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What does a Safety Specialist do?

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

Published 3 min read

A safety specialist is responsible for developing and implementing safety programs in the workplace. They work with employers to identify hazards and develop strategies to reduce the risk of injury or illness. They may also conduct safety audits, investigate accidents, and provide training on safety procedures.

Safety Specialist job duties include:

  • Conducting safety audits and investigations
  • Developing and implementing safety plans
  • Training employees in safety procedures
  • Conducting safety inspections of equipment and work areas
  • Enforcing safety rules and regulations
  • Investigating accidents and incidents
  • Preparing safety reports
  • Maintaining records of safety activities
  • Assisting in the development of emergency response plans

Safety Specialist Job Requirements

Most safety specialists have a bachelor's degree in occupational safety and health, engineering, or a related scientific discipline. Many have certification from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Employers also value work experience in safety and health, especially in the industry in which they operate.

Safety Specialist Skills

  • First Aid
  • CPR
  • AED
  • OSHA 10-Hour
  • OSHA 30-Hour
  • Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Hazard Communication
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Respiratory Protection
  • Lockout/Tagout
  • Confined Spaces

Related: Top Safety Specialist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Safety Specialist

A safety specialist is a professional who helps to ensure that workplaces are safe for employees. They work with employers to identify and assess risks, and develop and implement safety plans. To become a safety specialist, you will need to have a strong background in health and safety. You should also be able to effectively communicate with both employers and employees.

There are a few different ways that you can become a safety specialist. One option is to complete a degree in occupational health and safety. This will give you the theoretical knowledge that you need to be successful in this role. Alternatively, you could complete a diploma or certificate in health and safety. These programs will provide you with the practical skills that you need to be an effective safety specialist.

Once you have the necessary education, you will need to gain experience working in the field of health and safety. This can be done through internships or entry-level positions. Once you have gained some experience, you can then apply for jobs as a safety specialist.

To be successful in this role, it is important that you are able to effectively communicate with both employers and employees. You should be able to explain the importance of following safety procedures and protocols. You should also be able to identify potential hazards in the workplace and develop plans to mitigate these risks.

Related: Safety Specialist Resume Example

Related: Safety Specialist 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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