What types of tasks are commonly listed in job postings for occupational safety and health specialists? What are the requirements?

Job postings for “Occupational Safety and Health Specialist” list all the requirements a company has for new employees in that position. Job seekers can find all the important information about the opening in these postings, such as:

  • the activities
  • the requirements (previous education, professional experience, personal skills and characteristics)
  • Further employer information

 

Different job titles:

  • Occupational Safety and Health Specialist
  • Occupational Safety Specialist
  • Safety Engineer
  • Safety Officer
  • HSE Manager
  • Occupational Safety Coordinator
  • Occupational Safety and Health Officer
  • Occupational Safety Manager
  • Prevention Specialist
  • Safety Officer
  • HSE Specialist
  • Health and Safety Advisor
  • Security Specialist
  • Safety and Health Coordinator (SiGeKo)
  • Safety Auditor
  • QHSE Manager
  • Occupational Safety Risk Manager
  • OHS Manager
  • EHS Manager

 

Distribution of individual tasks in a job as an occupational safety and health specialist:

Risk Assessments and Site Inspections:

  • Conducting Risk Assessments
  • Occupational Safety Walkthroughs and Inspections
 approx. 20% of the time

Consulting and Training:

  • Consulting for Executives and Employees
  • Conducting Training and Instruction Sessions
 approx. 20% of the time

Development of Security Concepts: Development and Implementation of Security Standards and Procedures

approx. 15% of the time

Documentation and Reporting:

  • Recording of Workplace Accidents and Near Misses
  • Preparation of safety reports and statistics
 approx. 15% of the time

Regulatory Compliance: Monitoring and Implementing Legal and Company Policies

 approx. 10% of the time

Communication and Coordination:

  • Cooperation with external organizations such as workers' compensation associations, government agencies, etc.
  • Communicating Safety-Related Issues Within the Company
 approx. 10% of the time

Emergency Management:

  • Planning and Conducting Emergency Drills
  • Development of Emergency Plans
 approx. 5% of the time

Other: Administrative tasks, project work, etc.

 approx. 5% of the time

Requirements listed in job postings for a position as an Occupational Safety and Health Specialist

The duties and requirements described here are based on an analysis of relevant job postings on various Swiss job platforms and are intended to give you an idea of what the role of an Occupational Safety and Health Specialist entails. Requirements and responsibilities may vary depending on the employer, industry, and specific job description.

Professional requirements
  • Completed basic training
  • Continuing Education to Become a Specialist in Occupational Safety and Health with a Federal Diploma of Higher Education
  • Several years of experience in a similar position or in the field of occupational safety and health
Expertise for a Job in Occupational Safety and Health as a Specialist
  • Basic knowledge of the technologies and processes in the respective business unit
  • Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and standards
  • Expertise in risk assessment, risk management, documentation, and data analysis
  • Knowledge of emergency planning, first aid, and CPR
    Technical expertise and
  • Computer skills
Personal characteristics
  • Communication and Problem-Solving Skills
  • Confident demeanor and strong leadership skills
  • Initiative and organizational skills
  • Social competence
  • Adaptability
Other Job: Occupational Safety and Health Specialist
  • Communication skills: The ability to communicate clearly and precisely, both in writing and orally
  • Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with other departments and external parties
  • Organizational skills: Planning and conducting training sessions, audits, and other safety-related activities
  • Independence: The ability to perform tasks independently and responsibly
  • Attention to detail: An eye for detail that allows you to identify hazards and risks that others might overlook

Useful Information on Job Search and Applications

Are you looking to advance your career or seeking a new challenge? Compare different job postings to find out what responsibilities, qualifications, and experience are required for a position as an occupational safety and health specialist. This will help you better assess which positions match your profile and whether targeted continuing education, further training is worth pursuing for your next career move.

Schools offering training for a career as an occupational safety and health specialist