Hands-on learning trains next generation of safety professionals

October 15, 2024 (Volume 48, Number 4)
Article by Michele Coffill

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Marissa Alverson, second from left, talks with students Alexis Schliewe, left, and Lindsey Pelton during an Occupational Safety and Health Management class in the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center.

Photo Credit: Cory Morse

From left are Paul Rozich, ’90, Alex Rautio, ’15, Morgan McGrew, ’22, Marissa Alverson, ’22, and Dillon Braun, ’24, at the Innovation Design Center. The Rockford Construction employees visited an Occupational Safety and Health Management class.

Photo Credit: Cory Morse

Even when Alexis Schliewe was younger, she said she has always found herself advising friends against risky behavior. Now a junior in the Occupational Safety and Health Management program, Schliewe has credentials to back up her pleas of "Don't do that, you might get hurt."

"I have always been considered the safety person in my groups," Schliewe said. "I think that's why I enjoy this program so much." 

Grand Valley's OSHM program, housed in the Padnos College of Engineering, is one of two programs in Michigan to be accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the general and safety program criteria.

Courtney Aloul, affiliate professor of OSHM, said students receive hands-on learning and have direct access to industry partners. In early September, for example, five alumni of the program who work for Rockford Construction visited Aloul's classroom.

Paul Rozich, '90, is the director of safety and risk management for Rockford Construction. Of the nine people who work with the company's safety team, five are GVSU graduates. Rozich also serves on the OSHM advisory board.

"Grand Valley's program provides students with the most updated information, technology and subject-matter experts to discuss and share new advancements in fall protection or the latest ergonomic testing equipment," he said. "This helps the graduate bring new ideas and solutions to Rockford Construction to help grow the safety program while staying current."

Aloul called the company a good partner as Rockford will hire students as interns and, annually, host students for a safety tour at one of the company's construction sites.

Marissa Alverson, '22, works for Rockford as a safety coordinator. Alverson said she was successful at her internship at the company because of the OSHM program's hands-on classes and labs.

"In the Health and Safety Techniques class, we did experiential learning at various companies that welcomed OSH students," Alverson said. "We would evaluate and identify hazards on site and, as a class, come up with effective solutions, which was beneficial in preparing us for the tasks we would be doing as safety professionals."

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