Occupational Health and Safety

Certificate

Program Overview

Employers across the country, from natural resource companies to hospitals and schools, to manufacturers and office-based businesses, to retailers - all must conform to occupational health and safety legislation. As legislation and standards become multifaceted, demand for qualified Occupational Health and Safety professionals grows.

This program is a great fit if you're looking to enter the Occupational Health and Safety profession, are already working in occupational health and safety and want to expand your career opportunities, considering or preparing to write the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) exam or Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) exam or are looking to expand your knowledge.

Explore the career possibilities of Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Occupational Health and Safety certificate program. Our graduates work in a wide variety of industries, advising employers on occupational health and safety issues.

The program provides knowledge relevant to all workplaces in:

  • auditing safety management
  • contractor safety management
  • disability management
  • emergency management
  • ergonomics
  • law and ethics
  • incident investigation
  • industrial hygiene
  • risk management
  • safety management systems

The program is offered on campus in Saskatoon (on campus courses are listed below in the Courses section), and online.

The Occupational Health and Safety certificate program consists of:

  • 14 theory-based courses
  • 5 "Train the Trainer" electives (students are required to complete one of five)
  • an 80-hour two-week practicum

The practicum provides a hands-on look at the day-to-day operations of a workplace, its safety management system and the role of Occupational Health and Safety professionals.

For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions.

Why Saskatchewan Polytechnic?

The Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) recognizes Saskatchewan Polytechnic Occupational Health and Safety Certificate as meeting the formal education requirements for certification as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), or the Pathway C education requirements for certification as a Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST).

Flexible Learning Options

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Occupational Health and Safety certificate program is offered on campus in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and through distance education for students across Canada.

For current information regarding Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) options, contact the program head, Nolan Horbach, at this time.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Occupational Health and Safety professionals provide injury and disease prevention expertise in a wide variety of roles and workplaces. You could be part of a multidisciplinary team working on environmental or wellness initiatives, disability management, regulatory compliance and more.

Possible career opportunities include working with the federal, provincial or municipal government, in health care or educational institutions, with oil and gas companies, manufacturers, transportation firms, utilities, trades, construction and safety associations.

For more information, contact Student Employment Services at Sask Polytech.

Potential Careers

Sample Job TitleNOC Classification1Earning Potential2
Occupational Health and Safety OfficerInspectors in Public and Environmental Health and Occupational Health and Safety (2263)$52,000 - $115,600

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s):

August 29, 2022 (Saskatoon, on campus)

September, January, and April (see Online/School of Continuing Education options)


Length: 39 weeks (on-campus delivery only)

Locations

  • Saskatoon
  • Online/Distance options available

  • Some programs offered online or otherwise by distance (i.e., correspondence) include on-site labs, clinicals, practicums or work experiences. They may be offered course-by-course or full-time, or both, and deliveries may change over time.

Part-time Delivery

In order to graduate and receive a credential for this program, part-time students must apply and be admitted prior to taking the practicum (PRAC 189).

View the program page for a complete list of courses and additional information.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Alternative Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.



ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

  • 250 Arithmetic
  • 253 Reading
  • 245 Writing

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

 

2022/23 Academic Year

$12,655

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Semester 1

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
HLTH 190
Incident Investigation
4
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You will be introduced to incident investigation which is a critical tool in preventing incident reoccurrence and worker injury and illness in the realm of occupational health and safety. You will study incident causation models and the processes to investigate incidents.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): LAW 100, SFTY 173
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
HUMR 102
Professional Education and Career Planning
4
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You will examine both written and verbal interpersonal communication skills and their application in the workplace. Utilizing the principles of adult learning you will focus on the characteristics of adult learners, cultural influences, generational differences and strategies to improve research and development of occupational health and safety concepts.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): BCOM 105
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
LAW 100
Law and Ethics
4
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Your studies will focus on an overview of occupational health and safety systems. You will examine societal and organizational aspects, core principles, essential elements, and a variety of legislation.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): SFTY 191
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
MGMT 191
Organizational Behaviour
4
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Your studies will focus on how to best assist employers and their workers through changes and challenges in the realm of occupational health and safety. You will also focus on improving your personal leadership qualities to assist you in recognizing how principles of organizational behavior and leadership style can be used to capitalize on the strengths and weaknesses in any occupational health and safety management system.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): ADMN 220
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
SFTY 173
Risk Management
4
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Hazard identification, risk analysis, and hazard control are cornerstones in a workplace health and safety system. Your studies will focus on these three important elements while developing your critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): LAW 100(concurrent)
Equivalent Course(s): HLTH 180
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
SFTY 175
Safety Program Management
4
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You will learn to develop and implement a Safety Management Program. You will have the opportunity to conduct a needs assessment and practice developing and implementing policies, procedures and plans. This will enhance your ability to determine prevention and training strategies.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): LAW 100, SFTY 173
Equivalent Course(s): HLTH 181
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 24

