A safety supervisor inspects workplaces and gives instructions to employees to ensure that people and property are always safe. He or she could work for a food service company, a manufacturing plant, a hospital, a construction company, or any of the many other industries that place a premium on health and safety. Many safety supervisors visit facilities on a regular basis to enforce legal regulations and assist in the development of more effective procedures. An individual with strong problem-solving, writing, and verbal communication skills is usually required to work as a safety supervisor.
Construction crews and manufacturing plant workers both benefit from attentive safety supervisors. Supervisors in industry and construction monitor laborers’ work to ensure that they adhere to legal and company safety guidelines. A construction site safety supervisor also inspects equipment, tools, and building materials on a regular basis to ensure quality and safety. Supervisors in manufacturing plants ensure that machinery is well-maintained and that workers are always wearing proper safety equipment, such as helmets and goggles.
A safety supervisor’s primary responsibility is to ensure the health of employees and customers in food service establishments. Safety supervisors are frequently employed restaurants, cafeterias, and food processing plants to oversee food preparation. In kitchens, professionals ensure that ingredients are stored properly to avoid contamination. They inspect freezers and refrigerators, as well as cooking pots and ovens, for spoilage and potentially deadly bacteria outbreaks.
Government regulatory agencies employ some safety supervisors. Government safety supervisors, also known as health and safety inspectors, inspect workplaces to assess working conditions. They go on tours of facilities to check out the equipment and processes. When a safety supervisor discovers violations of safety codes, such as improper food storage or blocked fire exits, he or she has the authority to issue warnings or fines. When violations are discovered, the supervisor informs employees and managers about the issues and how they can bring their business back up to code.
The requirements for becoming a safety supervisor differ depending on where you work, what industry you work in, and what company you work for. The majority of employees have earned a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety, industrial hygiene, or a related field. After gaining several years of experience in a field and demonstrating strong leadership potential, many employers promote workers to the position of safety supervisor. Supervisors of food safety are typically required to complete extensive training programs that cover safe food handling and preparation techniques. Professionals interested in working for the government are frequently required to pass certification exams that assess their knowledge of complex laws and procedures.