A new Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety Science that offers career opportunities in a diverse range of workplaces, from mines to movie sets, will be on show at UQ's St Lucia Open Day (August 2).

The Australian-first degree will span four years and will be available to students in 2010. UQ Professor of Occupational Health and Safety Mike Capra said graduates would become a new generation of highly-trained OHS specialists who would be in demand due to a workforce shortage.

"The program was developed at the request of the OHS industry, including peak body the Safety Institute of Australia, which saw the need for a professional qualification in the field," Professor Capra said.

"The lack of well-qualified OHS professionals is causing alarm among members of major OHS associations, government authorities and employers.

"Historically OHS education has been a career 'add on', often a short course or minor area of study in a broader degree, so UQ consulted with stakeholders and practicing OHS professionals to develop a program to meet their needs.

"The result is a four-year degree that includes a strong scientific focus, a significant practical component and covers mental health workplace issues, which was a specific request from industry."

Students will learn about a variety of issues in the workplace including chemical, physical, mechanical, psychological and biological hazards.

They will also study law, ergonomics, risk management, behaviour change and workplace conflict as part of the program.

The indepth knowledge and practical skills provided by this program means graduates will be considered highly-trained professionals.

On Open Day potential students will have the opportunity to do a quiz on their knowledge of hazardous chemicals and try their skills as an accident investigator.

For more information on this new program go to http://www.uq.edu.au/health/ohsdegree and for Open Day details visit http://www.youruq.com/openday/.

Source
University of Queensland, Australia