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Anyone interested in managing and overseeing a construction site, working as dedicated safety personnel, or running a construction business will take on the responsibility of maintaining worker safety. 

Safety is of the utmost concern on construction sites, where any kind of accident can be life-threatening. With heavy machinery, scaffolding, chemicals, electrical components, trenching, and a slew of other potential hazards at every turn, workers must remain vigilant and follow safety practices in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. 

Students, in particular, who are interested in learning more can do so via the new Construction Safety Leadership Program from the Myers-Lawson School of Construction at Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering. 

What Does the Program Entail? 

The Construction Safety Leadership Program is a bachelor’s in science degree that consists of five core courses intended to teach students about safety, leadership, and ethics: 

• CEM 2714 (Construction Safety Systems): An introduction to safety and its importance in the construction industry 
• CEM 3164 (Construction Health and Safety): Standards, regulations, and laws regarding safety 
• CEM 3714 (Controlling Construction Safety Hazards): The complexities of recognizing and managing hazards  
• CEM 4714 (Construction Safety Culture): Ethical considerations associated with safety practices in different aspects of the industry 
• CEM 4724 (Construction Industry Futures): Examining safety, health, and wellness in construction as the industry moves forward 

Each of these courses offers more than just classroom instruction. They’re all designed to include industry engagement with projects that provide real-world experience. 

How Will the Program Help Students? 

Students gain two main advantages when pursuing a major through the program. First and foremost, they’ll acquire the knowledge and skills needed to identify and manage safety hazards, comply with regulations, and display leadership that motivates others to learn and follow safety procedures. As a result, students who complete the curriculum will serve as an asset to employers interested in promoting a safety-first culture and minimizing accidents and injuries.  

Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, PA, also offers a safety-centric major, but Virginia Tech focuses specifically on teaching safety through the lens of leadership, helping to create the leaders needed to move the industry forward. Students in the program will work toward OSHA-10 certification that adds value to any resume. 

Why Did Virginia Tech Develop the Construction Safety Major? 

There’s no shortage of safety challenges within the construction industry, but the one Virginia Tech’s new program seeks to overcome is the negative perception that safety procedures are cost-prohibitive. The right leadership in safety can change attitudes and overall industry culture, fostering a positive mindset of promoting productivity and investment on the part of employees who will enjoy a safe workplace that prioritizes following procedures. 

Taking Your Education to the Next Level 

Students interested in entering construction (and professionals already working in the industry) can advance their careers with a range of programs designed to help them pass state exams and earn needed licenses and certifications. 

RocketCert offers an array of courses designed to help construction industry professionals pass licensure exams. Contact us today to learn more about licensing in Virginia for contractors.