Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
Occupational health and safety technicians collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists. They implement and conduct the evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.
If you are eager to make a real difference in people's lives by protecting and preserving human lives, occupational safety and health (OSH) career is a great option. In these jobs, professionals make workplaces healthier and safer.
Occupational health and safety technician's duties include testing facilities for environmental hazards, maintaining medical laboratory equipment, preparing medical supplies or equipment for use, preparing official health documents or records and protecting patients or staff members using safety equipment.
To be qualified in occupational health and safety technician jobs, a recognized bachelor's degree in occupational health and safety specialists or a technical field such as biology, chemistry or engineering with at least a few years of experience directly related to the job duties is desirable. For specific positions, a master's degree in industrial hygiene, health physics, or a related subject is advantageous.
In an OSH career, candidates find jobs in various settings, such as offices or factories. Safety specialists’ jobs involve considerable fieldwork and travel. Professionals might get exposed to risky, dangerous, or stressful conditions.
To succeed in occupational health and safety technician jobs, the safety technicians should be conscientious, i.e., possess a strong sense of responsibility towards staff and company’s health and safety, as well as the self-drive to constantly update one's level of competence and knowledge in technology, possess physical stamina and good communication ability.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Ph.D. Health Sciences
- Ph.D. Public Health
- M.D. Community Medicine
- M.D. Preventive and Social Medicine
- MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Tasks
- Maintain all required environmental records and documentation.
- Supply, operate, or maintain personal protective equipment.
- Prepare or calibrate equipment used to collect or analyze samples.
- Test workplaces for environmental hazards, such as exposure to radiation, chemical or biological hazards, or excessive noise.
- Prepare or review specifications or orders for the purchase of safety equipment, ensuring that proper features are present and that items conform to health and safety standards.
- Examine credentials, licenses, or permits to ensure compliance with licensing requirements.
- Educate the public about health issues or enforce health legislation to prevent disease, to promote health, or to help people understand health protection procedures and regulations.
- Conduct interviews to obtain information or evidence regarding communicable diseases or violations of health or sanitation regulations.
- Review records or reports concerning laboratory results, staffing, floor plans, fire inspections, or sanitation to gather information for the development or enforcement of safety activities.
- Prepare documents to be used in legal proceedings, testifying in such proceedings when necessary.
Progression Routes
READY FOR MORE?
Subscribe to our Premium package and you'll unlock a wealth of extra information about your favourite careers and gain access our library of immersive 360° VR careers experience.
As a Premium user you'll find out more about the day-to-day demands of any career, what you could earn and, importantly, receive expert advice on study routes, preparation expenses, and where & what to study to fulfil your potential.