Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Health & Safety Officer- from: Youtube Search
- Head of Safety- from: icould [UK] Video
- Health and Safety Manager- from: icould [UK] Video
- Quality/Health & Safety- from: icould [UK] Video
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.
Working Life
Health & Safety officers are responsible for raising the profile of health and safety within organisations, and making sure that a safe and healthy working environment exists for all employees.
They may work closely with managers, staff at all levels, trade unions, safety groups and environmental health specialists, to ensure that workplace practices are safe and comply with legislation. Health & Safety officers may visit sites regularly to become familiar with the work being done and to assess the current safety standards. They may then carry out routine inspections, providing managers with regular reports on safety performance; safety advisers and managers can then work together to set priorities for making improvements.
Officers check that employees are following safety procedures, and enforce safety and health requirements. They identify health hasards such as poorly designed equipment, inadequate lighting, high levels of fumes, dust or noise, or toxic material that is not stored away safely. They also conduct accident investigations, for example, taking photographs and measurements, and interviewing witnesses. They keep records and statistics of the occurrence and cause of accidents, and write up reports, providing managers and staff with advice on how to avoid accidents in the future.
It is important that safety advisers keep up-to-date with new health and safety legislation and understand the implications this may have on company policy. They attend short training courses on all aspects of health and safety. Many safety advisers are responsible for running safety-training courses for managers and employees.
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 programmes, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans.
- Coordinate "right-to-know" programmes regarding hasardous chemicals or other substances.
- Conduct safety training or education programmes 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.
Further Information
- Health and Safety Adviser- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Health and safety adviser- from: GradIreland
Qualities - Health & Safety Officer
Health & Safety officers must be committed to protecting and improving safety in the workplace. You will need to combine technical/scientific knowledge with energy, attention to detail and a creative approach to problem solving.
You'll need organisational skills to plan your work (for example, routine site inspections) and timetables for making safety improvements. Strong decision making skills will help you to establish the priorities for these improvements.
You will also need strong communication skills to work with a wide variety of people, including managers, staff at all levels, trade union representatives and local authority environmental health specialists. Safety advisers should have good report writing skills and the ability to explain safety procedures and legislation clearly and concisely.
Good negotiation and persuasive abilities will help you to influence managers and staff to change working practices or invest in new equipment. Health & Safety officers must be able to cope well under pressure, reacting quickly to crises. You may find yourself in stressful situations when people are distressed or angry, so you'll need a calm, professional manner to defuse potential confrontations. Also, you must be able to apply the law firmly.
Interests - Health & Safety Officer
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
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.
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.
Entry / Progression - Health & Safety Officer
Many Health & Safety officers 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.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business admin, management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: business management, occupational health and safety.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Lean Sigma Manager.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: environmental health and safety, occupational safety, fire safety and engineering.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: business management, HR management, health and safety.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Health & Safety Officer
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €70k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Lincoln / Morgan McKInley / Azon / Sigmar / HSE
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Health & Safety Officer
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Mechanical engineers; Electrical engineers; Electronics engineers; Engineering professionals n.e.c.
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.
Useful Contacts - Health & Safety Officer
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Construction Industry Federation
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Health and Safety Authority
- The Metropolitan Building, James Joyce St. Dublin 1
- 1890 289 389
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Safety Solutions Ltd
- Unit 47A, Rosemount Park Drive, Ballycoolin Road, Dublin 11
- (01) 835 4084
- [email protected]
- Click Here
