Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

• Investigate accidents to identify causes or to determine how such accidents might be prevented in the future.
• Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials.
• Inspect or evaluate workplace environments, equipment, or practices to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.
• Develop or maintain hygiene programs, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans.
• Collect samples of dust, gases, vapors, or other potentially toxic materials for analysis.
• Investigate the adequacy of ventilation, exhaust equipment, lighting, or other conditions that could affect employee health, comfort, or performance.
• Conduct safety training or education programs and demonstrate the use of safety equipment.
• Investigate health-related complaints and inspect facilities to ensure that they comply with public health legislation and regulations.
• Collaborate with engineers or physicians to institute control or remedial measures for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions or equipment.
• Provide new-employee health and safety orientations and develop materials for these presentations.
• Develop or maintain medical monitoring programs for employees.
• Coordinate "right-to-know" programs regarding hazardous chemicals or other substances.
• Maintain or update emergency response plans or procedures.
• Inspect specified areas to ensure the presence of fire prevention equipment, safety equipment, or first-aid supplies.
• Collect samples of hazardous materials or arrange for sample collection.
• Maintain inventories of hazardous materials or hazardous wastes, using waste tracking systems to ensure that materials are handled properly.
• Conduct audits at hazardous waste sites or industrial sites or participate in hazardous waste site investigations.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists.

• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
• Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists.