Career Development Grid

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are professionals who are responsible for ensuring that workplaces are safe and healthy for employees. They typically work under the supervision of Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and are involved in a variety of tasks related to workplace safety and health.
Education and Training:
To become an Occupational Health and Safety Technician, one needs to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. However, most employers prefer candidates who have an associate’s degree or certificate in occupational health and safety or a related field. Some employers may also require certification by a professional organization, such as the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
Typical Job Duties and Responsibilities:
The job duties of an Occupational Health and Safety Technician may vary depending on the industry they work in. However, some of the typical responsibilities include conducting safety inspections, investigating accidents, identifying potential hazards, developing safety policies and procedures, and providing safety training to employees.
Earning Potential:
The earning potential of an Occupational Health and Safety Technician varies depending on their level of education, experience, and the industry they work in. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Occupational Health and Safety Technicians was $52,150 as of May 2020.
Opportunities for Career Advancement:
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians can advance their careers by gaining more experience and education. They can become Occupational Health and Safety Specialists or move into management positions.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them:
One of the biggest challenges facing Occupational Health and Safety Technicians is the need to stay up-to-date with changing safety regulations and standards. They can overcome this challenge by attending training programs and workshops, networking with other professionals in the field, and reading industry publications.
Gaining Experience and Building a Network:
To gain experience and build a network in this field, students can consider internships, volunteering, or entry-level positions in companies or organizations that prioritize occupational health and safety.
Job Prospects:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Occupational Health and Safety Technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Important Skills and Qualities:
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians need to have strong communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. They must also be detail-oriented and able to work independently and as part of a team.
Industries in Demand:
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are in demand in various industries

To become an Occupational Health and Safety Technician, typically a minimum of an associate’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field is required. Some employers may also require certification from a recognized professional organization, such as the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Additionally, on-the-job training is often provided to ensure that technicians are familiar with the specific safety protocols and regulations within their industry. Continuing education and training may also be necessary to stay up-to-date with changing laws and regulations.

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are responsible for ensuring that workplaces are safe and healthy for employees. Their typical job duties and responsibilities include:
1. Conducting safety inspections: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians regularly inspect workplaces to identify potential hazards and ensure that safety regulations are being followed.
2. Developing and implementing safety programs: They develop and implement safety programs and policies to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace.
3. Conducting training sessions: They conduct training sessions for employees on safety procedures and protocols.
4. Investigating accidents and incidents: They investigate accidents and incidents to determine their cause and recommend corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
5. Maintaining safety records: They maintain safety records, including incident reports and safety inspection reports.
6. Collaborating with management: They collaborate with management to develop and implement safety policies and procedures.
7. Keeping up-to-date with safety regulations: They keep up-to-date with safety regulations and ensure that the workplace is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
Overall, Occupational Health and Safety Technicians play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of employees in the workplace.

The earning potential for Occupational Health and Safety Technicians varies depending on several factors such as location, level of education and experience, and industry.
In the short term, Occupational Health and Safety Technicians can expect to earn an average salary of around $50,000 to $60,000 per year. However, this can vary based on the factors mentioned above.
In the long term, Occupational Health and Safety Technicians can earn a higher salary as they gain more experience and advance in their careers. With several years of experience, they can earn an average salary of around $70,000 to $80,000 per year. Some experienced technicians can even earn six-figure salaries.
It’s important to note that the earning potential for Occupational Health and Safety Technicians can also vary based on the industry they work in. For example, those working in the government sector tend to earn higher salaries compared to those working in the private sector.

The opportunities for career advancement in the field of Occupational Health and Safety Technicians can vary depending on the employer, industry, and level of education and experience. Some potential career advancement opportunities include:
1. Senior Occupational Health and Safety Technician: With experience and further education, technicians can advance to senior positions where they may be responsible for managing teams of technicians, developing safety policies, and overseeing safety programs.
2. Occupational Health and Safety Manager: Technicians can advance to managerial roles where they are responsible for overseeing the entire safety program of an organization, developing safety policies, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
3. Environmental Health and Safety Specialist: Technicians can specialize in environmental health and safety, which involves assessing and mitigating environmental hazards in the workplace, such as air and water pollution, hazardous waste, and chemical spills.
4. Risk Management Specialist: Technicians can also specialize in risk management, which involves identifying and assessing potential risks to an organization and developing strategies to mitigate those risks.
5. Occupational Health and Safety Consultant: Technicians with extensive experience and expertise can become consultants, providing advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their safety programs and comply with regulations.
Overall, there are many opportunities for career advancement in the field of Occupational Health and Safety Technicians, particularly for those with a strong education and experience.

