Powerful Geography
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

I. JOB SUMMARY

Main Topic: Human Geography
Secondary Topic: Environment and Society

Overview: Occupational health and safety specialists collect and analyze data work environments and procedures. They inspect and evaluate workplace environments to judge safety standards based on policy. Specialists prepare reports, evaluate health and safety, and educate employers on best practices. They take samples and observe a workplace to determine health, safety, comfort, and performance. Specialist will lead a team of technicians and employees in making necessary changes to the work environment. Part of their job is to examine the work environment, which individuals with a degree in geography are suited to finding environmental issues and conducting field methods. Occupational health and safety specialists tend to work for state and local governments, but may work in manufacturing, construction, or as consultants. The importance of worker health and safety means this field will continue to grow in the coming decade.

Geographers at work: Human geographers, Health geographers, Environmental geographers

Recommended College Courses: Environmental Management, Research Methods in Geography, Solid Waste Planning and Management, Air Quality Management, Cultural and Political Ecology, Regional Field Studies, Water Resources Planning, Environmental Hazards, Cities and Urban Design

Skills: Field methods, Qualitative and quantitative methods, Human resource management, Environmental Mapping and modeling, Communication

Occupation Group: Healthcare

Learn more about Occupational Health and Safety Technicians from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-health-and-safety-specialists-and-technicians.htm

Written by Alisa Hartsell