Occupational health and safety advisors promote the health, safety and well-being of workers and the sustainability of workplaces by considering health and safety concerns in the physical work environment. They also focus on:
- Health, safety, and well-being concerns related to how work is organized and the 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 considerably from one position to another. But in general, occupational health and safety 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 and safety standards and regulations
- Recommend procedures and equipment for safety and compliance with relevant laws and regulations
- Develop health and safety policies and programs
- Teach safety courses
- Facilitate employee safety committees and programs
- Promote safe work practices and injury- and fatality-prevention activities
- Participate in incident investigations
- Work with others on emergency planning
These responsibilities may require that occupational health and safety advisors:
- Inspect machines to identify potential hazards
- Recommend risk-reduction measures and supervise the installation of safety features or the introduction of safer procedures
- Regularly inspect premises for fire hazards and adequate fire protection, and inspect firefighting equipment
- Investigate the causes of incidents and develop procedures or devices to prevent future occurrences
Occupational health and safety 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 Environmental Auditor, Environmental Engineer, Ergonomist and Occupational Hygienist occupational profiles.
In trucking companies, advisors inform truck and trailer drivers about traffic and safety regulations, loading and unloading policies, and proper care of equipment. They also investigate collisions and recommend measures to improve safety records and conserve equipment.
In mines, advisors ensure compliance with health and safety laws and regulations. They check supports, electrical and mechanical equipment, explosives storage, and air quality. They also teach safety and first-aid courses and lead rescue activities.
In electrical utility companies, advisors instruct workers about safety measures, check equipment, and tools, observe crews at work, examine tunnels and ditches, investigate accidents, and devise preventative measures.
In some organizations, occupational health and safety advisors have additional responsibilities related to workers’ compensation, environmental protection, risk management, or plant security.
