The nationally known Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) program will be offered at the University of Delaware in Newark again this spring through a partnership with the Delaware Valley Safety Council. The intensive five-day course takes place April 24-28.

Taught by an authorized OSHA Outreach and COSS certified trainer, the program is designed to equip safety professionals with the core competencies of occupational safety and health. Participants learn how to recognize hazards, understand and interpret OSHA requirements and effectively manage a workplace safety and health program.

“The main goal of this program is to provide workplace safety practitioners with the training they need in order to manage safety at their jobsites or workplaces,” explains Brian McClafferty, executive director of Delaware Valley Safety Council (DVSC). “Those critical responsibilities include jobsite analysis and identification of workplace hazards, and the ability to put a safety plan in place that addresses those hazards and risks.”

The Delaware Valley Safety Council provides a wide range of safety training programs in the region, partnering with UD’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (PCS) to offer COSS training in Delaware.

The COSS course consists of 40 hours of hands-on instruction and addresses the psychology of safety, the true cost of an accident, hazard recognition and how to start a workplace health and safety program. The course is designed as an entry-level course, as well as a refresher for the experienced safety professional, and is applicable to a wide range of industries.

Participants who successfully complete the program earn the nationally recognized Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) designation, which is endorsed by the American Association of Safety Councils and the American Council for Construction Education.

The upcoming COSS program consists of five full-day sessions, April 24-28, at UD’s Professional and Continuing Studies location at 501 South College Ave., Newark. The program will be offered again in August and October.

An advanced program is also planned for June 5-9, the Certificate for Occupational Safety Managers (COSM). COSM is an advanced, executive-level program consisting of 40 hours of specialized training in topics such as safety leadership roles, strategic planning and evaluating, and managing risk and safety finances.

To learn more about the COSS and COSM programs, individuals are invited to attend a free information session from 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 1, at 501 South College Ave. in Newark, which is where both programs will be held.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.pcs.udel.edu/occupational-safety/ or call 302-831-8837.