Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

At a Glance

Median Salary
$36,506

Local Jobs
93

Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's Degree

Occupation Profile

Test workplaces for environmental hazards, such as exposure to radiation, chemical or biological hazards, or excessive noise. Prepare or calibrate equipment used to collect or analyze samples. Maintain all required environmental records and documentation. Supply, operate, or maintain personal protective equipment. Verify availability or monitor use of safety equipment, such as hearing protection or respirators.

By The Numbers

Median Annual Earnings

$36,506

Median Annual Earnings are the midpoint earned by 50 percent of workers who are the lowest paid and 50 percent of workers who are the highest paid in a particular occupation

Local Jobs

93

Jobs are any position in which a worker provides labor in exchange for monetary compensation (note: one individual may hold multiple jobs)

Entry-Level Education

Bachelor's Degree

This is the most common education level requested in entry-level job listings.

Daily Tasks

Test workplaces for environmental hazards, such as exposure to radiation, chemical or biological hazards, or excessive noise.
Prepare or calibrate equipment used to collect or analyze samples.
Maintain all required environmental records and documentation.
Supply, operate, or maintain personal protective equipment.
Verify availability or monitor use of safety equipment, such as hearing protection or respirators.
Recommend corrective measures to be applied based on results of environmental contaminant analyses.
Conduct worker studies to determine whether specific instances of disease or illness are job-related.
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.
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.
Evaluate situations or make determinations when a worker has refused to work on the grounds that danger or potential harm exists.
Inspect fire suppression systems or portable fire systems to ensure proper working order.
Help direct rescue or firefighting operations in the event of a fire or an explosion.
Train workers in safety procedures related to green jobs, such as the use of fall protection devices or maintenance of proper ventilation during wind turbine construction.
Plan emergency response drills.
Provide consultation to organizations or agencies on the workplace application of safety principles, practices, or techniques.
Prepare documents to be used in legal proceedings, testifying in such proceedings when necessary.
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.
Test or balance newly installed HVAC systems to determine whether indoor air quality standards are met.
Examine credentials, licenses, or permits to ensure compliance with licensing requirements.
Maintain logbooks of daily activities, including areas visited or activities performed.
Collect data regarding potential hazards from new equipment or products linked to green practices.
Confer with schools, state authorities, or community groups to develop health standards or programs.

Occupational Skills

What skills are necessary for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?

Hard Skills

Auditing
Environment Health And Safety
Environmental Policy
Occupational Health
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Risk Analysis
Safety Standards
Safety Training
Site Inspection
Training Records Management

Soft Skills

Communications
Computer Literacy
Investigation
Management
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office
Microsoft PowerPoint
Operations
Planning
Valid Driver's License

Hard skills are specific, learnable, measurable, often industry- or occupation-specific abilities related to a position.

Soft skills can be self-taught and usually do not necessitate a certain completed level of education. They are essential in many industries and occupations.

Education Programs

Del Mar College