Application for 2025-2026 is now open: Apply Here!
Internship Timeline:
February 1 - Application Period Opens
March 15 - Application Period Closes
March 31 - Applicants Notified
July-August 2025 or January-February 2026 - Scheduled 8-week Internship Program options
March 2026 - Scheduled 4-week Internship Program option
NWCOHS ERC Trainee, Kat Wright, reflects upon her OSHA internship:
How did you hear about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Internship experience? What prompted you to apply?
I heard about the OSHA internship through Jenny Tsai (PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC). My interest in environmental and occupational health, along with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with OSHA and the convenience of a virtual option, made it an easy decision to apply.
What did you work on? With whom did you work?
During the internship, I worked on a workplace violence enforcement case for an incident in a health and social services related residential home. My focus was on analyzing the information we received on the case including video of the incident, OSHA 300 logs, records, care logs, documentation from the organization, workplace data and presenting the case to the Office of Occupational Medicine and Nursing (OOMN) staff team. I collaborated closely with OSHA’s behavioral health ARNP, John Dahunsi (DNP), who provided invaluable guidance throughout the process.
What did you learn? Was there anything surprising about your experience?
This experience provided a deeper understanding of how OSHA regulations are interpreted and applied in real-world enforcement. I learned a lot about the types of workplace violence and what protections are a standard for workers including the general duty clause and the aspects that fall under state enforcement versus federal OSHA. One aspect that was eye-opening was the level of detail and documentation required to ensure compliance and accountability, highlighting the importance of thorough record-keeping in occupational safety.
How do you think this experience will help you in the future? Would you recommend it to others?
The experience at OSHA increased my understanding of workplace safety standards, federal vs state responsibilities and their intersection with public health objectives. This experience provided practical insights that I can apply in my future careers, especially in roles related to compliance, policy development, or program management. The program directors Dr. Victoria Weaver (MD) and Melanie Hayes (DNP) have done an amazing job organizing the internship for virtual experiences. I would absolutely recommend this internship to others—it’s an excellent opportunity to learn and make a meaningful contribution to workplace safety.
