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

In the modern workplace, the importance of occupational health and safety technicians cannot be overstated.

As industries evolve, the demand for skilled professionals to monitor, maintain, and ensure our workplace safety standards grows ever more critical.

But let’s take a closer look: What’s truly expected from an occupational health and safety technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the ideal job specification,
• Or simply interested in the finer details of occupational health and safety,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable occupational health and safety technician job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Occupational Health and Safety Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are responsible for ensuring that workplaces conform to health and safety standards, and for designing policies to protect the well-being of employees.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Collecting data on work environments for analysis
• Carrying out routine inspections to ensure a hazard-free environment
• Conducting tests and measuring hazards to help prevent harm to workers, property, the environment, and the general public
• Implementing and maintaining health and safety standards in the workplace
• Working with occupational health and safety specialists in conducting tests and evaluating hazards
• Developing plans to prevent incidents or repeat occurrences
• Assisting in the development of safety policies and programs
• Providing health and safety training to employees and managers
• Recording and maintaining data on safety-related incidents and responses
• Inspecting and maintaining safety equipment
• Investigating incidents and accidents to identify their causes and find ways to prevent them in the future

 

Occupational Health and Safety Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Occupational Health and Safety Technician to join our team.

The primary role of this position is to ensure the safety and health of our employees by identifying and eliminating workplace hazards.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of health and safety regulations, the ability to conduct detailed inspections and tests, and a commitment to promote a culture of safety within our organization.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular inspections and risk assessments to identify potential hazards.
• Implement safety protocols and policies in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Investigate workplace accidents and incidents to identify their causes and find ways to prevent them in the future.
• Develop and deliver health and safety training programs to employees.
• Provide advice and guidance on health and safety matters to management and staff.
• Prepare reports on health and safety activities, incidents, and investigations.
• Ensure emergency response systems and procedures are in place and regularly tested.
• Assist in maintaining safety equipment and personal protective equipment.
• Manage and dispose of hazardous substances according to safety regulations.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Occupational Health and Safety Technician or a similar role.
• Knowledge of potentially hazardous materials or practices.
• Experience in conducting safety inspections and enforcing adherence to laws and regulations governing health and safety.
• Familiarity with conducting data analysis and reporting statistics.
• Excellent attention to detail and observation ability.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Certification in occupational health and safety (e.g. NEBOSH) is a plus.
• A high school diploma is required; further training will be a plus.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Occupational Health and Safety Technician
• Work Environment: This role may require occasional travel to different work sites. The ability to tolerate various weather conditions, noise levels, and potentially hazardous materials is essential.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Health and Safety Manager or Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 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 an Occupational Health and Safety Technician Do?

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians work in a variety of industries to ensure the safety and health of employees in the workplace.

They play a critical role in preventing harm to workers, property, the environment, and the public.

They are responsible for inspecting and evaluating workplaces, equipment, and practices for adherence to regulations and safety standards.

This includes checking for hazards, such as chemical exposure, noise or radiation levels, and potential ergonomic issues.

These technicians work closely with Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in collecting and analyzing data from inspections and investigations to identify any workplace hazards or unsafe conditions.

They also help in developing preventive measures and safety programs to minimize the risk of accidents.

In addition, they may conduct safety trainings and emergency drills, maintain records of safety-related incidents, and work with management to enforce safety policies and standards.

In case of accidents, they play a key role in investigating incidents to identify their causes and find ways to prevent them in the future.

They also ensure that organizations comply with all health and safety regulations, including those pertaining to material handling and storage, equipment maintenance, and protective clothing.

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians also work with engineers and equipment designers to ensure that new equipment and machinery is safe to operate and meets all safety regulations.

 

Occupational Health and Safety Technician Qualifications and Skills

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians require a diverse set of technical and soft skills to ensure safety and health guidelines are properly implemented and maintained, including:

• Knowledge in safety protocols and regulations to evaluate and enforce compliance in various work environments.
• Analytical skills to inspect workplaces for adherence to regulations on safety, health, and the environment.
• Effective communication skills to clearly explain policies and procedures to workers and to report on the result of inspections.
• Attention to detail to ensure all safety regulations are met and to identify hazards in the workplace.
• Problem-solving skills to recommend solutions to unsafe and unhealthy conditions in the workplace.
• Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with employees at all levels of the organization and possibly with external regulatory bodies.
• Ability to work under pressure and in stressful conditions, as the job often involves dealing with accidents, injuries or hazardous working conditions.
• Physical stamina for frequent site inspections and investigations.

