In the past, many safety professionals began their careers by accident – and I mean literally by accident. After a workplace injury left them unable to return to their original position, they were often given the role of safety officer for the organization.
The idea was that someone who had been seriously hurt on the job would be all too familiar with the workplace hazards and their consequences, making them a good ambassador for safety. The fact that the employee understood the technical aspects of work was also seen as an advantage, as well as an asset for delivering relevant safety education and training.
While this is still some people's entry point into safety, it happens much less frequently nowadays. We have thankfully come to recognize that getting hurt on the job is no substitute for training and certification.
Anyone wishing to pursue a career in safety, no matter how they got interested in it, needs to meet the professional entry requirements, such as education, training, and experience. In this article, we'll go over those formal requirements and share additional advice that will help you land your first job in safety.
Entering the Profession
Similar to other fields, entry-level safety positions generally require little to no prior experience. An interest in occupational health and safety and a willingness to learn might be enough to get you started.
Companies can fill safety positions with internal or external candidates. There could be different expectations depending on whether you already work for them or are submitting your first application to join their team.
Internal Safety Candidates
Internal candidates are more likely to be offered an entry level safety position without any previous experience or certifications, or even without a high school diploma.
Internal employees have a good knowledge of the company's operations and its hazards, as well as existing relationships within the organization. This allows them to adapt and contribute more quickly than an external hire. If you're vying for a safety role in a company you already work for, you should leverage these attributes when applying for the position.
External Safety Candidates
If you are an external candidate, given the organization has no familiarity with your abilities and inclinations, the approach will be more formal.
A high school diploma or equivalent may be sufficient for external entry-level positions. However, to compensate for the lack of familiarity, some employers prefer candidates with an associate degree or courses in occupational health and safety. They may also give preference to candidates with internships, coursework, or certifications related to safety.
As an external candidate, the more you can demonstrate education and experience, the better your chances of getting hired.
(Learn more in Safety Certifications 101)
Entry Level: Field Roles vs. Admin Roles
Another major consideration when entering the safety profession is the type of role you're aiming to take on.
Administrative Support
For office-based administrative support roles, the key qualifications will depend on the requirements of the job. Most of these positions require proficiency with computer applications (such as the MS Suite), database management, and the ability to learn internal digital systems.
Certification requirements will vary. Formal certifications on the type of software you'll be using is always beneficial. An entry level position may also require specialized safety training, such as a Health and Safety Administrator (HSA) or National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO) certificate. Those are generally obtained by completing a series of courses with low time investment (20 days of training or so).
Field-Based Safety
Field-based entry-level safety roles require a different type of preparation. Unlike admin roles, the emphasis for field-based safety is on practical knowledge and skills.
The focus is going to be on certification. NCSO certification is generally required, which differs from the HSA certification by having a work experience criteria. To obtain your NCSO certification, you need to prove three years of experience in the industry of the certifying partner.
Where to Look for Work
Finding work in safety is no different from any other area of specialization, and the job opportunities and barriers to entry vary with the demand for safety professionals.
Here are some places to look for job opportunities:
- Industries that go through boom phases typically have many safety positions that need to be filled.
- Networking is one of the best ways to learn about employment opportunities and get your foot in the door.
- Educational institutions often require their safety students to complete a practicum during the program or at the end of it. Many have agreements with different organizations to help place their students in internships. Being accepted for one of these internships and creating a good first impression can lead to full-time employment.
- Certification organizations, such as the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals or NCSO certifying partners, often list employment opportunities on their websites.
- Job boards is where the highest number of safety jobs are posted.
The Skills You Need to Become a Safety Professional
Given that the safety field is as varied as the NAICS code, the technical skills of a safety professional vary extensively. However, from a big picture perspective, the following skills will make your life easier as you fulfill your safety role.
- Technical Knowledge: A strong foundation in occupational health and safety regulations, best practices, risk assessment, hazard identification, and control measures is essential. Health and safety professionals must stay up-to-date with changing regulations and industry standards.
- Analytical Skills: The ability to analyze data, trends, and workplace conditions in order to identify potential risks and hazards is crucial. This includes conducting safety audits and risk assessments.
- Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail is essential when conducting safety inspections and audits and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Communication Skills: Health and safety professionals must be effective communicators, both verbally and in writing. They need to convey safety information to employees, management, and stakeholders clearly and persuasively.
