Review, evaluate, and analyze working environment and design programmes and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector. This job i an excellent opportunity to undertake a varied role with responsibility for managing Occupational Health across the company whilst also assisting the Safety team with general H&S responsibilities.

Tasks:

1. Conduct safety training and education programs, and demonstrate the use of safety equipment.
2. Inspect and evaluate workplace environments, equipment, and practices, in order to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.
3. Inspect specified areas to ensure the presence of fire prevention equipment, safety equipment, and first-aid supplies.
4. Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials.
5. Collaborate with engineers and physicians to institute control and remedial measures for hazardous and potentially hazardous conditions or equipment.
6. Collect samples of dust, gases, vapours, and other potentially toxic materials for analysis.
7. Develop and maintain hygiene programs such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, and asbestos management plans.
8. Investigate accidents to identify causes and to determine how such accidents might be prevented in the future.
9. Maintain and update emergency response plans and procedures.
10. Perform laboratory analyses and physical inspections of samples in order to detect disease or to assess purity or cleanliness.

Key skills for occupational safety specialist:

• Complex problem solving
• Inductive reasoning
• Team player
• Strong work ethic
• Quality Control Analysis
• Instructing and persuasion

Average salary (2013):

The United Kingdom: £34,330 per year
The United States of America: $69,050 per year
Australia: AU$79,000 per year

Qualifications and training required:

A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required for most occupational health specialist jobs. People in this occupation come from many different academic backgrounds, but some of the most common are occupational health, chemistry, biology, and engineering.
A master's degree is required for some senior level positions in this field. Health physics and industrial hygiene programs are very relevant for this occupation. They normally include courses in respiratory protection, radiation science, and hazardous material management.
Many employers prefer to fill their entry level positions with candidates who have relevant work experience. One of the best ways to get work experience is by getting an internship while studying.