Occupational Safety & Risk Management

The program teaches workplace safety rules, risk management, and how to spot and control hazards. You will learn how safety professionals help keep workers safe while supporting a productive workplace. Graduates are prepared for roles such as safety coordinator, risk management specialist, or safety inspector.

What is Occupational Safety and Risk Management?

Occupational Safety and Risk Management focuses on keeping workers safe on the job. It includes finding and fixing hazards, making safety plans, and making sure workplaces follow safety laws. The goal is to prevent injuries and illnesses and to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

Risk management is a major part of this work. It involves finding possible risks and taking steps to reduce them to protect both employees and the company.

Is Occupational Safety and Risk Management Right for Me?

This field may be a good fit if you like helping others, enjoy solving problems, and pay close attention to detail. People who enjoy science, engineering, or business may also find this program a good match.

Helpful traits and skills include:

• Attention to detail
• Analytical thinking
• Strong communication
• Problem-solving
• Technical skills
• Ethical decision-making
• Adaptability
• Leadership
• Desire to make workplaces safer

Degrees/Certificates

• Associate of Science (AS)
• Certificate of Achievement (COA)
• Job Skills Certificate (JSC)
• Certificate of Completion (COCM)

Occupational Safety & Risk Management, Agriculture AS

Provides broad preparation for safety roles in agricultural settings.

Occupational Safety & Risk Management, Business AS

Covers safety and risk management with a focus on business and industry.

Occupational Safety & Risk Management, Health AS

Prepares students for safety roles in health and healthcare environments.

Occupational Safety & Risk Management, Industrial Technology AS

Teaches hazard identification and control techniques used across industrial workplaces.. 

Occupational Safety and Risk Management COA

Provides professional preparation for entry-level safety and risk management positions.

Industrial Safety JSC

Meets NCCER safety requirements and California Oil Producers “Passport” training.

Certificates of Completion

Advanced Electrical Safety and Arc Flash COCM

Covers NFPA 70E, arc flash protection, and safe practices when working with live electrical parts.

Electrical Safety COCM

Introduces NFPA 70E and basic electrical safety in the workplace.

Industrial Safety COCM

Covers basic safety awareness, hazard identification, and required training for work in construction, oil and gas, and industrial settings.

Paying For Education

You CAN Afford BC

Don’t let finances get in the way of your goals. Get help paying for college costs like tuition, books, or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options to help you reach your educational and career goals.

I Can Afford College

Occupational Safety and Risk Management Careers

Graduates can pursue careers such as:

• Safety Coordinator
• Risk Management Specialist
• Safety Inspector
• Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist
• Loss Prevention Specialist
• Occupational Health and Safety Technician
• Construction Safety Coordinator

Beyond BC

Transfer to a University

Graduates with an Associate Degree from Bakersfield College may choose to continue their education at a university to earn a 4-year degree. See your Counselor and/or a Transfer Specialist for specific questions, options, and opportunities.

Transfer Pathways

Academic Department: Industrial Technology

Career & Learning Pathway: Industrial Technology & Transportation

Courses: Occupational Safety & Risk Management (OSRM)