What is a Safety Supervisor Job?
A safety supervisor job involves ensuring that a company’s operations are carried out in a safe and secure manner. This may involve creating and implementing safety policies and procedures, conducting regular inspections and audits, and training employees on safety protocols. Safety supervisors work in a variety of industries including construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.
What Usually Do in This Position?
Safety supervisors are responsible for ensuring that their company’s operations are carried out in a safe manner. This may involve conducting regular inspections and audits of equipment, facilities, and procedures to identify potential hazards and risks. They also work to develop and implement safety policies and procedures, and to train employees on safety protocols.
In addition to these duties, safety supervisors may also investigate accidents and incidents to identify the root cause and to develop strategies to prevent similar occurrences in the future. They may also work with regulatory agencies to ensure that their company is in compliance with all applicable safety regulations.
Top 5 Skills for the Position
- Attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to analyze data and identify trends
- Strong leadership skills
- Knowledge of safety regulations and standards
How to Become This Type of Specialist
To become a safety supervisor, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as occupational health and safety or environmental science. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or professional certification such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation.
In addition to education and certification, gaining experience in a related field such as environmental health and safety or industrial hygiene can be beneficial for those seeking a career as a safety supervisor.
Average Salary
The average salary for a safety supervisor varies depending on the industry and location, but according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for occupational health and safety specialists was $76,340 as of May 2020.
Roles and Types
Safety supervisors work in a variety of industries including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and government agencies. They may also specialize in a particular area of safety such as environmental health and safety or industrial hygiene.
In addition to safety supervisors, there are also other roles within the field of occupational health and safety such as safety coordinators, safety managers, and safety consultants.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest employment level in the field of occupational health and safety as of May 2020 were California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois.
What Are the Typical Tools?
Safety supervisors may use a variety of tools and equipment to carry out their duties, including:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Safety harnesses and lanyards
- Gas detectors and air monitoring equipment
- Fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment
- Inspection checklists and reporting software
In Conclusion
Safety supervisors play a crucial role in ensuring that companies operate in a safe and secure manner. They are responsible for developing and implementing safety policies and procedures, conducting inspections and audits, and training employees on safety protocols. To become a safety supervisor, a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as occupational health and safety is typically required, along with professional certification and experience in a related field. The average salary for a safety supervisor varies depending on the industry and location, and there are a variety of roles and specializations within the field of occupational health and safety.