Occupational Health and Safety Officer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern workplace, the emphasis on Occupational Health and Safety Officers has never been more pronounced.

As industries evolve, so does the need for skilled professionals who can ensure, maintain, and enhance safety measures within our work environments.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Occupational Health and Safety Officer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of occupational health and safety,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s delve into it right away.

Occupational Health and Safety Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Health and Safety Officers are tasked with the role of ensuring that health and safety regulations are followed within the workplace.

These officers must inspect workplaces to ensure they are in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as the safety of employees.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Inspecting workplaces and workplace equipment to ensure they meet safety regulations and to identify hazards and risks
• Developing, implementing, and managing safety programs for the workplace
• Ensuring that the workplace complies with occupational health and safety legislation
• Conducting training programs to educate employees about safety requirements and procedures
• Investigating workplace accidents to identify their causes and to find ways to prevent them in the future
• Preparing and presenting reports on accidents and violations and how they can be prevented
• Advising on a range of specialist areas such as fire regulations, hazardous substances, noise, safeguarding machinery, and occupational diseases
• Establishing preventative measures to create a safe working environment
• Coordinating emergency procedures, mine rescues, firefighting, and first aid crews
• Reviewing and updating institutional health and safety policies

 

Occupational Health and Safety Officer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and proactive Occupational Health and Safety Officer to join our team.

Your primary role will be to ensure that our work environment adheres to legal standards and actively promotes employee health and safety.

You will be responsible for developing and enforcing OHS policies, implementing preventative measures and conducting regular audits and inspections.

Our ideal candidate has a keen eye for detail, a commitment to promoting a culture of safety, and an ability to educate staff on health and safety procedures.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute health and safety plans in the workplace according to legal guidelines
• Prepare and enforce policies to establish a culture of health and safety
• Evaluate practices, procedures, and facilities to assess risk and adherence to the law
• Conduct training and presentations for health and safety matters and accident prevention
• Monitor compliance to policies and laws by inspecting employees and operations
• Investigate accidents or incidents to discover causes and handle worker’s compensation claims
• Recommend solutions to issues, improvement opportunities or new prevention measures
• Report on health and safety awareness, issues and statistics

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a safety officer
• In depth knowledge of legislation (e.g. OSHA/EPA) and procedures
• Knowledge of potentially hazardous materials or practices
• Experience in writing reports and policies for health and safety
• Familiarity with conducting data analysis and reporting statistics
• Proficient in MS Office; Working knowledge of safety management information systems is a plus
• Outstanding organizational skills
• Diligent with great attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present and explain health and safety topics
• BSc/BA in safety management or relevant field is preferred
• 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: Occupational Health and Safety Officer
• Work Environment: This role requires regular walk-through inspections of the facility. Some travel may be required for training or meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Safety Manager or Director of Operations.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $85,000 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 and Safety Officer Do?

Occupational Health and Safety Officers, also known as OH&S officers, work in a variety of industries to ensure that workplaces are safe and healthy for employees.

They may be employed directly by large corporations, work as consultants, or be employed by government agencies.

The primary responsibility of an Occupational Health and Safety Officer is to identify and evaluate potential hazards in the workplace.

This could include assessing risks associated with machinery, chemicals, or workplace practices.

They may conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure that safety regulations and standards are being adhered to.

They are responsible for developing and implementing health and safety policies in the workplace, which could include training programs for employees.

They may also lead investigations into workplace accidents or incidents, compiling reports, and recommending changes to prevent future occurrences.

OH&S Officers also need to keep abreast of new legislation and regulations relating to workplace safety and ensure their company is in compliance.

They often serve as a point of contact for workers who have concerns about health and safety in their workplace, and work closely with management to address these issues.

Part of their role can also involve promoting a culture of safety within the organization, which can include coordinating health and safety meetings or awareness campaigns.

Their ultimate goal is to minimize or eliminate hazards to create a safe working environment for all employees.

 

Occupational Health and Safety Officer Qualifications and Skills

Occupational Health and Safety Officers use a mix of technical knowledge, analytical thinking, and interpersonal skills to ensure that workplaces comply with health and safety regulations.

This includes:

• Thorough knowledge of federal and state health and safety regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential hazards.
• Excellent observation skills to detect potential workplace hazards and risks.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify health and safety issues and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to conduct training and presentations on health and safety matters to educate staff about potential risks and preventive measures.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with different stakeholders, from employees to regulatory bodies, and to effectively convey safety protocols.
• Good analytical skills to evaluate data and make appropriate safety recommendations.
• Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records of inspections, incidents, and other relevant safety events.
• Proficiency in using safety management systems and other relevant software.

