Under the supervision of a specialist, an occupational health and safety technician is responsible for conducting tests and collecting data on the safety conditions of the workplace in an effort to prevent harm from hazards. As new environmental regulations and increased workers’ compensation costs become a concern for many employers, employment of occupational health and safety technicians is projected to grow about as fast as average at the rate of 11%, thus creating around 1,400 new jobs by 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational health and safety technicians will be in demand for maintaining the safety of employees, properties, the environment, and the general public in nearly every industry of our economy. The following is a full job description to determine whether becoming an occupational health and safety technician is the right career match for your interests and abilities.
What Occupational Health and Safety Technicians Do
Although occupational health and safety technicians can find employment in various settings, all share the goal of maintaining optimal health to increase worker productivity. In identifying potential health or safety hazards, technicians will collect samples of toxic materials, evaluate workplace environments, compile measurements, test machinery, handle samples of mold or gases, conduct routine inspections, check ventilation systems, inspect lighting, and ensure all workers are using appropriate protective gear. In addition to following safety regulations, some technicians may also need to fix hazardous conditions, educate employers about workplace safety routines, demonstrate proper use of equipment, and investigate incidents. All actions by occupational health and safety technicians are concerned with keeping employees safe, reducing the number of work-related accidents, lowering insurance premiums, preventing governmental fines, and improving work quality for a more profitable organization.
Where Occupational Health and Safety Technicians Work
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are around 12,600 occupational health and safety technicians employed nationwide in a variety of work environments. While the highest percentage are working for state and local government agencies, occupational health and safety technicians can also work in hospitals, technical consulting services, offices, mines, or factories. In most cases, private corporations will employ their own occupational health and safety technicians or pursue a contract with safety firms that offer these services. Injuries are significantly minimized by the use of protective gear, but technicians can be exposed to potentially dangerous or stressful conditions. Although most occupational health and safety technicians work full-time during normal business hours, some may be called in to work weekends or night shifts when emergency strikes.
How to Become an Occupational Health and Safety Technician
Occupational health and safety technicians can enter this field by pursuing on-the-job specialized training or through post-secondary education. Employers typically require that technicians have at least a high school diploma, but most prefer candidates who have earned a certificate or two-year associate’s degree from a vocational school with coursework in hazard communication, emergency management, respiratory protection, and material storage. Through on-the-job training, technicians learn about the specific regulations, inspection procedures, testing steps, and indicators for potential hazards. Many also receive certification as an Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) through the board of Certified Safety Professionals at the technician level.
Related Resource: Toxicologist
Overall, if you possess strong communication skills, physical stamina, problem-solving abilities, and confidence in using technology, becoming an occupational health and safety technician may be an ideal career option for getting your foot in the safety profession. After obtaining years of work experience as an occupational health and safety technician and pursuing a bachelor’s degree related to occupational health, you may also advance your career options to supervisory roles as an occupational health and safety specialist.