Occupational Health Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the contemporary world, the role of Occupational Health Managers is increasingly pivotal.

As workplace safety and health concerns rise, so does the demand for proficient individuals who can develop, implement, and maintain effective occupational health policies and procedures.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the crux of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of occupational health management,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Occupational Health Manager job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Occupational Health Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Health Managers are responsible for the management and implementation of an organization’s occupational health services.

They ensure the physical and mental well-being of employees within the workplace, focusing on preventing work-related injuries and illnesses and promoting employees’ overall wellness.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Planning, establishing, and managing the organization’s occupational health program
• Developing and implementing health and safety policies in accordance with government regulations and industry standards
• Carrying out risk assessments and identifying potential hazards in the workplace
• Coordinating and managing health surveillance and occupational health screening programs
• Providing health and wellness education and training to employees
• Maintaining records of incidents and illnesses, and producing statistical reports
• Advising management on the impact of work practices and environmental factors on the health of employees
• Coordinating employee support services such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), return-to-work programs, and health promotion activities
• Liaising with health and safety personnel to ensure consistent application of the occupational health policies
• Managing the budget for occupational health services and evaluating the effectiveness of the health programs

 

Occupational Health Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Occupational Health Manager to oversee our company’s workplace health and safety initiatives.

The Occupational Health Manager’s responsibilities include developing and implementing health programs, identifying workplace hazards, evaluating and controlling risks, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

The ideal candidate possesses excellent communication skills and comprehensive knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations.

Ultimately, the Occupational Health Manager will promote a safe and healthy working environment and ensure the company’s adherence to health and safety regulations.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement occupational health and safety programs.
• Identify and assess potential hazards and risks in the workplace.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
• Conduct health and safety training for staff.
• Investigate workplace accidents and incidents.
• Develop preventive measures to reduce accidents and incidents.
• Prepare reports on health and safety activities and accident statistics.
• Coordinate health and wellness programs for staff.
• Manage health and safety documentation and record keeping.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies as required.
• Conduct health risk assessments as necessary.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Occupational Health Manager or similar role.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal occupational health and safety regulations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to conduct training and presentations.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety management, or related field.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Occupational Health Manager
• Work Environment: This role typically works in an office setting, however, may require visits to different work sites.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Human Resources or other senior management as required.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $95,000 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 Manager Do?

Occupational Health Managers primarily work for organizations across various industries, ensuring that the health and safety standards are met and maintained within the workplace.

Their primary role is to develop and implement health and safety programs to minimize the risk of job-related accidents and illnesses.

This involves conducting regular inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with health and safety laws and regulations.

They may also be responsible for training employees on health and safety protocols, providing them with the necessary knowledge to maintain a safe working environment.

In case of any work-related injuries or illnesses, Occupational Health Managers are responsible for managing the medical care and rehabilitation of the employees.

Additionally, they often monitor employee health, organize health screenings, vaccinations, and manage occupational health records.

They also handle the management of work-related stress and promote employee well-being.

They collaborate with other departments such as Human Resources to develop policies for occupational health and safety.

In some cases, they may also be involved in handling workers’ compensation claims and dealing with insurance companies.

Their job is not only to ensure the physical health and safety of the employees but also to promote a positive and healthy work environment.

Therefore, they may also organize health and wellness programs and provide counseling and support to employees.

 

Occupational Health Manager Qualifications and Skills

An Occupational Health Manager should have a set of specialized skills and qualifications that align with the specific requirements and objectives of the role, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge of occupational health and safety laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Strong leadership skills to manage and guide the occupational health team towards achieving health and safety goals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with employees, managers, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to develop, implement, and manage occupational health programs that ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
• Strong decision-making skills to make informed choices related to health and safety matters.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to identify potential health hazards and to develop strategies to mitigate risks.
• Exceptional organizational skills for planning and implementing safety procedures, managing records, and preparing reports.
• Ability to provide training and education to staff regarding occupational health and safety measures.
• Proficiency in using various computer applications to compile and analyze data related to occupational health and safety.

