Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: What They Do and How to Get There
Occupational health and safety specialists are responsible for ensuring that workplaces adhere to safety regulations and minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries among workers. They analyze workplace hazards and develop strategies to prevent accidents, illnesses, and injuries, as well as evaluate workplace procedures and equipment to ensure they meet safety standards.
Examples of occupational health and safety specialist jobs include:
Industrial hygiene specialist: An industrial hygiene specialist works in the manufacturing industry to control hazards that could cause workplace injuries, including noise, radiation, and chemicals.
Construction safety specialist: A construction safety specialist ensures that construction sites meet safety regulations and guidelines to prevent accidents among workers.
Health and safety consultant: A health and safety consultant provides safety guidance and support to clients in various industries, including healthcare, transportation, and logistics.
To become an occupational health and safety specialist, you should have at least a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field, such as engineering or environmental science. You may also need additional certifications, depending on the specific job you pursue.
To progress between levels, occupational health and safety specialists can continue their education, gain experience, and obtain various certifications. Some of the most common certifications for occupational health and safety specialists include:
Certified Safety Professional (CSP): The CSP certification requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and at least four years of professional safety experience.
Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST): The OHST certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in the occupational health and safety field.
Associate Safety Professional (ASP): The ASP certification requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and professional safety experience.
How to Get Into the Field
If you are new to the occupational health and safety field, you can take several steps to start your career. Consider obtaining a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field, gaining some experience through internships or entry-level positions, and pursuing additional certifications.
Networking with professionals in the occupational health and safety field and attending professional development events and conferences can also help you find job opportunities and advance in your career.
In Conclusion
Occupational health and safety specialists play a crucial role in ensuring workplaces meet safety regulations and preventing accidents and injuries among workers. By obtaining education, experience, and certifications, you can pursue a rewarding career in this field and make a positive impact on the safety of workplaces.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Occupational health and safety specialists are professionals who work to ensure that workplaces are safe and healthy for employees. Their responsibilities include identifying and evaluating workplace hazards, developing safety procedures, training employees on safety protocols, and investigating accidents and injuries. They are essential in preventing workplace accidents and promoting a healthy work environment.
Job Level and Salary Data
The salary data for occupational health and safety specialists varies depending on job level and union affiliation. The following table outlines the average salaries for occupational health and safety specialists in the United States:
| Job Level | Union Affiliation | Average Salary | Lowest Paid | Highest Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Workers | Level 09 | $82,888.00 | $69,846.40 | N/A |
| All Workers | N/A | $85,009.60 | $83,907.20 | N/A |
| All Workers | Entry | $59,425.60 | N/A | N/A |
| All Workers | Intermediate | $87,484.80 | N/A | N/A |
| All Levels | Nonunion | $83,616.00 | $77,272.00 | N/A |
| Full-time | All Levels | $81,785.60 | $77,729.60 | N/A |
| Full-time | Level 09 | $82,534.40 | $69,659.20 | N/A |
| Full-time | N/A | $85,196.80 | $84,260.80 | N/A |
| Full-time | Entry | $60,174.40 | N/A | N/A |
| Full-time | Intermediate | $87,276.80 | N/A | N/A |
| All Levels | Time-based pay | $81,452.80 | $77,292.80 | N/A |
Effect of Union on Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Jobs
Union affiliation can affect the job of an occupational health and safety specialist. According to the above table, nonunion occupational health and safety specialists have lower average salaries compared to their union-affiliated counterparts. However, this does not always hold true, as the data shows that time-based pay for occupational health and safety specialists who are not affiliated with unions in Columbia, SC, is lower than the national average for all levels.
Geography and Salary
The average salaries for occupational health and safety specialists also vary by geographic location. The following table highlights the highest and lowest paying cities for this profession:
| City | Average Salary | Lowest Paid | Highest Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $89,377.60 | $82,076.80 | N/A |
| Columbia, SC | $58,905.60 | $54,579.20 | N/A |
