What does an Occupational Health Specialist do?

Occupational health specialists typically do the following:

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They inspect workplaces for adherence to regulations on safety, health, and the environment.

Occupational health specialists examine lighting, equipment, ventilation, and other conditions that could affect employee health, safety, comfort, and performance.

Inspect and evaluate workplace environments, equipment, and practices to ensure that safety standards and government regulations are being followed

Specialists who work for governments conduct safety inspections and can impose fines.

They may be exposed to dangerous conditions at times, and will use gloves, helmets, and other safety equipment to minimize injury.

Some occupational health specialists develop and conduct employee safety and training programs.

Ergonomists consider the design of industrial, office, and other equipment to maximize workers' comfort, safety, and productivity

They inspect the facilities that are insured and suggest improvements to prevent losses.

Most large government agencies employ occupational health specialists to protect agency employees.

Their tasks vary by industry, workplace, and types of hazards affecting employees.

Occupational health specialists work in a variety of settings, such as offices, factories, and mines

Health specialists seek to increase worker productivity by reducing absenteeism and equipment downtime

They also seek to save money by lowering insurance premiums and workers’ compensation payments and by preventing government fines.

Specialists who work for governments conduct safety inspections and can impose fines.

They work to prevent harm not only to workers but also to property, the environment, and the public by inspecting workplaces for chemical, radiological, and biological hazards

Some occupational health specialists develop and conduct employee safety and training programs.

Occupational health specialists work with engineers and physicians to control or fix potentially hazardous conditions or equipment.