Program Description
Program Description
Occupational Health and Safety at Istanbul Arel University: Protecting Workers and Promoting Well-being in the Workplace
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) program at Istanbul Arel University is designed to train students in the principles and practices necessary to ensure safe and healthy work environments. With a focus on preventing workplace accidents, injuries, and health hazards, this program equips students with the knowledge to assess risks, implement safety measures, and promote health and well-being in various industries. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work in diverse sectors, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and government agencies, where they will play a crucial role in creating safer workplaces and protecting the health of employees.
Program Mission and Vision
The mission of the Occupational Health and Safety program is to educate and empower students to become leaders in the field of workplace safety. The program focuses on providing students with the theoretical and practical tools to assess and manage occupational risks, comply with safety regulations, and promote workplace well-being. Its vision is to produce highly skilled professionals who can contribute to reducing workplace accidents and illnesses, fostering healthier, more productive work environments, and shaping the future of occupational health and safety practices.
Curriculum Structure
The curriculum of the Occupational Health and Safety program blends core principles of safety management with specialized training in risk assessment, legal requirements, and employee health. The program includes a combination of theoretical coursework, practical applications, and field experience. Key areas of the curriculum include:
Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety: This foundational course provides an overview of the field of occupational health and safety, including the history, key concepts, and the role of safety professionals in the workplace. Students learn about workplace hazards, safety standards, and the importance of OHS in preventing accidents and injuries.
Health and Safety Regulations and Law: Students study the legal and regulatory frameworks governing occupational health and safety. This course covers local and international OHS laws, standards (such as OSHA and ISO regulations), and the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees regarding workplace safety.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification: This course focuses on identifying, analyzing, and managing workplace hazards. Students learn to conduct risk assessments, identify potential dangers, and develop strategies to eliminate or control risks. Topics include chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards.
Workplace Safety and Accident Prevention: Students learn techniques and strategies for preventing workplace accidents and injuries. The course covers safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and the development of safety programs that promote a proactive safety culture within organizations.
Ergonomics and Human Factors: This course explores the principles of ergonomics and human factors engineering, which focus on designing work environments that minimize strain and prevent injury. Students learn about musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, equipment design, and strategies for reducing physical strain and improving productivity.
Industrial Hygiene: This course teaches students about the identification, evaluation, and control of environmental factors that may adversely affect health. Topics include air quality, noise control, hazardous chemicals, and temperature extremes. Students learn how to implement programs to monitor and improve workplace conditions.
Occupational Health and Well-being: Students explore the impact of work on physical and mental health. This course covers stress management, mental health issues in the workplace, fatigue prevention, and strategies for promoting employee well-being and a healthy work-life balance.
Fire Safety and Emergency Management: This course provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to develop fire safety programs and emergency management plans. Topics include fire prevention, emergency response procedures, evacuation planning, and training employees on how to respond to workplace emergencies.
Safety in Construction and Manufacturing: Students learn about the specific hazards and safety measures associated with high-risk industries such as construction and manufacturing. This course covers topics such as scaffolding safety, machine guarding, fall prevention, and personal protective equipment (PPE) in industrial settings.
Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems: This course focuses on the development and implementation of management systems for occupational health and safety. Students learn about the ISO 45001 standard, safety audits, incident investigation, and how to integrate OHS management systems into an organization’s overall operations.
Environmental Health and Safety: This course addresses the relationship between environmental health and occupational safety. Students learn how environmental factors such as pollution, waste management, and hazardous materials can impact worker safety, and the best practices to mitigate these effects in the workplace.
Psychosocial Hazards and Workplace Mental Health: Students explore the psychological and social factors that can impact health and safety at work. Topics include workplace bullying, stress, harassment, and mental health support programs, helping students understand how to address and prevent psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
Occupational Safety Technology: This course covers the latest technologies used to improve safety in the workplace, such as safety software, monitoring systems, personal protective equipment, and wearable technologies that track workers’ health and safety in real time.
Capstone Project and Internship: The program culminates in a capstone project and an internship, where students gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. During the internship, students apply their skills and knowledge in occupational health and safety through placements in various industries, working on safety assessments, program development, and risk management.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Labs
Istanbul Arel University offers access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities designed to simulate real-world occupational health and safety scenarios. These facilities allow students to engage in practical exercises, conduct safety audits, and utilize safety equipment, all while developing hands-on skills that will be valuable in their future careers.
Emphasis on Practical Experience and Industry Collaboration
The program emphasizes experiential learning, with students gaining valuable hands-on experience through internships in companies and organizations that prioritize occupational health and safety. Through partnerships with industry leaders and health and safety professionals, students are exposed to real-world safety protocols, risk management strategies, and industry best practices.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Occupational Health and Safety program at Istanbul Arel University are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in the field of workplace safety and health. Career opportunities include roles such as occupational health and safety manager, safety consultant, risk assessor, safety trainer, environmental health officer, and safety inspector. Graduates can work in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, education, government agencies, and consulting firms.
Shaping the Future of Workplace Safety
The Occupational Health and Safety program at Istanbul Arel University equips students with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical mindset needed to create safe and healthy work environments. With a focus on risk management, prevention strategies, and employee well-being, the program ensures that graduates are prepared to play a key role in promoting workplace safety, reducing accidents, and improving the quality of life for workers worldwide.