Picture this: You’re walking through a bustling manufacturing facility, equipped with sophisticated monitoring devices, identifying potential hazards before they become accidents. As an Occupational Health and Safety Technician, you’re the first line of defense in workplace safety.
Think about the last time you noticed a safety feature at work – perhaps an emergency exit sign or a ventilation system. Someone had to evaluate these systems to ensure they meet safety standards, and that’s where these technicians come in.
These Technicians collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists, as well as implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.
They work alongside Occupational Health and Safety Specialists to create safer workplaces through testing, data collection, and implementation of safety protocols.
Total Employment: 27,270 (2023)
Common Names for Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
- Advisory Industrial Hygienist
- Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
- Construction Safety Consultant
- Environmental Health, and Safety (EHS) Advisor
- Health and Safety Technician (Health and Safety Tech)
- Industrial Hygiene Consultant
- Industrial Hygienist
- Safety Specialist
- Safety Technician (Safety Tech)
- Safety Trainer
What Occupational Health and Safety Technicians Do
Their primary duty is to collect and analyze data about workplace environments to ensure safety standards are met.
Core responsibilities include:
- Workplace Inspections: Conduct regular facility inspections to identify potential hazards, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and maintain a safe working environment for all employees.
- Safety Training: Design and deliver safety education programs to employees, ensuring they understand workplace hazards, proper safety procedures, and emergency protocols to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Incident Investigation: Investigate workplace accidents, near-misses, and safety incidents to determine root causes, document findings, and recommend preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.
- Compliance Monitoring: Track and ensure adherence to OSHA regulations and other safety standards, maintaining required documentation and records to meet legal requirements and avoid penalties.
- Risk Assessment: Evaluate workplace operations and processes to identify potential safety risks, then develop and implement control measures to minimize these risks effectively.
- Equipment Safety: Monitor the condition and proper use of safety equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring it meets current standards and is properly maintained.
- Emergency Response: Coordinate emergency response procedures, including evacuation plans and drills, ensuring the workplace is prepared for potential emergencies and natural disasters.
- Health Monitoring: Track workplace exposure to hazardous materials and conditions, implementing controls to protect worker health and maintain occupational hygiene standards.
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