Occupational Safety and Health Workers

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), employment of occupational health and safety technicians is projected to grow 11 percent through 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of occupational health and safety specialists is projected to grow 15 percent during the same timeframe, also much faster than the average. Because of wide public support, the economy seldom affects safety jobs, especially in heavy industry where exposure to injury is highest. New environmental regulations will also help create a demand for health and safety technicians. Nevertheless, the expansion of regulatory and compliance programs is in direct conflict with congressional decisions to reduce government spending. In the private sector, employment of safety and health workers may grow because of increasing self-enforcement of government and company regulations. Casualty insurance companies will hire more safety and health workers as small companies request the services of their loss-control and occupational health consultants. Openings may also occur as experienced workers move to other occupations, retire, or are promoted. Employment prospects will be best for college graduates with degrees specifically related to occupational safety or health.

"In recent years, employers have emphasized worker health, safety, and wellness," the DOL explains. "This trend is expected to continue, which should contribute to increased demand for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians. Among the factors contributing to this demand are the adoption of new technologies, such as robotics, that require updated safety practices and the need to protect workers from climate-related hazards, such as excessive heat."

There is an increasing interest among employers in hiring one expert who fulfills the three functions of safety, industrial hygiene, and environmental management. Other in-demand specialties include risk management/loss control, ergonomics and human factors engineering, analytical-process safety engineering, construction safety, environmental safety, and fire protection. Those with relevant work experience and certification will have the best job prospects.