Occupational Health & Safety Management
CIP Code: 15.0701
Overview
A career in occupational health and safety can provide the opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives by ensuring workplace safety, reducing injuries and illnesses, and improving overall well being.
The Occupational Health & Safety Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is a multi-disciplinary program that is designed to encompass a broad range of knowledge in occupational health, safety and environmental management systems that are critical to an organizations success. This program provides students with a strong health and safety foundation by developing the competencies required for the effective development, implementation and evaluation of health and safety systems in occupational settings.
Emphasis is placed upon learning the application of legislation and recognizing, controlling and evaluation workplace hazards. This program will enable students to become leaders in health and safety by motivating proactive behavioural change. Students will anticipate and employ strategies to manage emerging health, safety and environmental issues while examining accident theories, emergency response planning, ergonomic principles, risk management principles and the promotion of workplace safety and wellness.
This program is accredited by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP).
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Admission Requirements
- University degree in engineering, health sciences, human resources, or equivalent
The admissions process is competitive and meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
English Language Requirements
International applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and skills in English by submitting an English proficiency test. Please refer to our English Language Requirements webpage to determine which minimum scores are accepted.
Costs
- Term 1 $9,855.25
- Term 2 $9,046.42
- Term 3 $9,855.25
- Co-op Term $0.00
Total Cost of Program
Please note: The estimated total includes tuition, mandatory student fees and health insurance to help you plan your education budget. Books (unless specifically noted), supplies, living expenses, and transportation costs are not included.
The tuition and fees are estimates and may change each academic year.
Additional Fees
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Safety Boots (with Grade 1 protective toe)$150.00
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First Aid & CRP$165.00
WIL Project Fees
In order to be eligible to secure an approved full-time co-op work term, students must have a GPA of 2.8 or greater and complete all the co-op eligibility requirements. Students who are not successful in securing a co-op or fail to meet the co-op requirements will need to register in CPL-5559 WIL Project. There is an additional fee of $2,100 for each student enrolled in the WIL Project course.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Labs & Facilities
Chemistry Lab
Laboratory exercises complement theoretical concepts and develop good, safe, laboratory practices through hands-on activities and chemical experimentation.
State-of-the-art Equipment
Students utilize Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology equipment aimed at teaching students how to measure noise and test for air pollutants.
Courses
Risk Management
Students are introduced to the techniques and basic concepts of hazard management, recognition, evaluation, and control of health and safety hazards in the workplace. Risk management is an essential component of a properly functioning occupational health and safety program. Risk management principles, concepts and models. Explore critical considerations, including risk perception and tolerance as well as risk management strategies. Risk management principles, models and theories, risk management foundations; organizational risk management; risk assessment; conducting a risk survey; analyzing risk and setting priorities for action; incorporating risk management in organizational systems, policies and processes; and evaluating the success of risk mitigation strategies. Following this course, learners will be able to assess an organizations risk management program to determine if it is meeting organizational objectives and recommend strategies and techniques to plan, organize, and control activities in a way that minimizes risk and the effects of risk on the organization.
Business Analysis
Strong computer skills are essential to finding Canadian employment in management and administration. This Business Analytics course introduces the use of data-driven techniques to identify and solve business problems. Students will learn key concepts of data analysis, from data collection and preparation to the application of predictive analytics models. Students develop skills in time management, self-discipline, and having an eye for detail by strengthening their ability to read and follow written instructions. Business Analytics is a course delivered using practical applications in the computer lab; through case studies and hands-on activities, students will learn to use Excel functionality more effectively in analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing data. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of data in today's business environment and will develop the skills necessary to identify, analyze, and utilize data for making better industry-specific decisions through case analysis.
Occupational Health & Safety
This introductory course provides students with a foundational understanding of the diverse and evolving field of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), with a focus on the Ontario context. Students will explore the key technical, legal, political, and personal factors that influence workplace health and safety. Core topics include the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) processes, WHMIS, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, accident prevention and investigation, physical and biological hazards, and the principles of managing OHS programs. This course equips students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to support safe work environments and prepare for further study or entry-level roles in the field.
Operational Safety
In this course, students will explore basic theoretical and operational knowledge of the hazards and techniques that may be encountered in the workplace. Students will identify hazards and safe operating procedures that include: Safeguard Systems, Personal Protective Equipment, Hazardous Energy, Materials Handling and Storage, Hoisting and Rigging Equipment, Powered Industrial Vehicles, Hand and Portable Power Tools, Woodworking Machinery, Welding and Cutting, Metalworking Machinery, Automated Systems or Processes, Confined Spaces, and Fall Protection.
