Occupational Health Advisor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern world, the significance of Occupational Health Advisors is more crucial than ever.

With the increasing awareness of workplace health and safety, the demand for professionals who can ensure, enhance, and protect our working environments continues to rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Occupational Health Advisor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nature of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the dynamics of occupational health advising,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable Occupational Health Advisor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Occupational Health Advisor Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Health Advisors are responsible for assisting employees in maintaining physical and mental wellbeing in their workplace.

They work closely with management and employees to ensure that health and safety guidelines are followed and appropriate measures are taken to prevent workplace accidents and illnesses.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing and identifying potential health hazards in the workplace
• Developing and implementing health and safety programs
• Advising management on health and safety policy and risk assessment
• Providing training to employees on health and safety issues and practices
• Conducting health surveillance and fitness assessments
• Assisting with the management of sickness absence
• Providing advice on rehabilitation and return to work after illness or injury
• Coordinating employee health screenings and vaccinations
• Supporting the emotional and mental health of employees
• Keeping records of all health and safety incidents and reporting to relevant regulatory bodies when necessary
• Staying up-to-date with current health and safety legislation

 

Occupational Health Advisor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Occupational Health Advisor to join our team.

The Occupational Health Advisor will be responsible for assessing and identifying the physical and mental health risks within the workplace, implementing preventative measures, and developing health programs and policies.

The ideal candidate is someone who has a strong understanding of the principles and practice of occupational health, and is able to liaise effectively with management and employees alike.

 

Responsibilities

• Conducting risk assessments and site inspections to identify potential health hazards.
• Developing and implementing health and safety programs.
• Providing health and safety training to staff.
• Advising on occupational health and safety compliance.
• Conducting health surveillance and maintaining health records.
• Assisting in the management of sickness absence.
• Working collaboratively with human resources and management to improve workplace health.
• Providing advice on workplace adaptations for employees returning to work after illness or injury.
• Keeping up to date with developments in occupational health.

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse with a qualification in Occupational Health
• Experience in a similar role in occupational health
• Strong knowledge of health and safety regulations
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work well in a team

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuous professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Occupational Health Advisor
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional site visits. Some travel may be required for meetings or inspections.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Occupational Health Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $58,000 minimum to $80,000 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 an Occupational Health Advisor Do?

Occupational Health Advisors work with organizations to promote and maintain the health and well-being of employees within the workplace.

They are typically employed by large corporations, healthcare institutions, or work as self-employed consultants.

Their primary role involves identifying and controlling the environmental risks that can potentially lead to injury or illness in the workplace.

They conduct assessments and inspections to ensure that an organization is in compliance with all health and safety regulations.

They design and implement health promotion campaigns and initiatives, such as stress management, healthy eating, and exercise programs, to encourage a healthy lifestyle amongst employees.

Occupational Health Advisors also provide advice and counseling to employees regarding health-related issues.

They may offer support on various matters, including mental health concerns, substance abuse, and work-related injuries.

In some cases, they may be involved in rehabilitation and return to work programs for employees who have been off work due to illness or injury.

They aim to ensure that employees can return to work safely and productively.

They also maintain records, prepare reports, and present statistical information to the management.

An important part of their job is to stay updated with the latest developments in occupational health and safety legislation and participate in continuous professional development activities.

 

Occupational Health Advisor Qualifications and Skills

An Occupational Health Advisor must have a diverse set of skills and qualifications to effectively manage and improve the health and safety of employees within a workplace.

These include:

• Expert knowledge in health and safety regulations and practices, as well as staying up-to-date with any changes or advancements in this field.
• Strong communication skills to effectively communicate health and safety procedures to employees, and to liaise with management about workplace health issues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to establish trust and rapport with employees, encouraging them to follow health and safety guidelines and to report any issues they encounter.
• Problem-solving skills to identify potential health risks and develop appropriate solutions or preventative measures.
• Detail-oriented nature to ensure all aspects of a company’s health and safety procedures are being followed and that any issues are promptly addressed.
• Ability to provide health and wellness education and training to employees, promoting a culture of health and safety within the workplace.
• A nursing degree or similar qualification in a health-related field, as well as a qualification in occupational health (such as a Diploma or Certificate in Occupational Health).
• Experience in assessing the physical and mental health of employees and providing appropriate advice or treatment plans.
• Ability to conduct risk assessments and implement necessary measures to reduce workplace hazards and prevent accidents.

