Core Principles of Occupational Health and Safety

About the Course:

This focused 3-hour course delves into the essential principles of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), emphasizing the critical role of effective safety measures in protecting workers. You’ll explore key topics ranging from the foundations of OHS systems to their development and implementation at both national and international levels. Starting with the necessity of preventative and protective workplace strategies, the course highlights the vital importance of workers’ rights. You’ll gain insight into the design, establishment, and oversight of comprehensive OHS programs, while understanding how continuous improvement is driven by education and information sharing. 

The course also covers the establishment of inclusive Occupational Health services, ensuring access to compensation, rehabilitation, and medical care for all employees. You will learn about the distinct responsibilities of workers, employers, and regulatory bodies, alongside effective enforcement of policies. 

By the end, you’ll be equipped with a thorough understanding of OHS frameworks and the practical skills to assess and enhance safety systems within your workplace or country.

Course Objectives:

• Understanding the main objectives of occupational health and safety.
• Being able to define occupational health as recognised by the International Commission on Occupational Health.
• Recognising the reason why Occupational Health and Safety systems need to be established and applied.
• Describing the basic rights that all workers are entitled to according to the International Labour Organisation.
• Being able to discuss the establishment of national systems and programmes for occupational health and safety.
• Evaluating the importance of information, education, and training for safe, healthy working environments.
• Identifying the main causes of work-related fatalities according to the International Labour Organisation.
• Identifying the key principles of Occupational Health and Safety recognised by international labour standards.

Who is the Target Audience?

• Legal and human resource professionals seeking a deeper understanding of Occupational Health and Safety regulations
• Individuals aspiring to become safety officers, inspectors, or OHS practitioners
• Employees who want to learn about their workplace rights and safety responsibilities
• Members of human rights or environmental advocacy groups interested in the connection between workplace safety and social justice
• Anyone aiming to improve workplace safety, ensure compliance with international standards, or advocate for healthier working conditions

Basic Knowledge:

• Preferably high school education or equivalent. No prior knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety is required, as the course introduces all key concepts from the ground up, making it accessible for beginners and those with some background alike.