Occupational Safety Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s demanding industrial landscape, the need for Occupational Safety Specialists has never been greater.

As industries evolve and grow, so does the need for skilled professionals who can ensure the safety and health of workers in their respective fields.

But what is truly expected from an Occupational Safety Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the complexities of occupational safety,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Occupational Safety Specialist job description template, tailored for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Occupational Safety Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Safety Specialists use their expert knowledge of health and safety procedures and regulations to ensure the well-being of employees within a work environment.

They assess potential risks and hazards, develop safety protocols, and educate employees on safety measures.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Inspecting workplaces to ensure they comply with state and federal safety laws
• Identifying potential hazards and determining ways of reducing risk
• Implementing safety training programs and conducting safety drills
• Recommending measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials
• Developing and maintaining health and safety procedures
• Investigating accidents and incidents to identify their causes and to determine how they might be prevented in the future
• Compile and analyze data on accidents, injuries, and illnesses and their causes
• Reporting on health and safety awareness, issues, and statistics
• Maintaining knowledge of current health and safety laws and regulations
• Cooperating with Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) inspectors to resolve compliance issues

 

Occupational Safety Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable Occupational Safety Specialist to ensure that our workplace adheres to health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities include conducting safety inspections, coordinating safety training sessions, and implementing preventative measures to minimize workplace hazards.

Our ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail, outstanding problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of health and safety regulations.

Ultimately, the Occupational Safety Specialist will contribute to creating a safe and healthy work environment that will improve productivity and ensure that health and safety regulations are complied with.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular safety audits and inspections to identify potential hazards
• Develop and enforce OSHA compliance programs
• Coordinate safety training sessions for employees
• Implement preventative measures to minimize workplace hazards
• Investigate workplace accidents and prepare reports
• Assess safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) for adequacy
• Collaborate with management to develop safety policies and procedures
• Stay up to date with current health and safety regulations
• Recommend improvements to existing safety practices

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Occupational Safety Specialist or similar role
• Deep understanding of legal health and safety guidelines
• Experience in reporting and developing policies
• Experience conducting audits and writing reports
• Strong communication and advisory skills
• Diligent with an analytical mind
• Certification in occupational health and safety (e.g., Certified Safety Professional (CSP)) is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in safety management, engineering or relevant field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Occupational Safety Specialist
• Work Environment: This role involves regular inspections of facilities, which may involve exposure to various work environments. Some travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Health and Safety Manager or Director of Safety.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $100,000 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 Specialist Do?

Occupational Safety Specialists play a crucial role in maintaining workplace safety across various industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and others.

They are tasked with identifying, evaluating, and controlling risks and hazards in the workplace that may cause accidents, health problems, or property damage.

They may conduct safety inspections and audits to ensure that the organization is complying with local, state, and federal safety regulations.

In addition, Occupational Safety Specialists develop and implement safety policies and procedures to help prevent harm to workers, property, and the environment.

They provide safety training to employees, contractors, and other relevant parties to promote awareness and understanding of safety protocols and standards.

They are also responsible for investigating workplace accidents and incidents to identify their causes and to prevent their recurrence.

They prepare and present reports detailing the findings from their investigations and inspections.

Furthermore, Occupational Safety Specialists may also review and suggest modifications to operational processes, machinery, and facilities to minimize safety risks.

They work closely with management, engineers, and other professionals to create and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

Lastly, they also keep abreast of the latest developments in occupational safety regulations to ensure continuous compliance by their organization.

They may also be called upon to liaise with regulatory bodies and represent their organization during safety audits and inspections.

 

Occupational Safety Specialist Qualifications and Skills

An Occupational Safety Specialist is expected to have an array of technical skills, knowledge about safety regulations and excellent communication skills to carry out their job effectively.

These include:

• Extensive knowledge about safety standards, laws, and regulations to ensure that workplaces are compliant and safe.
• A high level of attention to detail to identify potential hazards, unsafe working conditions, and non-compliant safety procedures.
• Strong problem-solving skills to analyze accident reports and equipment safety records, and implement safety measures to prevent future accidents.
• Excellent communication skills to provide safety training and education to employees, and to effectively communicate safety protocols and procedures.
• Good decision-making abilities to make quick judgments in emergency situations.
• Ability to use safety measurement tools and equipment, and also interpret the results accurately for reporting purposes.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, maintain safety records, and ensure all safety procedures are up to date and implemented.

