Herzing Blog

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 February 2023

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.

Updated January 2023

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 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 February 2023

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.

Updated January 2023

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.

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.

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 College Winnipeg's Occupational Health and Safety Officer program.

Updated January 2023

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.

Updated January 2023

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.

Each province 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? Here are the steps to become a certified occupational health and safety officer, plus helpful information on skills and careers.

Updated January 2023

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a broad industry that 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 and from ergonomics to emergency evacuation procedures.