Health and Safety Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In our increasingly safety-conscious world, the focus on Health and Safety Engineers has never been more important.

As society evolves, the need for skilled individuals who can assess, develop, and implement safety measures to prevent or reduce hazardous situations escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Health and Safety Engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the ins and outs of health and safety engineering,

You’re at the right spot.

Today, we present a comprehensive Health and Safety Engineer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Health and Safety Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Health and Safety Engineers utilize their specialized knowledge in health and safety regulations, along with their understanding of engineering principles, to ensure that workplaces are safe and meet industry and regulatory standards.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Analyze and evaluate safety protocols and procedures in various work environments
• Design and implement safety systems and processes to minimize the risk of job-related injuries
• Conduct safety inspections and audits to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
• Work closely with management to develop and enforce health and safety policies
• Investigate accidents and incidents to identify their causes and find ways to prevent them in the future
• Develop and deliver safety training programs for employees
• Prepare reports on health and safety activities for regulatory bodies and senior management
• Recommend safety features and protective equipment to be installed or implemented in facilities
• Stay updated on current best practices, strategies, and legislation relating to workplace safety

 

Health and Safety Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Health and Safety Engineer to assist in maintaining a safe working environment.

Your duties will include evaluating work environments, developing safety procedures and regulations, and ensuring compliance with government safety regulations.

The ideal candidate will be well-versed in all health and safety regulations and have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of safety engineering and management.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement health and safety plans and programs
• Inspect facilities and processes to ensure adherence to safety regulations
• Identify potential hazards and implement preventative measures
• Conduct accident investigations and suggest improvements in safety standards
• Provide training and guidance to staff regarding safety precautions and procedures
• Develop and maintain safety reports
• Communicate with regulatory bodies and ensure compliance with all relevant laws
• Stay updated on new regulations and standards in health and safety
• Recommend solutions to issues that need improvement
• Prepare and present reports on accidents and violations and determine causes

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Health and Safety Engineer
• In-depth knowledge of health and safety regulations and best practices
• Experience with reporting and recordkeeping
• Proficient in data analysis and risk assessment
• Outstanding attention to detail and observation ability
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities
• BSc/BA in safety management, engineering or relevant field
• Valid qualification in occupational health and safety

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Health and Safety Engineer
• Work Environment: Office and field work. Some travel may be required to inspect and evaluate workplace environments, equipment, and practices.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Safety Manager or Director of Health and Safety.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $115,000 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 Engineer Do?

Health and Safety Engineers are vital for many industries as they work to ensure the safety and well-being of employees in various work environments.

Their primary role is to design systems and procedures that prevent people from getting sick or injured.

This may involve conducting inspections and audits to identify potential hazards or areas of non-compliance with health and safety regulations.

They also develop and implement health and safety programs, conduct safety training sessions for employees, and ensure that all machinery and equipment are up to safety standards.

Moreover, these engineers are responsible for investigating accidents, injuries, or occupational diseases to determine their causes and find ways to prevent them in the future.

Health and Safety Engineers work closely with companies to create safety plans, which outline procedures to follow in the case of a workplace accident.

They also keep up to date with the latest health and safety legislation, ensuring that organizations are compliant.

They may also be responsible for creating safety policies, maintaining safety records, and preparing reports outlining the effectiveness of safety programs.

In case of new machinery or equipment installation, the Health and Safety Engineer will review and approve all plans, ensuring that all elements are compliant with safety regulations.

In sum, their role is to reduce the risk of accidents or health issues in the workplace, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.

 

Health and Safety Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Health and Safety Engineers are responsible for ensuring that processes, systems and equipment meet safety standards.

They require a mix of technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and a keen sense of detail, such as:

• Technical skills to understand and review systems and processes, identifying potential risks and hazards, and recommending appropriate safety measures.
• Problem-solving skills to devise effective solutions to health and safety issues, considering both immediate and long-term impacts.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to work with different teams and individuals, explaining health and safety protocols and the importance of following them.
• Attention to detail to ensure that all aspects of the work environment comply with health and safety regulations and standards.
• Analytical skills to assess the potential risks in a work environment and determine how those risks can be mitigated.
• Understanding of health and safety laws and regulations, and the ability to ensure that the company’s practices comply with these.
• Physical stamina and abilities, as Health and Safety Engineers may need to spend considerable time on factory floors or at worksites to inspect the safety measures being followed.

