Safety Coordinator vs. Safety Manager: What Are the Differences?

Safety coordinators and safety managers are two important positions in the field of safety. Both roles are responsible for ensuring the safety of employees and the workplace, but there are some key differences between the two. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between safety coordinators and safety managers, and we provide tips for pursuing a career in safety.

What is a Safety Coordinator?

Safety Coordinators are responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring safety programs in their workplace. They work with management to identify potential hazards and create policies to mitigate these risks. Safety Coordinators conduct safety audits, investigate accidents and injuries, and provide safety training to employees. They also develop emergency response plans and coordinate with local emergency services. Safety Coordinators typically have a background in safety, engineering, environmental science or a related field.

What is a Safety Manager?

Safety Managers are responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing safety programs in a variety of workplaces. They work to identify potential hazards and create policies and procedures to mitigate risks. Safety Managers conduct regular inspections of the workplace and equipment to ensure compliance with safety regulations. They may also investigate accidents or incidents to determine root causes and recommend corrective actions. Safety Managers typically have a background in safety, engineering, industrial hygiene or a related field. They may be certified through professional organizations such as the National Safety Council or the American Society of Safety Engineers.

Safety Coordinator vs. Safety Manager

Here are the main differences between a safety coordinator and a safety manager.

Job Duties

Safety coordinators perform many of the same tasks as safety managers, but their duties are more focused on ensuring that the proper safety procedures are in place. This involves conducting risk assessments and creating policies to ensure employees follow all safety regulations. Safety coordinators also train employees on these policies and may oversee safety training programs.

Safety managers have broader responsibilities within a company or facility. They oversee the implementation of safety policies throughout the organization and monitor its effectiveness. If policies need to be revised, safety managers can make those changes and communicate them to staff and management. They may also conduct risk assessments like safety coordinators do and refer to these assessments when making policy decisions.

Job Requirements

Safety coordinators typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in safety management, engineering, occupational health or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master’s degree as well. Additionally, many safety coordinators pursue certifications through organizations like the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) or the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). These certifications can help professionals stand out to potential employers and show that they are committed to their career.

Safety managers often need to have a bachelor’s degree in safety management, engineering, occupational health or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master’s degree as well. Additionally, many safety managers pursue certifications through organizations like the BCSP or ASSE. These certifications can help professionals stand out to potential employers and show that they are committed to their career.

Work Environment

Safety coordinators typically work in a variety of environments, depending on the industry they’re working in. For example, if they’re working for an oil and gas company, they may travel to different locations to ensure that all safety protocols are being followed. If they’re working for a construction company, they may spend most of their time at one location overseeing the entire project.

Safety managers usually work in offices or other facilities where they can oversee operations and communicate with employees. They also often have regular hours and don’t travel as much as safety coordinators do.

Skills

Safety coordinators and safety managers both need to have excellent communication skills. They use these skills to interact with employees, other safety professionals and sometimes the general public. They also need to be able to effectively communicate safety procedures and protocols.

Safety coordinators typically need to have strong organizational skills. This enables them to keep track of various safety data, like incident reports and safety audits. They may also coordinate safety training programs and schedule safety meetings. Safety managers usually need to have leadership skills. This is because they often oversee a team of safety coordinators or other safety professionals. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing safety policies.

Salary

Safety coordinators can earn an average salary of $62,435 per year, while safety managers can earn an average salary of $83,278 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the employee has prior to pursuing either position.