 

Occupational Health and Safety Officer Experience Requirements

Starting out as an Occupational Health and Safety Officer typically requires at least 2-3 years of experience in a related field such as industrial hygiene, safety engineering, or occupational health.

This experience can be gained through entry-level roles in the health and safety industry, internships, or part-time positions.

Some organizations also prefer candidates who have hands-on experience in conducting safety audits, developing safety policies, and providing safety training.

Additionally, experience in risk assessment and mitigation, accident investigation, and knowledge of safety laws and regulations can also be beneficial.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of safety procedures and protocols.

They are typically skilled in creating and implementing safety programs, managing safety records, and coordinating emergency response plans.

Those with over 10 years of experience in the field often have considerable leadership and management experience.

They are usually eligible for senior roles that involve setting strategic safety goals, overseeing a team of safety professionals, and liaising with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with safety laws.

 

Occupational Health and Safety Officer Education and Training Requirements

Occupational Health and Safety Officers often require a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety, or a related field such as environmental science, industrial hygiene, or engineering.

The curriculum of these programs typically includes courses in safety management, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, environmental safety, and health legislation.

Practical experience in the form of internships or field placements can also be beneficial.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, many employers prefer candidates with professional certification.

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals and the American Board of Industrial Hygiene are two organizations that offer relevant certifications.

To earn these credentials, candidates must meet education and experience requirements and pass an exam.

In some cases, especially for more senior positions, a master’s degree in occupational health or a related field may be required.

Many Occupational Health and Safety Officers continue their education throughout their careers to stay updated on new laws and regulations.

They may also attend training seminars offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or other regulatory bodies.

Furthermore, Occupational Health and Safety Officers should have excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively, as they often need to advise management on safety protocols and standards, investigate accidents, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

 

Occupational Health and Safety Officer Salary Expectations

An Occupational Health and Safety Officer can expect to earn an average salary of $71,567 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can significantly vary based on the officer’s experience, qualifications, the industry they’re working in, and the geographical location.

 

Occupational Health and Safety Officer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Occupational Health and Safety Officer need?

Occupational Health and Safety Officers should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to interface effectively with employees, management, and regulatory agencies.

They should have a keen eye for detail to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Problem-solving skills are crucial for developing effective safety programs and policies.

They must also have knowledge of safety management systems, risk assessments, and safety audits.

 

Do Occupational Health and Safety Officers need a degree?

Most Occupational Health and Safety Officers need at least a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health, Safety, Environmental Science, or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety or industrial hygiene.

Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) certifications can be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in an Occupational Health and Safety Officer resume?

When reviewing an Occupational Health and Safety Officer’s resume, look for relevant education and certification.

Experience in safety management, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance is important.

Any involvement in safety training, policy development, or accident investigations should be highlighted.

Also, familiarity with industry-specific safety issues can be a significant asset.

 

What qualities make a good Occupational Health and Safety Officer?

A good Occupational Health and Safety Officer is committed to creating a safe and healthy work environment.

They should be proactive, detail-oriented, and able to recognize potential hazards before they cause problems.

Excellent communication skills are crucial for clearly conveying safety procedures and regulations to employees.

They should also have strong problem-solving skills to develop effective safety policies and strategies.

 

What are the daily duties of an Occupational Health and Safety Officer?

Occupational Health and Safety Officers typically start their day by reviewing safety reports and checking for any incidents or accidents.

They spend much of their time conducting safety inspections, identifying hazards, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

They also lead safety training sessions, develop safety policies, and liaise with regulatory agencies.

Moreover, they may investigate accidents, determine causes, and suggest improvements to prevent future incidents.

 

Conclusion

And so, we’ve unveiled the real essence of being an Occupational Health and Safety Officer.

You know what?

It’s not just about inspecting workplaces.

It’s about safeguarding employees, ensuring a healthy working environment, one safety measure at a time.

Armed with our concise Occupational Health and Safety Officer job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to leap into action.

But don’t stop there!

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your go-to resource for creating precise job listings or tailoring your resume to perfection.

Keep this in mind:

Every safety measure contributes to a larger, safer workplace environment.

Let’s create that safe future. Together.

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