What Do Health and Safety Professionals Do on the Job?

Every worker is impacted by the role that health and safety professionals play on the job, every day. From identifying and controlling hazards and outlining and promoting what a ‘safety culture’ entails to ensuring health and safety regulations are upheld, occupational health and safety (OHS) experts are the foundation of well-being in the workplace.

If you’ve ever considered occupational health and safety training or getting your occupational health and safety certificate, it is essential that you understand what the role of an OHS professional consists of, what will be expected of you and the rewards of this in-demand career.

We’ve got you covered, as we do a deeper dive into the responsibilities of OHS experts.

What Health and Safety Professionals Tackle Day to Day

1. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

An essential step in the process of preventing injuries, OHS experts identify the potential hazards in the workplace, from physical, chemical and biological to psychosocial. Not all risks are obvious, but OHS professionals are trained to spot them, determine the appropriate controls to mitigate risk and then incorporate them into the company’s work safety plan.

2. Development and Implementation of Safety Programs

Outlining the policies, procedures, and required training, these safety plans keep everyone informed and supported as they work together to address specific hazards and promote a workplace-safety-conscious culture. These plans and programs can include hazard communication, emergency response plans and specific safety protocol for various tasks and processes.

3. Equipment Evaluation

A major risk for workers lies in the equipment they use every day. It must be working properly and, particularly when it come to safety equipment, must be available to all employees. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be readily available at all times and workers must know how to use this gear. OHS professionals examine equipment regularly and also monitor its use to ensure compliance with PPE standards.

4. Audits and Inspections

Beyond equipment, OHS professionals regularly conducts audits and inspections to ensure overall compliance with health and safety regulations and standards. They evaluate the effectiveness of plans, protocols and safety controls and identify areas for improvement and development.

5. Compliance Assessment and Alignment

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) is Ontario’s foundational legislation regulating standards of workplace safety. OHS professionals, through their occupational health and safety courses, come to know these regulations in detail and their role in driving compliance. Many workplaces now require, or favour those who have, OHSA certification. With this key knowledge, OHS professionals consistently assess and help organizations align with relevant and up-to-date, provincial, territorial and federal, regulations and safety laws.

6. Investigation of Accidents and Incidents

It is up to the OHS professional to determine the cause of any incident or accident and implement preventative measures to avoid a reoccurrence. This includes gathering details, interviewing witnesses, analyzing data to identify patterns, reporting and making recommendations for changes in protocol where required.

7. Education and Training

This is a key part of the job, as OHS experts are consistently educating employees on safety procedures, how to recognize hazards and how to use safety equipment properly. They also educate supervisors and managers on their responsibilities in promoting a culture of safety in leadership and in OHSA compliance.

8. Team Engagement and Communication

This is essential and ongoing. OHS professionals must have good rapport with team members on all levels. They must have the communication skills to connect with employees, managers, owners and other stakeholders. This can range from regular meetings, to developing communication strategies and conducing safety campaigns.
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The role and responsibilities of OHS professionals are crucial to workplace safety and ensuring the overall well-being of employees on the job. This career is diverse, challenging and incredibly rewarding; OHS professionals are in high demand, and you can receive your training within one year – which makes this an ideal career choice for someone with this passion and drive.

When selecting workplace safety training programs, you want to ensure they are on track to prepare your for OHSA certification, so that you have that competitive edge. At Anderson College, our Occupational Health and Safety diploma program is approved by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) and curriculum is held to the highest standards and led by instructors with direct industry expertise.

If you’re still considering whether this career may be for you, you can always take the “Health and Safety Professional Career Discovery Quiz”. But when you’re ready to take the leap to learn more and launch your Occupational Health & Safety career, we’re here to help you navigate the steps to success. Just book a virtual appointment with one of our knowledgeable and supportive Admissions Advisors today!

Quick Links to Fuel Your Success!

We want to make sure you have what you need to succeed! Check out these reference links:

• Occupational Health & Safety program – Anderson College
• Occupational Health & Safety – What is it & Why Does it Matter?
• Beginner’s 6-Step Guide to Becoming an Occupational Health and Safety Professional – Anderson Blog
• Top Skills for an Occupational Health and Safety Professional – Anderson Blog