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Occupation AtlasOccupational Health and Safety Specialists

O*NET · 19-5011.00

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs 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.

Also called Analysis Safety Inspector · Cause Analyst · Certified Indoor Environmentalist · Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) · Chemical Hygiene Officer · CIH · Construction Safety Manager · Consumer Safety Inspector
71 more

Dining Service Inspector · EHS Officer · EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer) · EHS Specialist · EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist) · Environmental Health Inspector · Environmental Health Sanitarian · Environmental Health Technologist · Environmental Protection Inspector · Environmental Protection Officer · Field Health Officer · Food and Drug Inspector · Food Inspector · Hazardous Waste Management Specialist · Health and Safety Analyst · Health and Safety Inspector · Health Care Facilities Inspector · Health Inspector · Health Sanitarian · Health Specialist · Industrial Hygiene Consultant · Industrial Hygienist · Industrial Hygienist Consultant · Industrial Safety and Health Specialist · Industrial Waste Inspector · Mine Safety and Health Inspector · Mortician Investigator · Occupational Safety and Health Inspector · OHS Consultant · OHS Consultant (Occupational Health and Safety Consultant) · OHS Specialist · OHS Specialist (Occupational Health and Safety Specialist) · OSHA Inspector · OSHA Inspector (Occupational Safety and Health Administration Inspector) · Public Health Inspector · Public Health Service Officer · Quarantine Inspector · Rabies Inspector · Radiation Protection Specialist · Radiological Health Specialist · Regional Safety Manager · Research Safety Inspector · Restaurant Inspector · Risk Analyst · Risk Control Consultant · Safety Administrator · Safety Advisor · Safety and Compliance Manager · Safety and Occupational Health Specialist · Safety Consultant · Safety Inspector · Safety Instructor · Safety Investigator · Safety Officer · Safety Person · Safety PM · Safety Project Manager (Safety PM) · Safety Specialist · Safety Trainer · Sanitarian · Sanitarian Inspector · Sanitary Inspector · Sanitation Inspector · Sanitation Officer · Sanitation Specialist · Site Safety and Health Officer · Site Safety Manager · Tick Inspector · Venereal Disease Investigator · Water Inspector · Work Environment Safety Inspector

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code ICR35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Food Scientists and Technologists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

ICRInvestigative · Conventional · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • I Investigative4.98
  • C Conventional4.70
  • R Realistic4.45
  • S Social3.45
  • E Enterprising3.20
  • A Artistic1.28

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Post-Secondary Certificate4%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
  • Bachelor's Degree74%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate9%
  • Master's Degree9%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (30%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (22%)
On-the-job training
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (22%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Speakingbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Writingbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Social Perceptiveness3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Systems Evaluation3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Complex Problem Solving3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Systems Analysis3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Monitoringbasic3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Active Learningbasic3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
Show the other 23
  • Instructing3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Persuasion3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Quality Control Analysis3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Operations Monitoring3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Mathematicsbasic3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Coordination3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Operations Analysis3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Service Orientation3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Negotiation2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Sciencebasic2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.53.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Troubleshooting2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Operation and Control2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Equipment Selection2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Programming1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Technology Design1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Equipment Maintenance1.40.5
  • Repairing1.40.4
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

