Legal Obligations and Liabilities of the OHSE Professional

Course Description

This updated two-day course is designed to develop an awareness and understanding of the obligations and potential liabilities that may be encountered by the OH&S professional when providing advice in the area of occupational health and safety. The focus is upon defining the types of obligations and potential liabilities and illustrating ways and means of reducing these risks.

Because every OHS professional can be at risk, this course provides invaluable information for every level of experience - from the novice to the seasoned professional, and from the “internal” employee advisor to the third-party independent consultant.

2020/2021 Comments

“Fantastic, fantastic course. I think it is important that all OHSE professionals take this course to understand the legal obligations and liabilities in this career.”

Elisa K. Stittsville (Ottawa), Ontario

“It was a distinct pleasure to be part of this course and this group. I am so pleased the CSSE is offering these courses and training opportunities online. It means the difference between continuing along a professional development path or idling while the realities of travel restrictions play out. Thank you to all - especially the “doers” in the background – Administration and the CSSE’s intrepid IT wizard! I have taken away a great deal of knowledge and some key components that will absolutely help me in my professional work.”

Barb K. Regina, Saskatchewan

Course participants will be able to:

Learn your obligations or duties to the client, the workers and the public
Learn what standard of care and skill is expected of an OHS practitioner
Understand with what type of legislation you should be familiar
Assess and handle conflict of interest
Consider ramifications when preparing a report to management
Understand what is a report disclaimer and when you might need one
Discuss the major ethical issues faced by the OH&S profession
Discuss (in-depth) the liabilities faced, based on contracts and legislation
Understand the role of professional liability insurance
Understand the application of privilege and disclosure to the OH&S consultant
Learn what are the important elements of an OH&S contract

Course Examinations (In-Class)

The course exam is provided to participants by email within five business days of course completion. Participants have 4 weeks from the release date to complete the exam, along with a Statement of Independent Completion. This statement shows that the participant has read and understood the exam instructions, and is submitting an independently completed exam, with any and all collaboration and outside resources are acknowledged therein. The exam deadline is final. Only documented emergencies will be considered by the CSSE as extenuating circumstances for any written request for extension. Please note that delay in opening the exam after delivery, new or added work requirements, and holidays/vacation are not considered extenuating circumstances.

Successful completion of CHSC courses requires completion of a CHSC Exam with a minimum 75% standard. Exams require several hours additional time commitment beyond in-class time for the student to demonstrate mastery of the course expectations. This exam follows a short answer format.

Course Instructors

Course Credits

CSSE has awarded this course 16 CHSC Maintenance Points.
Completion of this course will count as one elective credit towards the OH&S Certificate at British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Course Registration Information

Courses will be confirmed to run 21 days prior to the course start date and participants will be notified by email.
- If a course does not have sufficient enrolment to run, it will be cancelled.
Courses require a minimum of 13 participants to run although occasional exceptions may be made depending on circumstances
Participants with unpaid registrations must confirm their attendance by completing payment within one week of the email confirmation date. A payment due date will be included in the email notification.
Any unpaid registrations will be cancelled 14 days prior to the course start date.
- Confirmed payments in-process from companies will be taken into consideration.
Links to course materials will be sent to all registered participants 10 days prior to the course start date.

Tax Exempt Registrations

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: In order to be eligible for a GST/HST tax exempt course registration, your registration must be requested and paid by an entity with a CRA Tax Exempt status and number.
Download Tax Exempt Registration Form