What is the difference between an OH& practitioner and an OH&S professional?
- Practitioner: received education and training in OH&S
- Professional: holds a professional designation in the field
These definitions are used in BCIT OH&S courses.
What is the difference between an OH&S specialist and an OH&S generalist?
- Specialist: specializes in a sub-branch of OH&S
- Generalist: knows a little about many areas, does not specialize
The BCIT OH&S Certificate and Diploma provide specialization upon graduation.
What is the difference between reactive and proactive OH&S functions?
- Reactive: respond after incidents occur
- Proactive: aim to prevent incidents by identifying hazards
Examples of reactive areas include first aid and corrective actions.
Why is there no clear line separating the health and safety of workers, clients, customers, the public, and the environment?
Hazards in one domain can affect others; controlling hazards impacts multiple domains
Efforts to control hazards can have positive or negative effects across domains.
Which jurisdictions in Canada require workplaces to engage the services of an OH&S practitioner?
None
There is no legal requirement for workplaces to hire an OH&S practitioner.
What is the minimum level of formal education required for someone to be an OH&S practitioner in Canada?
No legal minimum; most call for grade 12
There are no strict educational requirements for OH&S practitioners.
What type of professional certification is required to act as an OH&S consultant in Canada?
No specific certification required; it is up to the client to determine
Anyone can become an OH&S consultant.
Name at least eight functions of an OH&S practitioner.
- Hazard Recognition
- Emergency Response
- Record Keeping
- Accident/Incident Investigation
- Ergonomics
- Regulatory Compliance
- Inspections and Audits
- Security
These functions are outlined in the ASSP Career Guide to the Safety Profession.
Identify the differing levels of responsibility for each workplace party: employers, supervisors, workers, OH&S practitioners.
• Employers: They have the authority to make changes and establish
management conduct, including health and safety.
• Supervisors: ensure that the directives of the employer are carried out in
regard to productivity, quality, and safety. They have an administrative
responsibility for health and safety.
• Workers: are required to follow directives to accomplish productivity, quality,
and safety goals, and therefore have an immediate responsibility for their
own health and safety, and the health and safety of their co-workers.
• OH&S practitioner: is to be a leader and an effective resource so that
everyone in the organization can fulfill their roles.
What is the ideal chain of reporting for an OH&S practitioner?
Directly from OH&S function to high management
This allows for timely decision-making without delays.
Name at least six professional responsibilities from the BCRSP Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct.
Competence:
Maintain competence in carrying out responsibilities and provide services in an honest and diligent manner.
Provide sound judgement in pursuance of their duties.
Recognize their limitations and perform only those services that may be handled competently based on one’s training and experience.
Ensure persons working under their authority or supervision are competent to carry out the tasks assigned to them.
Integrity:
Maintain honesty, integrity, and objectivity in all activities.
Protect and promote the safety and health of people, property and the environment above any consideration of self-interest.
Avoid circumstances where compromise of conduct or conflict of interest may arise.
Represent their qualifications and experience accurately and not knowingly make false or misleading statements.
Respect in the Workplace:
Support, promote and apply the principles of human rights, equity, dignity and respect in the workplace.
Recognize that discrimination on the basis of race, creed, colour, language, national origin, political or religious affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family relationship and disability is prohibited.
Ongoing Professional Development:
Continue development throughout their career and support and encourage fellow certificants to develop skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Confidentiality:
Protect the confidentiality of all acquired information and disclose such information only when properly authorized or when legally obligated to do so.
Support of the Safety Profession and Other Professionals
Uphold the honour and prestige of the profession.
Recognize and respect the original work, integrity and ability of their peers.
Support of the BCRSP Certifications:
Comply with the relevant provisions of the BCRSP bylaws, policies and certification scheme.
What does CIH stand for?
Certified Industrial Hygienist
This certification is recognized in the field of occupational health.
What does CRSP stand for and what does it entail?
Canadian Registered Safety Professional; top safety designation in Canada for generalists
Requires a minimum bachelor’s degree or 2-year certificate and field experience.
Why are job titles like occupational health and safety officer considered not too useful?
Suggest authority and enforcement, implying penalties and punishments
This undermines the role of OH&S practitioners as leaders and resources.
What responsibilities would be expected of a manager of an OH&S department?
- Lead the department
- Ensure goals are met within timelines and budgets
- Hold senior position with extensive experience and education
The manager typically does not handle day-to-day tasks.
What responsibilities would a sole OH&S practitioner in a smaller workplace have?
- Lead the OH&S program
- Hands-on involvement in program elements
- Typically holds formal OH&S education and experience
The role varies significantly based on workplace needs.
What are the responsibilities of an enforcement or regulatory officer in OH&S?
Inspect and investigate workplaces; ensure compliance with health and safety requirements
They have powers to order changes and recommend prosecution.
What are the benefits of having an OH&S practitioner?
- Reduced injuries and incidents
- Regulatory compliance
- Improved safety culture
- Lower costs and increased productivity
- Better incident investigation and continuous improvement
These benefits contribute to a safer and more efficient workplace.
What does each one of these abbreviations stand for? CIH, ROH,
P.Eng., CCPE, CPE, COHN(C
P.Eng = Professional Engineer
CCPE = Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist
CPE = Certified Professional Ergonomist
CIH = Certified Industrial Hygienist
ROH = Registered Occupational Hygienist
COHN = Certified Occupational Health Nurse
For each of the following abbreviations, name the professional
certification it stands for and discuss each in one or two sentences in your
own words: CRSP, CSP, CHSC.
CRSP = Canadian Registered Safety Professional – top safety designation
for Canada as a generalist safety professional. Minimum bachelor’s
degree or 2-year certificate. Experience in the field.
CSP = Certified Safety Professional – USA version. Same as CRSP need
maintenance points As well. Better for working in US or internationally.
CHSC – Certified Health and Safety Consultant – Giving by HSPC. Need
to currently be health and safety advisor or consultant with minimum of 5
years. College with 300-600 instruction hours. Be CSSE member.