Semester 2

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
HLTH 179
Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene 1
4
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You will be introduced to the principles of industrial hygiene, sometimes referred to as occupational hygiene. You will be prepared to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and control workplace hazards. Specific topics include occupational contamination, chemical, biological and radiation hazards.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): LAW 100
Equivalent Course(s): HLTH 188
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
HLTH 187
Disability Management
4
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You will be introduced to disability management as a key essential component of an occupational health and safety program. Disability management starts at the time of illness or injury and continues until the individual has recovered and returned to work. In this course, you will acquire knowledge and skill to develop and implement a disability management program including Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) claims information and return to work plans.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
HLTH 189
Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene 2
4
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Industrial Hygiene is the science dedicated to the prevention of occupational illness or disease. This course builds on HLTH 188 Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene 1. This course will prepare you to anticipate, recognize, evaluate and control noise, thermal and other specific workplace hazards. In addition you will be introduced to respiratory and ventilation methods of control.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): HLTH 179
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
SFTY 174
Emergency Management
4
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Your studies will focus on potential workplace emergencies. You will examine the role of stakeholders, legislation, standards and best practices used to develop Emergency Management plans. You will discuss the importance of a proactive approach to Emergency Management and how to address communication and post incident recovery.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): SFTY 173(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
SFTY 177
Auditing Safety Management
3
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Your studies will focus on both internal and external audit processes from initial planning through to completion. The course will include an overview of why auditing is necessary. A variety of audit strategies will be examined.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): LAW 100, SFTY 173, SFTY 175
Equivalent Course(s): SFTY 171
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
SFTY 198
Contractor Safety Systems
3
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Your studies will focus on safety systems and their relationship to contractors. Most organizations require contractor services at some point in time, and you will explore how to manage these contractors and sub contractors within your safety management system. Specific topics covered include legislated roles and responsibilities of employers, contractors and supervisors; requirements for a safety management system; and Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) relationship with contractors.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 22

Semester 3

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
HLTH 191
Ergonomics
4
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You will focus on the principles of ergonomics to examine the ergonomic factors that impact the human body. You will investigate the relationship between the human body and machines and review basic computer and industrial settings. You will further explore ergonomic programming, training and communication strategies to complete basic ergonomic assessments in your workplace.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
PRAC 189
Practicum
5
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You will preceptor with an occupational health and safety professional. This experience will allow you to apply the theory and skills you learned in previous courses in a work environment.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Prerequisites(s): HLTH 187, HLTH 189, HLTH 190, HLTH 191, HUMR 102, SFTY 175, SFTY 199, SFTY 177(concurrent), SFTY 198(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Prior Learning
SFTY 199
Fire Prevention and Protection
4
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Your studies will focus on applying current concepts and principles involved the evaluation, control, prevention, reduction and elimination of fire hazards for individuals and the workplace.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 13

Semester 3 Electives (1 of 5)

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
HLTH 105
Fatigue Management
2
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You will gain an understanding of fatigue management concepts and principles through exploration of individual and organizational factors that are linked to increased risk of fatigue. Using practical tools, you will develop a basic fatigue management plan that addresses the effects of fatigue, concepts of sleep science and effective strategies to reduce the risks associated with fatigue. The course explores topics through various online activities such as self-assessments, discussions, and engaging assignments.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online
HLTH 106
Psychological Health and Safety
2
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You will be introduced to the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety. You will learn about the 13 psychosocial factors that promote mental health, psychological safety, and workplace engagement while reflecting on their personal workplace experiences. The course involves various learning activities to deepen students’ knowledge of the importance and benefits of incorporating a Psychological Health and Safety Program into the workplace. You will gain practical strategies for mental health promotion in the workplace, including resources for creating and implementing a psychological wellness plan.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Online
HLTH 192
Respiratory Fit Testing Train the Trainer
1
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You will examine the most recent Canadian Standards Association standard and Saskatchewan legislation related to respiratory fit testing. You will examine the implementation of the standard in the workplace by occupational health and safety practitioners. You will also have an opportunity to conduct and observe both qualitative and quantitative fit testing. You will be trained as a Respiratory Fit Tester and be able to fit test other employees at your worksite. This course does not cover respirators required for Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) or oxygen deficient atmospheres.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 16.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning
TRAN 181
Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Train the Trainer
1
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You will prepare to train workers on the basic requirements for road transport under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) act.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 16.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
WHMS 184
Workplace Hazardous Information System (WHMIS) Train the Trainer
1
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Your studies will focus on the preparation required to successfully facilitate in-house Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) sessions for front line workers. You will learn about relevant legislation including requirements of worker training, controlled product classification, and required documentation and labeling. You will also develop skills to design specific workplace training sessions.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 16.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

Note: Students must take one of the following Electives, shown in Semester 3 above:  HLTH 105, HLTH 106, HLTH 192, TRAN 181, WHMS 184.

Check for courses that might be offered through part-time programming.

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.


Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Sask Polytech OHS graduates admitted to National Construction Safety Offices (NCSO) may be recognized for up to 50% of the program requirements for NSO certification; certified NCSOs admitted to Sask Polytech OHS program may apply for PLAR credit.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships

Additional Information

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