Occupations19-5011.00

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors.

Median annual pay
$83,910

BLS, 2024

Employment
131,900

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+12.5%

2024–34

Annual openings
14,900

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials.
  2. 02Develop or maintain hygiene programs, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans.
  3. 03Order suspension of activities that pose threats to workers' health or safety.
  4. 04Investigate accidents to identify causes or to determine how such accidents might be prevented in the future.
  5. 05Inspect or evaluate workplace environments, equipment, or practices to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.
  6. 06Collect samples of dust, gases, vapors, or other potentially toxic materials for analysis.
  7. 07Collaborate with engineers or physicians to institute control or remedial measures for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions or equipment.
  8. 08Investigate the adequacy of ventilation, exhaust equipment, lighting, or other conditions that could affect employee health, comfort, or performance.
  9. 09Conduct safety training or education programs and demonstrate the use of safety equipment.
  10. 10Investigate health-related complaints and inspect facilities to ensure that they comply with public health legislation and regulations.
  11. 11Write reports.
  12. 12Inspect specified areas to ensure the presence of fire prevention equipment, safety equipment, or first-aid supplies.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingMonitoringActive LearningMathematicsLearning StrategiesScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 131,900 in 2024 to 148,400 in 2034, a +12.5% change.

BLS projects an average of 14,900 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.