Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
SOC 19-5011.00 · ESCO 2263 · OSCA 262131
Role snapshot
Overview
Inspects workplaces to identify hazards, investigates accidents, and develops policies that protect employees from injury and illness. Trains staff on safety procedures and ensures organisations comply with health and safety legislation. This role is critical in creating and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
Helps prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, ensuring employee well-being and reducing financial and legal risks for organizations. Contributes to a positive safety culture and operational efficiency.
On the job
- Conduct regular workplace inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and non-compliance issues.
- Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses to determine root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive safety policies, procedures, and training programs.
- Ensure the organization complies with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA).
- Advise management on hazard control, risk reduction strategies, and emergency preparedness plans.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
GrowingJob growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.
Education & training
Bachelor's degree in occupational health and safety, industrial hygiene, or a related scientific or engineering field. Master's degree preferred for some positions.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Public Health
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
investigative · ICR
People who enjoy analyzing complex problems, working systematically with regulations, and applying practical solutions to ensure safety tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Conscientious
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and diligent in adhering to safety regulations and procedures.
Investigative
Enjoys analyzing complex problems, conducting thorough investigations, and identifying root causes of incidents.
Resilient
Maintains composure and objectivity when dealing with stressful incidents, emergencies, or challenging investigations.
Communicative
Effectively conveys critical safety information, training, and policies to diverse groups of employees and management.
Collaborative
Works effectively with various stakeholders, including employees, management, and external agencies, to foster a safety-first culture.
Best for
- Individuals passionate about protecting people and preventing harm in the workplace.
- Those who enjoy a blend of analytical investigation, practical application, and educational outreach.
- Professionals who thrive in a structured environment focused on compliance and continuous improvement.
Watch out for
- Can involve exposure to hazardous environments or distressing situations during incident response.
- Requires continuous learning and adaptation to evolving regulations and industry best practices.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Occupational Health and Safety Specialist — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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