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What does a Safety Officer do?

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

Published 3 min read

A safety officer is responsible for the safety and health of employees in the workplace. They develop and implement safety policies, inspect work areas for hazards, and investigate accidents. They also educate employees on safety procedures and provide training on how to prevent accidents.

Safety Officer job duties include:

  • Develop and implement health and safety plans in the workplace
  • Conduct risk assessments and enforce preventative measures
  • Lead in-house training with managers and employees on health and safety procedures
  • Keep up to date with all legislative changes and ensure compliance within the company
  • Investigate accidents at work and compile reports
  • Monitor near misses and hazards
  • Regularly check workplace equipment and machinery to ensure it is safe
  • Liaise with outside agencies such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
  • Prepare statistical reports on a monthly basis
  • Attend management meetings to discuss health and safety issues

Safety Officer Job Requirements

There are many job requirements for a Safety Officer. Some of the most common requirements include: a high school diploma or equivalent, certification from an accredited organization, and experience in a safety-related field. There may also be other requirements, such as: knowledge of safety principles and practices, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.

Safety Officer Skills

  • Safety
  • Observation
  • Communication
  • Reporting
  • Investigation
  • Auditing
  • Inspection
  • Accident prevention
  • Emergency response
  • Training
  • Risk assessment

Related: Top Safety Officer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Safety Officer

A Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring the safety of employees in the workplace. They create and implement safety policies, conduct safety audits, and investigate accidents. Safety Officers also educate employees about safety procedures and provide training on how to safely perform their job tasks.

To become a Safety Officer, you will need to have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer candidates who have completed a degree or certificate in occupational health and safety. You will also need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as experience in conducting investigations and writing reports.

Related: Safety Officer Resume Example

Related: Safety Officer 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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