Programmes
The Public Health and Safety Department currently offers two Associate in Applied Science degree programmes:
In addition to the associate degree programmes, the Department also offers three (3) six-month certificate programmes in port health, vector control and food inspection. These programmes target public health inspectors who wish to further expand their knowledge in these fields.
Occupational Safety and Health (O.S.H.)
History - Programmes in occupational safety and health have been offered in the College since 1989, first under the NIHERST, College of Health Sciences, in conjunction with the National Safety Council and subsequently, through the Department of Public Health and Safety which was established under COSTAATT in 2001.
The O.S.H. programme is designed to upgrade workers’ knowledge of safety and health in the workplace and to alert them to chronic illnesses which may affect job performance.
Aims of the Programme
The programme is designed to develop a pool of qualified persons who are equipped to meet local needs in the area of occupation safety and health and to keep abreast of the changing industrial environment. The programme also persons equips graduates to monitor organizational compliance with OSH legislation.
Programme Objectives
Upon completion of this programme, the student will be able to:
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Identify potential hazards and major issues within the workplace and to develop the necessary corrective/preventative measures.
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Understand the role of management as well as workers and workers organizations in implementing occupational safety and health measures and comply with OSH policies and procedures.
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Become familiar with instruments and devices used to monitor the working environment.
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Understand and use legislation related to various aspects of health and safety in the workplace
- Utilize the information and interpersonal skills gained lifelong experiences
Environmental Health
Environmental health programmes are executed within a framework of public health statutes and regulations that protect and promote individual and community health.
Training in this field equips officers with knowledge and skills covering a broad spectrum of competencies, so that they can carefully monitor the conditions under which the community lives, teach the community safe and healthy practices and procedures, and ensure that the major goal of any community development is the health and well-being of its members at large.
Aims of the Programme
The field of environmental health is an ever-expanding one, and human resource development in this area has taken on an unprecedented urgency within recent years, due to the increasing complexity of most environmental problems. These problems are generated by man’s continuing interactions with the environment, generating outcomes known and unknown, in his quest for progress. The basic level education programme in environmental health inspection is designed to assist individuals in developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for the performance of functions of the Environmental Health Officer.
Programme Objectives:-
On completion of this programme, students will be able to:
- Function as a member of a community health team
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Maintain effective interpersonal relationships with the public and staff of support agencies
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Utilize support agencies in planning and implementing programmes related to health and the environment
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Educate clients in the community in relation to personal and environmental health matters
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Demonstrates skills in planning, implementing and evaluating programmes for community health improvement with emphasis on environmental factors
- Supervise subordinate staff in the execution of assigned tasks
- Function within the legal and ethical framework of the profession
- Contribute towards the development of the Public Health Inspectorate
- Assume responsibility for their growth an development through continuing education
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