Hiring specialists in the area of health and safety is essential for safekeeping the rights of the people. It is also vital to protect the environment and implement procedures that are in adherence with protection rules and regulations. Many companies use hazardous materials during regular operations which can be dangerous for the human body and also for the environment. The need to curb this growing toxin disposal in non-environmental friendly ways has given rise to a set of professionals who are specialists in constraining such actions.
Job Responsibilities
A health and safety specialist is given the responsibility of promoting hygienic standards of working and working in conformity with environmental protection policies. Enforcing regulations to prevent harm to employs, environment, general public and property are tasks assigned to specialists. They must inspect work spaces, check machines for emission of toxins and even test quality of air in the workplace.
They must ensure higher productivity in the work place as they reduce malingering and equipment downtime. Implementing such practices helps to lower compensation payments and government fines. These specialists analyze the workspace, create programs for controlling hazardous conditions and eliminate risks of disease or injury.
Checking all physical, chemical, radiological, and biological hazards is an important task. Implementation of environmentally friendly and ergonomic devices should be recommended. The specialists also conduct surprise checks and inspections and create reports about the working regulations and procedures in the company. Recommendation of health and safety programs should also be performed to enhance existing work conditions.
Training sessions to provide information about prevent risks of injuries, effective use of machinery and hygienic ways of working are conducted by the safety and health specialists.
Skills and Educational Qualifications
To be an environmental safety specialist a candidate must have a keen eye for recognizing hazardous elements. These can be fumes in the air or toxic disposal of wastes, etc. You should be organized and plan all tasks well as this helps to keep track of details. In addition to this, you should regularly upgrade your knowledge about less energy consuming gadgets and other tools which ensure healthy working conditions. Never discontinue the learning process.
You should have at least an Associate degree though many employers prefer candidates with a Bachelor's degree in an environmental studies related fields. Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs for certification.
Salary
The salary for a specialist in environmental health and safety fields is approximately $68,000 per year. With more concerns about employee health and emphasis of human right organizations, most companies have an in-house environmental health and safety specialist.
