The health and safety activities of an organization are managed by a health and safety technician. The technician’s job is to keep employees, facilities, the general public, and the environment safe from workplace hazards. A person in this position strives to create safe working environments. To educate employees on proper work practices, he or she might compile guidelines or hold safety classes. The technician collaborates with the company’s management to develop solutions after identifying potential biological, chemical, or physical hazards.
Technicians are often hired by governments to conduct official inspections and issue noncompliance fines at various organizations, and some have college degrees or significant on-the-job training. Others are hired by consultants who subcontract work to industrial firms that lack technical personnel. Organizations that hire these technicians avoid costly safety fines and have their insurance premiums reduced. Because of the efforts of health and safety technicians, their employees are happier, healthier, and more productive.
A health and safety technician is in charge of compiling reports on injuries, accidents, and equipment failures. In addition, the technician compiles raw data on safety. A typical report might include the number of forklift accidents that have occurred. Because he or she will be expected to propose ways to reduce future incidents, the health and safety technician will also need strong analytical skills to interpret the safety data. A technician may also write employee safety newsletters that include statistics, tips, and merits in addition to reports.
Safety and health Technicians are frequently exposed to the same risks as regular employees. They must be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves and others from potentially dangerous situations. Technicians must stay up to date on the most stringent industrial safety standards. They review and take courses on local, state, and federal safety laws on a regular basis. To avoid penalties from external inspectors, these technicians must document safety procedures on a regular basis.
Strong interpersonal skills are beneficial to one’s health and safety. technicians because they must be able to identify and counsel employees on personal health issues in addition to looking out for industrial hazards. Smart technicians understand that happy employees are those who are healthy. They will frequently offer tips on how to stay healthy both on and off the job in order to reduce absences and long-term medical leave.