Skill path
How to become a Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
How to become a Occupational Health and Safety Specialist: skill roadmap with 5 core skills, degree usually required, courses and salary data. Updated weekly.
Education & experience requirements
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.
- On-the-job training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Foundations
Skills assumed by employers — the base to build on
- Occupational safety regulationsFoundation
Rules and standards for workplace safety. Specialists use these to ensure compliance and prevent accidents.
- Hazard identification and controlFoundation
Recognizing and mitigating workplace risks. Safety specialists implement strategies to protect workers.
- Risk assessmentFoundation
Evaluating likelihood and impact of potential risks. Needed for informed decision-making. Learn through structured frameworks and real-world case studies.
- Emergency preparednessFoundation
Planning for and responding to crises. Safety specialists develop plans to minimize harm during emergencies.
Core skills
The skills that define the role today
- Six SigmaHigh demand
A methodology to reduce defects and improve processes using statistical tools. Employers value it for boosting quality and efficiency. Learn through structured training and applying DMAIC projects.
- ExcelHigh demand
A spreadsheet program for data organization and analysis. Essential for accountants and many other roles to manage and interpret data.
- Food SafetyHigh demand
Standards and procedures to ensure food is safe to consume. Required to comply with industry regulations. Learn by studying food handling guidelines and taking official assessments.
- ElectricalHigh demand
Understanding electrical systems and circuits. Employers need safe installation and maintenance. Learn through vocational training and safety courses.
- Customer ServiceHigh demand
Assisting customers with inquiries and issues. Essential for representatives and support staff to ensure customer satisfaction and retention.
Tools in demand
Specific tools that appear in live postings
- Microsoft ExcelIn demand
Spreadsheet software for data organization, calculation, and analysis. Univeral in business and finance roles. Learn by practicing formulas, pivot tables, and data visualization.