Occupation Details
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
Promote worksite or product safety by applying knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, chemistry, psychology, and industrial health and safety laws. Includes industrial product safety engineers.
Quick Navigation
Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$74,970.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$105,600.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$127,410.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
1,600
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
1,900
+30 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
138
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Professional Engineer
Learn MoreSkills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Accelerated ageing testers
- Accelerometers
- Acoustic calibrators
- Aerosol sampling devices
- Anthropometers
- Ball pressure testers
- Bump testers
- Cold bend testers
- Cord anchorage test devices
- Desktop computers
- Differential scanning calorimeters
- Digital calipers
- Digital cameras
- Digital dynamometers
- Digital force gauges
- Digital micrometers
- Digital video recorders
- Digital wattmeters
- Direct current stability testing devices
- Discriminative reaction time apparatus
- Dust chambers
- Dynamic mechanical analyzers DMA
- Electric iron drop test machines
- Electrogoniometers
- Electrolytic corrosion testing equipment
- Electromyograph processing systems
- Feeler gauges
- Flame hoods
- Flex testing machines
- Flicker-fusion meters
Technology
- Anthropometric databases
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Biomechanical injury risk analysis software
- C++
- Compliance software
- Computational fluid dynamics CFD software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Computer based training software
- Customer relationship management CRM software
- Design Safety Engineering Designsafe
- Eclipse IDE
- Electronic design automation EDA software
- Fault tree analysis FTA software
- Fire safety inspection and testing software
- Functional hazard analysis software
- Geological mapping software
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
- test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
- write product performance requirements
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- prepare safety reports
- prepare safety reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- evaluate product design
- evaluate product design
- develop safety regulations
- develop safety regulations
- develop plans for programs or projects
- improve test devices or techniques in manufacturing, industrial or engineering setting
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- confer with authorities or community groups
- compile information on findings from investigation of accidents
- analyze engineering design problems
- analyze effectiveness of safety systems or procedures
- analyze effectiveness of safety systems or procedures
- evaluate engineering data
- evaluate engineering data
- evaluate manufacturing or processing systems
- evaluate manufacturing or processing systems
- evaluate tool designs
- evaluate tool designs
- analyze existing evidence or facts
- conduct evaluations of worker exposure to radiation or noise
- analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
- analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
- test air quality, noise, temperature, or radiation
- advise clients regarding engineering problems
- advise clients regarding engineering problems
- recommend measures to ensure maximum employee protection
- conduct training for personnel
- use chemical testing or analysis procedures
- use chemical testing or analysis procedures
- use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
- use hazardous materials information
- use pollution control techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- use scientific research methodology
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- use technical information in manufacturing or industrial activities
- use technical regulations for engineering problems
- use technical regulations for engineering problems
- use knowledge of materials testing procedures
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- explain complex mathematical information
- explain complex mathematical information
- interpret employee's medical evaluations
- interpret employee's medical evaluations
- plan testing of engineering methods
- understand engineering data or reports
- understand engineering data or reports
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
- use intuitive judgment for engineering analyses
- use intuitive judgment for engineering analyses
- resolve engineering or science problems
- resolve engineering or science problems
- collect scientific or technical data
- read blueprints
- read blueprints
- read schematics
- read schematics
- read technical drawings
- read technical drawings
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
- inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
- examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Inspect facilities, machinery, or safety equipment to identify and correct potential hazards, and to ensure safety regulation compliance.
- Install safety devices on machinery or direct device installation.
- Investigate industrial accidents, injuries, or occupational diseases to determine causes and preventive measures.
- Conduct research to evaluate safety levels for products.
- Evaluate product designs for safety.
- Conduct or coordinate worker training in areas such as safety laws and regulations, hazardous condition monitoring, and use of safety equipment.
- Maintain and apply knowledge of current policies, regulations, and industrial processes.
- Recommend procedures for detection, prevention, and elimination of physical, chemical, or other product hazards.
- Report or review findings from accident investigations, facilities inspections, or environmental testing.
- Evaluate potential health hazards or damage that could occur from product misuse.
- Evaluate adequacy of actions taken to correct health inspection violations.
- Interpret safety regulations for others interested in industrial safety, such as safety engineers, labor representatives, and safety inspectors.
- Review plans and specifications for construction of new machinery or equipment to determine whether all safety requirements have been met.
- Participate in preparation of product usage and precautionary label instructions.
- Interview employers and employees to obtain information about work environments and workplace incidents.
- Provide expert testimony in litigation cases.
- Review employee safety programs to determine their adequacy.
- Conduct or direct testing of air quality, noise, temperature, or radiation levels to verify compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Provide technical advice and guidance to organizations on how to handle health-related problems and make needed changes.
- Develop industry standards of product safety.
- Maintain liaisons with outside organizations, such as fire departments, mutual aid societies, and rescue teams, so that emergency responses can be facilitated.
- Plan and conduct industrial hygiene research.
- Compile, analyze, and interpret statistical data related to occupational illnesses and accidents.
- Design and build safety equipment.
- Write and revise safety regulations and codes.
- Confer with medical professionals to assess health risks and to develop ways to manage health issues and concerns.
- Check floors of plants to ensure that they are strong enough to support heavy machinery.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
American Academy of Environmental Engineers
The American Academy of Environmental Engineers is dedicated to improving the practice, elevating the standards and advancing the cause of environmental engineering.
Learn MoreEngineers (Intro)
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreEnvironmental Protection Agency Environmental Kids Club
The EPA Environmental Kids Club is their web site for kids, ages 4 to 10. It will help you explore your environment and learn how to protect it. Games, pictures, and stories are included with a focus on air, water, garbage and recycling, plants and animals.
Learn MoreEnvironmental Protection Agency Environmental Student Center
The EPA Environmental Student Center is their web site for students, grades 5 to 8. Learn how science works in our environment every day. Here you'll find science activities, environmental concepts and tips
Learn MoreEnvironmental Protection Agency High School Environmental Center
The EPA Environmental High School Environmental Center is their web site for students, grades 9 to 12. This portal to EPA environmental resources will inform you about environmental issues and help you protect the environment.
Learn MoreGlobal Warming Facts and Our Future
Is the climate warming? Are humans causing climate warming? What effects might climate warming have? The National Academies provide scientific information to help us make informed decisions and to help answer these important questions. The activities include the exploration of the changing CO2 concentrations over the past century, climate models and CO2 emissions calculator.
Learn MoreIndustrial engineers, including health and safety
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MorePace University Summer Scholars Program 2007: Environmental Studies
Pace's Environmental Studies track takes a look at the world and the health threats that face it. The two classes offered are: International Public Health and Agenda for Sustainable Development: What is Your Generation Doing?
Learn MoreU.S. Environmental Protection Agency Teaching Center
This site is for educators who wish to teach about the environment. It offers background information on a variety of topics, lesson plans, and activities that work in and out of the classroom. You will also find information on workshops, conferences, grants, awards and a variety of other information that will assist you in your educational goals.
Learn More