It’s important to ensure that all workplaces are safe, and that workers feel comfortable coming to work every day. In order to achieve this, you need to mitigate any occupational hazards that might be present in the workplace. Which is where an occupational health and safety (OHS) expert comes in. In this article, we explain everything there is to know about OHS professionals and their jobs to give you a better understanding of how they are responsible for your safety at work.
What is an occupational health and safety expert?
An occupational health and safety expert is a safety professional who is responsible for the health and safety of a workplace. They are people who understand government regulations and ensure that your employer conforms to them. They analyze things such as safety equipment, hazardous conditions, toxic materials, and much more.
They operate in virtually every technical field but are particularly crucial to industries such as construction, industrial factories, and laboratories. Any industry in which there are potential health hazards or threats to workers requires an occupational health and safety expert.
What to do in case of a workplace accident?
Why are OHS professionals important?
OHS professionals are important because they ensure workplace safety for everyone. If safety standards are not monitored, it allows dangerous conditions to develop, which can lead to environmental hazards and injury to workers. Moreover, when people feel safe and supported in their workplace, it improves productivity as employees can focus on their jobs.
What does an occupational health and safety expert do?
An occupational health and safety expert’s job encompasses many things, from regular inspections to writing up thorough reports. Below is a breakdown of their most important roles.
Conduct inspections
The inspections that occupational health and safety experts carry out are the main component of their job. They cover a variety of things, including procedures, equipment, and the work environment.
Here is a brief list of things that OHS inspectors look out for:
- Presence of biological hazards
- Functionality and safety of equipment
- Access to protective equipment
- Good industrial hygiene
- Safe chemical processes
The safety jobs and inspections that OHS professionals carry out differ, depending on the industry they work in. For example, if they are assessing a factory floor, they won’t have to check for things such as safe chemical processes.
Compile reports
Following the inspections, OHS professionals have to write thorough reports. These are an essential part of the job as record keeping proves that the workplace is safe. Keeping records and writing reports are also important if there is a safety dispute involving a worker.
If there is a workplace accident, the records will show that the correct safety management protocol was completed, and that the workplace was deemed safe at the time of the accident. Without reports, employers have no defense against compensation claims.
Design safe procedures
If, once the inspection has been completed and the report has been written, OHS experts discover occupational safety problems, it is their job to find solutions. They usually work alongside business owners and other safety experts in order to develop processes that ensure the safety of everyone involved. In addition to their own expertise, they seek expert advice from the likes of equipment manufacturers, and observe the safety practices of other businesses in order to create a safe environment for all.
Manage training programs
OHS professionals also run training programs for employees. It is not solely the job of safety technicians to create a safe working environment. Employees also need to adhere to safety protocols for their own benefit. Training comes in different forms. It includes broad job training at the start of each person’s employment, so that they know what is expected of them, as well as instruction on how to use specific equipment and handle hazardous materials.
Investigate incidents
Although OHS technologists do what they can to prevent accidents at work, there is no way to completely prevent them. When accidents happen, they are the people who must investigate the incident. The investigation process involves the suspension of activities, while the incident is assessed. Thew OHS has to determine the cause of the accident and see what can be done to prevent such occurrences in the future. Whether it was a case of negligence, or faulty equipment, or simple lack of judgment, the culprit will be dealt with, following the investigation.
Can an employee sue an employer in Quebec?
Where do occupational health and safety experts work?
OHS experts work in environments where possible hazards could occur. In other words, they are present in virtually every conventional workplace, as well as many of those that are less conventional.
Below is a list of some of the industries in which you can expect to find an OHS expert:
- The chemical industry
- The transportation industry
- Education and training institutions
- Hospitals
- The hospitality industry
- Manufacturing plants
- Local government
- Oil and gas industries
- Etc.
OHS experts
Accident Solution has OHS experts who are trained to handle workplace safety claims of varying degrees of complexity. These experts boast strong educational and professional backgrounds and a track record of success. Always up to date on their knowledge and skills, they bring to the table a multidisciplinary approach to OHS problems, and an unparalleled degree of efficiency, accuracy, and diligence in tackling cases related to occupational health.
