Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 22,500 people employed as occupational health and safety technicians in the United States. The median annual salary is $51,120. Entry level employees earn approximately $30,330 per year and senior employees earn approximately $91,260 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Conduct worker studies to determine whether specific instances of disease or illness are job-related.
• Recommend corrective measures to be applied based on results of environmental contaminant analyses.
• Verify availability or monitor use of safety equipment, such as hearing protection or respirators.
• Review records or reports concerning laboratory results, staffing, floor plans, fire inspections, or sanitation to gather information for the development or enforcement of safety activities.
• Evaluate situations or make determinations when a worker has refused to work on the grounds that danger or potential harm exists.
• Help direct rescue or firefighting operations in the event of a fire or an explosion.
• Inspect fire suppression systems or portable fire systems to ensure proper working order.
• Train workers in safety procedures related to green jobs, such as the use of fall protection devices or maintenance of proper ventilation during wind turbine construction.
• Plan emergency response drills.
• Prepare documents to be used in legal proceedings, testifying in such proceedings when necessary.
• Provide consultation to organizations or agencies on the workplace application of safety principles, practices, or techniques.
• Educate the public about health issues or enforce health legislation to prevent disease, to promote health, or to help people understand health protection procedures and regulations.
• Test or balance newly installed HVAC systems to determine whether indoor air quality standards are met.
• Test workplaces for environmental hazards, such as exposure to radiation, chemical or biological hazards, or excessive noise.
• Prepare or calibrate equipment used to collect or analyze samples.
• Maintain all required environmental records and documentation.
• Supply, operate, or maintain personal protective equipment.
• Prepare or review specifications or orders for the purchase of safety equipment, ensuring that proper features are present and that items conform to health and safety standards.
• Examine credentials, licenses, or permits to ensure compliance with licensing requirements.
• Maintain logbooks of daily activities, including areas visited or activities performed.
• Collect data regarding potential hazards from new equipment or products linked to green practices.
• Confer with schools, state authorities, or community groups to develop health standards or programs.
• Conduct interviews to obtain information or evidence regarding communicable diseases or violations of health or sanitation regulations.
• Collect data related to ecological or human health risks at brownfield sites.
• Perform tests to identify any potential hazards related to recycled products used at green building sites.
• Examine practices at green building sites to determine whether adherence to green building standards alters risks to workers.

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