19 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials.4.6
  2. Order suspension of activities that pose threats to workers' health or safety.4.4
  3. Develop or maintain hygiene programs, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans.4.4
  4. Investigate accidents to identify causes or to determine how such accidents might be prevented in the future.4.3
  5. Inspect or evaluate workplace environments, equipment, or practices to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.4.1
  6. Collaborate with engineers or physicians to institute control or remedial measures for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions or equipment.4.1
  7. Collect samples of dust, gases, vapors, or other potentially toxic materials for analysis.4.1
  8. Investigate the adequacy of ventilation, exhaust equipment, lighting, or other conditions that could affect employee health, comfort, or performance.4.0
  9. Conduct safety training or education programs and demonstrate the use of safety equipment.4.0
  10. Investigate health-related complaints and inspect facilities to ensure that they comply with public health legislation and regulations.4.0
  11. Write reports.3.9
  12. Inspect specified areas to ensure the presence of fire prevention equipment, safety equipment, or first-aid supplies.3.8
Show the other 10
  1. Provide new-employee health and safety orientations and develop materials for these presentations.3.7
  2. Analyze incident data to identify trends in injuries, illnesses, accidents, or other hazards.3.7
  3. Coordinate "right-to-know" programs regarding hazardous chemicals or other substances.3.6
  4. Maintain or update emergency response plans or procedures.3.6
  5. Conduct audits at hazardous waste sites or industrial sites or participate in hazardous waste site investigations.3.5
  6. Develop or maintain medical monitoring programs for employees.3.4
  7. Collect samples of hazardous materials or arrange for sample collection.3.2
  8. Maintain inventories of hazardous materials or hazardous wastes, using waste tracking systems to ensure that materials are handled properly.3.4
  9. Prepare hazardous, radioactive, or mixed waste samples for transportation or storage by treating, compacting, packaging, and labeling them.3.2
  10. Perform laboratory analyses or physical inspections of samples to detect disease or to assess purity or cleanliness.3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • English Language4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Chemistry3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Education and Training3.85.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Mathematics3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Customer and Personal Service3.75.0Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Biology3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
  • Engineering and Technology3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Law and Government3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
Show all 33
  • Public Safety and Security3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Administration and Management3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Building and Construction3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Computers and Electronics3.24.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Mechanical3.23.9Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Administrative3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Design3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Physics3.03.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Production and Processing3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Psychology3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Communications and Media2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Medicine and Dentistry2.73.2Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
  • Economics and Accounting2.41.8Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Therapy and Counseling2.32.7
  • Transportation2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Geography2.22.7
  • Telecommunications2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Sales and Marketing2.12.2Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.12.5Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Foreign Language2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Philosophy and Theology1.92.3Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • History and Archeology1.61.5Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Food Production1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Fine Arts1.3—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Deductive Reasoning4.04.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Near Vision4.04.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Flexibility of Closure3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Written Comprehension3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
Show all 52
  • Written Expression3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Information Ordering3.83.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Speech Clarity3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Category Flexibility3.33.8Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far Vision3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Fluency of Ideas3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Selective Attention3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Number Facility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Originality3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Closure3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visualization3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Time Sharing2.93.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Auditory Attention2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Memorization2.82.9
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Finger Dexterity2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.42.6Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Control Precision2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Depth Perception2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Manual Dexterity2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Multilimb Coordination2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Reaction Time2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Sound Localization2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Static Strength2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Trunk Strength2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Extent Flexibility1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Glare Sensitivity1.90.9
  • Stamina1.90.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Rate Control1.80.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Dynamic Strength1.50.5
  • Explosive Strength1.50.6
  • Gross Body Coordination1.50.5
  • Peripheral Vision1.50.5
  • Response Orientation1.50.5
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.50.5
  • Night Vision1.40.4
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.65.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.54.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.45.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.44.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.45.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.35.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.35.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.35.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
Show all 41
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.25.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Training and Teaching Others4.24.6Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Working with Computers4.23.7Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.15.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others4.15.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.04.7Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Processing Information4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.95.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.74.7Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.74.6Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing and Building Teams3.74.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.63.7Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Selling or Influencing Others3.54.5Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Thinking Creatively3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.83.8Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.62.8
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.53.1Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.52.6
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.32.6

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Telephone Conversations4.6
  • Contact With Others4.3
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.3
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.3
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.2
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.2
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.1
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.1

Technology

23 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (5)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Microsoft Wordhot

Hot (6; 5 more marked hot above)

  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • SAP software
Other tools (12)
  • Curtis Management Resources Training Management System
  • Database software
  • EcoLogic ADAM Indoor Air Quality and Analytical Data Management
  • ESS Compliance Suite
  • ImageWave MSDSFinder
  • Mannus Compliance: EHS
  • Medgate Enterprise EHS
  • Primatech AUDITWorks
  • Quality Systems Incorporated Safety Tagging System
  • RAE Systems HazRAE
  • Safety Software OSHALOG 300
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
  2. Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
  3. Environmental Compliance Inspectors
  4. Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
  5. Construction and Building Inspectors
  6. Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
  7. Environmental Engineers
  8. Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  9. Security Management Specialists
  10. Security Managers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.