Associate of Science Occupational Safety and Health Management


Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, there has been a steady increase in workplace injuries, illnesses, and death.  California has the second-highest demand for Occupational Safety and Health technicians in the United States. OSH Technicians inspect workplaces, evaluate hazards, train employees, implement personal protective equipment programs, and help employers comply with safety regulations from local, state, and federal regulatory agencies. The EHSM program has developed a broad range of classes to ensure students have experience and in-depth understanding of safety inspections, air, noise, ventilation, radiological and biological testing, ergonomic services, and providing workplace illness and injury programs. We offer specialty courses in construction and laboratory safety.  Students completing the associate degree in OSH management will obtain jobs as an Occupational Safety and Health Technician or Specialist, Environmental Safety and Health Technician or Specialist, Safety Technician or Specialist, Industrial Hygiene Technician or Specialist, and Risk Manager.

 

Example AS Pathway


See EHSM Proposed Schedule for upcoming courses. It is recommended that you take the EHSM core classes as they are offered for the fastest track to graduation. 

 

AS, Occupational Safety and Health Management

(Total EHSM Units Required: 40-48)

Semester 1

EHSM 100*

4 Units

EHSM 130

3 Units

EHSM 135

3 Units

**COMM 124

3 Units

Total Units

14 Units

Semester 2

EHSM 140 or EHSM 145

4 Units

EHSM 200

4 Units

**BIO 130 3 Units
**BIO 131 1 Unit

Total Units

12 Units

Semester 3

EHSM 205

4 Units

EHSM 230

3 Units

EHSM 240

1 Unit

**CHEM 120

4 Units

Total Units

12 Units

Semester 4

EHSM 201

4 Units

**General Education

8 Units

Total Units

12 Units

**Remaining Semesters: Complete general education requirements.

 

*The EHSM Department suggests taking EHSM 100 in your first semester because it's required for EHSM 205, and recommend for EHSM 200, and 201. If unable to complete prior to the other courses, contact the instructor for prerequisite waiver. 

**Due to the EHSM department course offerings, it is recommended to prioritize the EHSM course work to ensure you are able to complete all the courses in a timely manner. 

 

Occupational Safety and Health Technician Duties


Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor and investigate the occupational setting for safety concerns, chemical, biological and radiological exposures, ergonomic injuries, noise exposures, lighting, heat and cold stress, and evaluate safety programs for compliance.  Technicians may also perform safety trainings, collect samples and data, conduct accident investigations, and evaluate the need for engineering and administrative controls, or the use of personal protective equipment.  
 

Career Titles


Occupational Safety and Health Technician, Occupational Safety and Health Specialist, Environmental Safety and Health Technician, Environmental Safety and Health Specialist, HAZWOPER Technician, Hazardous Materials Technician, Safety Inspector, Industrial Hygienist, Safety Coordinator, Construction Safety Technician, Construction Safety Specialist, Safety Manager, Laboratory Safety Technician, Laboratory Safety Specialist, Laboratory Safety Manager, Hazardous Materials Manager, Hazardous Waste Technician, Hazardous Waste Specialist, Environmental Health Inspector