Business

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

If you’re interested in becoming an Occupational Health & Safety Specialist, read on to learn about the education and salary required. These specialists develop methods to detect and prevent hazards by analyzing current equipment and planned uses. They also analyze injury data to determine patterns and propose controls. After evaluating hazards, safety specialists can propose new programs to management, and monitor the results once they’ve been implemented. Many safety specialists also conduct safety training.

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career, consider an occupational health and safety career. The field is growing and offers a lot of job opportunities. Occupational health and safety specialists ensure the health and safety of workers by preventing illness and accidents in the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be around 122,000 jobs for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians by the year 2028. In addition to office jobs, they may also be required to inspect construction sites, tunnels, and hospitals.

Occupational health and safety specialists must be well-versed in safety regulations and policies to ensure that workers and employers are safe. These specialists apply logic and common sense to complex problems. They should listen to feedback from employees and leaders to prevent accidents. They also conduct surveys and interview employees after accidents or incidents to assess the extent of hazards and identify possible risks. Additionally, they must be knowledgeable about utilities and regularly inspect them. These professionals have a wide range of job duties and can be found working in many different environments, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.

Occupational health and safety specialists usually require several years of experience. However, not all job postings state the experience required. While the median wage is $83,500, it varies from job to job, so it is important to check the specifics of your application. In general, however, occupational health and safety specialists should have a Bachelor’s degree in science or a related field. If you want to become an occupational health and safety specialist, consider pursuing a career in a field that you love.

The work of an occupational health and safety specialist is diverse. Most of them work in offices, factories, and public spaces, and often work outside their usual hours. This type of work requires extensive fieldwork. Some specialists may work over-time and on irregular schedules. It is not uncommon for these specialists to travel a lot, so you should be prepared to spend long hours outside your normal schedule. This is a rewarding career for those with a passion for working with people.

The education required for an occupational health and safety specialist position usually requires a BA in occupational health or a related major. Some positions require a master’s degree. For many jobs, the minimum education required is a bachelor’s degree. Depending on your level of education, you can also pursue a master’s degree in a related field. A master’s degree is required for advanced positions, though.

While bachelor’s degrees can be earned for a career in occupational health and safety, many employers prefer candidates with master’s degrees and certifications. Aspiring occupational health and safety specialists should be detail-oriented and have strong communication skills. Occupational health and safety specialists must complete continuing education and maintain certification requirements. They are expected to be responsible for the health and safety of employees. They are a good listener, and they should be thorough and meticulous.

Education required for Safety Specialist

Occupational health and safety specialists monitor the workplace environment to prevent accidents and other hazards. They analyze existing safety structures and apply logic to solve problems. They may also consult with leaders to ensure that safety programs are being implemented properly. Specialists often have to travel and stand for long periods of time, and they must be able to communicate their findings to all levels of the workplace. Some specialists may have to work in harsh environments, so the education and training required is significant.

To advance in the field, candidates should pursue a master’s degree in occupational health or a related field. The Master of Public Health (MPH) program in occupational health is ideal for those looking to advance quickly. Occupational health and safety master’s degree programs are offered in full-time and online formats. The program’s requirements differ by state, so it’s important to explore the requirements of the program you plan to enroll in.

To become an occupational health & safety specialist, you must have excellent technical skills and an eye for detail. A lack of attention to detail can lead to major issues and even put employees’ lives at risk. As part of your career, you will conduct studies of the workplace environment and create plans for its safety. To develop the best possible solutions, you will need to know how to use historical data to identify hazards and determine how to make it safer for employees.

Occupational health and safety specialists typically have a Bachelor’s degree, although some positions require a master’s degree in a related field. Depending on the company you choose, you may also need to have a master’s degree. Occupational health and safety specialists need to be detail-oriented, have excellent communication skills and a keen technical knowledge. And while many jobs require a master’s degree, there are several advanced positions that require a doctorate or PhD.

As of May 2018, there are approximately 117,900 jobs in the field. The 10-year outlook predicts that job growth will be 6% over the next decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. As more companies look for people with OHSE certifications, more jobs will open up for them. Fortunately, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHWA) offers training and materials for people who want to pursue this career.

As of May 2018, the annual median salary for occupational health and safety specialists was $74,100, with some working for more than $108,000. However, this salary may vary based on geographic region and work environment. In addition, it is important to note that the exact salary of occupational health & safety specialists depends on their experience and education. They are expected to work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, corporations, and healthcare facilities.

Salary

Occupational health and safety specialists investigate physical conditions in the workplace and implement preventative measures. They also conduct research into health hazards and implement preventative measures, such as employee safety workshops. In general, they earn a higher salary than a typical businessperson. Occupational health and safety specialists work for various industries, including government and private organizations. Salary ranges for this career include the national median, as well as the median for each state.

Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians earn an average of $51,120 per year. This is higher than the national average salary, but wages vary widely across occupations. As of May 2020, the number of openings for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians is expected to grow by seven percent. During this time, there will be a need to replace workers who transfer or retire. The median wage is $43,630.

A bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety can help you enter this career field. However, if you want to specialize in a particular aspect of occupational health and safety, it may be beneficial to complete a professional certification. Many employers prefer occupational health and safety specialists with at least five years of experience. Taking a graduate-level course or becoming certified by a professional body will help boost your resume and impress prospective employers.

The median age of occupational health and safety technicians and specialists is 44.3 years. Compared to their female counterparts, male employees tend to be 2.2 years older. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Education, the most common major for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians is Biology. A relatively high percentage of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians have a major in Natural Resources & Conservation.

The salary for an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist depends on their level of education, experience, and specialty. Occupational health and safety specialists earn an average of $44,710 per year. The middle 60% of these professionals earn between $70,210 and $86,990, while the top 80% make around $134,222. The average federal tax rate for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists is 22%, which means they can expect take home pay of $58,926 per year.

Occupational health and safety specialists can work in a wide variety of settings, including government and private companies. Some jobs require working outdoors, underground, or offshore. The profession is gaining popularity and will continue to grow in tandem with the economy. Further education and training will be required to advance to higher positions. If you have a passion for protecting and improving the workplace, this career could be a great fit for you.

Occupational health and safety specialists work in diverse settings. Their work may involve traveling and fieldwork. As a result, occupational health and safety specialists are often exposed to dangerous and strenuous conditions. To minimize these risks, occupational health and safety specialists are required to wear protective clothing and equipment. Most specialists work full time, although they can work irregular hours during emergencies. They may also work in the field during emergencies. It is important to note that occupational health and safety specialists earn higher salaries than non-occupational specialists.