Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hasardous work methods, processes, or materials.
• Order suspension of activities that pose threats to workers' health or safety.
• Investigate accidents to identify causes or to determine how such accidents might be prevented in the future.
• Inspect or evaluate workplace environments, equipment, or practices to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.
• Collaborate with engineers or physicians to institute control or remedial measures for hasardous or potentially hasardous conditions or equipment.
• Develop or maintain hygiene programs, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans.
• Coordinate "right-to-know" programs regarding hasardous chemicals or other substances.
• Conduct safety training or education programs and demonstrate the use of safety equipment.
• Collect samples of dust, gases, vapors, or other potentially toxic materials for analysis.
• Investigate the adequacy of ventilation, exhaust equipment, lighting, or other conditions that could affect employee health, comfort, or performance.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Many Health & Safety managers move into this area of work after careers in other areas of employment. Most entrants have a degree. Entrants usually start as safety assistants and receive either training or sponsorship towards professional qualifications.

The Health & Safety Authority is the leading body for people who work in this area, and it's usual for safety advisers to be members. For membership, the Health & Safety Authority recognises an accredited degree or diploma in occupational health and safety or a related area. The Universities and I.T.s countrywide run relevant courses at various levels.

Graduates of courses with specialist modules in Health and Safety can enter the profession directly. Alternatively. the position is achieved after years of related experience in a particular area.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Business Admin, Management in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Business Management, Occupational health & safety at NFQ Level 5 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Lean sigma manager Apprenticeship NFQ level 9 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: environmental Health & safety, Occupational safety, Fire safety and engineering at NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses

Postgraduate Study Options Business management, HR Management, Health & Safety NFQ level 9 

Last Updated: February, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €80k

Salaries vary by employer, role, location, duties, and shift patterns. 

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKInley/ Indeed.ie/ Sigmar

Last Updated: February, 2023

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong five-year annual average employment growth rate, the numbers employed declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. Over half (55%) were employed in the professional activities sector with the remainder spread across industry and other sectors. The number of employment permits issued in 2022 grew strongly (and remained strong in the first five months of 2023) in roles including electrical, mechanical, automation, and validation engineers. There is evidence in the Recruitment Agency Survey of difficulties in filling vacancies for roles in electrical, automation, mechanical, and environmental health & safety (EHS) engineers.

Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data highlight issues with sourcing mechanical, automation and process engineers, with project management, Lean Six Sigma, and CAD/AutoCAD skills in particular demand for these roles. Despite a 3% fall in 2022, this occupation was amongst the most frequently mentioned in online job adverts. Overall demand for this occupation may moderate, although this may be offset by any increase in the extension of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5 technologies to more traditional manufacturing sectors and smaller sized companies; in addition, increased activity associated with the generation of green energy (mechanical/electrical) will also drive demand for these skills. As such, difficulty in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced engineers is expected to continue, albeit in smaller numbers.

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