Safety Supervisor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era where safety and compliance have taken center stage, the role of a Safety Supervisor has become increasingly paramount.

As industries evolve and workplaces become more complex, the demand for proficient individuals who can oversee, enhance, and uphold our safety protocols is escalating.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Safety Supervisor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to comprehend the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the inner workings of workplace safety,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Safety Supervisor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Safety Supervisor Duties and Responsibilities

Safety Supervisors ensure the safety of employees and compliance with health and safety laws and regulations.

They are responsible for developing and implementing safety protocols, inspecting workplace environments, and educating employees on safety procedures.

Safety Supervisors have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and implement safety policies and procedures in compliance with local, state, and federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations
• Plan and implement training for employees in work site safety practices
• Maintain safety files and records, and prepare reports for senior management
• Conduct safety inspections and audits to assess employee compliance with safety protocols
• Identify potential hazards and dangerous conditions in the workplace and take corrective actions
• Investigate accidents, incidents, and near-misses to identify their causes and propose preventative measures
• Coordinate safety meetings, drills, and other safety awareness activities
• Order and maintain the inventory of personal protective equipment and safety supplies
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure a safe working environment
• Stay updated with latest health and safety regulations and best practices

 

Safety Supervisor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Safety Supervisor to ensure everyone in the company complies with health and safety laws.

You will also be responsible for establishing policies that will create and maintain a safe workplace.

As a Safety Supervisor, you must have excellent attention to detail to identify hazards.

You will also be able to discover opportunities for improving conditions and execute various safety programs.

The ability to communicate guidelines to a multidisciplinary workforce is essential.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute health and safety plans in the workplace according to legal guidelines
• Prepare and implement 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

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as safety supervisor or similar
• In depth knowledge of legislation (OSHA/EPA) and procedures
• Knowledge of potentially hazardous materials or practices
• Experience with writing policies and procedures for health and safety
• Familiarity with conducting data analysis and reporting statistics
• Proficient in MS Office; Working knowledge of safety management information systems is a plus
• Outstanding organizational skills
• Diligent with great attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present and explain health and safety topics
• BSc/BA in safety management or relevant field is preferred
• Professional certification (e.g. CSP) is plus

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Safety Supervisor
• Work Environment: Workplace varies from office to potentially hazardous sites.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Safety or Safety Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $68,000 minimum to $110,000 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 a Safety Supervisor Do?

Safety Supervisors typically work across industries such as construction, manufacturing, and mining where workplace hazards are common.

They are responsible for monitoring and assessing hazardous and unsafe situations in the workplace and developing measures to ensure safety.

This includes creating and implementing safety policies in line with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as industry standards.

Safety Supervisors conduct regular safety inspections, identify potential hazards, and recommend solutions to minimize these risks.

They also conduct safety training for employees, educating them about potential risks and how to avoid or respond to them.

They are also responsible for investigating accidents or incidents to discover causes and handle worker’s compensation claims.

In the event of an emergency, Safety Supervisors coordinate emergency procedures, evacuations and ensure that first aid is provided to injured employees.

Their role is to ensure that the workplace is free from hazards and that employees are adequately educated about potential safety risks in order to maintain a safe working environment.

 

Safety Supervisor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Safety Supervisor should have the skills and qualifications that align with the role’s requirements, such as:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal health and safety regulations to ensure the company is in compliance and protected from potential liabilities.
• Ability to conduct safety audits and inspections, identify hazards, and recommend corrective actions to mitigate risks.
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey safety procedures and regulations to team members and management, ensuring everyone is informed and compliant.
• Experience in training and educating employees on safety practices, policies, and standards to foster a culture of safety within the organization.
• Problem-solving skills to swiftly address any safety concerns or incidents that arise, develop appropriate solutions, and prevent recurrence.
• Attention to detail to monitor the implementation of safety protocols and to identify any potential hazards or violations.
• Ability to maintain and manage safety equipment, ensuring all tools and equipment meet safety standards and are in proper working condition.
• Experience in preparing reports on safety incidents and compliance activities for management review and action.

