Making sure that we are healthy and safe is a big part of life and when it comes to a business, professionals are required to protect the health and safety of their employees. Depending on the business, there are a variety of different plans and systems that are in place, designed to ensure safety is present on site. One profession that focuses on this important consideration is a health and safety engineer. Their job is to basically assess the environment that exists around us, and evaluate the level of safety that is present. Any potential problems that may exist or pose a threat must be considered and then remedied before something could go wrong. Typically, a health and safety engineer will work on site. They work on a proactive basis, rather than just responding to an issue or concern that has already taken place.
The Environment of a Health and Safety Engineer
Where a health and safety professional will work really depends on the type of experience they have. There are various settings that pose a lot of safety concerns and this is typically where this kind of job will exist. This might be a plant that is working directly with chemicals or a company that houses a lot of technology. Factories with a great deal of heavy machinery or equipment may also employ this type of professional. Regardless of the location, systems and plans will be designed and implemented to ensure safety of employees, customers and the public.
How Lucrative is this Career Choice?
The amount of money a health and safety engineer makes really depends on the location of where they work and how much experience they have. The pay scale can range anywhere from $45,000 to upwards of $90,000. You won’t find a lot of health and safety professionals on site which is why this can be a pretty lucrative job option. Usually one engineer might be present, with supporting staff on hand to help implement strategies and monitor health and safety concerns.
What is Required?
There are a number of skills that an engineer of this type must possess in order to be successful in their job, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They need to:
- Have a bachelor’s degree or high in a program such as technical engineering or safety.
- Possess the quality of being highly analytical and be able to assess situations before they occur.
- Be comfortable training others and educating others.
- Provide ongoing health and safety checks.
- Be proficient in computer skills.
- Communicate efficiently with staff in order to hear concerns and be able to properly address them.
- Develop assessments and constantly monitor the daily processes going on, on site.
- Have the drive to provide health and safety to a staff.
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Working in the field of health and safety can be a very fast paced and rewarding career. After all, your job provides a sense of security and safety to people that are around you. This can be overwhelming to some people, while others thrive in this type of situation. Experience and education will be needed as this helps set you apart from your competition. The more knowledgeable you are, the more comfortable a company will feel putting the safety of their employees in your hands.