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What Is a Safety Representative and How to Become One

Safety Representative

What Is a Safety Representative?

A safety representative is responsible for preventing accidents in the workplace. These employees work directly for a company, and it is their goal to reinforce health safety for all employees. They use employee education and intervention to ensure that the company is following environmental and occupational safety standards. Job duties may include performing safety inspections, updating company safety policies, educating employees on changes, and working with OSHA.

How to Become a Safety Representative

Qualifications for a safety representative often include a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, occupational health, or a related field. Other qualifications may include post-graduate degrees as well. A safety representative often develops or coordinates employee training, so good communication skills are necessary. Experience working with contractors and the numerous local, state, and federal government agencies involved with occupational safety is also helpful in this career.

Safety Representative Job Description Sample

With this Safety Representative 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 Representative role.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Safety Representative to ensure we are in compliance with all workplace regulations. This is a risk management job, so you must be on the lookout for potential hazards before they become an issue. You will conduct regular audits in this role, and when accidents occur, you must quickly fix any safety issues. You will also provide instruction to employees on safety protocols and rules. Our ideal applicant has a bachelor's degree in occupational health and several years of health and safety management experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Audit our facilities for workplace safety hazards
  • Develop safety policies for the workplace
  • Train employees on policies and risk management
  • Respond to accidents and fix the issue

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in occupational health
  • Health and safety management experience
  • Familiarity with OSHA regulations
  • Analytical problem-solving skills