 

Safety Supervisor Experience Requirements

Safety Supervisors are generally expected to have a few years of experience in a safety role or similar position.

This often includes work in industrial, construction, or manufacturing settings where safety protocols are of paramount importance.

Entry-level safety professionals may start their careers with 1 to 2 years of experience, usually gained through internships or part-time roles in health and safety departments.

They may also have worked in fields like industrial hygiene, environmental safety, or occupational health.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have a proven track record of implementing and monitoring safety policies, conducting safety inspections and audits, and providing safety training to workers.

They may have gained this experience in roles such as Safety Officer, Safety Coordinator, or Environmental Health and Safety Specialist.

Those with more than 5 years of experience usually have extensive knowledge of safety regulations and standards, and may have experience overseeing safety programs and initiatives.

They may also have some managerial experience, which could prepare them for a Safety Supervisor role that requires them to manage a team and handle more complex safety issues and projects.

In addition to on-the-job experience, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in safety management, industrial hygiene, or a related field.

Some also look for certifications such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST), which can further demonstrate a candidate’s expertise in the field.

 

Safety Supervisor Education and Training Requirements

Safety Supervisors typically have a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field such as industrial hygiene, health physics, or environmental science.

In addition to a degree, they should have a strong understanding of safety regulations and standards, risk management, and emergency response.

Some positions may require Safety Supervisors to have a master’s degree in a related field or a professional certification such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).

Work experience in a safety-related role is often required, and experience in the specific industry of the job (such as construction, manufacturing, or oil and gas) can also be beneficial.

Safety Supervisors should also have excellent communication and leadership skills, as they often need to train and instruct other employees on safety procedures and policies.

Continuing education and training is important in this field to stay up-to-date with changing laws, regulations, and best practices.

Therefore, many Safety Supervisors take part in ongoing professional development and training courses throughout their careers.

 

Safety Supervisor Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Safety Supervisor is $69,800 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate depending on experience, certifications, the industry in which they work, and the geographical location.

 

Safety Supervisor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a safety supervisor need?

Safety Supervisors need to possess strong communication and leadership skills to lead safety protocols and convey essential safety information effectively.

They should also have good analytical and problem-solving abilities to assess hazards and come up with appropriate preventive measures.

Knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines, emergency response planning, and first aid are also crucial skills for this role.

 

Do safety supervisors need a degree?

While a high school diploma or equivalent might suffice for some positions, most employers prefer safety supervisors with a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety management, or a related field.

In addition, certain certifications, such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), may be required or preferred.

 

What should you look for in a safety supervisor resume?

You should look for a safety supervisor’s knowledge and understanding of safety regulations and standards.

It’s also crucial to see if they have experience in conducting safety training sessions, inspections, and emergency response planning.

Certifications in safety or related fields are a plus.

In addition, previous experience in a supervisory role or a safety-related field is desirable.

 

What qualities make a good safety supervisor?

A good safety supervisor is proactive and possesses a keen eye for detail to identify potential hazards and establish preventive measures.

They should have good decision-making abilities, especially in situations that require swift and effective responses.

Interpersonal and leadership skills are also essential as they need to inspire and guide their team towards maintaining a safe working environment.

 

What are the daily duties of a safety supervisor?

A typical day for a safety supervisor may involve conducting safety inspections, overseeing the implementation of safety protocols, conducting safety training sessions, and responding to any safety-related incidents.

They may also spend part of their day reviewing and updating safety policies and procedures, meeting with management to discuss safety concerns, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the complexities and responsibilities of a safety supervisor.

Intriguing, isn’t it?

It’s not just about enforcing rules.

It’s about safeguarding lives, one safety protocol at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive safety supervisor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why halt your journey here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to a tee.

Remember:

Every safety protocol is a step towards a safer environment.

Let’s create that secure future. Together.

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