Certifications in occupational health and safety are an effective way to stand out professionally and provide companies with a solid guide on how to manage safety standards to prepare stable work environments.
It’s normal to wonder, “What is the best safety certification for me?”
Today there are many options when it comes to certifications and designations in Canada’s occupational health and safety field, so it’s best to recommend that you start with a designation.
Designation and certification have differences, with the most significant being that certification requires stricter education standards and obligations.
However, their functionality within a company will depend on the responsibilities the professional can perform.
Common safety certification options in Canada
Contents
National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO) Designation
This document accredits the professional’s years of experience in the construction industry, which must be at least three years, combined with knowledge imparted on occupational health and safety.
It’s ideal for all construction workers with years of experience who are looking to improve their working conditions in a health and safety position.
The responsibility of this position is related to the implementation of safe construction practices, identifying and reducing risks as well as injuries, accidents, and deaths within the construction company.
To achieve the designation, the professional must pass a series of courses, training, and exams to receive a nationally valid certification from the Canadian Federation of Safety Associations in Construction.
People with NCSO® can work as COR auditors and eventually become Gold Seal Construction Safety Coordinators over time.
In conclusion, opting for an NCSO® designation can mean the start of a professional career with short- and long-term benefits.
Certified Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC)
This is an option for professionals who want to work independently. With this certificate, they can offer consulting services to different clients independently.
The capabilities of professionals with this certification include implementing work policies aligned with occupational health and safety, process improvement, risk assessments, business safety management audits, etc.
Although the preparation is less demanding to carry out, applying for this certificate requires more experience of at least five years working as a safety advisor or consultant.
Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) Certification
This is an ideal option for those who are starting in the safety field and decide to pursue a career. It’s a certification granted by a nonprofit organization that promotes a high level of professional practice in health and safety.
The best thing about this certification is that it has several paths to follow to obtain it, requires a low level of professional experience, and guarantees higher quality training due to its demanding standards.
These are some of the multiple options available to stand out as a health and safety professional. Choose the most attractive option for you and trust in the benefits that each one can provide.
What should I consider when choosing?
We have two aspects that we consider essential to consider when choosing.
National recognition: Find an option that can be useful throughout the country to expand your job prospects.
Demand in the job market: Make sure that your job preparation option has valid vacancies for you in the future.
Contact us, and we will guide you through the process you choose
