An individual whose job it is to make sure that working conditions are as safe as possible is known as an occupational health and safety specialist. Occupational health and safety specialists are a vital part of every workplace particularly factories and manufacturing companies. As part of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, these professionals are often referred to as OSHA specialists. Learn more about occupational health and safety specialists and what the career entails.
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What They Are
Occupational health and safety specialists are trained professionals who go from one work site to another to make sure the workplace is safe and free from hazardous or dangerous conditions. Some of their duties are to inspect worksites and enforce safety standards and rules in factories and assembly lines. They also enforce rules to protect workers from biohazardous waste in medical facilities. OSHA specialists also go to schools or nuclear power plants to inspect safety standards.
Their duties also include assessing, redeveloping and updating working environments. If and when an accident does occur, the OSHA specialist often investigates what could have caused it and makes recommendations on prevention. Their duties include the following.
• Inspecting, testing and evaluating workplace equipment and practices to make sure they’re in compliance with government regulations
• Preparing reports on their findings
• Evaluating and programs dealing with workplace safety and health
• Develop and coordinate workplace procedures to keep workers safe from hazardous working conditions
• Demonstrate safe use of all equipment
• Provide training programs to employees
How to Become an OSHA Specialist
Occupational health and safety specialists are generally required to have a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). These programs typically take four years to complete and include coursework as well as supervised internships. Students in training learn about material handling, respiratory protection, inspection procedures, hazardous materials and storage procedures.
Although certification is not required to be hired as an OSHA specialist, the individual can choose to obtain certification. The Board of Certified Safety Professionals offers a few different certifications. There are various training programs available at various OSHA Training Institutions and Education Centers located throughout the United States. Many of these can be found on the United States Department of Labor site.
The titles of OSHA specialists and OSHA technicians are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. While OSHA specialists typically have the bachelor’s degree, OSHA technicians may get their training through certificate or associate degree programs as well as through on-the-job training.
Career Outlook for OSHA Specialists
As long as people are working, there will continue to be a need for these trained professionals. The BLS reports that these workers can experience a job growth of eight percent between 2016 and 2026. OSHA specialists earned a median annual wage of $71,780 as of May 2017. Wages ranged from $41,670 for the lowest ten percent and $105,840 for the top 90 percent. Years of experience, training, and location can all affect wage potential.
Occupational health and safety technicians and specialists play an important role in the workforce because they ensure that workers are working in a safe and healthy work environment. Their continued training and diligence make the occupational health and safety specialist a valuable commodity.
