Health and Safety Advisor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In a world increasingly focused on health and safety, the role of Health and Safety Advisors is more important than ever.
As society becomes more conscious of the potential hazards in various environments, there’s a growing need for professionals who can identify, mitigate, and prevent these risks.
So, what exactly is expected from a Health and Safety Advisor?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker wanting to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager aiming to outline the perfect candidate,
- Or simply interested in the intricate dynamics of health and safety management,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Health and Safety Advisor job description template, designed for convenient posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s delve right into it.
Health and Safety Advisor Duties and Responsibilities
Health and Safety Advisors are responsible for ensuring that safety regulations and procedures are adhered to within an organization.
They play a crucial role in preventing accidents, injuries, and health issues in the workplace.
Their main duties and responsibilities include:
- Developing, implementing, and managing health and safety strategies and policies within an organization
- Conducting risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement preventative measures
- Providing training and education to staff on health and safety protocols
- Inspecting and evaluating the environment, equipment and processes in working areas to ensure compliance with government safety regulations and industry standards
- Conducting safety inspections and audits to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
- Investigating accidents and incidents to discover causes and handle worker’s compensation claims
- Recommending solutions to issues that need improvement
- Preparing and presenting reports on health and safety activities to senior management
- Staying up to date with new legislation and maintaining a working knowledge of all Health and Safety Executive (HSE) legislation and any developments that affect the employer’s industry
Health and Safety Advisor Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are in search of a diligent Health and Safety Advisor to join our team, who will assist in maintaining a safe work environment.
Your primary responsibilities will include conducting risk assessments, creating and implementing health and safety policies, and ensuring compliance with national safety regulations.
The ideal candidate should be familiar with the latest safety regulations, capable of training staff on safety procedures, and skilled at inspecting workplace environments to identify potential hazards.
Ultimately, the Health and Safety Advisor will be responsible for fostering a safe work culture and ensuring all safety regulations are adhered to.
Responsibilities
- Develop and enforce health and safety policies
- Conduct risk assessments and inspections to identify potential hazards
- Organize safety training sessions for employees
- Ensure all safety regulations are adhered to
- Coordinate with management to implement safety measures
- Investigate workplace accidents and prepare reports
- Recommend solutions to issues that need improvement
- Stay up-to-date with the latest health and safety regulations
- Provide advice and guidance on health and safety to staff and management
- Maintain records of incidents and accidents and produce statistics for managers
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Health and Safety Advisor
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations and procedures
- Good understanding of data analysis and risk assessment
- Outstanding attention to detail and observation ability
- Excellent communication and advisory skills
- Certification in occupational health and safety (e.g. NEBOSH National Diploma)
- Degree in safety management or relevant field is preferred
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Health and Safety Advisor
- Work Environment: Office setting with regular site visits. Some travel may be required for inspections or consultations.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Health and Safety Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Health and Safety Advisor Do?
Health and Safety Advisors play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and healthy working environment in various industries.
They are responsible for ensuring that all activities comply with safety regulations and guidelines.
Their primary task is to develop and implement health and safety policies in the workplace to minimize the risk of accidents, injuries, and health-related issues.
This involves conducting regular inspections and risk assessments, identifying potential hazards, and recommending corrective measures.
Health and Safety Advisors organize and conduct training programs to educate employees about safety practices and procedures.
They also ensure that all necessary safety equipment is available and in good working condition.
They are responsible for investigating accidents or incidents to discover their causes and find ways to prevent them in the future.
They also prepare reports detailing these incidents and suggesting preventative measures.
Health and Safety Advisors work closely with management to develop strategies aimed at promoting health and safety in the workplace.
They also liaise with regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal safety laws and regulations.
Additionally, they might be responsible for managing emergency procedures, overseeing first-aid provisions, and maintaining relevant safety records.