The biggest challenges facing Occupational Health and Safety Technicians include:
1. Keeping up with changing regulations and standards: Occupational health and safety regulations and standards are constantly evolving, and it can be challenging for technicians to keep up with the changes. To overcome this challenge, technicians should attend regular training sessions and stay informed about the latest developments in their field.
2. Communicating effectively with employees and management: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians need to be able to communicate effectively with both employees and management in order to ensure that safety protocols are being followed. To overcome this challenge, technicians should work on developing their communication skills and be willing to adapt their communication style to suit different audiences.
3. Managing multiple tasks and priorities: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are often responsible for overseeing multiple projects and tasks at the same time. To overcome this challenge, technicians should develop strong organizational skills and learn to prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency.
4. Dealing with resistance to change: Some employees and managers may be resistant to changes in safety protocols or procedures. To overcome this challenge, technicians should work on building relationships with employees and management, and communicate the benefits of the changes in a clear and concise manner.
Overall, Occupational Health and Safety Technicians can overcome these challenges by staying informed, developing strong communication and organizational skills, and building relationships with employees and management.

1. Gain education and certification: Pursue a degree or certification in occupational health and safety to gain the necessary knowledge and skills required to become an occupational health and safety technician.
2. Internships: Look for internships or apprenticeships with companies or organizations that specialize in occupational health and safety. This will give you hands-on experience and help you build your network.
3. Volunteer work: Consider volunteering with organizations that focus on occupational health and safety. This will help you gain experience and build your network while also giving back to your community.
4. Attend conferences and networking events: Attend conferences and events related to occupational health and safety to meet professionals in the field and learn about new trends and developments.
5. Join professional organizations: Join professional organizations such as the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) or the National Safety Council (NSC) to connect with other professionals in the field and access resources and training opportunities.
6. Seek out mentors: Look for mentors who have experience in occupational health and safety and can provide guidance and advice as you build your career.
7. Stay up-to-date: Stay current with industry news and developments by reading trade publications, attending webinars, and participating in online forums and discussion groups. This will help you stay informed and build your knowledge base.

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians (OHSTs) play a crucial role in ensuring workplace safety and preventing accidents and injuries. They work with Occupational Health and Safety Specialists to identify potential hazards, develop safety procedures, and conduct safety training for employees.
Currently, the job prospects for OHSTs are good, with a projected growth rate of 7% from 2019 to 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is due to an increased focus on workplace safety and the need for companies to comply with government regulations.
In the future, the demand for OHSTs is expected to continue to grow as companies strive to maintain safe working environments and avoid costly workplace accidents. Additionally, as technology advances and new hazards emerge, OHSTs will need to stay up-to-date with the latest safety procedures and equipment.
Overall, the job prospects for Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are positive, and the demand for their services is expected to increase in the coming years.

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians need to have a combination of technical and interpersonal skills to succeed in their career. Some of the most important skills and qualities needed for this career include:
1. Technical knowledge: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians need to have a strong understanding of safety regulations, laws and standards, as well as the ability to identify and assess potential hazards in the workplace.
2. Attention to detail: They must be detail-oriented and able to identify potential safety hazards that may be overlooked by others.
3. Communication skills: They must be able to communicate effectively with employees, management, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.
4. Analytical skills: They should be able to analyze data and identify trends to develop effective safety programs and procedures.
5. Problem-solving skills: They must be able to identify potential safety hazards and develop solutions to address them.
6. Interpersonal skills: They must be able to work collaboratively with others, including employees, management, and regulatory agencies.
7. Physical stamina: They may be required to work in physically demanding environments and must be able to stand, walk, and climb for extended periods of time.

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are in demand in various sectors and industries, including:
1. Manufacturing industries: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are needed in manufacturing industries to ensure that workers are safe while operating heavy machinery and equipment.
2. Construction industry: Construction sites can be dangerous, and Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are needed to ensure that workers are following safety protocols and regulations.
3. Healthcare industry: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are needed in healthcare facilities to ensure that staff and patients are safe from potential hazards.
4. Government agencies: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are employed by government agencies to conduct workplace inspections and ensure that businesses are complying with safety regulations.
5. Transportation industry: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are needed in the transportation industry to ensure that drivers and other workers are safe while operating vehicles and working on transportation infrastructure.
6. Oil and gas industry: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are employed in the oil and gas industry to ensure that workers are safe while working on oil rigs and other related infrastructure.
7. Education industry: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are needed in schools and universities to ensure that students and staff are safe from potential hazards.

Misconception: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians only enforce safety rules and regulations.
Reality: While it’s true that Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are responsible for ensuring that safety rules and regulations are followed, they also play a critical role in identifying potential hazards and developing strategies to prevent accidents and injuries. They work with management and employees to identify and address safety concerns, conduct safety audits, and develop safety training programs. They also investigate accidents and injuries to determine their cause and develop strategies to prevent them from happening again.
Misconception: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians only work in industrial settings.
Reality: While many Occupational Health and Safety Technicians do work in industrial settings, they also work in a variety of other settings, including healthcare facilities, schools, government agencies, and construction sites. Any workplace where there is a risk of injury or illness can benefit from the services of an Occupational Health and Safety Technician.
Misconception: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians only need a high school diploma.
Reality: While some employers may hire Occupational Health and Safety Technicians with just a high school diploma, most require at least an associate’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field. Some employers may also require certification from a professional organization, such as the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Additionally, Occupational Health and Safety Technicians must stay up-to-date on the latest safety regulations and technologies, so ongoing training and education is important.