 

Occupational Health Advisor Experience Requirements

Entry-level Occupational Health Advisors typically have 1 to 2 years of experience in a healthcare setting, often gained through an internship or a part-time role.

Relevant experience could include working as a Registered Nurse, Health and Safety Officer, or in Public Health roles.

Occupational Health Advisors with more than 3 years of experience usually have a more comprehensive understanding of workplace health and safety regulations and practices.

They may have started in a more general healthcare role and then specialized in occupational health.

Those with over 5 years of experience in the field usually have a deep understanding of the physical and mental health issues related to various occupations.

They may also have experience working with diverse industries and dealing with a broad range of occupational health challenges.

Professionals with this level of experience may also have some leadership or managerial experience, making them suitable for roles such as Lead Occupational Health Advisor or Occupational Health Manager.

These roles often involve overseeing other advisors, coordinating health promotion programs, and developing health and safety strategies for large organizations.

 

Occupational Health Advisor Education and Training Requirements

Occupational Health Advisors typically hold a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, nursing, or a related field.

They are often registered nurses and may pursue a postgraduate qualification in occupational health, demonstrating their specialized knowledge in the field.

In addition to a formal education, hands-on training or experience in a healthcare or industrial setting is often required.

This provides them with practical experience in dealing with health and safety issues in a workplace environment.

State or national certification may also be required, depending on the country.

For instance, in the U.S., becoming a Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) or Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S) through the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses may be necessary.

Many Occupational Health Advisors also undertake ongoing professional development to keep up to date with the latest in health and safety regulations, disease management, and prevention strategies.

Those wishing to advance their careers may consider pursuing a master’s degree in occupational health or a related field, which can provide opportunities for leadership roles and increased responsibility.

 

Occupational Health Advisor Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Occupational Health Advisor is approximately $77,920 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary greatly based on factors such as experience, qualifications, the size and sector of the employer, and the region in which they work.

 

Occupational Health Advisor Job Description FAQs

What are the key skills required for an Occupational Health Advisor?

An Occupational Health Advisor should have strong communication skills to effectively liaise with all levels of staff and external stakeholders.

They should have good decision-making skills to assess and advise on occupational health and safety matters.

A solid understanding of health and safety regulations, the ability to conduct risk assessments and a keen eye for detail are essential.

Knowledge of first aid procedures and medical training may also be important.

 

What are the qualifications needed to be an Occupational Health Advisor?

Generally, an Occupational Health Advisor should hold a degree in a health-related field such as nursing, occupational health, or public health.

They should also have relevant experience in occupational health or a related area.

Some positions may require additional certifications such as a Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) or a Certified Occupational Health Professional (COHP).

 

What should you look for in an Occupational Health Advisor resume?

Look for a combination of education, certifications, and work experience in the field of occupational health.

A strong candidate will have experience conducting health assessments, developing health and safety plans, and training employees on safety procedures.

Any specialization in certain industries or types of workplaces can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Occupational Health Advisor?

A good Occupational Health Advisor is proactive, detail-oriented, and committed to promoting health and safety.

They should have the ability to build relationships with staff at all levels and be able to communicate complex health information in a way that is easy for non-medical professionals to understand.

They should also have strong problem-solving skills to identify potential health risks and implement appropriate solutions.

 

What are the common challenges faced by an Occupational Health Advisor?

The challenges faced by an Occupational Health Advisor can include staying updated with changing health and safety regulations, implementing new safety procedures, gaining staff cooperation for health initiatives, managing health risks in the workplace, and dealing with potential health and safety emergencies.

They may also face challenges in balancing the needs of the employees with the productivity goals of the organization.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved deep into what it truly entails to be an Occupational Health Advisor.

Surprise, surprise.

It’s not just about ensuring safety in the workplace.

It’s about fostering a healthier work environment, one policy at a time.

With our go-to Occupational Health Advisor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take that leap.

But don’t halt your journey here.

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or refining your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every policy is a step towards a safer and healthier work environment.

Let’s build that future. Together.

How to Become an Occupational Health Advisor (Complete Guide)

Earnings Explosion: The Most Rewarding Careers to Pursue in 2025!

Defying Death Daily: The Most Perilous Professions Unveiled

Earning with Elation: The Most Satisfying Jobs Out There

Boom or Bust: Jobs That Stay Solid in Any Economy