Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians typically perform the following tasks: • Evaluate situations or make determinations when a worker has refused to work on the grounds that danger or potential harm exists. • Supply, operate, or maintain personal protective equipment. • Train workers in safety procedures related to green jobs, such as the use of fall protection devices or maintenance of proper ventilation during wind turbine construction. • Test workplaces for environmental hazards, such as exposure to radiation, chemical or biological hazards, or excessive noise. • Maintain all required environmental records and documentation. • Provide consultation to organizations or agencies on the workplace application of safety principles, practices, or techniques. • Inspect fire suppression systems or portable fire systems to ensure proper working order. • Verify availability or monitor use of safety equipment, such as hearing protection or respirators. • Recommend corrective measures to be applied based on results of environmental contaminant analyses. • Prepare or review specifications or orders for the purchase of safety equipment, ensuring that proper features are present and that items conform to health and safety standards. • Prepare or calibrate equipment used to collect or analyze samples. • Conduct worker studies to determine whether specific instances of disease or illness are job-related. • Plan emergency response drills. • Examine credentials, licenses, or permits to ensure compliance with licensing requirements. • Review records or reports concerning laboratory results, staffing, floor plans, fire inspections, or sanitation to gather information for the development or enforcement of safety activities. • Educate the public about health issues or enforce health legislation to prevent disease, to promote health, or to help people understand health protection procedures and regulations. • Prepare documents to be used in legal proceedings, testifying in such proceedings when necessary. • Collect data regarding potential hazards from new equipment or products linked to green practices. • Maintain logbooks of daily activities, including areas visited or activities performed. • Help direct rescue or firefighting operations in the event of a fire or an explosion.