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

In an era where workplace safety is paramount, the role of Occupational Safety and Health Administrators has become increasingly significant.

As industries evolve, the demand for individuals who can develop, implement, and oversee health and safety protocols grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected from an Occupational Safety and Health Administrator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the realm of occupational safety and health administration,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Occupational Safety and Health Administrator job description template, tailored for easy publishing on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Occupational Safety and Health Administrator Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Safety and Health Administrators are responsible for ensuring that work environments are safe, healthy, and comply with all relevant regulations and standards.

They use their expertise to identify, evaluate, and control hazards, and to implement effective safety and health programs.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and implement organizational safety programs
• Analyze accident reports and evaluate injury case studies based on available facts
• Prepare and conduct safety training sessions for employees and management
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local safety laws, regulations, codes, and rules
• Initiate and maintain proper and necessary safety and health records
• Conduct or coordinate regular inspections to ensure health and safety standards are met
• Recommend solutions to issues that need improvement
• Advise management on safety compliance concerns and preventative strategies
• Establish a proactive safety culture at all levels of the organization
• Prepare reports on health and safety awareness, issues and statistics

 

Occupational Safety and Health Administrator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a diligent Occupational Safety and Health Administrator to ensure that our work environment adheres to all regulatory standards and procedures.

Responsibilities include implementing safety programs, conducting training sessions on health and safety practices, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local safety laws.

The ideal candidate should have a keen eye for detail, in-depth knowledge of occupational health and safety guidelines, and the ability to create reports and develop policies that will foster a safe workplace.

 

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
• Inspect equipment and machinery to observe possible unsafe conditions
• 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 or similar role
• In-depth knowledge of legislation (e.g. OSHA) and procedures
• Knowledge of potentially hazardous materials or practices
• Familiarity with conducting data analysis and reporting statistics
• Proficient in MS Office; Working knowledge of safety management information systems is a plus
• 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 Safety and Health Administrator
• Work Environment: This role requires routine visits to various work sites, including office settings, manufacturing plants, and outdoor work areas.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Occupational Safety and Health.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $56,000 minimum to $98,000 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 Safety and Health Administrator Do?

Occupational Safety and Health Administrators work within organizations to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

They are usually part of the Human Resources or Facilities Management team but can also work independently as consultants.

Their main task is to identify and evaluate workplace hazards and implement safety standards in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

This may involve conducting regular safety inspections, risk assessments, and audits in the workplace.

They are responsible for developing and implementing occupational health and safety programs and policies to minimize or eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses.

These programs may include training employees on safety practices, proper use of equipment, and emergency preparedness.

Occupational Safety and Health Administrators also handle accident investigations, analyze accident reports and statistics, and recommend corrective actions to prevent future incidents.

They often serve as the point of contact for regulatory bodies, ensuring that the organization meets all safety standards and reporting requirements.

This role may require them to stay updated on new legislation and advances in safety technology to update company policies as necessary.

In the event of a workplace accident or injury, they are tasked with providing immediate treatment or arranging appropriate medical attention for the affected employees.

They may also be involved in managing worker’s compensation claims.

Overall, the role of an Occupational Safety and Health Administrator is to promote a culture of safety within the organization, ensuring all employees can perform their duties in a secure and healthy environment.

 

Occupational Safety and Health Administrator Qualifications and Skills

An Occupational Safety and Health Administrator should possess a wide range of skills and qualifications, including:

• Thorough knowledge of occupational health and safety laws, regulations, and best practices to ensure workplace compliance
• Strong leadership skills to implement and oversee health and safety programs, and to ensure employee participation and compliance
• Excellent communication skills to effectively relay safety information and to maintain open lines of communication with employees, management, and regulatory agencies
• Problem-solving abilities to quickly identify hazards and risks in the workplace and develop effective solutions to mitigate them
• Attention to detail to conduct thorough inspections and audits of work areas and processes, identifying potential hazards before they cause harm
• Training skills to educate employees on safety protocols and to conduct drills and exercises
• Analytical skills to assess workplace data and statistics, identifying trends and areas requiring improvement
• Ability to keep calm under pressure, especially during emergency situations, offering clear instructions and maintaining order
• Knowledge of basic first aid and emergency response procedures to provide immediate care when needed

 

Occupational Safety and Health Administrator Experience Requirements

Entry-level Occupational Safety and Health Administrators typically have at least 1 to 2 years of relevant experience, often gained through an internship or part-time role in an organization’s safety and health department.

