A health and safety officer's role is to prevent accidents, observe and implement safety regulations and ensure fire safety – and is critical in construction.
Who can I work for?
You could be based in any number of organisations, from multinationals to small consultancies, and work in partnership with employers, employees, directors and trade unions.
Where and when can I work?
The work is mainly office-based, working regular hours, but you could spend a lot of time on-site or at offshore platforms, which can require travel within the working day or overnight stays.
What can I earn?
In areas like construction, workers are more exposed to dangers and this requires stricter edicts and compliance measures so health and safety officers can earn a lot more. Many roles in this sector attract salaries of over £35,000.
What are the benefits?
Working for larger organisations not only sees your pay packet go up but also gives you more opportunity to travel. You also get access to benefits such as medical insurance, bonuses, and a company car.
Are there chances of promotion?
You will need to be willing to move within the industry to new employers to achieve promotion. You could progress to management at regional and group level or even work at director level. Another route to take is to specialise in a particular industrial sector.
What will I be responsible for?
Providing health and safety training, inspecting sites and identifying probable risks, ensuring the safe installation of equipment, managing and organising the safe disposal of hazardous substances, advising on a range of specialist areas and producing reports and bulletins for colleagues.
Do I need any experience?
A degree in occupational safety, life science, engineering or health studies may increase your chances of employment, however you don't have to be a graduate. Some experience of working in the construction field at an operational level would be extremely valuable.
What attributes are needed?
You will need to be able to negotiate well and use good judgement on a daily basis. You will also need to be methodical, have great attention to detail and confident in presenting reports. Being on-site can sometimes be demanding so it's useful to be in good physical shape too.