Overview
Occupational health and safety specialists review, evaluate and monitor health and safety hazards and develop strategies to prevent, control and eliminate accidents and occupational injuries. They inspect the workplace environments, equipment and practices to ensure compliance with organization and government environment, health and safety standards and regulations. They are employed throughout the public and private sectors.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Lead and participate in workplace audits and investigations of safety concerns, incidents and accidents
Lead and participate in workplace inspections to ensure that equipment, materials and production processes do not present a safety or health hazard to employees
Develop and implement health and safety programs, including standard operating procedures, policies and training to mitigate risk, optimize worker's health and safety and foster a positive occupational health and safety culture
Initiate enforcement procedures on workplaces contravening organization and government health and safety standards and regulations
Provide training to employers, employees and the general public on issues of workplace safety
Communicate, engage and influence decision-makers and workers to ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and regulations
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$41,712
$83,424
$120,965
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
494expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A bachelor's degree or college diploma in occupational health and safety is usually required.
Occupational health and safety officers may require certification with the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP).
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Occupational health and safety specialists in B.C.
- Certification with the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals
Certification with the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as an occupational health and safety specialist in B.C., you may need to become Certified by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals. Eligibility is achieved through successful completion of a recognized program, certifying examinations, and sufficient work experience.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.