Introduction to Health and Safety Systems
EX 1111 is offered this winter:
This introduction to theories and practices of health and safety programs in the workplace includes the recognition, evaluation, and control hazards. You will develop a basic understanding of accident control procedures as you examine the legislations related to accident investigation, work site inspection, accident causation theories, and safe-work procedure development.
Course at a glance
- Offered fully online learning - asynchronous or synchronous format.
- Explore the main concepts of safety management, understand how they play a role in your work as a health and safety practitioner, and learn how to apply them for solving relevant practical problems.
- Aimed at entry-level and practicing health and safety coordinators, professionals, officers, technicians, supervisors, trainers, management, and administrators.
What you will learn
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Describe the fundamental elements within effective health and safety management systems including theoretical contributions, key stakeholders and workplace standards.
- Discuss the field of occupational health and safety through review of historical context and foundational theories.
- Articulate the value and common practices in developing and maintaining an OHS program.
- Identify key OHS Management System (OHSMS) elements.
- Apply the basic concepts and principles associated with managing safety such as: hazard assessment, risk assessment, incident investigation, emergency management, workplace inspections, training and continuous improvement.
- Describe the basic OHS legislation in Alberta and its general influence on OHS performance.
- Discuss current trends in the OHS profession and professional ethics.
Offered:
Take note:
- This course is offered several times throughout the year; each specific offering is called a “course section.”
- When selecting the dates and the section you want to enrol in, look for the note that indicates the delivery format of that specific section—and make sure you have chosen a section that’s offered in your desired format (asynchronous or synchronous).
- The online components of this course are facilitated through eClass, the University of Alberta’s eLearning management tool.
- There is a required textbook for this course.
Jan 8, 2024Mar 17, 2024
Asynchronous online learning, eClass
39 hours of instruction
In asynchronous online courses, students are expected to move through the course material at the same pace as their peers, but there are no real-time virtual classroom sessions to attend. All components of this type of course are accessible through eClass, the University of Alberta’s eLearning management tool. format details

Your Instructor
Susan SawatzkyID: susan-sawatzky
Susan Sawatzky is an independent consultant specializing in fatigue risk management, stress management, and psychological health and safety in the workplace. She is the South Region Manager with the Alberta Construction Safety Association. An international keynote speaker, Susan has presented for a variety of organizations with notable clients including NASA, the American Society of Safety Professionals, and the Global Conference on Fatigue Management. Her industry experience includes assisting in the advancement of NASA’s Fatigue Management Program and creating fatigue policy and guidelines with the Canadian oil and gas industry.
Textbooks
Required
Alberta Oh&s Acts, Regulations And Codes
Alberta Kings Printer: 780.427.4952, https://www.alberta.ca/ohs-act-regulation-code.aspx
Required
Dianne E.G. Dyck
Occupational Health & Safety: Theory, Strategy & I
5th edition
ISBN 9780433526742
Required
(2019). Certificate Of Recognition 2019: Informati
Class info
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This is an asynchronous online learning course.
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39 course hours in total
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Cost assistance: may be eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant, the Canada Training Benefit, and the Skilled Immigrant Micro-Loan.
— view all 28 funding opportunities -
Please be advised that some of our courses fill quickly, early registration is encouraged to secure your spot. See our refunds, withdrawals & transfers policies for detailed information.
This course has no prerequisites
Students from all educational backgrounds welcome. You can register for this course without applying and enrolling in a program.
Take note:
- This course is offered several times throughout the year; each specific offering is called a “course section.”
- When selecting the dates and the section you want to enrol in, look for the note that indicates the delivery format of that specific section—and make sure you have chosen a section that’s offered in your desired format (asynchronous or synchronous).
- The online components of this course are facilitated through eClass, the University of Alberta’s eLearning management tool.
- There is a required textbook for this course.
Currently counts towards:
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└ core course
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└ elective course
Applicants intending to enrol in a program are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to lock in their course requirements since they are prone to change.
*If you are already enroled in this program, please refer to your specific program requirements as outlined at the time of your admission: Bear Tracks > Academic Advisement.
Looking for different course dates?
New course schedules are released each June and November.