- Problem-Solving: Good health and safety professionals are adept at solving complex safety issues and implementing effective solutions. They should understand the environment in which they operate and its limitations, then proactively address safety concerns and look for innovative ways to make the workplace safer.
- Leadership and Teamwork: Health and safety professionals often work with cross-functional teams where the solutions are found at the intersection of safety regulation, industry standards, and technical limitations. They should be able to lead safety initiatives, motivate others to follow safety procedures, and collaborate effectively with different stakeholders.
- Ethical Conduct: Health and safety professionals must act with integrity and adhere to ethical standards. They should prioritize safety over shortcuts and always strive to do what is right for the well-being of employees and the community.
- Empathy: Understanding and empathizing with employees' concerns and perspectives can improve the effectiveness of safety programs. A good health and safety professional should be approachable and able to relate to the workforce.
(Learn more in The Lone Safety Ranger)
Concrete Steps to Becoming a Safety Professional
While the barriers to entry are minimal, organizations will always favor candidates with more certifications, training, and experience.
Below are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of getting your first job in safety and reduce the number of rungs you have to climb in your career as a safety professional.
Keep in mind that you do not have to go through all these steps and that the ones you take will depend on your current experience and aspirations.
Educational Qualifications
Some health and safety professionals start with a bachelor's degree in occupational health and safety, environmental health, industrial hygiene, or a related discipline. This does, however, require a fairly high time investment (4 years).
Others will opt for diploma or certificate programs in health and safety, which may be shorter in duration (1 to 2 years) and provide specialized training. Some institutions offer these programs in a classroom setting, while others are delivered exclusively online. The online programs can generally be completed on your own time, making them an ideal option if you're already working.
Professional Certifications
There are many safety certifications that will provide you with foundational knowledge to get you started.
As stated earlier, programs such as HSA, NCSO, or Construction Safety Specialist (CSS) will require a minimal time investment (about 20 days spread over the year) and provide the basic knowledge to allow you to do the basic functions of a safety role.
On a higher level, The Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) is a recognized certifying body in Canada, and obtaining the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation is a common goal for aspiring health and safety professionals. They offer two different designations: the Canadian Registered Safety Technician and the more advanced CRSP. The main difference is that the CRSP designation has educational prerequisites, such as a safety diploma, which means that achieving this designation will require intensive time and effort.
Practical Experience
Practical experience is a common requirement for safety jobs, even at the entry level.
School-mediated internships and co-op placements are great ways to get some hands-on experience. To make it relevant, you would ideally try to do a co-op or internship with an organization or in an industry that you would look to enter after completing the program.
Networking
Networking is as important for entry into the safety field and will often act as a mitigating factor for lack of experience and training.
Joining professional organizations and attending conferences or seminars related to health and safety can help you make connections that might lead to employment. Online networking, such as joining LinkedIn safety groups, might be less efficient than face-to-face meetings but will increase your exposure dramatically. Put forward some valuable ideas and content to further increase your exposure.
As an introvert and newcomer to Canada, I found networking the hardest pathway to get a handle on. But I also recognize that mastering this would have accelerated my career. So I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to connect with other professionals to identify and leverage work opportunities.
Continuous Education
The field of health and safety is constantly evolving. Simply entering the profession won’t guarantee that you will remain employable in the long run. Increasing your technical and soft skills is recommended to maintain or advance your career.
Keeping abreast with new safety and management methods, learning about emerging trends and technologies in safety, and staying up-to-date with new regulations and best practices is essential. Many professionals engage in ongoing education and training to maintain their expertise. Some safety certifications, such as CRSP, require their members to engage in continuous development.
Specialization is another consideration. You might want to consider specializing in a particular area of health and safety, such as industrial hygiene, construction safety, environmental health, or ergonomics. Doing so will make you more appealing to employers and improve your career prospects.
Summary
It's important to note that the requirements for entering the health and safety profession may vary depending on the specific role, industry, and location within Canada. While occupational safety is still a developing field making the entry barriers and requirements somewhat flexible, there are fairly generic experience, education, and certification requirements that would facilitate your entry into the industry.
Be sure to research the specific requirements and certifications needed for the career path you are interested in and consult with professionals in the field or career advisors to gain insights and guidance on the best approach for your situation.