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What does a Safety Assistant do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A safety assistant helps to ensure the safety of employees in a workplace. They may conduct safety audits, develop safety programs, and train employees in safety procedures. They may also investigate accidents and incidents, and recommend changes to improve workplace safety.

Safety Assistant job duties include:

  • Monitor and enforce safety rules and regulations
  • Investigate accidents and incidents
  • Inspect work areas and equipment for hazards
  • Identify and correct potential hazards
  • Train employees in safety procedures
  • Keep records of safety violations and accidents
  • Prepare safety reports
  • Assist in developing safety policies and procedures
  • Conduct safety audits

Safety Assistant Job Requirements

Most safety assistants have at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and many employers prefer candidates with certification from a professional organization, such as the National Safety Council. Many safety assistants have previous experience working in office environments or in customer service roles. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as safety assistants must be able to interact effectively with employees at all levels of an organization. They must also be detail oriented and organized, with the ability to maintain accurate records and compile data for reports.

Safety Assistant Skills

  • First Aid
  • CPR
  • AED
  • Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Fire Safety
  • Emergency Evacuations
  • Lockout/Tagout Procedures
  • Hazard Communication
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Machine Guarding
  • Ergonomics

Related: Top Safety Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Safety Assistant

Working as a safety assistant is a great way to help keep people safe and prevent accidents. There are many different ways to become a safety assistant, but here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Get certified. Many employers will require that you have some type of certification in safety before they will hire you as a safety assistant. There are many different types of certification programs available, so do some research to find one that fits your needs.

2. Take classes. In addition to getting certified, taking classes on safety can also help you land a job as a safety assistant. Many community colleges offer courses on topics like first aid and CPR, which can be helpful in this role.

3. Get experience. If you have any previous experience working in a safety-related field, be sure to highlight this on your resume or during interviews. Employers will want to see that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job effectively.

4. Be proactive. As a safety assistant, it’s important to be proactive in identifying potential hazards and risks. This means being observant and paying attention to detail. If you see something that could be unsafe, don’t hesitate to speak up and bring it to the attention of those who can fix the problem.

5. Be patient. Working with people can be challenging, and it’s important to remember that not everyone is going to be as safety-conscious as you are. Be patient when educating others about safety procedures and protocols; eventually they will catch on and start following your lead.

Related: Safety Assistant Resume Example

Related: Safety Assistant Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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