Occupational Health Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an age dominated by a focus on health and safety at work, the demand for Occupational Health Specialists has never been greater.

As the awareness and importance of employee health and wellbeing continue to rise, so does the need for competent professionals who can establish, maintain, and improve the health standards in our workplaces.

But what exactly is expected from an Occupational Health Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of occupational health,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present to you a customizable Occupational Health Specialist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Occupational Health Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Health Specialists play a vital role in maintaining a healthy and safe work environment.

They are responsible for identifying and evaluating health and safety hazards at workplaces and coming up with preventive measures.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Inspect and evaluate workplace environments, equipment, and practices for adherence to corporate safety standards and government regulations.
• Analyze work environments and design programs to prevent disease or injury to workers.
• Conduct training on a range of topics such as emergency preparedness, hazardous material handling, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, and disease prevention.
• Collaborate with management to develop policies and programs that ensure a safe and healthy working environment.
• Investigate accidents and incidents to identify their causes and find ways to prevent them in the future.
• Recommend solutions to issues that need improvement.
• Prepare reports and documentation that detail health and safety within the workplace.
• Monitor the health status of employees and manage occupational health services.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant occupational health and safety regulations.

 

Occupational Health Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and dedicated Occupational Health Specialist to join our team.

This position will be responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating employee health and safety programs within our organization.

The Occupational Health Specialist’s duties include maintaining health records, performing health assessments, creating health and safety policies, conducting training programs for health and safety practices, and maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of workplace hazards, is well-versed with occupational health and safety regulations, and has a commitment to fostering a safe and healthy work environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor occupational health and safety programs.
• Conduct regular inspections and risk assessments, and ensure that any hazards or breaches in compliance are addressed immediately.
• Provide training and educational programs on health and safety protocols and procedures.
• Maintain detailed records of incidents, inspections, and other occurrences.
• Recommend solutions to issues, improvement opportunities, or new prevention measures.
• Manage the employee immunization and health surveillance programs.
• Respond to employees’ safety concerns and manage the return to work process for employees following absence due to illness or injury.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Occupational Health Specialist or similar role.
• Knowledge of potentially hazardous materials or practices.
• Familiarity with health and safety laws and regulations.
• Excellent organizational and motivational skills.
• Experience in writing reports and policies for health and safety.
• Certified in occupational health and safety.
• Degree in safety management, environmental health or relevant field.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Occupational Health Specialist
• Work Environment: Office setting with some field work. Travel may be required for inspections and trainings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Health and Safety Manager.
• 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 Specialist Do?

Occupational Health Specialists work in various industries, both in the public and private sector, to ensure that workplaces are safe and healthy for employees.

Their main duty is to identify and analyze potential hazards in the workplace that may cause harm to employees’ health.

They conduct regular inspections and audits in the workplace to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws relating to health and safety.

They also design and implement health and safety protocols and procedures to minimize risks and prevent accidents or illnesses.

Occupational Health Specialists are responsible for educating employees about workplace safety standards and procedures, providing training on the usage of safety equipment and emergency procedures.

They may also be tasked with investigating accidents or incidents to identify their causes and suggest corrective actions.

They may also work on programs related to ergonomics, industrial hygiene, or health and wellness to promote overall employee wellbeing in the workplace.

These professionals are often involved in liaising with management, insurance providers, and healthcare professionals to manage workplace health services and worker’s compensation claims.

Overall, the goal of an Occupational Health Specialist is to maintain a safe and healthy work environment by addressing any potential health risks and ensuring that workplaces adhere to safety and health regulations.

 

Occupational Health Specialist Qualifications and Skills

An Occupational Health Specialist should possess a range of skills and qualifications to efficiently perform their duties, which include:

• Sound knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations and ability to ensure compliance in the workplace.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively convey safety protocols and health information to employees and management.
• Strong analytical skills to identify potential hazards in the workplace and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Ability to conduct health and safety training sessions, educating employees about potential risks and how to avoid them.
• Strong problem-solving skills to address occupational health issues and find effective solutions.
• Excellent observational skills to monitor workplace conditions and ensure they meet the set health and safety standards.
• Detail-oriented in order to perform thorough assessments of workplace environments and record findings accurately.
• Good interpersonal skills to establish a positive rapport with employees and encourage a culture of safety in the workplace.

