By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and importance of occupational health and safety (OHS)
• Identify workplace hazards and assess associated risks
• Develop and implement effective control measures
• Comply with relevant OHS legislation and standards
• Foster a culture of safety within the organization

Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety

• Definitions and key concepts
• Historical development of OHS
• Benefits of a safe workplace

Legislation and Standards

• Overview of relevant OHS laws and regulations
• International standards
• Employee rights and employer responsibilities

Workplace Hazards

• Types of hazards
  • Physical and psychological health
  • Chemical and biological agents
  • General workplace issues
  • Fire and electricity
• Hazard identification techniques
• Case studies and examples

Risk Assessment and Management

• Risk Assessment Process
  • Steps in risk assessment
  • Tools and methods for risk assessment
• Control Measures
  • Hierarchy of controls
  • Selecting appropriate control measures
  • Implementation and monitoring
• Emergency Preparedness and Response
  • Emergency procedures and first aid
  • Developing emergency plans
  • Training and drills
  • Incident reporting and investigation
• Health and Safety Programs
  • Elements of an effective OHS program
  • Health surveillance and monitoring
  • Promoting employee wellness

Creating a Safety Culture

• Leadership and Commitment
  • Role of leadership in promoting safety
  • Building management commitment
• Employee Involvement and Communication
  • Encouraging employee participation
  • Effective communication strategies
  • Safety committees and meetings
• Training and Education
  • Identifying training needs
  • Developing and delivering OHS training
  • Evaluating training effectiveness
• Continuous Improvement
  • Monitoring and reviewing OHS performance
  • Conducting audits and inspections
  • Implementing corrective actions

This course is suitable for a wide range of professionals, including the following:

• Environmental, Health and Safety Officers
• Managers and Supervisors
• HR Professionals
• Safety Consultants
• Employees seeking to improve their understanding of OHS

The Occupational Health and Safety Training Course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in their respective fields of practice. The course employs a mix of methodologies including presentations, group exercises, case studies, and much more. Group work is an essential component of the course. The course is designed to be primarily workshop-based, in which participants can work through tasks and problems that mimic their daily activities. Instructors are there to facilitate the group work, addressing real-world concerns.

At Virgon Africa, we believe in experiential learning. We value active participation in our courses through sharing experiences, ideas and practices.