Occupational Safety & Risk Management

Bakersfield College's Occupational Safety and Risk Management program covers topics such as workplace safety regulations, risk management, and hazard identification and control. Safety professionals strive to protect people, property, and the environment using hazard identification and risk control techniques, working to balance safety and compliance with production and profit. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to take on roles such as safety coordinator, risk management specialist, and safety inspector in a variety of industries.

What is Occupational Safety and Risk Management (OSRM)?

Occupational Safety and Risk Management is a field that focuses on ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of workers in various industries. It involves identifying and assessing potential hazards in the workplace, implementing measures to control or mitigate those hazards, and developing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Risk management is a key aspect of this field, which involves identifying potential risks and taking steps to minimize them, to protect both employees and the organization. The goal of Occupational Safety and Risk Management is to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, and to promote a safe and healthy work environment.

Is Occupational Safety and Risk Management (OSRM) Right for Me?

Occupational Safety and Risk Management may be right for you if you have a passion for identifying and mitigating hazards, have a strong attention to detail, and are interested in developing and implementing safety policies and procedures. If you have a background or interest in science, engineering, or business may find this degree to be a good fit for their career goals.

Here are some key traits and skills that would make someone a good fit for studying Occupational Safety and Risk Management:

• Attention to Detail
• Analytical Skills
• Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Technical Skills
• Ethical Behavior
• Adaptability
• Leadership Skills
• Passion for Helping Others

Degrees/Certificates

Occupational Safety & Risk Management, Agriculture Associate of Science Degree

The Occupational Safety and Risk Management, Agriculture Associate in Science provides broad based professional preparation in the field of occupational safety and risk management.

Occupational Safety & Risk Management, Business Associate of Science Degree

The Associate of Science in Occupational Safety and Risk Management, Business provides broad based professional preparation in the field of occupational safety and risk management.

Occupational Safety & Risk Management, Health Associate of Science Degree

The Occupational Safety and Risk Management, Health Science Associate in Science provides broad based professional preparation in the field of occupational safety and risk management.

Occupational Safety & Risk Management, Industrial Technology Associate of Science Degree

The Occupational Safety and Risk Management, Industrial Technology Associate in Science provides broad based professional preparation in the field of occupational safety and risk management. Safety professionals strive to protect people, property, and the environment using hazard identification and risk control techniques, working to balance safety and compliance with production and profit. 

Occupational Safety and Risk Management Certificate of Achievement

The Certificate of Achievement in Occupational Safety and Risk Management provides broad based professional preparation in the field of occupational safety and risk management.

Industrial Safety Job Skills Certificate

This program provides the necessary information to meet the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) safety certificate and the California Oil Producers required safety training (known as Passport). 

Certificates of Completion (Noncredit)

Advanced Electrical Safety and Arc Flash Certificate of Completion Non-Credit

This certificate provides students foundational and advanced instruction in electrical safety including the National Fire Protection Association's standard NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety in the Workplace. Arc flash and arc blast protection, and safety measures for working on exposed live parts will be discussed.

Electrical Safety Certificate of Completion Non-Credit

This certificate provides students foundational instruction in electrical safety including an introduction to the National Fire Protection Association's standard NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety in the Workplace.

Industrial Safety Certificate of Completion Non-Credit

This program provides the necessary information to meet the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) safety certificate and the California Oil Producers required safety training (known as Passport). The scope of the program covers hazard identification, basic safety awareness required of all contractor personnel working in construction, oil and gas, or industry. 

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 (OSRM) Careers

Here are some potential careers someone can have with an Occupational Safety and Risk Management associate degree:

• Safety Coordinator: Safety coordinators are responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring safety programs in various workplaces. They conduct safety inspections, identify potential hazards, and develop policies and procedures to minimize risks. They also provide training to employees on safety procedures and ensure that the workplace is compliant with safety regulations.
• Risk Management Specialist: Risk management specialists are responsible for identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate those risks. They may conduct risk assessments, develop policies and procedures to minimize risks, and develop emergency plans for potential hazards.
• Safety Inspector: Safety inspectors conduct inspections of various workplaces to ensure that they comply with safety regulations. They identify potential hazards, recommend corrective actions, and provide feedback to management on safety compliance.
• Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist: EHS specialists are responsible for developing and implementing safety and environmental programs to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. They conduct safety and environmental audits, identify potential hazards, and develop policies and procedures to minimize risks.
• Loss Prevention Specialist: Loss prevention specialists develop and implement programs to reduce losses and prevent accidents in the workplace. They conduct safety audits, identify potential hazards, and develop policies and procedures to minimize risks.
• Occupational Health and Safety Technician: Occupational health and safety technicians work with safety professionals to identify potential hazards, develop safety policies and procedures, and provide training to employees on safety procedures. They may also conduct safety inspections and assist with safety compliance.
• Construction Safety Coordinator: Construction safety coordinators are responsible for developing and implementing safety programs on construction sites. They identify potential hazards, develop safety policies and procedures, and provide training to employees on safety procedures. They also conduct safety inspections and ensure that the construction site is compliant with safety regulations.

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)