Key Takeaways:
- The College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT) at Oklahoma State University has partnered with SafeLand USA to offer courses on work site safety, primarily in the oil and gas industry.
- The partnership will provide training on key practices and procedures, with an emphasis on comprehensive safety training.
- Three courses will be available: Safety Fundamentals Orientation, H2S Safety, and defensive driving.
- The goal is to serve 1,000 students a year through the program, with the first train-the-trainer course already having a waiting list.
- The partnership will benefit multiple CEAT degree programs and foster partnerships within various industries.
Introduction to CEAT and SafeLand Partnership
The College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT) at Oklahoma State University has a strong reputation for its commitment to the next generation of workers in Oklahoma and the United States. CEAT’s leadership in training and outreach helps transform the world by providing skills and knowledge to succeed in various industries. A new collaboration between CEAT’s OSU Fire Service Training and SafeLand USA will expand this reputation by offering courses on work site safety, primarily in the oil and gas industry. SafeLand is a standardized safety orientation program that provides portable, industry-recognized training with an emphasis on comprehensive safety training.
SafeLand Program and Its Benefits
SafeLand offers a standardized safety orientation program that ensures new workers at different job sites receive the same training on key practices and procedures. The program is designed to be comprehensive, covering various aspects of job site safety, including hazards, protocols, and procedures. By partnering with OSU, SafeLand will have an accrediting body capable of training industry members who can then train workers at their respective companies. According to SafeLand President Bill Walker, OSU’s experience and record in training, as well as its reputation and brand, bring a level of credibility to the partnership.
Available Courses and Training
Beginning this semester, three courses will be available through SafeLand, housed at OSU Fire Service Training. These courses include Safety Fundamentals Orientation: Building the Foundation, H2S Safety: Understanding a Potent Threat, and a defensive driving course. The Safety Fundamentals Orientation serves as an orientation for new workers, providing a standard orientation on safety protocols that are translatable across different industries. The H2S Safety course provides workers with a base level of knowledge about working around hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas commonly found in various job sites. The defensive driving course provides job site-specific driving training to enhance safety while working in the oil and gas industry.
Benefits to OSU and the Industry
The partnership between OSU and SafeLand will benefit multiple CEAT degree programs and foster partnerships within various industries. According to OSU FST Director Carol Reed, this is a tremendous opportunity for growth for OSU, with the potential to serve 1,000 students a year through the program. The alumni network will foster partnerships within multiple industries, creating a pipeline of trainees. Reed also emphasized that OSU’s motto is to "bring the training to them," and this partnership will continue to support industry that supports Oklahoma.
Future Plans and Goals
The goal is to serve 1,000 students a year through the program, with the first train-the-trainer course already having a waiting list. These trainers will be certified to teach the training at their respective companies, further expanding the reach of the program. OSU FST will be the only accrediting body in Oklahoma for this type of training, with the ability to impact surrounding states in the region. With this partnership, OSU will continue to support industry that supports Oklahoma, while providing comprehensive safety training to workers in the oil and gas industry.