What Does a Safety Technician Do?
Find out what a safety technician does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a safety technician.
Safety professionals are responsible for ensuring the safety of their company’s employees and other individuals who may be affected by its operations. They commonly work with industrial equipment, chemicals, heavy machinery, etc., all of which can cause serious injury or death if used improperly.
Safety professionals must know how to properly use and maintain all equipment in their area of responsibility. They also need to understand how each piece of equipment works so they can identify any potential hazards that might exist.
Safety Technician Job Duties
A safety technician typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Reviewing safety data to identify potential hazards in the workplace and recommending corrective actions to reduce risk
- Training employees on how to use equipment safely and effectively
- Inspecting equipment for defects or potential hazards that may lead to injuries or equipment failure
- Writing reports about safety issues and providing recommendations for improvements
- Observing employees to ensure they are practicing safe work practices
- Maintaining safety equipment and facilities including fire extinguishers, first aid kits, alarms, smoke detectors, etc.
- Investigating accidents to determine their cause and determining appropriate corrective action
- Performing fire inspections and testing fire suppression equipment for compliance with codes and regulations
- Training employees on safe work practices and emergency response procedures
Safety Technician Salary & Outlook
Safety technicians’ salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the company size and geographic location. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime.
- Median Annual Salary: $58,000 ($27.88/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $70,500 ($33.89/hour)
The employment of safety technicians is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.
Employment growth will be driven by the need to ensure worker safety in a variety of industries. Safety technicians will be needed to help employers comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, which cover many types of workers and workplaces.
Related: Safety Technician Interview Questions and Answers
Safety Technician Job Requirements
A safety technician typically needs to have the following qualifications:
Education: Safety professionals are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, health and safety, industrial safety or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree in occupational safety.
Training & Experience: Safety technicians typically receive on-the-job training. This training may include learning the company’s safety policies and procedures, as well as the equipment and machinery used. Safety technicians may also receive training in first aid and CPR.
Certifications & Licenses: Some employers may require safety technicians to pass an industry-specific certification to show their general understanding of the field.
Safety Technician Skills
Safety technicians need the following skills in order to be successful:
Technical skills: Safety technicians should have basic technical skills to ensure they can operate and troubleshoot equipment and machinery. This includes knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems, as well as computer and software programs. Safety technicians should also be able to identify potential hazards and risks and have the ability to make necessary repairs.
Communication skills: Safety technicians communicate with many people on a daily basis, including their team, clients and other professionals. Effective communication skills can help you convey messages clearly, ask questions, listen to others and respond to requests. You can use communication skills in many aspects of your job, including during training, when instructing others, when responding to emergencies and when writing reports.
Problem-solving skills: Safety technicians use problem-solving skills to identify potential hazards and develop solutions to prevent accidents. They also use these skills to identify the cause of accidents and develop solutions to minimize the risk of future accidents. Safety technicians use problem-solving skills to train employees on safety procedures and to develop new safety procedures when necessary.
Attention to detail: Attention to detail is the ability to notice small changes in a situation. Safety technicians use attention to detail to ensure they follow all protocols correctly and that their equipment is working properly. Attention to detail can also help you notice potential hazards before they become an issue.
Teamwork skills: Safety technicians work with other professionals to ensure the safety of a workplace. They often work with other safety professionals, such as fire safety technicians, to ensure the safety of a workplace. They also work with other employees to ensure the safety of employees and visitors.
Safety Technician Work Environment
Safety technicians typically work in office settings, but they may also travel to worksites to conduct safety audits or to investigate accidents. They usually work regular business hours, but they may be on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies. Safety technicians may be exposed to hazardous materials and conditions, so they must take precautions to protect themselves. They also may be required to work in uncomfortable or cramped positions.
Safety Technician Trends
Here are three trends influencing how safety technicians work. Safety technicians will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
The Need for More Technical Training
The need for more technical training is a trend that is being driven by the increasing complexity of modern machinery. As machines become more complex, so too does the need for technicians who are able to repair them.
Safety technicians can capitalize on this trend by becoming certified in specific areas of expertise. This will allow them to provide valuable services to companies who need help with complex repairs. In addition, safety technicians can also focus on developing their communication and problem-solving skills, which are essential in any field.
More Focus on Cybersecurity
As businesses become increasingly reliant on technology, the need for professionals who specialize in cybersecurity has grown. Safety technicians are in high demand as they are responsible for ensuring that data and systems are protected from hackers and other cyber threats.
By focusing on cybersecurity training, safety technicians can ensure that they are prepared to handle the latest threats and keep businesses safe. Additionally, safety technicians can work with management to create policies and procedures that protect against common cyberattacks.
A Greater Emphasis on Occupational Health and Safety
As occupational health and safety (OHS) becomes a greater emphasis in business, safety technicians will be in high demand.
As OHS becomes more important, businesses will look to hire professionals who have experience in implementing safety measures and ensuring that employees are safe at work. Safety technicians can capitalize on this trend by becoming certified in different areas of OHS and by developing relationships with businesses that value safety.
How to Become a Safety Technician
A career as a safety technician can be rewarding in many ways. It offers the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, to help keep them safe at work, and to contribute to a safer workplace culture. As a safety technician, you will need to have a strong understanding of the principles of occupational safety and health (OSH), as well as how to apply those principles in real-life situations. You will also need to be able to use various tools and technologies to support your work.
To become a safety technician, you will need to complete an accredited training program and pass the required exams. You may also want to pursue additional certifications that demonstrate your knowledge and skills in specific areas of OSH.
Advancement Prospects
There are many ways to advance in the field of safety, depending on the individual’s goals and interests. One way to advance is to get more education, which can lead to positions such as safety manager or safety director. Another way to advance is to become certified by a professional organization, such as the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Certification shows that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job at a high level.
Safety technicians can also advance by taking on more responsibility at their current job, such as leading safety committees or training new employees in safety procedures. Those who are especially skilled at identifying and solving safety problems may be promoted to safety engineer or safety consultant.
Safety Technician Job Description Example
At [CompanyX], we are committed to providing a safe work environment for our employees, customers, and visitors. We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced safety technician to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in safety, health, and environmental compliance. He/she will be responsible for conducting safety audits, investigating accidents, and developing safety programs. The safety technician will also be responsible for training employees on safety procedures and conducting safety meetings. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with excellent communication and organizational skills.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of safety programs
- Investigate accidents and incidents, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions
- Conduct safety audits and inspections to identify potential hazards
- Assist with the development and delivery of safety training
- Monitor compliance with safety regulations and company policies
- Maintain accurate records of safety activities
- Prepare reports on safety data and trends
- Analyze data to identify opportunities for improvement
- Participate in the development of emergency response plans
- Assist with the investigation of worker’s compensation claims
- Serve as a resource to employees on safety-related issues
- Perform other duties as assigned
Required Skills and Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associate’s degree in safety, engineering, or related field preferred
- 2+ years experience in a safety-related role
- OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour certification
- First Aid/CPR/AED certification
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in safety, engineering, or related field
- 4+ years experience in a safety-related role
- Professional safety certification, such as ASP, CSP, or CHST
- Experience with incident investigation and root cause analysis
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook