16 Safety Supervisor Skills for Your Career and Resume

Safety supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees are following safety protocols and procedures. They often have a background in safety or a related field, and they use their skills to identify hazards, investigate accidents and develop safety programs. If you’re interested in becoming a safety supervisor, learning about the necessary skills can help you prepare for this rewarding career.

Leadership

Safety supervisors often have to lead teams of employees, and they need strong leadership skills. You can use your leadership abilities in this role by providing guidance and direction for your team members. For example, you might train new safety inspectors or first responders who are entering the workforce. You can also provide feedback on how to improve their performance and help them grow as individuals.

Claims Management

Safety supervisors often manage employee claims, which means they oversee the process of evaluating and approving or denying claims. This requires attention to detail as well as an understanding of company policies regarding insurance. Safety supervisors who have strong claims management skills can help their organizations save money on insurance premiums while also ensuring employees receive fair treatment when filing a claim.

Behavior-based Safety

Safety supervisors should be able to identify and explain the behaviors that are necessary for their team members to follow in order to maintain a safe work environment. For example, if an employee is working with machinery, they may need to ensure that they have proper training before operating it. They might also need to know how to respond if something goes wrong while using the machinery. A safety supervisor can help employees understand what actions they need to take to keep themselves and others safe at work.

Loss Control

Safety supervisors should be able to identify and assess potential risks in the workplace. They need to know how to minimize these risks, as well as how to respond if an accident occurs. Safety supervisors also use their loss control skills when reviewing accidents to determine what actions can prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

OSHA Regulations

Safety supervisors should have a thorough understanding of OSHA regulations, which are the standards that employers must follow to ensure their employees’ safety. Safety supervisors with knowledge of these regulations can help their team members understand how to keep themselves safe and what they need to do in case of an emergency. They also know how to handle any workplace accidents or violations of OSHA regulations so they can take action accordingly.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities. Safety supervisors often have many duties, including overseeing safety protocols, maintaining records and ensuring that employees are trained in emergency response procedures. Having strong organizational skills can help a safety supervisor manage their workload effectively and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to maintain workplace safety.

Accident Investigation

Safety supervisors need to be able to investigate accidents and determine the cause. This is important because it allows you to take steps to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. For example, if a machine malfunctions and injures an employee, you can use your accident investigation skills to find out what caused the malfunction so that you can fix the problem or replace the machine.

Auditing

Safety supervisors often perform audits to ensure that their company is following all necessary safety regulations. Auditing involves reviewing and evaluating a system or procedure to determine if it’s working properly. Safety supervisors can use their auditing skills to identify potential hazards in the workplace, which may help them implement new safety protocols.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Safety supervisors often need flexibility because workplace conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly. For example, if a machine malfunctions or an accident occurs, safety supervisors must be able to adjust their response accordingly. Flexibility also allows you to alter your approach when training employees on new equipment or procedures.

Problem Solving

Safety supervisors need to be able to solve problems that arise in the workplace. They may have to find solutions for issues such as equipment malfunctions, employee injuries and other safety concerns. Problem solving skills allow a safety supervisor to identify potential risks and take action to prevent them from occurring. It’s also important for a safety supervisor to evaluate their company’s safety protocols and suggest improvements when necessary.

Safety Training

Safety supervisors should have a thorough understanding of the safety protocols and procedures for their workplace. They need to be able to train employees on how to safely operate machinery, use tools and perform other tasks. Safety supervisors also need to know how to identify potential hazards in the workplace and take steps to eliminate them.

Risk Assessment

Safety supervisors need to be able to assess risks and determine the best course of action for safety. This involves evaluating potential hazards, reviewing protocols and procedures and determining how to mitigate risk. Safety supervisors also need to evaluate their own actions and those of others in order to ensure that everyone is acting safely.

Communication

Safety supervisors must be able to communicate effectively with their team and other departments. You may need to relay information about safety protocols, emergency response procedures or changes in company policy. Your ability to clearly explain these topics can help your team understand the importance of workplace safety and ensure everyone is following the same guidelines.

Communication also includes listening to feedback from employees and addressing any concerns they may have. This ensures that all members of your team feel comfortable raising issues and asking questions.

Hazard Identification

A safety supervisor needs to be able to identify potential hazards in the workplace and take steps to mitigate them. This includes identifying any equipment that may be faulty or malfunctioning, as well as noticing unsafe conditions such as slippery floors or electrical issues. You also need to know how to handle emergency situations so you can keep your employees safe.

Emergency Response

Safety supervisors should be able to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations. They need to know how to handle accidents, fires or other safety concerns that may arise on the job site. This involves knowing what resources are available to them and their team members, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits and evacuation procedures. It also requires being aware of any potential hazards at a construction site so they can take steps to prevent emergencies from occurring.

Decision Making

Safety supervisors often need to make decisions about how to handle workplace accidents, emergencies and other unforeseen circumstances. They may also have to decide whether certain safety protocols are effective or if they should be changed. Strong decision-making skills can help a safety supervisor evaluate situations and determine the best course of action. This can help them keep their employees safe while reducing the risk of accidents occurring in the first place.

How Can I Learn These Safety Supervisor Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to be a safety supervisor. Many of these skills, such as leadership, claims management, and behavior-based safety, can be learned through on-the-job experience. Others, such as OSHA regulations and accident investigation, can be learned through formal training courses. Flexibility, problem solving, and safety training are also important skills that can be learned through both on-the-job experience and formal training.