose their lives at work. Unsafe work environments are a major problem, not just in construction but across many sectors of our economy.