Occupation Details
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. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.
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Interests
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
$56,480.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$82,120.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$103,560.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
4,590
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
5,410
+82 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
434
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.
AEM Certified Planner
Learn MoreApprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
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.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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.
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.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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.
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.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
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.
Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Aerosol monitoring instruments
- Air flow monitors
- Air sampling impingers
- Air sampling pumps
- Anemometers
- Audiometers
- Barometers
- Benzene detector tubes
- Cascade impactors
- Charcoal absorption tubes
- Chemical detection tubes
- Chlorine monitors
- Colorimeters
- Combustible gas meters
- Compressed air guns
- Desktop computers
- Dissolved oxygen monitors
- Dry gas meters
- Emergency eye wash stations
- Emergency shower stations
- Fire extinguishers
- Flame ionization detectors FID
- Gamma radiation survey meters
- Gas chromatographs GC
- Gas leak testing equipment
- Geiger-Muller counters
- Gravimetric dust samplers
- Handheld thermometers
- High-volume air sampling pumps
- Humidity measurement equipment
Technology
- Database software
- ESS Compliance Suite
- ImageWave MSDSFinder
- Mannus Compliance: EHS
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Primatech AUDITWorks
- RAE Systems HazRAE
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.
- collect samples for testing
- calibrate or adjust electronic equipment or instruments to specification
- set up or calibrate laboratory equipment
- prepare safety reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- develop safety regulations
- communicate technical information
- make presentations on health or medical issues
- compile numerical or statistical data
- recommend measures to ensure maximum employee protection
- understand engineering data or reports
- use chemical testing or analysis procedures
- use cost benefit analysis techniques
- use hazardous materials information
- use pollution control techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use knowledge of materials testing procedures
- analyze medical data
- analyze effectiveness of safety systems or procedures
- evaluate manufacturing or processing systems
- conduct evaluations of worker exposure to radiation or noise
- test air quality, noise, temperature, or radiation
- maintain dental or medical records
- interpret employee's medical evaluations
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- collect clinical data
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials.
- Order suspension of activities that pose threats to workers' health or safety.
- Investigate accidents to identify causes or to determine how such accidents might be prevented in the future.
- Inspect or evaluate workplace environments, equipment, or practices to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.
- Develop or maintain hygiene programs, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans.
- Collaborate with engineers or physicians to institute control or remedial measures for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions or equipment.
- Coordinate "right-to-know" programs regarding hazardous chemicals or other substances.
- Conduct safety training or education programs and demonstrate the use of safety equipment.
- Collect samples of dust, gases, vapors, or other potentially toxic materials for analysis.
- Investigate the adequacy of ventilation, exhaust equipment, lighting, or other conditions that could affect employee health, comfort, or performance.
- Analyze incident data to identify trends in injuries, illnesses, accidents, or other hazards.
- Investigate health-related complaints and inspect facilities to ensure that they comply with public health legislation and regulations.
- Collect samples of hazardous materials or arrange for sample collection.
- Maintain or update emergency response plans or procedures.
- Provide new-employee health and safety orientations and develop materials for these presentations.
- Inspect specified areas to ensure the presence of fire prevention equipment, safety equipment, or first-aid supplies.
- Maintain inventories of hazardous materials or hazardous wastes, using waste tracking systems to ensure that materials are handled properly.
- Develop or maintain medical monitoring programs for employees.
- Conduct audits at hazardous waste sites or industrial sites or participate in hazardous waste site investigations.
- Perform laboratory analyses or physical inspections of samples to detect disease or to assess purity or cleanliness.
- Prepare hazardous, radioactive, or mixed waste samples for transportation or storage by treating, compacting, packaging, and labeling them.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
American Institute of Physics (AIP)
The American Institute of Physics (AIP) a membership corporation promots the advancement and diffusion of the knowledge of physics and its application to human welfare. It is the mission of the Institute to serve physics, astronomy, and related fields of science and technology by serving its Member Societies and their associates, individual scientists, educators, R&D leaders, and the general public with programs, services and publications.
Learn MoreCenter for Nanoscale Systems Institute for Physics Teachers: Labs and Lending Library
Teams of high school teachers and Cornell University scientists collaborate to develop hands-on inquiary-based labs. Currently there are 23 labs in PDF available for downloading by any teacher.
Learn MoreCenter for Nanoscale Systems Institute for Physics Teachers: Summer Program in Contemporary Physics
The Institute is designed specifically for high school physics teachers and was created as an educational outreach program of the Cornell Center for Nanoscale Systems. The Institute's goals are: to update high school teachers on recent advances in physics and related applications and provide participants with take-home laboratory exercises designed to meet the time and budgetary constraints of a typical high school. These exercises are relevant to many aspects of the NYS Physics Core Curriculum.
Learn MoreEnvironmental Health and Safety Specialists
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
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 MoreLearning at the Marian Koshland Science Museum
The Marian Koshland Science Museum has identified unique, inquiry-based activities that can be used in the classrooms. They are related to its Global Warming and Infectious Disease exhibits that are designed for middle and high-school students and adhere to the National Academies' National Science Education Standards.
Learn MoreLearning at the Marian Koshland Science Museum Webquests
The Koshland Science Museum has created online webquest activities for students interested in learning more about issues presented in the exhibits of Global Warming and Genetic Disease.
Learn MoreOccupational health and safety specialists and technicians
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 MorePutting DNA to Work
Explore how DNA analysis can catch criminals, improve crops and stop epidemics. Through these interactive multimedia activities you can explore some of the applications of DNA technology and discover some of the many ways these uses may affect your life.
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 MoreUniversity of Rochester's Pre College Experience in Physics(PREP), To Encourage the Participation of Women in Science
PREP, a summer science program encourages young women's interest in the sciences. It provides an introduction to physics through a sequence of hands on, inquiry driven laboratory activities with experienced instructors.
Learn More