Spotlight on Careers in Aging: Occupational Health and Safety Specialist 

In 2023, more than a third of workplace deaths occurred among workers ages 55 and older. In fact, workers over 65 face 2.5 times the risk of dying on the job as younger workers. The workdays lost per occupational injury also increase drastically for older adults, as they usually need much longer to recover. 

But here’s the good news: There’s a career dedicated to preventing these tragedies. 

Occupational health and safety specialists inspect facilities and equipment, educate staff, investigate accidents and set procedures to keep workers of all ages safe and productive. No workplace is truly safe without their expertise. And looking ahead, we’ll need many more of them. 

Let’s look at how these experts keep us safe on the job and what their careers are like.  

What Do Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Do? 

Imagine seeing a sign that reads “650 Days Without an Accident” and knowing you played a major role in that achievement. That’s just another day on the job for an occupational health and safety specialist. 

Think of these experts as safety experts for organizations. On a typical day, you’ll find them: 

• Inspecting workspaces, tools and safety programs to make sure they follow regulations 
• Creating and executing plans that prevent hazards — chemical, physical, or other dangers 
• Training employees at all levels on workplace safety 
• Showing personnel how to correctly use safety gear  
• Investigating workplace incidents to figure out what went wrong and prevent repeats 
• Writing up reports to explain incidents and specify required changes 

Occupational health and safety specialists often require specialized gear to complete these tasks effectively. Sometimes that means gloves or a hard hat. In more dangerous situations, specialists may need full-face respirators or head-to-toe protective suits. 

Where Do Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Work? 

Occupational health and safety specialists work in all kinds of spaces. On some days, they might be soaking up the sunlight while inspecting a construction site. Other days they might be inside a factory or office building.  

They most often work at:  

• Government facilities 
• Manufacturing facilities  
• Construction sites 
• Private companies, often with a scientific or technical focus 
• Healthcare facilities 

Some occupational health and safety specialists work in-house for an employer. Others are contractors whose work environment can change from job to job. 

How Much Do Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Earn? 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports median earnings of $78,900 per year. That’s about $15,000 higher than the national average. 

What’s the Growth Outlook for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists? 

If you’re interested in entering this field, you’re in luck. The BLS expects 12% growth — much faster than average — through 2034.  

What does that translate to in jobs? Nearly 19,200 new openings. Qualified candidates have a strong chance of landing one of these positions. 

How Do You Become an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist? 

Want to help make workplace accidents a thing of the past? This career offers an appealing salary and lots of job openings, but you do need some on-the-job experience — and formal education credentials are a must.  

Here’s the typical path to employment as an occupational health and safety specialist: 

• Complete a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field. 

• Consider a related master’s degree. Not all employers require one, but a master’s degree can boost your knowledge, make your resume stand out and set you up for higher-paying leadership roles. 

• Optional: Earn professional certification to let employers know you’re ready to excel.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Let’s review the key points of what we learned: 

• What are occupational health and safety specialists? 
  Occupational health and safety specialists are professionals who gather data to identify potential dangers and implement plans to make the workplace safer. 
• Where do occupational health and safety specialists work? 
  They can work in any field or setting where safety is a concern, but you’ll see them frequently in government facilities, factories and on construction sites. 
• What’s the job outlook for occupational health and safety specialists? 
  The BLS shows median annual earnings of $78,900. Faster-than-average growth of 12% is expected through 2034. That’s about 19,200 new job openings! 
• What qualifications do you need to become an occupational health and safety specialist? 
  On-the-job training is a great foundation, but a bachelor’s degree in a related field is almost always necessary. A master’s degree and professional certification can bring added benefits, including a stronger resume, higher pay and leadership potential. 

Prepare to Lead in Health and Safety With an Online Master’s Degree in Aging  

Older workers have special health and safety concerns. So do nursing home and assisted living employees and residents. Help them stay safe as an occupational health and safety specialist. You’ll help ensure that regulations are followed and that slip-and-fall accidents and outbreaks are prevented. 

Build vital skills for careers in aging in our online graduate aging programs: 

• Online Master’s Degree in Innovative Aging Studies (30 credits) 

• Online Master’s Degree in Medical Physiology and Aging (30 credits) 

Not looking for a degree program yet? Try our 15-credit online Graduate Certificate in Aging and Geriatric Practice. 

Ready to start? Apply today! 

Sources: 
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7144431
https://alookthrutime.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/jobs-and-careers-in-1912/
https://blog.oshaonlinecenter.com/the-evolution-of-osha-a-brief-history-of-workplace-safety-in-the-united-states/
https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/united-states-history-primary-source-timeline/rise-of-industrial-america-1876-1900/overview

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