Occupational Safety and Health Workers

Most occupational safety and health workers are based in offices but spend much of their time at work sites, inspecting safety hazards, talking to workers, or taking samples of such things as air, dust, or water. They may travel a great deal, depending on their job specialty and location. For example, safety engineers who work exclusively at one plant may travel only to an occasional seminar or conference, while insurance consultants will spend about half of their time away from the office inspecting work sites.

The conditions of inspection sites vary depending on the situation. Safety and health workers may experience unpleasant or dangerous working conditions, such as inspecting mines or livestock-slaughtering procedures. Some factories will be dirty and noisy, while warehouses are usually orderly and office buildings very comfortable. The nature of the work may require a lot of physical activity, such as walking, stooping, bending, and lifting.