Safety professionals work in a broad range of industries to help companies meet the standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Careers in workplace safety focus on helping companies prevent work-related injuries and illnesses for their employees, as well as preventing harm to property and the environment.
Candidates for many health and safety jobs in various industries can benefit from earning an advanced degree, such as an online MBA in Safety. The following is a list of jobs in the occupational safety field and an overview of what each job entails.
Occupational Safety Specialist
A safety specialist provides support for a company’s overall occupational safety program. The safety specialist is responsible for observing the work habits of employees, positively influencing employee behavior and motivating employees’ investment in workplace safety. The safety specialist also conducts training as needed.
Occupational Safety Manager
An occupational safety manager oversees a company’s safety specialists and is ultimately responsible for ensuring the company carries out its own safety policies and procedures. The safety manager must stay up-to-date with OSHA regulations and ensure that personnel have the resources they need to comply with those regulations.
Industrial Hygiene Specialist
An industrial hygiene specialist works in industries with laboratories, clinics, or physical plants that use chemicals. The specialist oversees programs that ensure employee safety when personnel handle or encounter chemicals on the job — these programs include precautions for respiratory, skin and eye protection.
Loss Prevention Analyst
A loss prevention analyst identifies areas where a company or agency can improve safety, loss prevention or risk reduction. A loss prevention analyst conducts investigations into work-related accidents and injuries in order to prevent future incidents and reduce losses.
Equipment Trainer
Companies that use heavy or specialized equipment require an in-house or on-site equipment trainer to meet occupational safety program requirements. The equipment trainer must be familiar with OSHA requirements as well as other state and local regulations. The equipment trainer conducts safety orientation for new employees as well as additional safety training for anyone using the equipment — in addition to evaluating all employees’ use of the equipment.
Occupational Health Program Manager
Many companies must have an in-house occupational health physician or nurse on duty at all times to respond to employee injuries or illnesses. An occupational health program manager oversees this medical office and its compliance with OSHA guidelines.
Graduates of undergraduate safety program who go on to earn an MBA program with an emphasis in Safety enjoy many job opportunities across a variety of industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the job outlook for health and safety jobs to maintain steady growth in the years to come.
Learn more about the Southeastern Oklahoma State University online MBA in Safety program.
Sources:
http://www.bcsp.org/Portals/0/Assets/PDF/2007_Career_Guide.pdf
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-health-and-safety-specialists.htm