Photo: Health and safety officers conduct a workplace inspection to ensure OHS regulations are being followed

Occupational health and safety (OHS) training focuses on keeping people safe on the job. Students learn how to conduct assessments and develop policies to make sure work environments are safe and healthy.

OHS expert and Herzing instructor Andrew Pugachev says the job involves identifying and avoiding problems.

"Occupational health and safety officers inspect workplaces for health hazards and develop strategies to control risk. They make sure management is following health and safety laws, investigate accidents, injuries, and complaints—and create programs to ensure continuous improvement."

An increased focus on workplace safety means more employment opportunities are opening up in this field. A government report indicates employment growth in this sector in many parts of Canada.

So the job opportunities are out there. But if you're looking to take advantage of them, it's important to understand the different health and safety training options so you can choose the path that's best for you.

This post explains the similarities and differences between OHS degrees and diplomas. It also describes some key factors you should consider when making your choice.

Considering becoming an occupational health and safety officer? OHS professionals play a key role in preventing workplace accidents, injuries, and deaths. 

Every employer in Canada must follow health and safety laws to ensure workers are protected while performing their duties.

This includes everything from physical safety to environmental issues, emergency procedures, and emotional well-being.

Health and safety officers help enforce these laws by performing audits and inspections. They also work closely with companies to reduce risks, deliver safety training, and investigate accidents. 

If you want to work in this field, you need comprehensive OHS training that leads to national certification. 

Your first step? Selecting a quality OHS diploma program.

In this post, we'll walk you through 5 key features of a trustworthy OHS program.

Training that includes these attributes will put you on track to a successful career in workplace health and safety.

Updated November 2020

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a broad industry, which focuses on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of people at work. 

This field includes all aspects of worker health. From workplace harassment to fire prevention; ergonomics to emergency evacuation procedures. 

The Canadian occupational health and safety (OHS) industry is filled with certifications, designations, health and safety diplomas and degrees. 

If you’re new to the field, navigating all these different credentials can be really challenging. For example, in the field of health and safety, there are key differences between a certificate and a certification, and between a certification and a designation. 

Some safety jobs require at least a bachelor degree, some need a masters, while others call for only a certificate or diploma.

If you’re considering alternatives to a 4-year health and safety degree, you may be looking into college-level health and safety programs. In this case, understanding your path to certification is crucial. 

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. 

All across Canada, we're seeing steady employment growth in occupational health and safety. Rising concern over workplace accidents, injuries, and disability claims are creating jobs in this field.

There is also a strong focus on food safety and environmental protection—which have increased demand for inspectors, training providers, and risk management specialists.

This is the domain of the occupational health and safety officer. Curious about training and careers in this field?

Have you ever suffered an injury at work? Was the cause a faulty piece of equipment, or unsafe work space?

Every year, thousands of Canadians report job-related illness and injury—and in 2016, 905 people lost their lives because of unsafe working conditions (26 were young workers between the ages of 15 and 24).

But these numbers reflect just a portion of all cases, many of which go unreported. And then there are the families, co-workers, and friends who suffer trauma when a loved-one is injured or killed on-the-job.

The repercussions of unsafe workplaces ripple through our communities, changing lives forever.