The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has awarded SIAST Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner student Kathy Lee with the 2014 Dick Martin Scholarship Award.
Lee, currently living in North Battleford, is one of two students nationally to receive this annual scholarship that is valued at $3,000.
"We were very pleased with thee recipients of the Dick Martin Scholarship Award this year, and it is our hope that they will make a unique contribution to the health and safety and well-being of others," said Steve Horvath, president and chief executive officer at CCOHHS.
"By offering this scholarship, we endeavour to foster interest in the field, and help our future health and safety leaders in their pursuit of higher education. CCOHS is proud to offer this award to Kathy Lee, and we wish her well in her future endeavors."
The Dick Martin Scholarship Award is available annually to two students enrolled in a full- or part-time occupational health and safety related course or program leading to a certificate, diploma or degree at an accredited Canadian college or university. Programs include mine safety, occupational or industrial health and safety, industrial hygiene, safety management or other related safety degree programs.
Lee, currently enrolled in the Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner certificate program at SIAST, is completing the program's courses via distance education while working as a health and safety officer with Prairie North Health Region. SIAST offers both an applied certificate and certificate program in occupational health and safety through on-campus and distance-education delivery.
"The Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner programs were developed approximately 10 years ago out of a need from the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety to build capacity in occupational health and safety education and training," says Nolan Horbach, program head, CPR/First Aid and Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner programs.
"The applied certificate program is ideal for someone looking to enter the field of occupational health and safety or to enhance their occupational health and safety knowledge with formal education. The certificate program is a career development pathway for current occupational health and safety practitioners."
Students enrolled in either program complete a one-week practicum alongside an experienced occupational health and safety professional; often at mining operations throughout Saskatchewan, manufacturing facilities or within the construction industry. Graduates find employment as health and safety officers, environment health and safety co-ordinators and safety supervisors and managers working in both the public and private sectors.
"This achievement highlights the importance of workplace safety," said Don Morgan, minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety. "Thanks to programs like SIAST's Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner certificate, we have knowledgeable safety professionals who can help build a skilled, injury-free workforce."
