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Occupational Health and Safety Advisor: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Does giving advice about safety appeal to you? Can you talk to people and get them to follow rules? Do you like seeing people leave a place in the same condition or better than they came? Then you could secure a career as an occupational health and safety advisor.
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Occupations in Alberta

Occupational Health and Safety Advisor

Occupational health and safety advisors facilitate the development, implementation, and maintenance of workplace safety programs.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Environmental Health and Safety Advisor, Health and Safety Officer, Health and Safety Specialist, Safety Advisor Safety Coordinator, Workplace Health and Safety Advisor

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 2263: Inspectors in Public and Environmental Health and Occupational Health and Safety

2006 NOC-S

  • C163: Inspectors in Public and Environmental Health and Occupational Health and Safety

2011 NOC

  • 2263: Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety

2016 NOC

  • 2263: Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety

2021 NOC

  • 22232: Occupational health and safety specialists

2023 OaSIS

  • 22232.00: Occupational health and safety specialists
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Occupational health and safety (OHS) advisors promote the health, safety, and well-being of workers and the sustainability of workplaces. They consider health and safety concerns in the physical work environment. They work to control hazards and reduce the possibility of incidents at workplaces. They also focus on:

  • Concerns about health, safety, and well-being related to how work is organized and the overall workplace culture
  • Personal health resources in the workplace
  • Ways to participate in the community to improve the health of workers, their families, and other community members

Specific duties vary widely from one position to another. But in general, OHS advisors assess and evaluate work procedures and environments. They identify potential hazards and eliminate them or ensure controls are in place. They also:

  • Advise managers, supervisors, and employees about safe work practices, safety standards, and regulations
  • Maintain OHS management systems
  • Recommend procedures and equipment for safety and for compliance with relevant laws and regulations
  • Develop health and safety policies and programs
  • Teach safety courses or coordinate third-party training for workers, supervisors, contractors, and visitors
  • Facilitate joint health and safety committees and programs for employees
  • Promote safe work practices and injury- and fatality-prevention activities
  • Participate in incident investigations
  • Work with others on emergency planning
  • Coordinate the emergency response plan during an emergency

These responsibilities may require that OHS advisors:

  • Inspect machines, based on manufacturers’ instructions, to identify potential hazards
  • Inspect the workplace and work setups
  • Recommend risk-reduction measures
  • Supervise the installation of safety features or the introduction of safer procedures
  • Analyze data to determine risk factors based on leading indicators, incident reports, and complaints
  • Present data and trends to managers to assist with their decision making
  • Regularly inspect premises for fire hazards and adequate fire protection
  • Inspect firefighting equipment
  • Order and keep an inventory of supplies
  • Investigate the causes of incidents and present reports to workers and management
  • Develop procedures or devices to prevent future incidents
  • Implement corrective actions after safety incidents
  • Plan and execute emergency drills
  • Identify gaps in emergency response plans and address them
  • Maintain records on third-party software for future use

OHS advisors also may hire specialized consultants to:

  • Conduct noise-level surveys
  • Take air-quality samples or conduct water sampling
  • Complete ergonomic assessments
  • Identify dusts, vapours, or gases, and advise management about corrective measures

For more information, see the following occupational profiles:

OHS advisors focus on different duties depending on the type of organization they work for.

In trucking companies, OHS advisors:

  • Inform truck and trailer drivers about traffic and safety regulations, loading and unloading policies, and proper care of equipment
  • Ensure compliance with the Canadian National Safety Code (NSC)
  • Investigate collisions
  • Recommend measures to improve service records and conserve equipment

In mines, OHS advisors:

  • Ensure compliance with health and safety laws and regulations
  • Check supports, electrical and mechanical equipment, explosives storage, and air quality
  • Prepare bulletins on mine conditions, closures, near misses, and major safety infractions
  • Teach safety and first aid courses
  • Lead rescue activities

In electrical utility companies, OHS advisors:

  • Instruct workers about safety measures
  • Check equipment and tools
  • Observe crews at work
  • Examine tunnels and ditches
  • Investigate accidents
  • Devise preventive measures

In some organizations, OHS advisors have additional responsibilities related to workers’ compensation, environmental protection, risk management, or plant security.

OHS specialists who have the authority to enforce the Occupational Health and Safety Code [pdf] work for provincial and federal governments. For more information, see the Occupational Health and Safety Officer occupational profile.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

Occupational health and safety (OHS) advisors work in offices and at production sites. Some may need to work at outdoor worksites and handle various weather conditions.

In companies with many fieldwork sites, they may need to travel often. They do this to help implement safety programs and monitor compliance with company, industry, and government safety standards.

In addition to regular work hours, OHS advisors may need to respond whenever safety-related incidents occur.

