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.

Further Information

• Occupational Hygienist - from: GradIreland

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

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

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.

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.

Many Occupational Hygienists/ 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 Colleges 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, Occupational Health & Safety, Occupational Therapy Studies, Organisational Psychology 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, Occupational Safety & Health, Applied Psychology, 
Applied Social Care at NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Business management, HR Management, Health & Safety, Occupational & Environmental Health & Safety, Health & Social Care - Management of Occupational Stress and Well-being NFQ levels 8-9

Last Updated: November, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €60k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / Brightwater/ CPL

Last Updated: July, 2024

* 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).

Employment grew strongly for this occupation between 2018 and 2021, although employment remained unchanged in the most recent time period. Almost three quarters were employed in industry. Despite the static employment levels in 2022, there was a significant increase in the number of employment permits issued between 2021 and 2022 (by 1,100), with the industrial sector accounting for half of the increase. Roles for which permits were issued included quality, process, and design engineers.

This occupation had the highest number of mentions of vacancies that were difficult to fill in the Recruitment Agency Survey, especially for quality control/assurance, compliance/regulatory and process engineering roles. Employers (through Skills for Growth and/or Spotlight on Skills) have cited roles in design engineering (with specific industry knowledge), quality control and production engineers as being difficult to fill. Demand continues to be strong for this occupation despite static employment levels and issues with recruiting suitably qualified/experienced candidates for these roles are likely to persist. 

• Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland

  • AOTI Office 201 18 Herbert Street Dublin 2 D02 FK19
  • 01-8748136
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in Ireland

  • CIPD, A3 The Locks, Charlotte Quay Dock, Dublin 4
  • (01) 678 0090
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)

  • Digital Office Centre Camden, 12 Camden Row, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 8, D08 R9CN, Ireland
  • (0)87 387 7179
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here