Organizational Behaviour
This subject is an examination of the contemporary Canadian business environment including the organization, leadership and management decision process which influences the behaviour of individuals and groups. Increased global competition, technological change and the rising expectations of both employees and employers have underlined the need for improved and more effective leadership. This subject provides a better understanding of this process.
Job Search & Success
This course provides student with skills and knowledge to help support their career search and succeed in the workplace. Students align their personal skill set and goals to guide them on their career paths. They will learn how to effectively conduct a job search, build a professional and well-tailored resume and cover letter, and develop and practice interview techniques. Students will also develop their personal brand to help support effective career networking and aid in their job search. Teamwork and collaboration in the workplace are also discussed. Self-reflection is used to inspire insight and support their professional career journey.
Industrial Hygiene & Toxicology
Students will be introduced to the role of the occupational (industrial) hygienist and learn the basic concepts of anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of health hazards in the workplace environment. Topics will examine chemical, biological, physical and ergonomic stressors, assessing their routes of exposure and potential health effects on workers. Exposure monitoring for chemical, biological, and physical hazards frequently encountered in the workplace is reinforced through laboratory experiments and field measurements. As a hands-on component to theory of industrial hygiene and toxicology, students employ practical methods of sampling, measurement techniques and interpretation of results.
Disability Management
This course introduces the principles and practices of workplace disability management within the context of occupational health and safety systems. Students will examine the processes involved in managing workplace injury, illness, and disability, including case management, return-to-work planning, and accommodation strategies. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation and application of relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, including human rights and workers' compensation frameworks. Students will assess physical, psychosocial, and organizational factors that influence recovery outcomes and the successful reintegration of workers into the workplace. The course develops applied competencies in evaluating functional abilities, designing and implementing return-to-work programs, and coordinating communication among key stakeholders. Professional practice considerations, including ethical decision-making, confidentiality, and the role and limits of the safety practitioner, are integrated throughout the course. Upon completion, students will be able to apply evidence-based approaches to support effective, compliant, and sustainable disability management practices.
Ergonomics
In this course, students will explore fundamental principles of occupational ergonomics. Students are introduced to the practice of ergonomics and the technical elements required when developing an ergonomics program to prevent occupational illness and injury by changing the design of work and workplaces. Building on a foundation of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and information processing, the students will study how to evaluate and apply human capabilities and limitations to the design of workplaces, work methods, and jobs positions for optimal safety, efficiency, productivity and comfort.
OHS & Environmental Management Systems
This course will provide students with the knowledge for implementing and evaluating the performance of a fully functional management system based on organizational requirements. This course will focus on the most common and current management systems applied in Canada, particularly the requirements for Environmental Management Systems (EMS) ISO 14001:2015 and Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) ISO 45001:2018 (OHSAS 18001), and CSA: Z1000-14.
Environmental Legislation
This course provides students with the skills and practical knowledge that apply to various regulatory standards related to air, water, soil, hazardous waste, chemical management and other related environmental legislation. Topics will be analyzed in terms of standard development, enforcement at municipal, provincial and federal levels, and the validity of the standard's ability to protect health and the environment particularly specific environmental statutes that are significant to Ontario practice today.
Program Design, Development & Implementation
Students will learn to design, implement, manage and evaluate new and existing programs in the workplace. Students will learn how to review legislative requirements, processes, tools and equipment, collect and analyze data to design effective and functional programs to meet organizational needs. Students will learn methods to evaluate programs and present findings to assist in making informed decisions.
Accident Prevention & Theory Investigation
The history of accident prevention will be examined, and will concentrate on the principles of managing safety. This course examines proper accident investigation, accident reporting, audits, inspections, accident costs, safety committees, elimination of hazards and basic loss control principles. This course examines the techniques and procedures for the prevention, control, and investigation of workplace accidents, incidents and hazards (with an emphasis on the Province of Ontario).
Emergency Planning & Management
Students will develop an understanding of various emergency plans/procedures, identifying roles and responsibilities in emergency plans. This course is specific to the Emergency Response field with a strong focus on fire prevention. Students will learn unique information concerning response to emergencies, how to manage them, drill preparation and preparedness.
Health & Wellness
In this course, students will explore health and wellness promotion and prevention as integral components of Occupational Health and Safety. The relationship between work and the determinants of health will be presented and students will examine workplace trends and observations as key drivers in the development of Workplace Wellness Programs. Students will participate in identifying risk factors and hazards influencing the health, safety and the well-being of individuals and organizations. As well students will conduct workplace health surveys and will design, promote, implement and evaluate wellness initiatives based on health promotion theory using a holistic and multidisciplinary approach in accordance with organizational policies.
