What Is a Safety Officer and How to Become One
Table of Contents
What Is a Safety Officer?
A safety officer, or an occupational health and safety specialist, assess work environments to make recommendations regarding preventative safety measures. They also make recommendations on how to address safety issues when an accident has occurred. As a safety officer, your duties include training employees regarding safety protocols, investigating accidents, regularly monitoring and assessing work areas, and making policy recommendations for the workplace. You may work in a specialized field, like manufacturing or construction. Your job is to help workers and managers avoid health risks and accidents.
How to Become a Safety Officer
To become a safety officer, you need postsecondary education and specialized training. Though some jobs require a master’s degree in occupational health or a related field, most safety officer jobs only require a bachelor’s degree. You should study the basics of occupational health and safety, including OSHA standards. You should also hone the problem-solving skills that you will need on-the-job.
How to Be a Good Safety Officer
A good safety officer has a combination of industry knowledge, communication skills, and attention to detail. You should be familiar with your industry and all applicable safety challenges. Work hard to keep abreast of the latest government and company policies to ensure your worksite remains in compliance. Strive to build a good rapport with the workers and managers onsite. A good safety officer works in collaboration with the rest of the workers to create effective policies that do not interfere with work.
Is Safety Officer a Good Job?
The occupational health and safety field is growing and is projected to continue to do so across the board. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of occupational health and safety specialist is expected to grow by 8% between 2016 and 2026, and safety officers should be no exception.
What is the career progression for a Safety Officer?
Safety Officer Job Description Sample
With this Safety Officer job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Safety Officer role.
Job Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented, thorough, and organized safety officer to join our growing team. In this position, you will play a key role in ensuring all projects comply with local, state, and federal health and safety guidelines and procedures. You will ensure the safety of all employees, make sure all projects are up to code, and provide advice and recommendations for safety improvements.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Comply with all occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines
- Inspect worksites and review working conditions
- Document reports of occurrences and record statistical information
- Develop and implement OHS training programs
- Maintain safety regulations during installations
- Oversee disposal of substances according to environmental guidelines
- Ensure statutes, regulations, and codes are clearly understood and met
- Intervene to stop any acts or processes which are unsafe or do not comply with OHS guidelines
- Implement preventative measures to ensure unsafe processes are not repeated
- Ensure all personnel follow all personal safety precautions (hardhats, protective goggles, etc.)
- Update procedures and policies for new regulations or local ordinances
Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, engineering, construction, occupational safety and health, or related field
- 2 years of previous experience in comprehensive workplace safety and compliance programs
- Solid knowledge of state and local statutes and ordinances on fire safety and prevention, loss control, hazardous chemicals, building, electrical, noise pollution and the environment
- Valid driver's license
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
- Ability to physically stand, bend, squat, and walk throughout the workday
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel)
- Up to date on latest local and state regulation and guideline changes
Safety Officer Job Description Sample
With this Safety Officer job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Safety Officer role.
Job Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented, thorough, and organized safety officer to join our growing team. In this position, you will play a key role in ensuring all projects comply with local, state, and federal health and safety guidelines and procedures. You will ensure the safety of all employees, make sure all projects are up to code, and provide advice and recommendations for safety improvements.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Comply with all occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines
- Inspect worksites and review working conditions
- Document reports of occurrences and record statistical information
- Develop and implement OHS training programs
- Maintain safety regulations during installations
- Oversee disposal of substances according to environmental guidelines
- Ensure statutes, regulations, and codes are clearly understood and met
- Intervene to stop any acts or processes which are unsafe or do not comply with OHS guidelines
- Implement preventative measures to ensure unsafe processes are not repeated
- Ensure all personnel follow all personal safety precautions (hardhats, protective goggles, etc.)
- Update procedures and policies for new regulations or local ordinances
Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, engineering, construction, occupational safety and health, or related field
- 2 years of previous experience in comprehensive workplace safety and compliance programs
- Solid knowledge of state and local statutes and ordinances on fire safety and prevention, loss control, hazardous chemicals, building, electrical, noise pollution and the environment
- Valid driver's license
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
- Ability to physically stand, bend, squat, and walk throughout the workday
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel)
- Up to date on latest local and state regulation and guideline changes
