Parent Company: Kenosis Communications

Occupational Health, Safety & Environment

as a Career Option

The Work

Health and safety professionals including, advisers, practitioners or managers, sometimes known as health, safety and environmental officers or occupational health and safety officers, are responsible for maintaining and improving health and safety in the workplace. They make sure that legislation is adhered to and assist in planning, implementing, monitoring and reviewing the health and safety strategies of an organization.

The role also includes formulating operational procedures that recognize assess and control hazards. They seek to minimize conflict between safety, quality and production considerations and assess risk and propose workable solutions.

Depending upon the size and type of organization, they may advise on fire regulations, safeguarding machinery, noise, hazardous substances, occupational health and environmental health. Duties are likely to include: formulating and implementing codes of practice and regulations; carrying out regular inspections and risk assessments; maintaining accident records; advising on appropriate protective clothing/equipment and on the cost of implementing changes; and arranging internal and external training for employees on safety issues.

When accidents occur health and safety professionals often lead the investigations, identify the causes, advise on any improvements in safety standards that need to be made, and write reports. They also liaise with other agencies and professionals, such as officers of enforcing authorities like the Ontario Ministry of Labour and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
 

Skills & Interests

To be a health and safety professional you should:

•  have good communication and presentation skills
•  have a thorough understanding of relevant legislation
•  have good negotiating skills, tact and diplomacy
•  be persuasive and assertive, to overcome any reluctance to implement appropriate practice
•  have a good level of physical fitness and stamina
•  have a logical and enquiring mind and a methodical approach to work
•  be able to cope under pressure
•  have good written communication skills for report-writing
•  be computer literate.

Training & Designations

Training is may be on the job with additional short in-house or external training courses. In-company training departments, local colleges or health and safety consultants may provide these.  In Canada many colleges and universities offer courses, certificates and degrees in OHS&E.  Here is a link to a list of institutions offering some of these courses.  There are many organizations that offer certain professional designations for Health, Safety and the Environment.  Two such organizations in Canada are: Board or Certified Registered Safety Professionals and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering.  There are also many specialists areas and designations that are vitally related to Health, Safety and the Environment.  Some of these are: Ergonomics, Kinesiology, Industrial Hygiene, etc.

Opportunities

Health and safety professionals work mainly in an industrial, manufacturing, construction  or processing company. Other areas of involvement may include the hotel and catering industry as well as public services like hospitals and government departments.

There is scope to move to management positions although promotion may be achieved by moving to a large company or specializing in a certain aspect of the work. Self-employment and consultancy may also be an option.

We will be delighted to be of assistance to anyone who would like to explore and pursue this career option by providing more information, coaching and mentoring, etc. Contact us

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Copyright © 2004 Safety Health & Environment Management
Last modified: 12/04/10