Health and Safety Advisor Qualifications and Skills
A proficient Health and Safety Advisor should have the qualifications and skills that align with your job description, such as:
- Knowledge of relevant health and safety laws and practices to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of workplace accidents and illnesses
- Risk assessment abilities to identify potential hazards in the workplace, and implement preventive measures
- Good communication skills to effectively relay safety procedures and regulations to employees and management
- Detail-oriented to meticulously inspect workplaces for safety hazards and potential threats
- Training skills to educate employees about health and safety issues, regulations, and practices
- Problem-solving skills to determine solutions for identified safety and health risks
- First Aid and CPR certification to provide immediate response in case of workplace accidents
- Interpersonal skills to build relationships with employees and management, creating a culture of safety awareness within the organization
Health and Safety Advisor Experience Requirements
Entry-level Health and Safety Advisors often have 1 to 2 years of experience, usually obtained through internships or part-time roles in health and safety environment.
These professionals may also gain experience through roles such as Safety Inspector, Safety Officer, or other related roles in industrial or workplace settings.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their technical skills and knowledge in entry-level Health and Safety Advisor roles.
They are expected to be familiar with safety regulations, risk assessments and have experience conducting safety trainings and drills.
Those with more than 5 years of experience should have a background in implementing and evaluating safety policies and measures.
They may also have leadership experience, making them suitable for supervisory roles in health and safety departments.
Advanced roles may also require experience with conducting investigations into workplace accidents and providing recommendations to prevent future occurrences.
In addition, working as a Health and Safety Advisor requires professional certifications like the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST), which also require a certain amount of work experience to qualify for.
Health and Safety Advisor Education and Training Requirements
Health and Safety Advisors typically have a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety management, or a related field such as environmental science or engineering.
These degree programs provide the foundational knowledge in safety procedures, risk assessment, and regulations, preparing individuals for a career in health and safety advisement.
In addition to a degree, many employers also look for individuals with relevant work experience in health and safety roles.
This practical experience provides further understanding of the real-world application of safety regulations and procedures.
Most employers also require Health and Safety Advisors to have professional certification, such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation or the Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) certification.
These certifications, offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, demonstrate a high level of competency in the field.
To stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, Health and Safety Advisors are encouraged to participate in continuing education opportunities and professional development workshops.
For those looking to advance in their careers, a master’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field may be beneficial.
This advanced degree can provide a deeper understanding of safety management and may open up opportunities for leadership roles within the field.
Health and Safety Advisor Salary Expectations
A Health and Safety Advisor can expect to earn an average salary of $70,000 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, qualifications, the size and sector of the employing company, and the location of the job.
Health and Safety Advisor Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does a Health and Safety Advisor need?
Typically, a Health and Safety Advisor should have a relevant degree or diploma in health and safety, environmental science, or a related field.
They should also have recognized health and safety qualifications, such as NEBOSH or IOSH.
Prior experience in a similar role is often required, and some positions may require specific industry knowledge.
What skills are important for a Health and Safety Advisor?
Health and Safety Advisors need to have a strong understanding of health and safety regulations and the ability to apply them to various situations.
They must be detail-oriented to identify potential hazards and risk factors.
They should also have strong communication skills to effectively relay safety information to employees and management, as well as good problem-solving skills to develop safety solutions.
What are the key responsibilities of a Health and Safety Advisor?
A Health and Safety Advisor is responsible for overseeing health and safety compliance within an organization.
This includes conducting risk assessments and safety audits, developing and implementing safety policies and procedures, providing training to staff, investigating accidents and incidents, and providing advice and guidance on health and safety matters.
What qualities make a good Health and Safety Advisor?
A good Health and Safety Advisor is proactive, detail-oriented, and has a deep understanding of health and safety regulations.
They have excellent communication skills to effectively relay safety information and are able to work well under pressure.
They also have strong problem-solving skills and the ability to influence and advise others.
What should you look for in a Health and Safety Advisor resume?
When reviewing a Health and Safety Advisor’s resume, look for a relevant educational background and recognized health and safety qualifications.
Additionally, prior experience in health and safety roles, especially within your industry, is a valuable asset.
Look for demonstrated skills in risk assessment, safety training, policy development, and incident investigation.
Finally, any evidence of successful safety improvement initiatives can indicate a proactive and effective Health and Safety Advisor.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve illuminated the path of a Health and Safety Advisor.
Surprised?
It’s not just about enforcing rules.
It’s about shaping a secure and safe work environment, one policy at a time.
With our handy Health and Safety Advisor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step forward.
But don’t just pause there.
Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every policy and procedure contributes to the overall safety of the workplace.
Let’s create that safe future. Together.
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