The mission of the Occupational Safety and Health AAS Degree at Carl Albert State College is to meet the education requirements of the college and provide to students foundational groundwork for careers in fields of Occupational Safety and Health. The program accomplishes this by providing training on different safety and health topics, tools for supervisory positions in their area of safety, and education on compliance with applicable regulations and best management practices. The department strives to develop future safety professionals and leaders in Occupational Safety and Health needed for the 21st century.

Occupational health and safety technicians generally collect data on the safety and health conditions of the workplace. Technicians work with occupational health and safety specialists in conducting tests and measuring hazards to help prevent harm to workers, property, the environment, and the general public. Member of this field conduct evaluation of progress designed to limit physical, chemical, ergonomic, and biological risks to workers. Their jobs often involve considerable fieldwork, and some travel frequently. Many occupational health and safety specialists and technicians work long and often irregular hours. Although most occupational health and safety technicians work under the supervision of specialists, technicians can complete many routine tasks with little or no supervision. As a result, some employers may operate with more technicians because they are more cost effective than specialists.

The curriculum will provide student with the ability to seek employment in the occupational health and safety profession as technicians, along opportunities to set for various health safety certifications. The curriculum is designed to provide students will introduction to fire safety, construction and OSHA regulations, training techniques including hygiene, hazardous waste, and safety management. Students will have specialize knowledge of state and federal rules and regulations and code books that serve as safety guidelines. They will study the ways and means of identifying safety problems and develop programs to apply rules and procedures in specific industry settings. Occupational health and safety technicians can become occupational health and safety specialists by earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree (Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics).