What does a health and safety specialist do?

Health & Safety Specialist Job Profile

A Health & Safety Specialist is the guardian of workplace well-being and compliance. These professionals develop and help enforce safety policies, conduct inspections, and provide training to ensure that employees go home safe each day. Whether on a factory floor, a construction site, or in a corporate office, the Health & Safety Specialist proactively identifies hazards and implements procedures to prevent accidents and illnesses. In this role, one balances meticulous knowledge of regulations with practical problem-solving, fostering a culture where safety is integrated into every aspect of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Workplace Risk Assessments

• Identify potential hazards in the workplace and conduct thorough risk assessments to evaluate severity and likelihood.
• Implement control measures to minimize risks and comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Regularly review and update assessments while consulting with employees and management.
• Promote a culture of safety and provide training to ensure shared responsibility for workplace safety.

Workplace Inspections

• Regularly inspect work environments, equipment, and practices to ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Check for proper use of PPE and adherence to laws (e.g., OSHA regulations).

Policy Development

• Develop and update health and safety policies and procedures.
• Create emergency response plans, hazard communication programs, and safe work practice guidelines.

Training & Education

• Conduct safety training sessions and drills on equipment handling, emergency procedures, and accident prevention.
• Communicate protocols clearly to workers at all levels.

Monitoring & Analysis

• Use monitoring equipment and collect samples (air quality, noise, chemical exposure, etc.).
• Interpret data, ensure exposure levels are within safe limits, and take corrective action when needed.

Incident Investigation

• Investigate accidents, injuries, or near-misses to identify root causes.
• Prepare detailed reports and implement preventive measures to avoid recurrence.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Stay updated with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Ensure compliance with recordkeeping and reporting requirements (e.g., OSHA logs, audits).
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies during inspections or inquiries.

Safety Program Leadership

• Serve as an advisor to management on safety matters.
• Chair safety committees and lead initiatives in ergonomics and wellness.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate safety into daily operations.

The demand for Health & Safety Specialists is expected to grow significantly. Employment is projected to increase by around 14% between 2023 and 2033 in the U.S., much faster than average. Organizations increasingly recognize that safe workplaces improve employee well-being, productivity, and reputation, making HSE professionals critical hires across industries.

With greater emphasis on compliance, sustainability, and wellness, Health & Safety roles are evolving to be more strategic, offering long-term career growth opportunities and leadership pathways.