Workplace Safety and Health
UF OPWD offers a variety of courses focused on workplace safety and health to help professionals prevent hazards, stay up to date on regulatory practices, and promote safer work environments. These courses are designed for individuals seeking practical, real-world knowledge in areas such as hazard recognition, workplace compliance, and injury prevention.
Want a course brought to your location? Contact Melissa Hamilton for more information.
Safety & Health Courses
Select an option below to view available courses. You will be redirected to our registration system.
Students who do not attend class and fail to notify the university department at least five business days before the course start date forfeit the full course registration fee. View the full refund/substitution policy here.
Build Your Own Safety & Health Training
Want training tailored to your team? Work with us to build a custom safety & health program from the topics below.
Select what’s relevant to your workforce and contact Melissa Hamilton to get started.
In this course, you’ll learn how to confidently select, inspect, set up, and use ladders in warehouse and construction settings. Types of ladders, common hazards, inspection routines, and safe usage techniques will be discussed.
This course is designed to help workers recognize the risks and symptoms of heat and cold stress and apply proven prevention strategies. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to maintain your health and safety in extreme temperatures.
This course will guide you through the essentials of PPE in the workplace, from understanding the hierarchy of controls to selecting and using the right equipment for the job. You’ll learn about the different types of PPE, regulatory training requirements, and the vital roles both employers and employees play in maintaining a safe environment.
This course will introduce you to the essentials of workplace ergonomics and injury prevention, helping you understand how to make your work environment safer and more comfortable. You’ll learn what ergonomics is, how to recognize the signs and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders, and how to apply practical strategies to prevent injuries.
This course gives you the practical knowledge you need to recognize, prevent, and respond to zoonotic disease risks in agricultural settings. You’ll learn what zoonotic diseases are, how they spread, the warning signs to look out for, and the best prevention practices to keep yourself, your coworkers, and your animals safe.
In this course, you’ll learn the essentials of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, including employer responsibilities, program components, label interpretation, and how to use Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to stay safe. Through clear explanations, practical examples, and interactive assessments, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to protect yourself and your coworkers from chemical hazards on the job.
This course will guide you through the essentials of OSHA workplace safety regulations, helping you understand why OSHA exists, what protections and responsibilities you have, and how to ensure your workplace is compliant and safe.
In this course, you’ll explore the risks and causes of slips, trips, and falls (STFs) in various work environments. You’ll learn how to recognize hazards, implement effective prevention strategies, and understand the OSHA standard Subpart D Walking-Working Surfaces.
This course will equip you with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to stay safe while operating or working near farm machinery. You’ll learn to recognize common hazards, apply proven safety practices, and assess risks to prevent accidents and injuries.
This practical, safety-focused course will help you recognize and control the many risks found on farms, from chemical and biological hazards to machinery, livestock, and ergonomic challenges. You’ll learn to identify common hazards and apply proven strategies—using the hierarchy of controls—to reduce the risk of injury or fatality.
Workplace fires can occur unexpectedly and knowing how to respond effectively is critical for safety. This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to comply with OSHA fire safety standards and protect yourself and your colleagues. You will learn to identify workplace fire hazards, select and operate the appropriate fire extinguisher, and ensure all fire protection equipment is properly inspected and maintained.
In this course, you’ll discover the far-reaching impact of workplace incidents and learn how robust safety and health programs can transform your workplace. You’ll explore the core elements of effective programs, the benefits they bring, and proven methods for preventing hazards.
This course introduces the principles of safely handling and storing materials in the workplace. A range of material-handling activities, from manual lifting and carrying to operating equipment such as cranes and transport vehicles will be discussed. Emphasis is placed on recognizing hazards, applying safe handling techniques, and following proper storage practices to prevent injuries, reduce damage, and avoid costly delays.
Meet The Instructors
Cindy is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), a Certified Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH), and an OSHA-certified trainer for general industry, construction, and disaster worker safety. She brings over 20 years of experience in occupational safety across diverse sectors, including food and manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, aviation, and pharmaceutical chemical analysis. Most recently at the University of Florida, Cindy played a pivotal role in transforming Environmental Health & Safety programs for clinics, laboratories, chemical safety operations, and risk management initiatives.
Beyond her professional work, Cindy volunteered as a Safety Official with the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Team, coordinating disaster response and community-driven preparedness efforts. She also supported the American Red Cross, applying her expertise to strengthen emergency preparedness and response in local communities.
Cindy holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s in environmental health. Throughout her career, she has served as a safety leader, consultant, and trainer, helping organizations implement robust safety programs and effective risk management strategies.
Bill is an Environmental Scientist with over 28 years of experience in the HSE field with a BS in Earth Sciences. As a Florida Licensed Asbestos Consultant (LAC), a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), his projects have included private, commercial, defense contracts, and governmental agencies.
David Wiggins is the CEO and President of Hazardous Operations, Inc. and Hazardous Operations Training. He has been in the Environmental Health & Safety field since the 1980’s and his career background experience includes an international environmental engineering company and a large toxicology firm. During his career, he has been a Co-Project Manager at an EPA superfund site and Project Manager of an underground nuclear test Site. In 1994, he joined the State of Florida as the Supervisor of Environmental Health & Safety for state buildings, overseeing all aspects of training, asbestos, lead, indoor air quality, underground fuel storage tanks, hazardous waste operations, PCB’s and water quality projects. He has been a guest speaker at the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s Signature Forum and has testified as an expert before the Governor’s Special Investigative Sub-Committee on Safety for the State of Florida. He additionally was elected the Chairman of the Governor’s Interagency Advisory Council for Safety & Loss Work Time Prevention in two different decades.