 

Occupational Health and Safety Technician Experience Requirements

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians generally need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although many employers prefer candidates with a postsecondary degree such as an associate’s in occupational health and safety or a related field.

These degree programs often offer coursework in hazardous material management, industrial hygiene, and accident prevention, providing the foundational knowledge required for this role.

Entry-level technicians typically have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through an internship, part-time role, or even on-the-job training.

During this time, technicians are usually under the supervision of an experienced professional and gain experience in areas such as conducting safety inspections and tests, maintaining safety equipment, and preparing reports.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their technical skills and knowledge in a variety of areas including safety audits, emergency response planning, and risk assessment.

They may have also gained experience in specific industries like construction, manufacturing, or mining that have their own unique safety requirements.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience, such as managing safety programs or training other technicians, and may be ready for a managerial or supervisory role in occupational health and safety.

Some technicians also gain specialized certifications, such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), that further demonstrate their expertise and experience in this field.

 

Occupational Health and Safety Technician Education and Training Requirements

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent as the minimum educational requirement.

However, many employers prefer candidates with further education such as an associate’s degree or certificate in occupational health and safety or a related field.

These programs are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or online platforms and cover areas such as regulations, hazardous materials management, and industrial hygiene.

Technicians also need substantial on-the-job training, where they learn to conduct tests and recognize hazards.

This on-job training usually involves working under the supervision of an experienced technician.

In addition to formal education and on-the-job training, certification is also highly valued in this field.

Certifications such as the Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) can highlight a technician’s commitment to ongoing professional development and expertise in the field.

To further enhance their skills and knowledge, technicians may also attend seminars and workshops offered by safety equipment manufacturers, professional associations, or insurance companies.

 

Occupational Health and Safety Technician Salary Expectations

An Occupational Health and Safety Technician earns an average salary of $51,550 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ significantly depending on factors such as experience, additional qualifications, the specific industry of employment, and the geographical location.

 

Occupational Health and Safety Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Occupational Health and Safety Technician need?

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians should have excellent observational skills to recognize potential hazards in the workplace.

They need to possess a keen attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to identify and address safety issues.

Additionally, strong communication skills are essential to effectively convey safety procedures and regulations to employees and management.

 

Do Occupational Health and Safety Technicians need a degree?

Many Occupational Health and Safety Technicians have an associate’s degree or certificate in occupational health and safety or a related field.

However, some entry-level positions may only require a high school diploma along with on-the-job training.

Certification or licensure may also be required or preferred, depending on the state and the nature of the work.

 

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

Look for a strong knowledge base in health and safety procedures, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and emergency response planning.

Formal education in a relevant field is a plus, as are certifications such as the Certified Safety Professional or Certified Industrial Hygienist.

Experience in a similar work environment to your industry is also beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Occupational Health and Safety Technician?

A good Occupational Health and Safety Technician is proactive, always looking for potential hazards and ways to improve safety protocols.

They should be patient and have excellent communication skills to effectively train and educate employees on safety procedures.

They need to have a high level of integrity, as their work can directly impact the safety and well-being of others.

 

How important is the role of an Occupational Health and Safety Technician?

The role of an Occupational Health and Safety Technician is extremely important.

They ensure that workplaces are safe and comply with health and safety laws and regulations.

Their work helps to prevent accidents, injuries, and health-related problems in the workplace.

By doing so, they contribute to the productivity and morale of the workforce and can help businesses avoid costly legal issues and fines.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve shed some light on the role and significance of an Occupational Health and Safety Technician in our daily lives.

Surprised?

It’s not just about safety protocols and inspections.

It’s about being the guardian of health and safety, one hazard at a time.

Armed with our detailed Occupational Health and Safety Technician job description template and real-life instances, you’re ready to stride ahead.

But why halt there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your invaluable tool for fine-tuning your listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Keep this in mind:

Every safety measure and protocol is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s create a safer future. Together.

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