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

May 15, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Technicians are responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for employees. They conduct inspections, analyze workplace hazards, and recommend safety measures to reduce the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses. In addition, they monitor compliance with OHS regulations, provide training and education on safety practices, and develop OHS programs for employers.

When OHS Technicians are effective in their roles, the result is fewer workplace-related injuries and illnesses, resulting in increased worker productivity, reduced costs due to workers compensation claims, and improved morale among employees. Furthermore, the presence of an OHS Technician can lead to greater adherence to safety regulations, improved awareness of safety issues, and greater commitment to employee safety from managers and supervisors.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma. Most employers require occupational health and safety technicians to have at least a high school diploma.
Consider Earning a Bachelor's Degree. Although not always required, some employers prefer occupational health and safety technicians who have a bachelor's degree in a field such as environmental health and safety or industrial hygiene.
Obtain an Internship. Many employers offer internships to aspiring occupational health and safety technicians. Internships allow individuals to gain experience and build their skill set while they are still in school.
Become Certified. Most employers prefer to hire occupational health and safety technicians who are certified. The most common certification is the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) credential, which is offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). To qualify for the CSP, individuals must meet certain education and experience requirements, as well as pass an exam.
Obtain Professional Experience. Most employers require occupational health and safety technicians to have at least two years of professional experience. Those with more experience may be more desirable to employers.
Keep Up-To-Date on the Latest Trends. Occupational health and safety is an ever-evolving field, so it is important for technicians to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and regulations.

The role of an Occupational Health and Safety Technician is a highly skilled and complex one, requiring a great deal of knowledge and experience. The primary role of the technician is to identify potential risks in the workplace and to develop strategies to reduce or prevent them. By conducting regular risk assessments and implementing safety protocols, the technician can ensure that employees are working in a safe and secure environment.

This can have a positive impact on employee morale, productivity, and overall business performance. In addition, the technician can help to reduce the chances of workplace accidents by implementing measures such as training staff in proper safety procedures, providing the right safety equipment, and using the most effective safety systems. By doing so, the technician can make the workplace a safer and more efficient place to work.

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Job Description

Develop and implement safety policies and procedures.
Inspect workplace environments and machinery to identify potential hazards and compliance with safety regulations.
Prepare reports on safety audits and investigations.
Investigate incidents, accidents, and injuries related to occupational health and safety.
Develop and conduct safety training programs for employees.
Monitor the effectiveness of safety programs and suggest improvements.
Maintain records of safety inspections, tests, and other activities.
Assist in the development of emergency preparedness plans.
Perform risk assessments and hazard analyses.
Analyze data to identify safety trends and patterns.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of applicable safety regulations and industry standards
Ability to identify and assess health and safety risks
Ability to develop and implement safety procedures
Knowledge of occupational health and safety principles and practices
Knowledge of hazardous materials handling and disposal
Ability to inspect workplace conditions for potential hazards
Ability to provide safety training and instruction to staff
Ability to monitor work practices for compliance with safety regulations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Good interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Proficient computer skills

Being an occupational health and safety technician requires the ability to think proactively and prioritize safety above all else. This means having a comprehensive understanding of health and safety regulations, and the ability to identify potential hazards in the workplace. The technician must be able to recognize and assess any potential risks, and have the knowledge to implement the necessary changes to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

Good communication skills are also essential, as they will need to interact with staff and management in order to ensure that everyone is aware of the safety protocols and procedures in place. In addition, they must possess problem-solving skills, be able to analyze data, and be able to make informed decisions based on their findings. Lastly, they must be organized and be able to keep detailed records of safety inspections and reports.

All these skills are crucial in ensuring that the workplace is a safe and healthy environment for all employees.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a health and safety role?
How do you stay up to date on current health and safety regulations?
Describe a time when you identified a potential hazard and how you addressed it.
Have you ever conducted a workplace safety audit before?
What strategies do you use to ensure that employees are compliant with safety regulations?
How do you handle difficult conversations with employees regarding safety protocols?
How do you ensure that safety protocols are communicated and understood by all employees?
What methods do you use to investigate and analyze workplace accidents?
How do you develop and maintain an effective safety culture in the workplace?
What have been some of your most successful initiatives in improving workplace safety?

Common Tools in Industry

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Items such as safety glasses, hard hats, and respirators used to protect workers from hazards. (eg: Safety glasses protect workers eyes from dust and other airborne particles).
Hazard Communication Programs. Programs that provide information on hazardous materials and their safe use. (eg: Labels on chemical containers provide information on how to safely handle the material).
Ergonomic Tools. Devices and tools used to improve comfort and reduce risk of injury when performing a task. (eg: Ergonomic keyboards reduce strain on wrists and hands during long typing sessions).
Fire Protection Equipment. Equipment such as fire sprinklers, extinguishers, and alarms used to protect against fire hazards. (eg: Fire extinguishers are used to quickly put out small fires).
Safety Audits. Systematic review of safety programs and procedures to identify areas of improvement. (eg: Safety audits help ensure that workers are following safety protocols).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Safety Professionals
National Safety Council
American Industrial Hygiene Association
International Safety Equipment Association
American Association of Occupational Health Nurses
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Canadian Society of Safety Engineering
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
National Fire Protection Association
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists

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Common Important Terms

Risk Management. A process of identifying and assessing potential risks, and then implementing measures to reduce or eliminate them.
Hazard Identification. The process of identifying possible hazards in the workplace.
Accident Investigation. A systematic process of gathering and evaluating information to determine the cause of an accident or injury.
Ergonomics. The study of how people interact with their environment, with a focus on improving safety, comfort, and efficiency.
Emergency Preparedness. The process of developing plans, procedures, and protocols to prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Fire Prevention. The process of reducing the risk of fires by identifying potential fire hazards and implementing preventive measures.
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. Laws and regulations designed to protect workers from workplace hazards.
Safety Training. Training that teaches workers how to identify potential hazards and how to work safely to prevent accidents and injuries.
Hazardous Materials. Materials that can be hazardous to human health, such as chemicals, asbestos, and lead.
Environmental Protection. Taking steps to reduce pollutants and other harmful substances in the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Occupational Health and Safety Technicians do?

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are responsible for identifying, evaluating, and recommending solutions to hazardous working conditions or practices in the workplace. They help to ensure that employers and employees comply with safety regulations and procedures to minimize the risk of injury, illness, or death.

What qualifications are needed to become an Occupational Health and Safety Technician?

Generally, Occupational Health and Safety Technicians need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and some employers may require a specialized certificate or degree. Some may also require experience in a related field such as engineering, industrial safety, or environmental health and safety.

What type of environment do Occupational Health and Safety Technicians work in?

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians typically work in a variety of environments, such as industrial plants, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, construction sites, laboratories, offices, and retail stores.

What are some common duties of an Occupational Health and Safety Technician?

Common duties of an Occupational Health and Safety Technician include conducting safety assessments, monitoring workplace conditions and activities, providing safety training to employees, inspecting safety equipment and facilities, developing safety policies and procedures, and responding to accidents or emergencies.

What is the average salary for an Occupational Health and Safety Technician?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Occupational Health and Safety Technicians was $47,080 in May 2019.

Web Resources

Example Career: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians www.wvu.edu
Occupational Health and Safety Technician Career Overview online.athens.edu
How to Become an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist publichealth.tulane.edu