Careers in OHS : Jobs in Occupational Health and Safety are among the most critical roles in any industry today.
Careers in OHS
As workplace regulations evolve and the need for safe, healthy environments grows, professionals trained in occupational health and safety are increasingly in demand across sectors—from construction and manufacturing to healthcare and research.
At the core of each role is a shared mission: to protect workers, the environment, and the integrity of organizations.
Understanding Jobs in Occupational Health and Safety
Jobs in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) involve identifying hazards, enforcing safety protocols, conducting training, and promoting health and wellbeing at work.
These roles are diverse, covering administrative, technical, medical, and advisory responsibilities. Many require specific certifications or degrees, while others offer entry points for individuals who want to grow their careers in safety.
Entry-Level Jobs in Occupational Health and Safety
Health and Safety Assistant
Often the first step into the field, a Health and Safety Assistant supports senior safety professionals with clerical and logistical tasks. Responsibilities include organizing training records, preparing safety documentation, and assisting during audits or inspections.
This role provides a great foundation in learning compliance regulations and internal safety systems, making it ideal for recent graduates or career changers.
Safety Technician
Safety Technicians are involved in hands-on inspections of equipment, monitoring environmental conditions, and ensuring that machinery and materials meet regulatory standards. Technicians often work in industrial settings, construction sites, or laboratories.
They’re key players in hazard identification and control, often collaborating closely with engineers and safety officers.
Junior HSE Coordinator
A Junior HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) Coordinator typically supports implementation of safety protocols, helps manage data, and participates in field observations.
While still learning, they begin to influence organizational safety culture by supporting policy rollouts and reporting unsafe conditions.
Mid-Level Careers in Occupational Health and Safety
Health and Safety Officer / Specialist
One of the most recognized jobs in occupational health and safety, the Safety Officer ensures that workplaces comply with local and national laws.
Their work involves site inspections, conducting risk assessments, investigating incidents, and recommending corrective actions.
Many organizations, including those in construction, logistics, and oil and gas, rely on these professionals for their front-line defense in risk mitigation.
HSE Coordinator
HSE Coordinators handle day-to-day oversight of safety programs. They may develop job safety analysis reports (JSAs), deliver toolbox talks, and monitor performance indicators.
These roles often involve collaboration with both workers and executives to align practices with policies.
Safety Trainer
With a specialization in instruction, Safety Trainers develop and lead courses in hazard awareness, PPE use, confined space entry, and more.
Their ability to communicate complex safety topics clearly is crucial for organizational learning and compliance.
Industrial Hygienist
These specialists focus on workplace exposure to chemical, biological, and physical hazards.
Using equipment and sampling methods, they monitor for air quality, chemical exposure, noise, and radiation. Their findings often shape workplace layout, ventilation systems, and health policies.
Ergonomist
Ergonomists optimize human interaction with tools and work environments. By assessing posture, movement, and repetitive tasks, they reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Many are employed in manufacturing, office design, and healthcare.
Senior and Specialized Roles in OHS
Occupational Health and Safety Manager
A strategic leadership role, the OHS Manager oversees the entire safety program within an organization. This includes leading internal audits, managing budgets, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring compliance with ISO and OHSAS standards.
Managers often act as a liaison between regulatory authorities and company leadership.
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager
The EHS Manager combines environmental compliance with occupational safety. In addition to traditional OHS tasks, they manage hazardous waste disposal, sustainability programs, and environmental risk analysis.
This role is especially important in energy, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical sectors.
OHS Consultant
Consultants work independently or with agencies to provide expert guidance on safety practices. They audit organizations, write reports, deliver training, and assist with the implementation of corrective actions.
Consultants must remain current with evolving legislation, like Canada’s CCOHS guidelines or OSHA standards in the U.S.
OHS Auditor
Tasked with conducting internal or third-party audits, these professionals ensure safety systems align with regulations and certifications such as ISO 45001.
They often work with multinational companies and consulting firms.
Policy Advisor
OHS Policy Advisors influence company culture by drafting and updating health and safety policies, ensuring that language is clear, enforceable, and legally sound.
Their work involves staying up to date with government regulations, union agreements, and sector best practices.
Medical and Emergency Roles in OHS
Occupational Health Nurse
These nurses conduct health screenings, manage return-to-work programs, and provide first aid services onsite.
Their medical background helps bridge the gap between health promotion and injury management.
Emergency Response Coordinator
This role is crucial in high-risk industries like oil & gas or construction. Coordinators design emergency action plans, conduct drills, and ensure teams are trained in fire response, evacuations, and chemical spills.
Industry-Specific Jobs in Occupational Health and Safety
Construction Safety Officer
One of the most in-demand jobs in occupational health and safety, these officers focus on active construction sites.
Their responsibilities include fall protection monitoring, scaffolding inspections, and site orientation for contractors.
Mining Safety Officer
In a high-risk industry like mining, safety officers manage issues such as ventilation, rockfall, and exposure to silica dust.
They implement Mine Rescue Plans and follow regulatory frameworks like the Canadian Mine Safety Guidelines.
Laboratory Safety Specialist
Laboratories require rigorous safety due to the presence of chemical, biological, and radioactive materials.
These specialists maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), oversee chemical storage, and conduct spill response training.
Manufacturing Safety Supervisor
From lockout-tagout (LOTO) procedures to forklift operations, Manufacturing Safety Supervisors ensure every process is reviewed for safety.
They often lead investigations into near misses and suggest machine redesigns to improve safety outcomes.
Career Path and Advancement
OHS careers can begin with a diploma or certificate and grow into leadership roles through experience and further certifications. Common career pathways include:
- Safety Assistant → Safety Officer → OHS Manager
- Technician → Specialist → Consultant
- Nurse → Occupational Health Lead
Certifications to Boost Your OHS Career
- NEBOSH (UK/Global) – Globally respected certificate for OHS professionals.
- CRSP (Canada) – Certified Registered Safety Professional designation.
- CSP (USA) – Certified Safety Professional for advanced practitioners.
- IOSH Managing Safely – Entry-level certificate popular for managers.
Additional training in confined space entry, hazardous materials, and risk management also enhances employability.
Final Thoughts: Why Jobs in Occupational Health and Safety Matter
As we move into a future where safety, health, and environmental sustainability are critical to business success, jobs in occupational health and safety have never been more essential.
These roles ensure that people return home safe, that companies avoid costly penalties, and that organizations thrive in competitive, regulated environments.
Whether you’re starting out or pivoting into this dynamic field, OHS offers a meaningful and impactful career with opportunities to grow, specialize, and lead.