Environmental Health, Safety & Risk Management (EHSRM)

Why This Training Matters

The COVID19 pandemic has underscored the interconnectedness of public health, workplace safety, and environmental stewardship. Companies that integrate COVID19 awareness into their existing EHSRM programs can:

• Protect employee health and maintain business continuity.
• Demonstrate compliance with local, national, and international regulations.
• Reduce the risk of costly outbreaks and associated liability.
• Strengthen organisational reputation as a responsible employer.

Embedding pandemicspecific guidance within broader riskmanagement frameworks ensures a cohesive response, rather than a series of adhoc measures.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the General Awareness Training, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the key characteristics of SARSCoV2 and its modes of transmission.
2. Apply fundamental infectioncontrol principles in the workplace.
3. Interpret current publichealth guidance and regulatory requirements.
4. Implement engineering, administrative, and personalprotective controls.
5. Recognise the role of environmental health in mitigating viral spread.
6. Respond effectively to a suspected or confirmed case on site.
7. Contribute to a culture of safety that encourages reporting and continuous improvement.

Course Content Overview

1. Virus Basics & Epidemiology

A concise review of the virus structure, incubation period, asymptomatic transmission, and the concept of variants of concern.

2. Legal and Regulatory Landscape

Key legislation and guidance sources, including OSHA (or local equivalent), CDC/WHO recommendations, and industryspecific standards.

3. Hierarchy of Controls Applied to COVID19

• Elimination Remote work, staggered shifts.
• Substitution Replacing highrisk activities with lowerrisk alternatives.
• Engineering Controls Ventilation upgrades, physical barriers, air filtration.
• Administrative Controls Health screening, cohorting, cleaning schedules.
• PPE Proper selection, use, and disposal of masks, face shields, gloves.

4. Environmental Health Considerations

How indoor air quality, humidity, and surface materials affect virus survivability, and practical steps to improve the built environment.

5. Risk Assessment & Incident Management

Conducting a rapid COVID19 risk assessment, establishing a response team, and documenting investigations.

6. Communication & Training Strategies

Effective messaging, multilingual resources, and reinforcement techniques to sustain behavioural change.

7. Mental Health & Wellbeing

The psychological impact of the pandemic and resources for supporting staff resilience.

Delivery Options

The program can be delivered through a combination of formats to suit diverse workforces:

• Live virtual webinars Interactive Q&A, polls, and breakout discussions.
• Selfpaced elearning modules Accessible 24/7 on desktop or mobile.
• Inperson workshops Ideal for handson demonstrations of PPE and engineering controls.
• Microlearning bursts 5minute videos or infographics for quick reinforcement.

Assessment & Certification

Participants complete a brief knowledge check (1015 multiplechoice questions). A passing score of 80% awards a digital certificate that can be uploaded to your HR compliance system.

Certificates are valid for one year, after which a refresher module (approximately 30 minutes) is required to stay current with evolving guidance.

Additional Resources

Further reading and tools to support your EHSRM COVID19 program:

• CDC COVID19 Guidance for Businesses
• WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID19) Dashboard
• OSHA COVID19 Resources for Employers
• Template: COVID19 Risk Assessment Worksheet (PDF)
• Template: Ventilation Improvement Checklist (Excel)