Occupational
health and safety specialists and technicians, also known as safety and
health professionals or occupational health and safety inspectors, help
prevent harm to workers, property, the environment, and the general
public. For example, they might design safe work spaces, inspect
machines, or test air quality. In addition to making workers safer,
specialists and technicians aim to increase worker productivity by
reducing absenteeism and equipment downtime -- and to save money by
lowering insurance premiums and workers' compensation payments, and
preventing government fines. Some specialists and technicians work for
governments, conducting safety inspections and imposing fines.
Occupational
health and safety technicians take measurements and collect workplace
data either for routine inspection or as directed by a specialist.
Technicians often focus on testing air, water, machines, and other
elements of the work environment. They collect data that occupational
health and safety specialists then analyze. Usually working under the
supervision of specialists, they also help to implement and evaluate
safety programs.
To measure hazards,
such as noise or radiation, occupational health and safety technicians
prepare and calibrate scientific equipment. They must properly collect
and handle samples of dust, gases, vapors, and other potentially toxic
materials to ensure personal safety and accurate test results.
To
ensure that machinery and equipment complies with appropriate safety
regulations, occupational health and safety technicians may examine and
test machinery and equipment, such as lifting devices, machine guards,
or scaffolding. They may check that personal protective equipment, such
as masks, respirators, protective eyewear, or hardhats, is being used
according to regulations. They also check that hazardous materials are
stored correctly. They test and identify work areas for potential
accident and health hazards, such as toxic vapors, mold, mildew, and
explosive gas-air mixtures and help implement appropriate control
measures, such as adjustments to ventilation systems. Their inspection
of the workplace might involve talking with workers and observing their
work, as well as inspecting elements in their work environment, such as
lighting, tools, and equipment.
The
responsibilities of occupational health and safety technicians vary by
industry, workplace, and types of hazards affecting employees. Mine
examiners, for example, are technicians who inspect mines for proper air
flow and health hazards such as the buildup of methane or other noxious
gases. Environmental protection technicians evaluate and coordinate the
storage and handling of hazardous waste, the cleanup of contaminated
soil or water, or other activities that affect the environment. Health
physics technicians work in places that use radiation and radioactive
material, helping to protect people and the environment from hazardous
radiation exposure. Industrial hygiene technicians examine the workplace
for health hazards, such as exposure to lead, asbestos, pesticides, or
communicable diseases.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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