Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Overview
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists are workplace detectives who inspect offices, factories, and construction sites to make sure workers stay safe and healthy. They use modern technology like air quality monitors and safety apps to collect data, then design programs to prevent accidents and injuries. These professionals work with everyone from construction crews to office managers, teaching them how to use safety equipment properly and investigating any incidents that occur. Most specialists have a bachelor's degree in occupational health, environmental science, or engineering, and they often work both in offices analyzing data and in the field conducting inspections.
Did you know?
Professionals must maintain deep knowledge of federal OSHA regulations and state-specific safety standards to ensure workplace compliance and avoid costly violations.
At a Glance
$85,034.12 Avg/yr
Median Wage
Fast Growing
Growth
Critical Thinking
Top Skill
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct audits at hazardous waste sites or industrial sites or participate in hazardous waste site investigations.
- Analyze incident data to identify trends in injuries, illnesses, accidents, or other hazards.
- Inspect specified areas to ensure the presence of fire prevention equipment, safety equipment, or first-aid supplies.
- Collaborate with engineers or physicians to institute control or remedial measures for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions or equipment.
- Maintain inventories of hazardous materials or hazardous wastes, using waste tracking systems to ensure that materials are handled properly.
- Maintain or update emergency response plans or procedures.
- Perform laboratory analyses or physical inspections of samples to detect disease or to assess purity or cleanliness.
- Collect samples of hazardous materials or arrange for sample collection.
- Investigate accidents to identify causes or to determine how such accidents might be prevented in the future.
- Coordinate "right-to-know" programs regarding hazardous chemicals or other substances.
- Investigate the adequacy of ventilation, exhaust equipment, lighting, or other conditions that could affect employee health, comfort, or performance.
- Inspect or evaluate workplace environments, equipment, or practices to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.
- Develop or maintain medical monitoring programs for employees.
- Conduct safety training or education programs and demonstrate the use of safety equipment.
- Prepare hazardous, radioactive, or mixed waste samples for transportation or storage by treating, compacting, packaging, and labeling them.
- Investigate health-related complaints and inspect facilities to ensure that they comply with public health legislation and regulations.
- Develop or maintain hygiene programs, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans.
- Provide new-employee health and safety orientations and develop materials for these presentations.
- Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials.
- Write reports.
- Collect samples of dust, gases, vapors, or other potentially toxic materials for analysis.
- Order suspension of activities that pose threats to workers' health or safety.
Career Considerations
OSHA Compliance Expertise
Professionals must maintain deep knowledge of federal OSHA regulations and state-specific safety standards to ensure workplace compliance and avoid costly violations.
Growing Industry Demand
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% job growth for this field through 2032, driven by increased workplace safety awareness and regulatory enforcement.
Professional Certification Requirements
Many employers prefer candidates with certifications from organizations like BCSP (Board of Certified Safety Professionals) or ASP (Associate Safety Professional) credentials.