How to Be Occupational Health Advisor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 22, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Exposure to hazardous workplace conditions can have serious short-term and long-term health and safety impacts on employees. An Occupational Health Advisor is a professional who helps to protect workers and ensure their safety and well-being. They assess the workplace environment and develop strategies to minimize risks, such as providing protective equipment and establishing safety protocols.

They also provide advice on dealing with stress, fatigue, and other workplace-related issues. In addition, they may provide health screenings and vaccinations, promote healthy lifestyle choices, and offer health education programs. By utilizing the expertise of an Occupational Health Advisor, companies can reduce the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses, while also reducing staff turnover and increasing productivity.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelors degree in occupational health and safety or a related field such as nursing, public health, or environmental health.
Complete a masters degree in occupational health, safety, or a related field.
Gain experience in the field by working in an occupational health setting. This could include positions such as an industrial hygienist, safety specialist, or health and safety technician.
Become certified as an Occupational Health Advisor (OHA) through a professional organization such as the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH).
Secure a position as an Occupational Health Advisor. This could be through a consulting firm, or in the health and safety department of a large organization.
Stay abreast of changes in the field of occupational health and safety through continuing education and professional development.

Occupational health advisors are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of employees within the workplace. To be reliable and competent, they must have a solid understanding of health and safety laws and regulations, as well as the ability to assess and identify potential risks. They must also be able to communicate effectively with both employers and employees and be able to provide them with advice on risk management strategies.

occupational health advisors must have the skills to develop and implement training programs that cover topics such as safe work practices, hazard identification, and emergency response. Finally, occupational health advisors must be able to provide accurate record keeping for employers and employees to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Having these skills and attributes in place will ensure that occupational health advisors are reliable and competent in their role.

You may want to check Occupational Environmental Scientist, Occupational Exposure Scientist, and Occupational Physiotherapist for alternative.

Job Description

Work with employers to develop and implement health and safety strategies and initiatives designed to reduce workplace risks and improve employee health.
Monitor the workplace for potential health hazards, including noise, hazardous chemicals, and radiation.
Educate employees on health and safety topics, such as proper ergonomics and safe lifting techniques.
Conduct health assessments, such as physical examinations, hearing tests, and vision screenings.
Provide immunizations, vaccinations, and other preventative healthcare services.
Identify areas of risk and recommend corrective measures to reduce the risk of injury in the workplace.
Develop and maintain medical records for employees.
Provide guidance to employers on disability accommodations for employees.
Assist in the development of policies and procedures related to occupational health and safety.
Monitor compliance with government health and safety regulations and standards.
Liaise with external medical professionals when necessary.
Provide counseling and support to employees dealing with stress or illness related to their work environment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

A thorough understanding of occupational health and safety legislation, standards, and best practices.
Knowledge of risk management, hazard identification and control, and workplace safety procedures.
Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to effectively explain complex medical terminology.
Strong interpersonal skills and the capability to work with personnel at all levels of the organization.
The ability to develop and implement health and safety policies and procedures.
Proficiency in using computer software such as Microsoft Office programs and occupational health databases.
The ability to conduct health risk assessments, ergonomic evaluations, and health surveys.
Skill in developing and delivering health and safety training.
The capability to coordinate medical surveillance programs.
The ability to review health records for accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations.

Being an Occupational Health Advisor requires a myriad of skills to be successful. One of the most important skills is the ability to analyze data and make well-informed decisions. This data is usually gathered from employee surveys or on-site inspections, which can be used to identify potential health and safety risks in the workplace and develop strategies to reduce them.

Having good communication and interpersonal skills are also essential, as Occupational Health Advisors must be able to effectively explain complex concepts to a wide range of people, from executives to workers on the ground. problem-solving skills are essential for Occupational Health Advisors, as they must be able to develop solutions to mitigate any health and safety risks they identify. Finally, being organized and detail-oriented are key for Occupational Health Advisors, as they must be able to keep track of multiple tasks and prioritize them appropriately.