 

Health and Safety Engineer Experience Requirements

To enter the field of Health and Safety Engineering, a bachelor’s degree in environmental health and safety or a related engineering discipline is typically required.

This foundational educational experience should be complemented by practical experience, often gained through internships or cooperative education programs while still in school.

Entry-level Health and Safety Engineers may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained from roles such as Safety Inspector, Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator, or similar positions.

These early roles allow them to understand the basics of health and safety regulations, risk assessment, and emergency response planning.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have more responsibilities and should have a strong knowledge of health and safety management systems, accident investigation, and risk management.

They should also be familiar with federal, state, and local safety regulations and have experience in implementing safety procedures and training programs.

Senior-level Health and Safety Engineers with over 5 years of experience might have leadership skills and be ready for roles such as Health and Safety Manager or Director.

These professionals typically have significant experience in conducting safety audits, developing safety policies and procedures, and leading safety training for staff.

They may also have a proven track record of improving safety standards and reducing workplace accidents and injuries.

In addition, Health and Safety Engineers are often required to have professional certification, such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation.

This certification indicates a high level of competence and experience in the field.

 

Health and Safety Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Health and Safety Engineers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, occupational safety, industrial health, or a related field.

Their course of study should include classes in industrial hygiene, chemistry, biology, and safety management, among others.

In addition to the degree, they often have on-the-job training to learn about specific laws and inspection procedures.

This hands-on experience is usually obtained through internships or entry-level positions.

Most states require Health and Safety Engineers to be licensed, especially if they offer services to the public.

Licensing generally requires a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program, a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, relevant work experience, and passing the Professional Engineering (PE) exam.

For some roles, a master’s degree in industrial hygiene, health physics, or a related subject may be beneficial.

Also, several organizations offer certification, which although not mandatory, can demonstrate competence in the field to prospective employers.

Continuing education is crucial in this field due to the evolving nature of laws and regulations related to occupational health and safety.

 

Health and Safety Engineer Salary Expectations

A Health and Safety Engineer can expect to earn an average salary of $91,410 (USD) per year.

However, this can fluctuate based on experience, level of education, location, and the size and industry of the employer.

 

Health and Safety Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Health and Safety Engineer need?

Health and Safety Engineers need strong problem-solving skills to find solutions that protect workers without hindering the production process.

They also need strong observational skills to identify potential hazards and risks in a work environment.

Excellent communication skills are also important, as they need to effectively convey safety measures and regulations to workers and management.

 

Do Health and Safety Engineers need a degree?

Yes, Health and Safety Engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, such as electrical, chemical, mechanical, industrial or systems engineering.

Some positions may require a Master’s degree in health and safety or an equivalent degree.

Also, obtaining certification such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) can improve job prospects.

 

What should you look for in a Health and Safety Engineer resume?

Firstly, look for educational qualifications such as a degree in engineering and certifications in health and safety.

You should also look for relevant work experience in implementing safety measures in a similar industry.

Proficiency in safety management software and knowledge of safety regulations and standards are also important aspects to look for in a resume.

 

What qualities make a good Health and Safety Engineer?

A good Health and Safety Engineer should be detail-oriented, as they need to identify and analyze potential hazards in a work environment.

They should have strong problem-solving skills to devise effective safety measures.

Excellent communication skills are also crucial as they need to clearly convey safety protocols to workers and management.

They should also be resilient and able to adapt quickly to various situations.

 

Is it difficult to hire Health and Safety Engineers?

The challenge in hiring Health and Safety Engineers lies in finding individuals with the right blend of technical knowledge and strong communication skills.

It’s also important to find candidates who are committed to staying updated with the latest safety regulations and technological advancements in safety equipment.

Therefore, it might require a thorough search and selection process.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a deep dive into what being a health and safety engineer truly entails.

And guess what?

It’s not just about ensuring safety protocols.

It’s about shaping a safer and healthier future, one risk assessment at a time.

With our comprehensive health and safety engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re all geared up to make a move.

But why end your journey here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to guide for creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every safety measure taken is part of a larger health and safety blueprint.

Let’s construct a safer world. Together.

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