Tragedy leads to a career in safety

The death of a friend, coupled with a strong interest in science, has led a UQ student to the specialised study of occupational health and safety (OHS) science to create safer workplaces.

With the UN’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work yesterday, The University of Queensland masters student Sybilla Casinader has reflected on the growing need for improved OHS-trained experts in workplaces.

Casinader’s career plan changed from biomedical science when she learned that the death of a friend in a horse-riding accident was due to poor occupational health and safety standards and the lack of any risk assessment.

“I’ve always had a strong interest in science, problem-solving and accident investigation,” said Casinader.

“To hear that my friend’s death was potentially preventable if appropriate safety standards had been met strengthened my interest in becoming an OHS professional.

“When I learned about UQ’s Master of Occupational Health and Safety Science, I felt this would be a natural progression from my Bachelor of Science, and other interests, into this specialist field.”

Casinader said workplace injuries and fatalities made headlines internationally and everyone had the right to a safe work environment.

She is unsure of the next stage of her career following graduation but is interested in working in sectors with high-risk situations requiring strong OHS standards, such as construction or mining.

This interest has been rewarded with the Thiess Occupational Health and Safety Scholarship to support her while she completes her studies.

The increasing interest of business and government in Australia and abroad in creating safer workplaces has led to a number of scholarship opportunities for students choosing to study in the OHS discipline, which is strongly based on scientific and regulatory issues.

The Master of OHSSc program addresses well-established industry hazards (chemical, physical, mechanical, biological and psychosocial) within the context of the core OHS disciplines such as occupational hygiene, ergonomics, occupational health, safety science and risk management.

An important aspect of the program is the research and industry components which allow students to gain strong skills in real workplace situations under the guidance of skilled industry mentors.