 

Occupational Safety Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for an Occupational Safety Specialist role often have 1 to 2 years of experience, usually through internships or part-time roles in related fields such as environmental health and safety, risk management, or in the industrial or manufacturing sectors.

Candidates can also gain practical experience during their studies in courses related to safety management, occupational health, or industrial hygiene.

Individuals with about 3 to 5 years of experience often have an in-depth understanding of safety regulations, hazard control strategies, and risk assessment methodologies.

They may have gained such experience working as Safety Officers, Safety Inspectors, or in other related roles that involve enforcing safety policies and procedures.

Candidates with over 5 years of experience in the field usually possess extensive knowledge of occupational safety and health standards.

They may also have some experience leading a team, developing and implementing safety training programs, or liaising with regulatory bodies.

Such candidates are often prepared for senior or managerial roles within an organization’s safety department.

Certain roles may require specialists to have specific certifications, such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), which usually require a certain amount of work experience in the field to qualify.

 

Occupational Safety Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Occupational Safety Specialists typically hold a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety, or a related scientific field such as chemistry or biology.

In the course of their studies, they are trained in understanding safety policies, ergonomics, industrial hygiene, and environmental safety.

In addition to their degree, Occupational Safety Specialists are required to have a solid understanding of federal, state, and local safety laws to ensure that workplaces are adhering to these standards.

Some roles may require Occupational Safety Specialists to have a master’s degree in occupational or industrial hygiene, or in a related discipline.

Certification is not always necessary but can enhance job prospects.

This could be a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation, which demonstrates a high level of professionalism and commitment to ongoing education.

Continuing education and staying updated with the latest safety regulations is also crucial in this field.

Therefore, many specialists pursue advanced courses or attend safety-related workshops and seminars.

 

Occupational Safety Specialist Salary Expectations

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

However, this can significantly vary based on years of experience, certifications, the size and type of the employing company, and geographical location.

 

Occupational Safety Specialist Job Description FAQs

What are the qualifications needed to be an Occupational Safety Specialist?

Typically, Occupational Safety Specialists are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety, or a related field.

Some positions also require certification such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).

In addition, field experience is usually required, the length of which may depend on the level of the position.

 

What are the daily duties of an Occupational Safety Specialist?

Occupational Safety Specialists spend their day analyzing work environments and procedures to ensure they are in compliance with safety standards and government regulations.

They may conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals.

They could also be involved in investigating accidents or injuries and recommending corrective measures.

 

What skills does an Occupational Safety Specialist need?

An Occupational Safety Specialist should have excellent observational skills to identify potential hazards.

They need to have good problem-solving skills to determine the best way to correct safety issues.

Interpersonal skills are also important as they often need to communicate safety protocols and regulations to a wide range of individuals, from workers to management.

 

What qualities make a good Occupational Safety Specialist?

A good Occupational Safety Specialist should be detail-oriented and have a high level of vigilance to effectively inspect workplaces for health and safety hazards.

They should have strong communication skills to effectively relay safety information, as well as good analytical skills to understand complex regulations and laws related to workplace safety.

Additionally, they should demonstrate a genuine concern for the well-being of others and a commitment to ensuring a safe working environment.

 

What should you look for in an Occupational Safety Specialist resume?

When reviewing an Occupational Safety Specialist’s resume, look for a relevant educational background, preferably in occupational health and safety.

Certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) are a plus.

Also look for experience in inspecting workplaces, enforcing safety regulations, and identifying and correcting potential hazards.

Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal safety regulations is also key.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a behind-the-scenes look at the crucial role of an occupational safety specialist.

And here’s the thing:

It’s not just about enforcing safety regulations.

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

Armed with our in-depth occupational safety specialist job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why limit yourself?

Delve further with our job description generator. This tool is your next move towards creating meticulous job listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.

Bear in mind:

Every safety policy contributes to a safer, healthier workplace.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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