When all these skills are combined, an Occupational Health Advisor can help ensure the health and safety of their workplace and keep the organization running smoothly.

Occupational Safety Engineer, Occupational Kinesiologist, and Occupational Disability Case Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the field of occupational health?
How do you stay up to date on changes in occupational health regulations and standards?
What strategies do you use to motivate employees to prioritize their health and safety?
How do you assess and address potential workplace hazards and risks?
How would you handle a situation in which an employee refuses to comply with safety regulations?
Describe a time when you had to take a creative approach in order to solve an occupational health problem.
What strategies have you used to develop and maintain positive relationships with employers and workers?
How have you incorporated new technologies into your work as an occupational health advisor?
What challenges have you faced as an occupational health advisor, and how did you overcome them?
What suggestions do you have for improving the overall safety and health of a workplace?

Common Tools in Industry

Safety glasses. Eyewear designed to protect the eyes from dust, debris, and hazardous materials. (eg: safety glasses with side shields)
Respirators. Devices worn on the face to protect against airborne particles, such as those generated by welding or construction. (eg: a full-face respirator)
Hearing protection. Devices worn in the ear to reduce the risk of hearing loss due to loud noise. (eg: noise-cancelling headphones)
First aid kits. Kits containing medical supplies for treating wounds and injuries. (eg: a first aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic, and other supplies)
Back supports. Devices worn around the waist to support the spine and reduce the risk of back injuries. (eg: an ergonomically designed lumbar support belt)
Ergonomic tools. Tools designed to improve workplace comfort and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. (eg: an adjustable monitor stand)
Hand protection. Gloves and other protective devices worn on the hands to reduce the risk of cuts, burns, and other injuries. (eg: Kevlar-lined gloves)
Foot protection. Shoes and other protective devices worn on the feet to reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. (eg: steel-toe boots)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN)
American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM)
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
American Public Health Association (APHA)
International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM)
World Health Organization (WHO)

We also have Occupational Training Specialist, Occupational Hazard Analyst, and Occupational Health and Safety Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Occupational Health & Safety (OHS). A set of laws and regulations designed to protect workers from health and safety risks in the workplace.
Ergonomics. The science of designing the workplace, equipment, and processes to fit the worker.
Risk Assessment. The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling potential hazards in the workplace.
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS). A set of regulations and guidelines to protect the environment from contamination or pollution.
Hazard Communication. The process of providing employees with information about hazardous materials they may be exposed to in the workplace.
Training and Education. The process of providing employees with information and instruction on how to safely work in their environment.
Medical Surveillance. The process of monitoring an employee's health status to detect and control risks associated with their work environment.
Injury Prevention. A set of strategies and practices aimed at reducing the occurrence and severity of workplace injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Occupational Health Advisor?

An Occupational Health Advisor is a professional who provides advice, guidance and support on health and safety in the workplace. They may also provide advice on health promotion, risk assessment and health surveillance.

What qualifications do Occupational Health Advisors need?

Occupational Health Advisors typically need to have a degree or postgraduate qualification in occupational health. They may also gain additional qualifications in areas such as health and safety management, health promotion, ergonomics or environmental health.

What are the responsibilities of an Occupational Health Advisor?

The main responsibility of an Occupational Health Advisor is to provide advice and guidance to employers and employees on how to prevent and manage health risks in the workplace. This can include assessing the workplace environment and recommending changes, providing training on health and safety topics, conducting health surveillance, and providing advice on health promotion initiatives.

What industries typically employ Occupational Health Advisors?

Occupational Health Advisors are typically employed in industries that involve hazardous environments, such as construction, manufacturing, energy, transport and agriculture. They may also be employed in other sectors such as healthcare, education, retail and hospitality.

What is the job outlook for Occupational Health Advisors?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Occupational Health Advisors is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This is due to increased concern over workplace safety and health standards.

Web Resources

Home | Occupational Health Services | Washington University in occupationalhealth.wustl.edu
Home | Occupational Health Program occupationalhealthprogram.ucsf.edu
Home | Occupational Health - University of Arizona occhealth.arizona.edu