Occupational Safety and Health Workers

The high number of organizations devoted to the field of environmental health and safety reflects public concern with this area. The American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) certifies professionals in this field. The ABIH offers information on the certification process and other helpful resources. The American Industrial Hygiene Association offers both face-to-face and e-learning courses, as well as an online job board and a Career and Employment Services Committee that works with a Student and Early Professionals Career Committee to attract others to careers in environmental health and safety. The American Society of Safety Engineers presents certification preparation workshops, webinars, and detailed information on different practice specialties within the area of safety engineering. The sole purpose of the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) is to certify practitioners in the safety profession. To accomplish this goal, BCSP sets standards for various levels within the profession; evaluates the academic and professional experience qualifications of its applicants; administers examinations; issues certificates to successful applicants; and monitors professional development through recertification. The mission of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is to reduce the burden of fire and other hazards by promoting uniform fire codes and standards, and providing research, training, and education. NFPA offers internships, scholarships, certification programs, and webinars so that participants can stay "up to code." The National Safety Council (NSC) is involved with all aspects of safety: in the home, at work, and on the road. The NSC offers online courses as well as on-site and classroom training. The Society of Fire Prevention Engineers (SFPE) is a professional international organization that conducts seminars; runs short courses, symposia, and conferences; and publishes books, magazines, and newsletters. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers an undergraduate degree in occupational and environmental safety and health.