Are you looking to change your career, or are you about to start one? Maybe it’s worth having a closer look at the health and safety industry.
Every year more and more companies shift their focus from “profit only” to “corporate responsibility”. This means that they open new roles and hire more people who will look after employees’ wellness, health and safety, and here a Safety Coordinator role appears.
Who is a Safety Coordinator?
It is a person whose main responsibility is to make sure that the workplace is safe by creating safety rules and procedures, conducting relevant training for the employees, doing toolbox talks online and regular checks if the procedures are followed.
Being a safety coordinator requires a certain set of skills. To succeed in this job, you need to be:
- An excellent communicator. Considering the amount of information that you need to pass to the staff, it is crucial to be able to present clearly and effectively.
- A good coordinator.
- A leader that people want to follow.
- An observer and decision-maker when the safety appears to be at risk.
- A team player.
- An experienced professional.
As you can see, this job might not be as simple as it seems. However, by pursuing this career, not only can you earn well, but also become a part of a noble mission – create a safety zone for people and prevent them from having injuries and accidents.
What does it take to become a Safety Coordinator?
Employers across the country might have different requirements. Some look for experienced managers, others prioritize degrees and certifications over experience.
If you had decided to have a relevant degree, you can complete the studies in occupational health, industrial hygiene, engineering, or biology. On top of the diploma, you can also work on additional postsecondary certificates, such as occupational safety management, sst course, soft skills, ergonomics, or accident prevention/analysis. After obtaining relevant certifications, you may want to utilize an incident rate calculator to track workplace safety and identify areas for improvement.
Even though certifications are not mandatory, they might increase your chances of getting the job. One of the most popular ones is the OSHA 8 hour site safety manager certification. It is recognized by many employers and will definitely be a good addition to your CV.
Once you get hired, the education does not stop. You might already have the general knowledge about the safety regulations and requirements, but you will also need to learn the on-site specifics. You will be given training on risks connected to the particular workplace, their existing safety rules, and how to investigate accidents once they occur.