Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

• 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.

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.