This program trains students to become occupational health and safety and environmental technicians.
The work of occupational health and safety and environmental technicians focuses on protecting the health of workers and their physical and psychological integrity in a variety of workplace environments. They also ensure protection of the environment.
As such, technicians must familiarize themselves with the specific characteristics of the company or organization they work for. They must clearly understand its production procedures and the products utilized, its surrounding environment as well its culture and philosophy. Depending on the characteristics of the company or organization they work for and the responsibilities they are entrusted with, these technicians can be called upon to conduct sampling and carry out analyses, studies and surveys to assess risk in terms of health, safety and the environment. They may also be mandated with developing and implementing strategies, procedures and policies and conducting follow-ups to ensure that these are properly applied.
Occupational health and safety and environmental technicians may also be required to ensure that the company or organization’s activities are in keeping with established standards and requirements (government or other). They must ensure the protection of the environment and the well-being of workers by applying measures aimed at optimizing treatment and monitoring processes.
Interpersonal relationships are an important part of the job. In fact, Occupational health and safety and environmental technicians must maintain relationships with multiple partners and are often called upon to work as part of multidisciplinary teams. The work they do requires autonomy, versatility, good judgement, the ability to analyze and summarize as well as the ability to evolve and keep their knowledge up to date.