The occupational health and safety specialists are the professionals who help to avert impairment to diverse areas like environment, workers, property and general public. They may design secure employment spaces, check machines or analyze air quality. Apart from providing safety to the workers, these experts aim to improve worker productivity by decreasing the absenteeism and machine downtime, preventing government fines, etc. The professionals who work for government organize safety assessments and impose fines.

The occupational health and safety specialists usually work with the technicians in this field. They investigate the work surroundings and design lists to manage, eradicate and prevent disorders or injuries. They mostly prevent hazards caused due to chemicals, biological, physical and radiology. They also work for making the equipments more effective. Their responsibility also includes advising the concerned management about the expenditure and efficiency of safety and health programmes while some of them engage in providing instructions on new rules and policies or on how to distinguish hazards.

Qualifying Exam

Students need at least a bachelor’s degree qualification to enter this profession. They can pursue disciplines such as occupational health, safety or a concerned field to get the job as occupational health and safety specialist. Most of these jobs may require qualification in advanced degree in related area. It is also important that these professionals have gained a special training in laws and inspection procedures. Many employers provide on the job trainings also for these professionals at the beginning.

Who is eligible to apply?

Candidates who have completed their HSC education from a reputed institution with PCBM can apply for the bachelor’s degree in related discipline. After completing this graduation they can either apply for the concerned entry level job or advanced studies in same field. Obtaining relevant experience in this field will help them to apply for high designation job as Occupational health and safety specialist.

Key points in the process

• Study 12th or equivalent with PCBM and obtain good scores in the concerned examinations.
• Join for bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety or related branch of study in a recognized university and pursue it.
• Gain relevant experience in the related industry or join for the higher graduation in same area.
• Search out for the Occupational Health and Safety specialist job and apply for it.

Skills required for an Occupational Health & Safety Specialist

A career in the occupational health and safety field not only requires not the formal education, the professionals also need some brilliant skills and qualities. These professionals may work in different fields like mines, manufacturing plants and business offices. Since they also have to travel to many places as part of their job, good communication and interpersonal skills are essential. They should be highly motivated and well organized as well.