Introduction to Process Safety
In this course, students will investigate the prevention of unintentional releases of chemicals, energy, or other potentially dangerous materials during the course of chemical processes that can have a serious effect to the workplace and environment. Students will study how industrial processes can affect worker and environmental health and safety.
Workshop Series & Capstone
This dynamic workshop series equips students with practical skills and knowledge tailored to a wide range of business and industrial workplace environments. Through hands-on activities and real-world scenarios, students will learn to apply essential health and safety practices with confidence. Industry guest speakers will share insights and expertise, offering students valuable perspectives on workplace safety and emergency preparedness. In addition, the course explores diverse career paths within Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), helping students discover potential opportunities in this growing field.
Co-op Work Term (Full-Time)
Co-operative education provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience that may assist students in leveraging employment after graduation.
WIL Project
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Project is aimed at enriching students by connecting different program areas of study, cutting across subject-matter lines, and emphasizing unifying concepts. The focus of the WIL Project is to make connections between study and industry by engaging students in relevant and meaningful activities that are connected to and practiced within the professional workplace. WIL Project allows students to enhance and strengthen their employability prospects post-graduation by fine tuning skills and knowledge and meeting the expectations of today's employers. Students are required to attend the scheduled shifts in the WIL office, reporting to the WIL Supervisor. Weekly real-world challenges are presented in the WIL office, designed by industry professionals. In addition to the weekly assigned deliverables, students are also offered professional development sessions, and exposed to industry guest speakers, enhancing their opportunity to develop their professional network.
Lambton College reserves the right to alter information including admission requirements and to cancel a program or course at any time; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways to third-party certification bodies; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations or over-acceptance of offers of admission. In the event Lambton College exercises such a right, Lambton College's sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to Lambton College.
Contact
Centre for Global Engagement
LAMBTON COLLEGE SARNIA
1457 London Road
Sarnia ON N7S 6K4
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Program graduates can work in a wide range of roles in safety inspection, auditing, risk management, emergency management, environmental management and human resources management. Industry sectors include mining, construction, petroleum, forestry, health care, electrical and communications utilities, transportation, federal, provincial and municipal governments, retail and wholesale operations, warehousing and distribution networks, consulting, engineering and education.
Accreditations & Certifications
Canadian Registered Safety Technician Certification
Graduates from this program meet the requirements set out by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) and are qualified to write the Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) examination to earn the CRST designation. Upon completion of 4 years of additional relevant occupational health and safety experience, graduates are able to apply for the Board of Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) certification.
For more information visit The Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals.
Post-Graduation Employment
International students who complete an eligible program at Lambton College may be able to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) . A PGWP allows eligible graduates to gain Canadian work experience after their studies.
Eligibility and the length of your work permit are determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Looking for Support After Graduation?
Your connection with Lambton College continues after graduation. International alumni can access information, resources, and guidance to help navigate employment opportunities and life in Canada after completing their studies.
Co-op
About Co-op
Students in this program have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience by applying classroom learning during co-op experiences.
Learn more about co-op terms and the roles and responsibilities of students and co-op advisors.
More Information
Student Responsibilities
- Course and program schedules may change for each intake.
- Bring a laptop with wireless internet capability.
- Bring official copies of your most recent police clearance, driver’s licence, and vaccination record from your home country, if available.
Technology Requirements
Internet Speed Requirements
For the best online learning experience, we recommend an internet connection with at least 40 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed. This will help you attend online classes, join video calls and access online learning tools.
Internet service varies by location, so you will need to choose a provider that is available in your area.
Laptop Requirements
You will need a laptop to access online course materials, software and other learning tools. Your laptop should meet these minimum requirements:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 8GB of RAM
- 100 GB HDD or more
- Webcam and microphone
- Wi-Fi capable (802.11n/ac 5GHz)
- Windows 11 operating system
Mobile Device
You will also need a smartphone to:
- Access your digital student ID
- Use campus applications and services
Software
Some courses require specific software. Lambton College provides access to Microsoft 365 and other software needed for your studies. Much of your course software is available online and can be accessed on or off campus.
Immigration Regulations & Changes
Immigration regulations are set by the Government of Canada and may change at any time. Students are responsible for understanding and following current immigration requirements while studying and living in Canada.
Lambton College staff cannot provide immigration advice. For current requirements or questions, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or call 1-888-242-2100.