CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Occupational health and safety specialists examine work environments for employee safety, health and performance.
Career Level
Similar Jobs
Consider these careers as well:
- Healthcare Compliance Officer
- Medical and Health Services Manager/Administrator
- Biomedical Engineer
Salary
National average, per year
$69,370
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
2,597
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Job Description
Occupational health and safety specialists (OHSSs) have the important job of ensuring that the work environment is safe for the employees. They must identify hazardous and potentially hazardous factors and then rectify those issues. They must make sure the work environment is in compliance with safety standards and regulations.
As this is not an entry-level career, extensive education, training and work experience must be achieved prior to gaining this position. It can, however, be a rewarding career with great earning potential for those who are willing to pursue it.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Job Responsibilities
An occupational health and safety specialist may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by location.
- Identify potential risks in work environments
- Examine factors such as lighting, ventilation and office equipment, that may negatively impact employee health
- Prepare written reports of findings
- Provide recommendations to rectify hazardous or potentially hazardous issues
- Conduct health and safety training for employees
- Inspect work environment for compliance with safety standards and regulations
- Investigate accidents
- Demonstrate correct use of safety equipment
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Salary
The actual salary of the occupational health and safety specialist can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $69,370*
National average per hour: $33.35*
- $62,292 per year, $29.95 per hour**
- $55,338 per year, $26.61 per hour***
- $67,267 per year, $32.34 per hour****
- $60,314 per year, $29.00 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a healthcare compliance officer? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Good salary that increases with experience
- Variety of career settings
- Rewarding to know you are keeping people safe
- Opportunity for specialization in areas of interest
Cons
- Daily work can be stressful and busy
- Potential for long and irregular work hours
- Difficult to enter job field due to slow growth and need for extensive work experience
- Exposure to potentially hazardous situations
- Much of work time is spent on your feet
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Occupational Health and Safety Specialist?
If you are considering a career as a healthcare compliance officer, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (minimum requirement) in occupational health, health sciences, industrial hygiene or a related field. This typically takes 4 years to complete.
- If you are interested in pursuing upper management or leadership roles, earning a master’s degree will be necessary. This typically takes an additional 2 years to complete.
- Gain practical work experience through an entry-level occupational health job and through an internship.
- Pass an exam to obtain certification through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) and/or the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). Certification is not required by all employers, but is highly recommended.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the occupational health and safety specialist is in the middle of the medical career pathway and can be preceded by entry-level or other mid-level jobs. A sample career path could look like this:
Patient Service Representative > Occupational Health and Safety Specialist > Occupational Health and Safety Manager
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma / GED
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in occupational health, health sciences, industrial hygiene or a related field
- Master’s degree typically required for leadership and upper management positions
Typical Work Experience Required
Most employers prefer hiring occupational health and safety specialists with at least 5 years of work experience. You can begin by pursuing an entry-level job in the field of occupational health. You can also gain valuable work experience through internships. As an intern, you learn about the field through observations and guided participation.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by job and location.
- Exceptional communication skills
- Complex problem-solving skills
- Planning and organizational skills
- Leadership skills
- Strong knowledge of safety regulations and standards
- Computer proficiency
- Integrity
- Ability to work with a team
- High degree of attention to detail
- Physical Endurance
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Certifications
Certification is voluntary, but highly recommended. Many employers encourage certification.
- CSP, Certified Safety Professional (BCSP)
- SMS, Safety Management Specialist (BCSP)
- ASP, Associate Safety Professional (BCSP)
- OHST, Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (BCSP)
- CHST, Construction Health and Safety Technician (BCSP)
- STS, Safety Trained Supervisor (BCSP)
- STSC, Safety Trained Supervisor Construction (BCSP)
- CIT, Certified Instructional Trainer (BCSP)
- CIH, Certified Industrial Hygienist (ABIH)
Click on the certifications to find out more.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Licenses
None
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Training and Preparation
After you have earned your bachelor’s degree in occupational health, health sciences, industrial hygiene or a related field, you typically need to have at least 5 years of practical work experience before employers will consider you for an occupational health and safety specialist position. You can begin by pursuing an entry-level job in the field of occupational health. This will help you acquire practical experience and gain an understanding of the industry. Internships are also a great way to work with specialists and learn about the field through observation and guided participation.
After you have gained some practical work experience, it is time to consider becoming certified through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) and/or the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). Although certification is voluntary, becoming certified can take your career to the next level. Employers typically encourage employees to become certified, as a certification can reflect an employee’s expertise and advanced skill.
Preparing for the certification exams can be done in many ways. Flashcards, practice tests and exam prep books are great tools to help you organize and prepare. Many of these are available online or in your local bookstore. The BCSP and ABIH websites have valuable test information and test review materials available. Some strategic studying and preparation can help ensure your success.
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