Environmental and Occupational Health Newsletter: Fall 2016
Achievement and Success Through Continuing Education
Graduate Story: Nicole Hornett (2013), Farm Safety Coordinator, Government of Alberta
What initially drew me to UVic's EOH program was that it was offered 100% online; as a full-time working parent I felt that it would be my best option for completing a certificate without committing my evenings and weekends to a classroom. UVIC also came highly recommended by my Dad (MEd, 1980) and many of my friends who graduated from UVic degree programs. The program was well designed and I always felt that the instructors truly cared about the course material, our learning experience and success. Even though the courses were online, I never felt disconnected from my classmates. I met a few of them at the graduation ceremony and now we keep in touch.
I was relatively new to my role as a Farm Safety Coordinator when I started the EOH program and I felt it really helped me gain confidence, align my thinking and further explore agricultural health and safety. The courses were often flexible enough to allow me to explore work-related examples or apply the concepts to agricultural safety issues. The program provided me with an open and receptive environment to learn about occupational health and safety in other industries as well as from the experienced professionals instructing the courses and my fellow classmates. One of the most influential concepts I learned was to consider how people perceive risks and ways to effectively communicate those risks and subsequent safety practices.
Program News
New Elective Course-Safety Program Management.
We are pleased to introduce a new elective course in the Certificate Program in Environmental and Occupational Health this Fall titled Safety Program Management.
This course is designed to give students an overall understanding of the fundamental parts of an effective Health and Safety Program from start to finish. Depending on the industry, the safety program will have different needs that will include written policies, training, and a communication plan. Students will identify the short comings of a health and safety program by evaluating injury statistics and then create programs to address the high injury areas. The course will discuss more recent issues in the health and safety field such as violence in the workplace and mental health. Course instructor is Steve Fletcher.
The next course offering for Safety Program Management is scheduled for May 2017.
Interview with Steven Fletcher
The instructor for Safety Program Management
What profession would you have chosen, if not environmental and occupational health? Why?
I would have gone into law, and I haven’t ruled that out yet.
My proudest professional moment is …
Earning my professional designations, which gave me confidence when applying for any job.
What type of industry experience do you have that brought you into the teaching environment?
I have been in auto manufacturing, healthcare, education, and municipal government.
What do you like the most about teaching?
The best part is seeing the students engaged in the program, there is a big diference between going through the motions and being “into it”.
What career advice would you give to learners who are entering or advancing in environmental and occupational health?
Never stop going to school, even if you take something unrelated. School and networking go hand in hand, the people you meet open doors that you never knew existed.
After a long day working, how do you unwind?
I take my dog for a walk, she is a Dalmation/Border Collie mix and loves to get outside.
Which famous person (dead or alive) would you like to have dinner with?
John Lennon would have interesting to have dinner with, I am a big music fan.
What’s your guilty pleasure food?
I’m a big pizza lover, I could eat a whole one myself but I’m usually pretty discipline and just eat a slice.
Your main go-to is: desktop, tablet or phone?
Desktop.
Your dream vacation destination is?
A cruise around the world.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
I try not to use the typical business world phrases of the month but I do seem to stick with the term “what do we need to do to get this done”.
Which talents would you most like to have?
I play the piano…..very poorly. I would love to be able to play much better.
2017 Program Schedule is now available
Please note: all courses are subject to availability and the schedule is subject to change. Early registration is recommended as courses fill up quickly.
Convocation news
Congratulations to the twenty EOH graduates who celebrated completion of the program in June 2016!
Mike L. Allegretto, Cobble Hill BC
Rachel Elizabeth Bentley, Campbell River BC
Regina Celia Oliveira Bueno Renke, Langley BC
Jennifer Caffrey, Rosedale BC
Jennifer Amalia Carreira, Edmonton AB
Catherine Elizabeth Connauton, Edmonton AB
Claudia M. Connolly, Kamloops BC
Alison Blair Cooper, North Vancouver BC
Christine M. Deneschuk, Calgary BC
Tamara L. Featherstone, Saanichton BC
Lawrence Douglas Fenton, Celista BC
Nina Lori Hansen, Maple Ridge BC
Barry D. Manes, Dundas ON
Miles Martyniuk, Richmond BC
Greg Mercer, Grand Falls-Windsor NL
Hamunawenyu Zanele Mutepfa, Calgary AB
Luz del Carmen Salas Perez, Port Moody BC
Andrew Keith Sibley, Vancouver BC
Kevin Roy Wood, Parksville BC
Trevor Yatlo, Coquitlam BC
The next convocation ceremony will take place November 2016. All coursework must have been completed by August 31, 2016 for students to be eligible to participate. More information on convocation is available from the Ceremonies and Events Office.
Awards and Bursaries
Division of Continuing Studies Bursary
Each term the Division of Continuing Studies offers bursaries to assist learners in furthering their education. Bursaries are awarded to learners who can display evidence of a commitment to lifelong learning and who can demonstrate financial need. Application deadlines are January 15 and August 31. Applications are available online on our Info for Students page.
Dick Martin Scholarship Award
The Canadian Centre for Health and Safety (CCOHS) is now accepting entries for the 2017 Dick Martin Scholarship Award. Awarded annually, this $3,000 national scholarship is available to any student enrolled, either full-time or part-time, in an occupational health and safety related course or program leading to an occupational health and safety certificate, diploma or degree at an accredited college or university in Canada. Application deadline is January 31. Application details are available online here
BCRSP Scholarship Award
Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) annually awards two $4,000 national scholarships to students enrolled, either full-time or part-time, in a two, three or four year occupational health and safety related program leading to an occupational health and safety certificate, diploma or degree at the undergraduate level. Application deadline is March 31.
- Posted October 21, 2016
RELATED TOPICS: Health and Safety