They may also gain valuable practical experience through fieldwork in industries such as construction, manufacturing, or healthcare, where safety and health regulations are a major focus.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have a solid grounding in occupational safety and health regulations and compliance.

They usually develop their skills in roles such as Safety Officer, Safety Inspector, or Health and Safety Coordinator.

In these roles, they gain hands-on experience in implementing safety programs, conducting safety inspections and audits, and training employees on safety procedures and regulations.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have more advanced skills in occupational safety and health administration.

They may have experience in developing and overseeing comprehensive safety programs, leading safety training sessions, and handling complex safety compliance issues.

This level of experience may also include some leadership or managerial experience, preparing them for senior-level roles in occupational safety and health administration.

In addition to job experience, a degree in occupational safety and health or a related field is often required for this role.

Many employers also prefer candidates who have professional certifications in safety and health, such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) credentials.

 

Occupational Safety and Health Administrator Education and Training Requirements

Occupational Safety and Health Administrators are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety management, or a related field such as environmental science.

These degree programs educate students on safety protocols, environmental regulations, industrial hygiene, and related topics to ensure they are equipped to maintain safety standards in a variety of workplaces.

Many organizations prefer candidates with advanced qualifications such as a master’s degree in occupational health or a similar discipline.

This higher level of education often involves in-depth studies of safety law, industrial hygiene, risk assessment, and other specialized topics.

Most states also require Occupational Safety and Health Administrators to be certified.

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals and the American Board of Industrial Hygiene offer several certifications for these professionals.

Some roles may require specific certifications such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST).

Maintaining certification typically requires ongoing education to stay updated on the latest safety regulations and practices.

In addition to formal education and certification, Occupational Safety and Health Administrators should have strong problem-solving skills, the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, and a commitment to promoting a culture of safety in the workplace.

 

Occupational Safety and Health Administrator Salary Expectations

An Occupational Safety and Health Administrator earns an average salary of $70,480 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may differ depending on factors such as professional experience, academic qualifications, geographic location, and the organization one works for.

 

Occupational Safety and Health Administrator Job Description FAQs

What are the qualifications needed for an Occupational Safety and Health Administrator?

The minimum qualification for an Occupational Safety and Health Administrator is usually a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety management, or a related field.

Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree.

Additionally, certain certifications, such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), are highly valued in this field.

 

What are the key skills an Occupational Safety and Health Administrator should possess?

An Occupational Safety and Health Administrator should have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey safety procedures and protocols.

They should also have strong analytical skills to assess potential hazards and determine how to mitigate them.

Knowledge of regulations and standards related to occupational safety and health is essential.

They also need to demonstrate strong leadership skills and the ability to influence others to follow safety guidelines.

 

What does the day-to-day work of an Occupational Safety and Health Administrator look like?

On a typical day, an Occupational Safety and Health Administrator may conduct safety audits and inspections, develop and implement safety policies and procedures, provide safety training to employees, and respond to incidents.

They may also need to analyze data related to workplace accidents and injuries, develop reports, and work with management to improve safety protocols.

 

What are the career advancement opportunities for an Occupational Safety and Health Administrator?

Occupational Safety and Health Administrators can advance to positions of greater responsibility and leadership within their organizations.

For instance, they may become a Safety Manager or Director of Safety.

Furthermore, gaining specialized knowledge and certifications can open up opportunities in more specialized areas of occupational safety and health.

 

How challenging is it to hire an Occupational Safety and Health Administrator?

The challenge in hiring an Occupational Safety and Health Administrator can often lie in finding candidates with the right mix of formal education, practical experience, and certifications.

Since this role requires a deep understanding of occupational safety and health regulations, as well as industry-specific knowledge, it may take time to find a candidate who fits the bill.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being an Occupational Safety and Health Administrator.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about enforcing safety regulations.

It’s about shaping safe and healthful working environments, one policy at a time.

With our handy Occupational Safety and Health Administrator job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take that next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for creating meticulous job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every safety regulation is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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