Become a Practicum Host

Each year, Western Continuing Studies invites health and safety professionals to host post-degree diploma students for the practicum component of the Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management. We work with you and our students to coordinate the best possible professional practicum placement for the applicant and organization. 

Program Overview

The Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management is a post-degree program that includes 10 diploma-credit courses plus a student practicum for which the student receives academic credit. Students are eligible to apply to the Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management only after successful completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited university.

Practicum Timing

The practicum is the final term of the Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management. Students must complete 560 hours at their practicum site between May and August (exact dates may vary slightly). During this period, students are expected to be on site on a full-time basis (i.e. 35 hours per week). 

Practicum Activities

There is not a prescribed list of activities that must be completed. Instead, the Practicum Supervisor helps the student to create six learning goals for the four month practicum based on the student’s interests, and current projects at the site.

Requirements of Practicum Supervisors

As students’ skills are at an entry level, supervision, explanation, and direction are vital. The student’s supervisor should be a practitioner who has at least 3 years of relevant experience. Although the student can be expected to work fairly independently, contact and supervision is expected from the supervisor. 

The Role of the Practicum Supervisor

• Help the student to create six learning goals for the practicum; evaluate their performance in meeting the goals at the end of the practicum
• Review weekly journal entries submitted by the student; evaluate the student’s performance in reflecting in their journal at the end of the practicum
• Meet with the student once per week to discuss their progress
• Provide the student with a range of experience in as many aspects of the industry as possible
• Orient the student to the organization, including policies, procedures and personnel
• Monitor work assignments and provide constructive feedback
• Be available and accessible for counsel and advice
• Provide the student with networking opportunities

Course List

Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety Legislation

• Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety Legislation
• Occupational Hygiene and Toxicology
• Current Topics in Occupational Health and Safety
• Human Resources for OHS
• Safety Management
• Ergonomics for Occupational Health and Safety
• Communication in Occupational Health and Safety
• Management Systems
• Workplace Wellness and Rehabilitation
• Emergency Management

Through the course work, students have developed knowledge in:

• Anticipating and controlling workplace stresses that affect the health of workers
• Developing a workplace risk assessment program
• Writing a health and safety policy
• The key elements of an environmental management system
• The ergonomic, human, situational and environmental factors contributing to injuries/illnesses 
• Preparing documentation and reporting requirements for incidents/accidents 
• Developing recommendations to address accident situations/hazards identified 
• Researching and analyzing toxicological information on workplace hazards
• WSIB operating principles, governing legislation, policies and procedures
• Creating a comprehensive strategic communications/crisis plan
• Researching and developing a Training Needs Assessment  

Remuneration

Successful completion of the practicum, based on the Practicum Supervisor’s evaluation of the student’s on-site performance, is a requirement of the academic program.  Postings for both paid and unpaid practicums are accepted.  In instances when previous practicums have been unpaid, many sites have chosen to offer a stipend or honorarium.

Submit a Posting

Contact Ashleigh Lerch, Work Integrated Learning Coordinator with the following information:

• Name and email address 
• Learning opportunities
• Skills required/valued
• Information regarding payment, honorarium, professional development opportunities, etc. (if applicable)

Looking forward to partnering with you during the upcoming year!

Find out more about the Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management program.