Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety

The introduction to OHS course, provided by KH Consulting Engineers, aims to equip delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The course objective is to provide delegates with an introduction to OHS, highlighting the importance of safety management in preventing accidents and promoting a healthy work environment. The course is led by two experienced trainers, Dr. Khaled Hamdy and Eng. Ahmed Osman. Dr. Hamdy has 18 years of international experience in engineering, quality, and safety fields, and is an IRCA registered Lead Auditor and a Registered Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario, Canada. He is an expert in business process analysis and design, Total Quality Management, Risk Management, Project Management, ISO 9000, ISO 14000, and OHSAS 18001. Eng. Ahmed Osman holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Cairo University and is an occupational health and safety manager in a multinational company. He is a certified trainer in OH&S risk assessments and safety framework standards. The total cost of lost time injuries and occupational deaths is a significant concern worldwide. In the United States alone, the total cost is estimated to be $121 billion. This staggering figure highlights the importance of implementing effective safety management systems to prevent accidents and promote a healthy work environment. The costs of lost time injuries and occupational deaths are not limited to the United States, with other countries also experiencing significant economic losses. Safety definitions and the development of safety management systems are critical components of OHS. A safety management system (OHSMS) is a systematic approach to managing safety, which includes policies, procedures, and practices to prevent accidents and promote a healthy work environment. Key terms in OHS include safety, accident, incident, and near miss. Safety refers to the control of accidental loss, while an accident is an event that results in unintended harm or damage. An incident is an event that could or does result in unintended harm or damage, and a near miss is an unplanned single event without loss that has the potential to result in fatal injury, damage to property, and/or another form of accidental loss. The development of safety management systems requires a comprehensive understanding of OHS principles and practices. This includes the identification of hazards, risk assessment, and the implementation of control measures to prevent accidents and promote a healthy work environment. Effective safety management systems are critical to preventing accidents and promoting a healthy work environment, and are essential for any organization that values the safety and well-being of its employees.