 

Occupational Health Manager Experience Requirements

Occupational Health Managers typically require a significant amount of professional experience within the healthcare or occupational health sector.

Entry-level positions may require at least 3 to 5 years of relevant experience, often in roles such as Occupational Health Nurse, Health and Safety Officer, or Health Advisor.

These professionals can gain additional on-the-job experience by overseeing occupational health programs, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have developed their skills in strategy development, policy implementation and operational management.

Those with more than 8 years of experience may have leadership experience in their background and may have had responsibilities such as coordinating occupational health services, managing staff, and reporting directly to senior management.

Furthermore, many employers may prefer Occupational Health Managers who have prior experience in the industry they operate in, as this gives them a deeper understanding of the specific occupational health risks and challenges associated with that sector.

Continuing education and certifications in occupational health management, health and safety or a related field may also be beneficial.

 

Occupational Health Manager Education and Training Requirements

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

Their coursework should cover subjects like occupational safety and health, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, environmental health, healthcare management, and risk management.

In addition, they often gain a background in legal and ethical issues related to workplace health and safety, as well as in developing and implementing safety programs.

Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in occupational health, public health, healthcare administration, or a related field.

This advanced education may help Occupational Health Managers better understand complex health and safety issues and develop more effective management strategies.

Depending on the job requirements and the sector they work in, Occupational Health Managers may need certain certifications.

These might include the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) credentials, among others.

Such certifications demonstrate a high level of competence and professionalism in the field.

Occupational Health Managers also need relevant work experience, often several years, in occupational health or a related field.

This hands-on experience allows them to apply the theories and principles they have learned during their education.

Continuing education is crucial for Occupational Health Managers to keep up with emerging issues and new regulations in the field of occupational health and safety.

Many of them therefore attend seminars, workshops, and other training sessions regularly.

 

Occupational Health Manager Salary Expectations

An Occupational Health Manager earns an average salary of $90,916 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may differ depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, the industry in which they are employed, and the geographical location.

 

Occupational Health Manager Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an Occupational Health Manager need?

An Occupational Health Manager typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Environmental Health, Safety Management, or a related field.

Certifications, like Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP), are often preferred.

They also need significant experience in occupational health, safety management, or worker’s compensation, preferably in a leadership role.

 

What are the daily duties of an Occupational Health Manager?

An Occupational Health Manager’s typical day involves overseeing the company’s occupational health programs, implementing safety protocols, and conducting workplace inspections to ensure adherence to safety standards.

They may also provide health education and training to employees, manage occupational health services like vaccinations and screenings, and work on strategies to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses.

 

What skills should an Occupational Health Manager have?

An Occupational Health Manager should have strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to develop and implement occupational health strategies effectively.

They should be knowledgeable in health and safety regulations, possess strong problem-solving skills, and be proficient in managing multiple tasks.

They should also have good interpersonal skills to liaise with employees and management.

 

What makes a good Occupational Health Manager?

A good Occupational Health Manager is proactive, attentive, and dedicated to creating a safe and healthy work environment.

They should be able to anticipate potential health risks and take necessary preventive measures.

They should also have a firm grasp of industry-specific safety regulations and best practices, and be able to effectively communicate these to the workforce.

 

Is it challenging to hire an Occupational Health Manager?

Recruiting an Occupational Health Manager can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

The ideal candidate should have a solid background in occupational health, safety regulations, and managing health programs, which can be a rare combination.

Offering competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being an Occupational Health Manager.

Surprise!

It’s not just about ensuring workplace safety.

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

With our handy Occupational Health Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why halt your momentum here?

Take a deeper plunge with our job description generator. It’s your next stepping stone to meticulously-crafted job listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.

Bear in mind:

Every health policy is a piece of a larger, healthier work environment.

Let’s build that future. Together.

How to Become an Occupational Health Manager (Complete Guide)

Where Work Meets Passion: Remote Jobs with Unbeatable Pay!

The Royal Court of Careers: The Most Prestigious Jobs in Town

Workplace Winners: The Most Satisfying Jobs You’ll Envy

Flex Time: Jobs That Let You Make Your Own Schedule