Fanshawe launches new program for occupational health and safety technicians

(London, Ontario) – The pandemic has raised awareness of the importance of health and safety in the workplace, as well as the important role of health and safety professionals in both workplace and community safety. With the launch of the redesigned Occupational Health and Safety program, Fanshawe is responding to the increased need for occupational health and safety technicians.

The Occupational Health and Safety program aligns with the nine competency categories of the Canadian Registered Safety Technician certification and can be used to meet the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) ‘formal education requirement’ for the Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) certification. Eligible graduates will be prepared to write the CRST examination.

“The pandemic has underscored the need for occupational health and safety technicians to maintain a safe working environment. This program, aligned with the new CRST certification, is a significant addition to Fanshawe’s School of Public Safety,” says Mark Hunter, associate dean, School of Public Safety.

The program curriculum covers CRST competency categories ranging from applied safety fundamentals to auditing and risk management and provides knowledge and skills in areas that are essential in occupational health and safety: communication, workplace dynamics, and workplace diversity.

Graduates will be prepared to work in the public or private sector as occupational health and safety technicians in a variety of employment sectors such as construction, education, healthcare, manufacturing, forestry, military and more.

“This part-time program, taught by experienced occupational health and safety professionals, prepares much-needed technicians for the frontlines of workplace safety,” says Brenda Henry, senior manager, Environment Health, Safety and Emergency Service at Fanshawe College.

The program is an Ontario College Certificate and can be completed completely online on a part-time basis.