Occupational Health and Safety Fundamentals

A safe and healthy work environment is not just a privilege, it’s a fundamental right for every worker. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) plays a critical role in preventing workplace accidents, illnesses, and injuries. This comprehensive course equips you with the knowledge and essential skills to promote a safe and healthy work environment. We’ll delve into the core principles of OHS, explore hazard identification and risk assessment techniques, and guide you through essential workplace safety measures.  Whether you’re a business owner, manager, employee, or safety professional, this course empowers you to contribute to a culture of safety and well-being within your organization.

Course Objectives:

• Gain a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and their importance in the workplace.
• Explore the legal framework surrounding OHS, including national and international standards and regulations.
• Develop skills for identifying workplace hazards, assessing potential risks, and implementing control measures.
• Learn best practices for accident prevention, incident investigation, and emergency preparedness.
• Understand the importance of ergonomics and safe work practices in preventing musculoskeletal disorders.
• Explore the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) in mitigating workplace hazards.
• Develop skills for effectively communicating safety information and procedures to employees.
• Foster a culture of safety within your organization by promoting employee participation and engagement in safety initiatives.
• Analyze the role of continuous improvement in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

Course Highlights:

Core Principles of OHS:

• Demystify Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and its core principles.
• Explore the benefits of a safe and healthy workplace for both employers and employees.
• Analyze the ethical and legal implications of workplace safety.

The Legal Landscape of OHS:

• Understand the legal framework surrounding OHS, including relevant national and international standards and regulations.
• Explore the role of regulatory bodies and their enforcement mechanisms.
• Learn about workers’ rights and responsibilities regarding workplace safety.

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment:

• Develop skills for identifying workplace hazards, including physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards.
• Master risk assessment techniques to evaluate the severity and likelihood of potential harm from identified hazards.
• Learn about the hierarchy of controls, prioritizing elimination and substitution of hazards over personal protective equipment (PPE).

Accident Prevention and Emergency Preparedness:

• Explore best practices for accident prevention in the workplace, focusing on proactive safety measures.
• Learn techniques for incident investigation, identifying root causes and preventing future occurrences.
• Develop an understanding of emergency preparedness procedures, including fire safety, evacuation plans, and first aid response.

Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs):

• Understand the importance of ergonomics in preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by repetitive tasks or improper posture.
• Learn how to design ergonomic workstations and implement safe work practices to minimize MSD risks.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Explore the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) in mitigating workplace hazards when engineering controls are not feasible.
• Learn about different types of PPE and their appropriate selection and use for specific hazards.

Safety Communication and Training:

• Develop skills for effectively communicating safety information and procedures to employees at all levels.
• Understand the importance of safety training in promoting safe work practices and raising awareness of potential hazards.

Building a Culture of Safety:

• Explore strategies for fostering a culture of safety within your organization by promoting employee participation and engagement in safety initiatives.
• Learn how to empower employees to report safety concerns and actively contribute to a safe work environment.

Continuous Improvement in OHS:

• Analyze the importance of continuous improvement in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
• Explore techniques for monitoring safety performance, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing corrective actions.

Target Audience:

• Business owners, managers, and supervisors responsible for workplace safety.
• Health and safety professionals, safety officers, and safety committee members.
• Employees at all levels seeking to understand their rights and responsibilities regarding workplace safety.
• Human resources professionals involved in safety training and risk management.
• Anyone interested in promoting a safe and healthy work environment.