LSU Professional Development is proud to announce our partnership with the Safety Council of the Louisiana Capital Area and to extend you the opportunity to attend the Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) program. This unique 40-hour program is designed to offer a comprehensive initiation into safety requirements and safety implementation. COSS graduates also receive the OSHA 10-hour card of completion for Construction and General Industry, a $550 value.

The Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) program is a unique, curriculum-based training course designed by safety professionals and practitioners, to prepare and equip workers with the core competencies of occupational safety and health. The COSS program is unique due to its focused, relevant and applicable content, concentrated learning activities, and the method by which graduates are certified. The curriculum-based format of the COSS program is more practical, efficient and appropriate than an exam-based certification. COSS is simply the most well-organized and successful means of educating and validating anyone responsible for the fundamental aspects of safety in their workplace. A Certified Occupational Safety Specialist is someone who desires, has, or will have a position responsible for the safety and health of other people. That position is often responsible for ensuring that all applicable safety regulations and training requirements are in compliance; coordinates the implementation and maintenance of the safety plan and program; and provides recommendations and support for the improvement of safety to management.

Qualified COSS Graduates are eligible for partial reimbursement through Veteran's Affairs. Effective January 1, 2008, active duty military personnel, veterans, and qualified family members who take the Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSSŪ) course may be eligible for partial reimbursement of the cost of the class. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has agreed to reimburse eligible COSS graduates up to $1,185 if they apply for education benefits within a year of taking the course. General information about VA reimbursement for educational benefits for veterans is available at www.gibill.va.gov. Be advised that you must meet the qualifications in order to seek the reimbursement. In addition, you can retroactively apply for reimbursement for a COSS course taken after January 1, 2008. If you think you might qualify for reimbursement for a future or past COSS class, visit the Educational Benefits for Veterans web site at www.gibill.va.gov. For additional information, please contact Julia Hamilton at 225-578-1183.

Benefits of achieving the Certified Occupational Safety Specialist designation:

• Greater recognition.
• Greater earning potential.
• Networking across multiple industries.
• Increased job security.
• Advanced learning and application of occupational safety.
• Achieve certification 60% faster than similar programs.

What You Will Learn Safety Specialist Knowledge

The heart of the COSS program is the solid foundation built on learning to read and apply the OSHA safety and training requirements in 29 CFR 1910 and 1926. Other areas of knowledge covered are:

• Occupational Safety and Health Act.
• Amendments to the OSHA Act.
• 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry) and 1926 (Construction) Standards.
• OSHA training requirements for construction and general industry.
• Specialized training.
• OSHA inspections.
• How to determine applicability.
• Coordinating multiple work sites.
• Citations & penalties.
• OSHA record-keeping requirements.
• OSHA 300 requirements.
• Multi-Employer Rule.

Safety Specialist Skills

Skills the COSS can expect to learn or enhance:

• Identification and mitigation of hazards.
• Job planning.
• Hazard analysis.
• Competent person requirements.
• Job safety analysis.
• Pre-job planning.
• Effective communication skills.
• Safety meetings and briefings.
• Leadership.

Safety Specialist Essentials

The COSS must have a good working understanding of safety essentials to be effective. COSS graduates will gain total understanding of safety programs that are common to most businesses and industries. Some of the topics covered are:

• Hazard communications programs and training.
• Competent person training requirements.
• Fall protection.
• Personal protective equipment.
• Hearing conservation.
• Most common injuries and hazards.

Safety Specialist Roles

The role of the COSS will vary from setting to setting, but the COSS program will help to prepare safety coordinators for all types of application. You will gain experience in:

• How to develop a written safety plan.
• Management commitment.
• Responsibilities.
• Effective safety committees.
• Safety rules and regulations.
• Accident investigations.
• Worker compensation claims.
• Emergency response plans.
• Delivering safety training.
• Communication and presentation skills.
• Evaluating effectiveness.

Course Format

• The COSS five-day course consists of 40 hours packed with learning.
• Case studies are used extensively to bring learning objectives into focus.
• There are two hours of testing and certification at the end of the program. Passing grade is a 70 percent.
• COSS graduates also receive the OSHA 10-hour card of completion for Construction and General Industry, a $550 value.

For more information about this program contact: Julia Hamilton, Program Coordinator.