Creating and Maintaining Safe, Healthy, and Productive Work Environments
The Department of Occupational Health and Safety at Harvard College UK addresses the critical need for professionals who can protect worker well-being while ensuring organizational compliance and productivity. Our programs take a comprehensive approach to workplace safety, covering physical, chemical, biological, and psychological hazards across diverse industries. We develop specialists capable of risk assessment, safety management system implementation, and promoting a culture of health and safety in organizations.

The curriculum covers occupational hygiene (measuring and controlling exposure to hazards), ergonomics, workplace psychology, safety engineering, and environmental management. Students learn to conduct risk assessments, investigate accidents, develop emergency response plans, and audit safety management systems against standards like ISO 45001. Particular attention is given to emerging challenges such as psychosocial risks, nanotechnology safety, and managing health and safety in complex supply chains.

Practical training includes using monitoring equipment for noise, dust, and chemical exposure, and conducting ergonomic assessments. Case studies from high-risk industries like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare provide real-world context. Our industry partnerships facilitate placements where students can apply their knowledge. Graduates are qualified for roles as health and safety advisors, risk managers, ergonomics consultants, environmental health officers, and safety auditors, working to protect people across various sectors worldwide.