Occupational Health/Safety Spec

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Work Tasks

• Conduct health programs in industrial plants to identify health hazards in the workplace
• Promote work-related health and safety in the workplace
• Advise management on how to increase worker output
• Make inspections and examine and test machinery and equipment to make sure safety rules are followed
• Work for government agencies, manufacturers, management companies, public utilities, hospitals, labor unions, insurance companies, and schools
• Work with industrial machinery, protective gear, air, dust, vapor, water, and gas samples, hazardous materials, and measuring and testing equipment

Salary, Size & Growth

• $69,500 average per year ($33.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (81,700 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.8% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in occupational health, safety, engineering, biology, or chemistry
• Employers Prefer: A master's degree in industrial hygiene and work experience
• Skills/Courses: College courses include English, math, biology, chemistry, physics, related laws, and inspection procedures.
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is available after completing courses and passing a test.