Occupational Health and Safety Technicians

19-5012.00

Collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists. Implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Test workplaces for environmental hazards, such as exposure to radiation, chemical or biological hazards, or excessive noise.
• Prepare or calibrate equipment used to collect or analyze samples.
• Maintain all required environmental records and documentation.
• Supply, operate, or maintain personal protective equipment.
• 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.
• Conduct worker studies to determine whether specific instances of disease or illness are job-related.
• Recommend corrective measures to be applied based on results of environmental contaminant analyses.
• Verify availability or monitor use of safety equipment, such as hearing protection or respirators.
• 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.
• Evaluate situations or make determinations when a worker has refused to work on the grounds that danger or potential harm exists.
• Help direct rescue or firefighting operations in the event of a fire or an explosion.
• Inspect fire suppression systems or portable fire systems to ensure proper working order.
• 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.
• Plan emergency response drills.
• Prepare documents to be used in legal proceedings, testifying in such proceedings when necessary.
• Provide consultation to organizations or agencies on the workplace application of safety principles, practices, or techniques.
• 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.
• Test or balance newly installed HVAC systems to determine whether indoor air quality standards are met.
• Examine credentials, licenses, or permits to ensure compliance with licensing requirements.
• Maintain logbooks of daily activities, including areas visited or activities performed.
• Collect data regarding potential hazards from new equipment or products linked to green practices.
• Confer with schools, state authorities, or community groups to develop health standards or programs.
• Conduct interviews to obtain information or evidence regarding communicable diseases or violations of health or sanitation regulations.
• Collect data related to ecological or human health risks at brownfield sites.
• Perform tests to identify any potential hazards related to recycled products used at green building sites.
• Examine practices at green building sites to determine whether adherence to green building standards alters risks to workers.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Statistical analysis software; TapRooT
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Data base user interface and query software - Brady Lockout Pro; Database software; Microsoft Access 🔥; Remedy Interactive iMitigate
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP software 🔥
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Graphics software
• Industrial control software - Industrial Scientific iNET; QuestSuite Professional
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint ; Presentation software
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel ; Spreadsheet software
• Video conferencing software - Teleconferencing software
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word ; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• 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.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Test facilities for environmental hazards.
• Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
• Maintain medical laboratory equipment.
• Prepare official health documents or records.
• Protect patients or staff members using safety equipment.
• Verify that medical activities or operations meet standards.
• Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
• Advise communities or institutions regarding health or safety issues.
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment.
• Monitor medical facility activities to ensure adherence to standards or regulations.
• Inspect work environments to ensure safety.
• Conduct health or safety training programs.
• Develop emergency procedures.
• Communicate health and wellness information to the public.
• Maintain medical facility records.
• Design public or employee health programs.