Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May...

Career Snapshot

ABOUT OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY SPECIALIST CAREERS

Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians make workplaces as accident-free as possible by seeking safer, healthier, and more efficient work methods. Specialists in occupational health and safety inspect workplaces to ensure they meet safety and environmental requirements. They look at things like lighting, ventilation, and if materials are stored or disposed of properly. Technicians in occupational health and safety collaborate with professionals to conduct tests and assess dangers. They may conduct checks to ensure that workers are wearing required protective equipment, such as masks and hardhats. Following a workplace accident or injury, occupational health and safety specialists and technicians evaluate potential causes and devise preventative measures. They may design training programmes to address hazardous circumstances and coordinate rehabilitation for injured workers. Occupational health and safety professionals and technicians are typically full-time employees that go from their offices or factories to undertake fieldwork. To limit their exposure to risks, they wear gloves, respirators, and other protective equipment. They work weekends and odd hours in crises. Specialists in occupational health and safety or a similar profession normally require a bachelor's degree, whereas technicians typically enter the industry through on-the-job training or a related associate's degree or certificate.

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Wages


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Characteristics

Leadership
Dealing and handling conflicts
Physical demands
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Comfort of the work setting
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Communication with others
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Exposure to job hazards
Level of responsibilities
Critical decision making
Competition for this position

Activities

Analyzing Data or Information Know More
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Documenting/Recording Information Know More
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Know More
Getting Information Know More
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Know More
Making Decisions and Solving Problems Know More
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Know More

Areas of Study

Biology Know More
Chemistry Know More
Education and Training Know More
Engineering and Technology Know More
English Language Know More
Law and Government Know More
Mathematics Know More
Public Safety and Security Know More

Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Complex Problem Solving Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Judgment and Decision Making Know More
Reading Comprehension Know More
Social Perceptiveness Know More
Speaking Know More
Systems Evaluation Know More