MASTER IN WORKPLACE SAFETY

Every person who leaves home for work in the morning wants to and should return in the evening in good health. Have you ever imagined that a loved one might never come home? Or that you would get a call that he or she has been in an accident?

According to statistics from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), in 2017, there were 42,513 accidents nationwide with 41,802 non-fatal and 711 fatal cases. This is an average of 116 accidents, 2 fatalities and 21 disease and poisoning cases per day!

Human loss is the biggest reason it is important to create a safe working environment, which is the focus of the field of occupational safety and health (OSH).

There is an OSH Master Plan (OSHMP 2020) already in place to reduce occupational accidents and diseases and cultivate a preventive culture by 2020. The challenge lies in helping the Government realise its goals at the company, industry and sector levels. There are great opportunities in this field, for those who want an exciting career.

If you decide to work in OSH, there are jobs waiting for you in construction companies; engineering firms; fire and rescue services; hospitals; processing and manufacturing plants; oil and gas companies; chemicals and allied industries; food, drink and tobacco industries; or in various industrial, local authority and national government organisations. The career opportunities are more diverse than you might think.

To work in this field, you first require some qualifications. You can choose to study at the bachelor’s or master’s level, depending on the credentials you already have.

Did you know that you can take the Master of Occupational Safety and Health Risk Management even if you do not have a basic degree in the same field? For normal entry, you can get through if you have a bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, technology management or other related areas.

If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, you can get through via accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). For this, you need to be at least 30 years old; possess STPM, diploma, A-Levels or equivalent qualification and relevant work experience; and pass an assessment. Sounds too good to be true? It is true – your work experience counts.

Once you are in, you will undertake courses in three areas – management, occupational safety and occupational health. Among others, you will learn about OSH legislation, Six Sigma, ergonomics, occupational hygiene, occupational health, as well as management of risks, safety hazards and emergencies.

The programme, has been accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. It is delivered through face-to-face seminars, online forums and self-study materials provided online. You can complete it within six semesters or two years.

Why choose this programme at OUM and not elsewhere? Because it is flexible, designed for working adults and taught by both academic and industry experts. The courses are interactive, practical and fulfil current industrial needs.

But is OSH for you? It is if you are:

  • Passionate – You want to help prevent work injuries and hazards.
  • Good at communication – You need to impart safety instructions, concerns and training.
  • Detail-oriented – You can understand and follow safety standards and complex regulations.
  • Honest and ethical – You must be strong enough to say no to bribes from people who want you to overlook a safety violation or non-compliance.
  • Physically fit – You can stand for long periods, travel regularly and work in uncomfortable environments.
  • Good at problem-solving – You can design and implement workplace processes and procedures that protect workers from hazardous conditions.
  • Up to date – You can use advanced technology and complex testing equipment.

If all this excites you, then OSH is the field which can help add meaning to your life.

Think about it, learn more about it and when you have come to a decision, call+6+603-7801 2000, WhatsApp +6012-303 9935 or write to enquiries@oum.edu.my.

Read more interesting articles in the OUM Education magazine at http://oumeducation.oum.edu.my/

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