Integrating Personal & Occupational Safety in an Engineering Curriculum

An objective of an educational program is to keep a program current and support it in achieving their goals. However, this may prove difficult if the program does not keep abreast of the rapid changes, advancements or does not integrate material that is critical to the success of the program, its students, and the profession. This paper examines PSH’s Structural Design, Construction, and Engineering Technology (SDCET program), and incorporating a required safety course has part of its curriculum. The course does not only cover subject matter in preparing the students in their professions but also with everyday safety material to help them in their personal life. The course has been approved by the university academic governance in completing the university undergraduate degree “Health Wellness” (GHW) and the “United States” (GUS) general education requirements. Therefore, the course eliminates two undergraduate college requirements, the degree course safety requirement and allows the student to consider other courses which meets the credit hour requirement for the degree. Another element incorporated in the safety course is the student completes the OSHA (Occupational Safety Health Administration) 30-hour training course. This training course is becoming a requirement in construction related projects from the clients and employers. Therefore, more construction/engineering firms require their employees to obtain this OSHA safety training course shortly have starting their employment. Hence, the SDCET student resume has another unique feature when being reviewed by a potential employer. The credential is rarely listed on a college student resume This course has resulted in an excellent relationship with various professionals, society, and the program’s success in preparing its students. Incorporating a safety course in the curriculum, is an excellent example of a win-win relationship for both the program, the students and the industry.