Career Paths in Safety - oshatrain.org

1 Career Paths in Safety The primary focus of Safety practice is to prevent incidents and accidents that may lead to injuries, illnesses, damage to property and equipment, or harm to the environment. Many companies have combined Safety , health, and environmental matters into a single depart- ment. While there are many opportunities for people to participate in Safety matters on a part -time basis, most Career positions are full-time positions. There are several Safety positions with different levels of responsibility in a Safety Career path. Each advancing level typically requires higher levels of experience, education, and knowledge and skills in leadership, business practices, Safety and health, and communica- tion and information technology.

2 A number of surveys report that job satisfaction in the Safety field is high. Typically, accord- ing to the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), 90% of respondents say they are satisfied or very satisfied with their careers in Safety . The reasons often include varying responsibilities on a daily basis and being able to contribute to the welfare of others. The salary for Safety professionals varies significantly on level of education, experience, training, and professional credentials. The annual salary for an entry-level position generally ranges from $30,000-$50,000.

3 As Safety professionals gain experience and credentials, an annual salary may generally exceed $50,000 and may even exceed $80,000. OSHA cademy 15220 NW Greenbrier Parkway This brochure gives a brief overview of the most common careers in occupational Safety and Suite 230. Beaverton, OR 97006 health-related fields. Phone: (971) 217-8721. Ver. 20150115. Safety Consultant Overview Typical Qualifications Health and Safety consultants develop, maintain, and protect health and Safety standards within public and Comprehensive knowledge of OSHA rules and private organizations in accordance with current regulations health and Safety legislation.

4 Knowledge of ANSI, NFPA Standards, and DOT. regulations Health and Safety consultants are employed by a wide Strong technical background in at least one of range of public and private sector organizations in- the following EHS disciplines: cluding hospitals, hotels, restaurants, construction/. engineering companies, manufacturers, and large private companies. Regulatory/Compliance EHS Audits Typical Responsibilities Waste characterization/minimization Develop programs to protect employees, con- Air permitting tractors and the general public Evaluate work methods and procedures to en- Recognize health, environmental, and physical hazards sure compliance with Safety standards Write/evaluates policies and procedures Analyze contracts, Safety plans.

5 And written procedures to verify relevancy to work environ- Conduct compliance inspections and consulta- ment tions with vendors/contractors Interpret complex regulations and codes and Represent company in Safety -related regulatory apply them to the job inspections Knows/understands technologies to be used to Develop, maintain, and present Safety training perform sampling for environmental hazards to programs employees or the public Assist in incident investigations and reviews Conduct incident investigations when they in- Typical Education volve significant losses, injuries, or fatalities Bachelor's Degree in engineering, construction, OSHA cademy Oversee and mentor emergency response teams Safety or related field 15220 NW Greenbrier Parkway Suite 230 Professional Safety consultant experience Beaverton, OR 97006.

6 Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation Phone: (971) 217-8721. Ver. 20140108. Safety Manager Overview Typical Qualifications A Safety manager works on job sites and in business- es to prevent accidents. He or she can also be called Strong verbal and written communication stand- a risk manager since the workplace or job site must ards be assessed for health and Safety risks before any Ability to develop and implement policies and preventive or corrective measures can be implement- procedures and facilitate changes ed. Strong organizational and analytical skills Writing reports is a main part of a Safety managers Strong knowledge of manufacturing Safety and job.

7 Every work site evaluation must be recorded in compliance practices detail. Safety managers must explain in their reports Strong knowledge of OSHA requirements why they made a certain protective decision, such as it was done to comply with a specific law or to address Ability to make good decisions based on combi- an identified Safety problem within the workplace. nation of analysis, experience, and professional judgment Expert in researching, gathering, and compiling Typical Responsibilities intangible data Experience in managing workers' compensation Establish and monitor systems, policies, and claims procedures to comply with state and federal Proficient in using Microsoft Word, Excel.

8 Power- regulations Point and Access Facilitate monthly Safety meetings Review incident and audit findings to determine Typical Education and resolve root causes Resolves unsafe/non-compliance situations and practices Bachelor's degree in Occupational/Industrial Safety or related field Identify new Safety training needs and develop/. coordinate the program Experience working with OSHA inspectors along with other environmental Safety professionals Review, evaluate and analyze work environ- OSHA cademy 15220 NW Greenbrier Parkway ments May need OSHA 500, or be a Certified Health Suite 230 and Safety Technician (CHST) or Certified Safe- Beaverton, OR 97006 Provide consultation and expert advice to com- ty Professional (CSP).

9 Pany on all Safety and health matters Phone: (971) 217-8721. Ver. 20140108. Safety Technician Overview Typical Qualifications A health and Safety technician manages an organiza- tion's health and Safety activities. The technician's Able to work with specialists to collect and test main job is to protect employees, facilities, the public, samples of possible hazards, such as dust or and the environment from occupational hazards. vapors, in the workplace Understand and adhere to specific Safety stand- Safety technicians are often employed by govern- ards/government regulations ments to conduct official inspections and issue non- Use skills to find solutions to unsafe working compliance fines at various organizations.

10 Others conditions/ environmental concerns in the work- work as consultants to industrial companies who do place not have technicians on staff. Must be able to travel on a regular basis Typical Responsibilities Must be able to be on their feet for long periods of time Collect data on the Safety and health conditions Must have technical skills often work with com- of the workplace puters and complex testing equipment Work with occupational health and Safety spe- cialists to conduct tests/measure hazards to help Typical Education prevent harm to work, property, the environment, and the public Entry-level positions.