OHS advisors must observe safety precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous materials. Physical requirements may include lifting heavy items, climbing to heights, or working in confined spaces.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
C
Conventional
This occupation
You
R
Realistic
I
Investigative
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Occupational health and safety specialists
2023 OaSIS: 22232.00

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Conventional

    Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

  • 2
    Realistic

    Realistic jobs focus on working with your hands, tools, machines, or animals. People in these jobs often fix, build, or take care of things. They like clear tasks and working in a physical way. These jobs usually don’t need much paperwork or teamwork. Examples include mechanics, farmers, and builders.

  • 3
    Investigative

    Investigative jobs are about thinking deeply and solving problems. People in these jobs enjoy learning, asking questions, and doing research. They often study science, nature, or how things work. These jobs need a lot of thinking and often involve working with ideas instead of people. Examples include scientists, lab technicians, and researchers.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Occupational health and safety specialists
2023 OaSIS: 22232.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Occupational health and safety advisors need:

  • Patience
  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • The ability to maintain confidentiality
  • The ability to handle difficult situations
  • The ability to lead and motivate workers at all levels

They should enjoy:

  • Having clear rules and organized methods for their work
  • Analyzing information
  • Advocating for workers

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety

2016 NOC: 2263

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 30, 2023 and Nov 21, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Inspect workplaces for safety or health hazards
Tasks: Ensure health and safety regulations are followed
Tasks: Develop and implement health and safety plans
Attention to detail
Excellent oral communication
Team player
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Excel
Tasks: Investigate workplace accidents or illnesses
Excellent written communication
Tasks: Provide information/training to employers, employees and general public
Tasks: Inspect workplaces for safety or health hazards 72
Tasks: Ensure health and safety regulations are followed 68
Tasks: Develop and implement health and safety plans 64
Attention to detail 59
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication 55
Construction Specialization: Team player 53
Computer and Technology Knowledge: MS Excel 52
Tasks: Investigate workplace accidents or illnesses 51
Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication 50
Tasks: Provide information/training to employers, employees and general public 50
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Minimum Education Varies

Employers generally prefer to hire individuals who have computer skills and a combination of relevant education and experience.

Some positions require post-secondary education in occupational health and safety or a related field. Related fields could include:

  • Chemistry
  • Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Nursing
  • Physics

Other positions require journeyperson certification or extensive work experience related to the employer’s business, such as trucking, mining, or electrical utilities.

Once hired, occupational health and safety advisors must keep up with developments in their field. These may include changes in personal protection equipment, laws, or regulations. They may get additional on-the-job training or take related continuing education courses offered by post-secondary schools or professional associations.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

British Columbia Institute of Technology
Concordia University of Edmonton
Energy Safety Canada
Grant MacEwan University
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Northwestern Polytechnic
Red Deer Polytechnic
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
University of Alberta
University of Calgary
University of Victoria

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Certification Not regulated

Certification as an occupational health and safety (OHS) advisor is not required in Alberta. However, it may be an asset when seeking employment.

The Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) offers 2 designations:

  • Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP)
  • Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST)

Other organizations that offer certification include:

Registration with these organizations is voluntary. To learn about registration requirements, visit the organization’s website.

For related industry-specific certifications, talk to practising OHS advisors or potential employers.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Occupational health and safety advisors work for municipal governments and mid-sized to large organizations in many industries.

Those with post-secondary education are more likely to advance to management positions.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety
2016 NOC: 2263

75.6% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Occupational health and safety specialists
2021 NOC: 22232
Hot
Job Market
8,300
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
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iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety
2016 NOC: 2263
2.5%
Annual Growth
(Above average)
219
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Salaries vary depending on occupational health and safety advisors’ qualifications and responsibilities.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Occupational health and safety specialists

2021 NOC: 22232
Average Wage
$43.02
Per Hour
Average Salary
$86,139.00
Per Year
Average Hours
38.6
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 22232 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $21.00 $55.74 $34.89 $31.92
Overall $24.04 $79.80 $43.02 $40.87
Top $25.12 $86.54 $48.87 $48.08

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Oil & Gas Extraction
Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade
Transportation and Warehousing
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Business, Building and Other Support Services
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $86,139
Oil & Gas Extraction $110,884
Utilities $103,546
Construction $78,253
Manufacturing $86,120
Wholesale Trade $71,162
Retail Trade $48,696
Transportation and Warehousing $67,954
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing $63,622
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $93,172
Business, Building and Other Support Services $60,292
Educational Services $86,696
Health Care & Social Assistance $88,037
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) $79,900
Public Administration $101,258

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
37%
37%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
21%
21%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
1%
1%
Vacancy Rate
1%
Related High School Subjects
  • Science
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Physics
  • Health, Recreation and Human Services
    • Health Care Services
  • Natural Resources
    • Environmental Stewardship
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
  • Engineering, Architecture and Related Studies
  • Health Care and Medical Sciences
  • Sciences
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA) website: www.youracsa.ca

Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) website: bcrsp.ca

Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) website: www.bcsp.org

BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca

ECO Canada website: eco.ca

Health and Safety Professionals Canada (HSPC) website: healthsafetypros.ca

National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) website: www.nebosh.org.uk

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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