 

Occupational Health Specialist Experience Requirements

An entry-level Occupational Health Specialist typically requires a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field.

Practical experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in a healthcare setting, can be beneficial.

In these roles, they may acquire skills such as conducting health and safety inspections, developing safety procedures, and educating employees about health and safety regulations.

Candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience often hold positions in related fields such as Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator, Safety Specialist, or Industrial Hygienist.

They typically have a deeper understanding of workplace safety regulations, risk assessments, and employee health and safety training.

Those with more than 3 to 5 years of experience may have advanced their skills in areas such as implementing and managing occupational health programs, conducting complex risk assessments, and developing comprehensive health and safety training programs.

They may also have experience in liaising with regulatory bodies, and may be ready for roles with greater responsibility, such as an Occupational Health and Safety Manager.

Occupational Health Specialists with over 5 years of experience are often considered experts in their field.

They may have significant experience managing large-scale health and safety programs, leading teams, and developing strategic initiatives to enhance workplace health and safety.

At this level, they may qualify for senior roles or consulting positions in the field of occupational health and safety.

 

Occupational Health Specialist Education and Training Requirements

An Occupational Health Specialist typically requires a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, environmental health, safety management, or a related field.

They are expected to have in-depth knowledge about health and safety regulations and the ability to identify potential hazards.

Courses on biology, chemistry, toxicology, and industrial hygiene are beneficial for this role.

For more advanced positions, a master’s degree in occupational health or a related discipline may be required.

These programs usually focus on research methods, health risk factors, and advanced health safety techniques.

Several states require Occupational Health Specialists to be licensed or certified.

Licensing requirements generally include a bachelor’s degree and passing a standardized examination.

Additionally, acquiring certifications such as Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) could enhance employability and indicate a specialist’s commitment to staying updated in their field.

Most Occupational Health Specialists also undergo on-the-job training to get familiar with the specific health and safety protocols of their workplace.

Constant professional development and training are essential as health regulations and safety standards frequently change.

 

Occupational Health Specialist Salary Expectations

An Occupational Health Specialist makes an average salary of $70,480 (USD) per year.

The actual compensation can differ based on elements such as experience, qualifications, and the location of the job.

 

Occupational Health Specialist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an Occupational Health Specialist need?

Occupational Health Specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in health science, occupational health, safety, or a related field.

Some positions might require a master’s degree in occupational health or a related area.

They must also have a solid understanding of federal and state health and safety regulations.

Certifications like Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) can also be beneficial.

 

What are the daily duties of an Occupational Health Specialist?

On a typical day, an Occupational Health Specialist may conduct inspections and audits to identify potential hazards in the workplace.

They may also meet with management to discuss health and safety protocols, develop and implement health and safety training programs, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Additionally, they might investigate accidents or incidents to identify their causes and find ways to prevent them in the future.

 

What skills are important for an Occupational Health Specialist?

An Occupational Health Specialist should have strong problem-solving skills to identify hazards and determine how to mitigate them.

They should also possess excellent communication skills to effectively convey health and safety procedures to employees and management.

Attention to detail is crucial when conducting inspections and investigations.

Lastly, they should have a good understanding of data analysis to evaluate safety data and propose improvements.

 

What qualities make a good Occupational Health Specialist?

A good Occupational Health Specialist is proactive, always looking for potential hazards and ways to improve the company’s health and safety measures.

They are patient and persistent, as change often takes time in large organizations.

They are also excellent at building relationships, as their role often involves interacting with many different people, from workers on the shop floor to top-level management.

 

Is certification required for an Occupational Health Specialist?

While not always required, certification is highly recommended for Occupational Health Specialists.

Certifications like Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) can demonstrate a specialist’s knowledge and expertise in the field, making them more attractive to employers.

Certification requirements typically include a combination of education and work experience, as well as passing a comprehensive exam.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we delved into the intricacies and depths of what it truly means to be an occupational health specialist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about ensuring workplace safety.

It’s about fostering a healthier, safer, and more productive environment for everyone in the workspace, one inspection at a time.

With our comprehensive occupational health specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all geared up to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your path to creating laser-accurate job listings or refining your resume to flawless precision.

Remember:

Every safety measure is part of a bigger picture in workplace wellness.

Let’s create a healthier and safer workspace. Together.

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