Health and Safety Officer
Summary of profession
Working as a health and safety officer, you will look at all aspects of health and safety including infection control, safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, dealing with hazardous substances, violence and abusive behavior, manual handling (lifting, carrying, etc.) and food hygiene. You will also inspect buildings, draw up health and safety policies and procedures, train staff, ensure that staff follow procedures as well as investigate health and safety incidents and accidents
Working hours, patterns and environments
You will be based in an office that may be in a hospital or in a headquarters building. You will spend a lot of time around hospital wards, departments and clinics.
Education and skills
You will need at least two or three A-levels along with up to five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English, Mathematics and Science. Officers will need a relevant degree such as environmental health or occupational safety and health and a postgraduate diploma or Masters.
Job growth and opportunities
Employment of occupational health and safety specialists is projected to grow 4% from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations. Specialists will be needed to work in a wide variety of industries to ensure that employers are adhering to both existing and new regulations.