Career overview

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

O*NET-SOC 19-5011.00

Median pay / yr$83,910

OutlookRapid Growth

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.

What it takes

The skills, knowledge, and credentials employers look for in Occupational Health and Safety Specialists.

Skills employers look for

Active ListeningGiving 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 ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
WritingCommunicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem SolvingIdentifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Knowledge areas

English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
ChemistryKnowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Education and TrainingKnowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.