Herzing Blog

Ever wonder why people sometimes take shortcuts, even when they know it could be risky?

Occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals need to understand the psychological aspects that govern workplace safety so they can grasp why employees act—or don’t act—in safe ways.

In this post, we explore the relationship between psychology and workplace safety, delving into the factors that influence employee behaviour and decision making. We also offer tips on how organizations can leverage psychological principles to cultivate a culture of safety and compliance, ultimately fostering a safer and healthier work environment.

Tazeen Amir (middle) receiving the Herzing Cup from founder Henry Herzing (left) and COO Frank Cianciaruso (right)

Communication skills are on virtually every employer’s most-wanted list. So here at Herzing, we established the Herzing Cup as a way to recognize the outstanding communication skills of our students. Each year, the cup is awarded to the student who delivers the best oral presentation.

This year’s winner is Tazeen Amir, a doctor from Pakistan who is about to complete Herzing’s occupational health and safety program.

We connected with Tazeen to learn more about her fascinating background, her thoughts on the award, and her overall experience at Herzing. Here’s her story.

Updated February 2024

When you think about career colleges, what sorts of programs come to mind? Many people instantly think of courses like health care aide, office administration, and computer networking. And while those certainly exist, the full range of course offerings is far more diverse than you might imagine.

Keep reading to learn about some unique career college programs that often go unnoticed but offer a specialized education leading to exciting career prospects.

When Kehinde Akande came to Canada in 2018, he knew he wanted to pursue additional education.

He already had a chemistry degree and several years of experience in environmental issues, but he was looking to get more into health and safety. After researching several OHS programs, he chose Herzing’s because it was online, flexible, and fast.

It proved to be a good decision. When he graduated in October 2022, he was offered a job as a health and safety advisor—at the same company where he did his internship!

We spoke with Kehinde recently to learn more about his experience. Here’s his story.

Updated January 2024

When a person gets hurt on the job, both they and the business feel the impact.

The injured employee must deal with missed work and lost wages. Meanwhile, the company may face fines, staff shortages, production slowdowns, lower morale, a damaged reputation...the list goes on.

The importance of health and safety in the workplace cannot be overstated. That's why occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals focus on preventing workplace accidents and injuries and promoting employee well-being. They do this by creating policies and providing training on emergency evacuations, hazardous material handling, machine lockout procedures, fall prevention, harassment, and much more.

In early 2020, Monica Keyes-Cabral was at a crossroads: her career as a paramedic, which she thoroughly enjoyed, was taking a toll on her mental health.

She left her job just before the pandemic was declared. But she still wanted a meaningful role that allowed her to help people and support their well-being.

She investigated different training options and eventually chose the Occupational Health and Safety program at Herzing.

After an intense year of juggling online studies and helping her three young children adapt to COVID realities, Monica recently graduated—and landed a job at the same place where she did her internship.

Read on for her full story.

Updated January 2024

In the occupational health and safety (OHS) field, getting certified by a respected organization proves your skills and opens up more job opportunities.

But navigating all the different credentials available in Canada can be really challenging.

If you’re considering alternatives to a four-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. 

Updated January 2024

When someone gets hurt at work, the consequences can be serious and wide-ranging.

The injured person can lose income and benefits. The organization loses an experienced worker and could face production slowdowns, fines, or higher insurance premiums. Company morale and reputation can also take a hit.

That’s why safety officers are so important. Their job is to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses by identifying risks, enforcing safety legislation, and making sure everyone follows the right procedures.

Thinking about becoming a safety officer? Wondering what it takes to get hired?

We spoke with industry experts and examined dozens of actual job postings to find out what safety officer skills employers are looking for.

Here’s what you need to get your career started.

Updated December 2023

The field of occupational health and safety (OHS) revolves around keeping people safe in the workplace.

OHS professionals focus on identifying and minimizing risks to people’s health, safety, and well-being. They inspect work sites, enforce health and safety legislation, and make sure employees and managers are following proper procedures.

They also develop policies, deliver training, and implement programs to promote a culture of safety and wellness.

Occupational health and safety is often associated with sectors like construction and manufacturing, but it has much broader applications. OHS professionals can be found in every industry.

Keep reading to learn what OHS is all about and what career options exist in this field.

Updated January 2024

The goal of health and safety officer training is to produce graduates who know how to keep people safe in the workplace.

Occupational health and safety officers are responsible for inspecting work sites and making sure regulations are followed. They help develop health and safety procedures, deliver training, and follow up on claims and complaints.

A good training program will prepare you to handle all of those challenges.

But what can you expect in class? What will you actually learn?

In this post, we detail the top five core skills covered in a quality health and safety officer training program.