Inspector, Occupational Hazards Specialist, Occupational Health and Safety Specialist, Safety Officer
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:
| Starting | $36.46 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $44.02 |
| Top | $49.92 |
Interest in handling materials to collect water samples and other materials for analyses; and to develop, implement and evaluate health and safety programs and strategies
Interest in analyzing data from investigations of health and safety related complaints, spills of hazardous chemicals, outbreaks of diseases and poisonings and from workplace accidents and illnesses
Interest in speaking with employers, employees and the general public to deliver training and advise on public health, environmental protection and workplace safety issues; and in initiating enforcement procedures to fine or to close establishments that contravene municipal, provincial and federal regulations
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Occupational health and safety officers employed by federal, provincial, and municipal governments inspect a wide variety of workplaces, such as construction sites, offices, and mines. They may specialize in inspecting a particular type of workplace. They advise on corrective action and facilitate change to improve the health and safety culture.
In general, occupational health and safety officers:
For information about health and safety officers employed by companies, see the Occupational Health and Safety Advisor occupational profile.
Health and safety officers usually are responsible for a territory or specific industrial process. Considerable travel may be required. Working hours depend on the types of workplaces they inspect. Overtime may be required, particularly after an incident or a hazardous situation has been identified.
Health and safety officers spend most of their time in the field where they may be exposed to potentially dangerous situations. Officers routinely are required to enter confined spaces, climb ladders, and work in dusty conditions. The rest of their time is spent in offices located at central or regional headquarters.
Health and safety officers need:
They should enjoy:
Health and safety officers must have several years of related work experience. They also must have a bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or a related discipline, or a related post-secondary diploma.
Health and safety officers must have a thorough understanding of legislation relating to safety standards. They must also keep informed about changes in technology.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Although certification is not required in Alberta, it may be an asset when seeking employment. The Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals offers the designation Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) to applicants who have been employed as safety professionals for at least 3 years and have successfully completed an evaluation, interview, and examination process. For related industry-specific certifications, talk to practising occupational health and safety officers or potential employers in the industry.
Occupational health and safety officers are employed by federal, provincial, and municipal governments.
Advancement to management positions usually is through competition and depends on the individual’s initiative, management skills, educational background, and work experience.
Occupational health and safety officers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2263: Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety. In Alberta, 85% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the C163: Inspectors in Public and Environmental Health and Occupational Health and Safety occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 94 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Earnings for occupational health and safety officers vary considerably depending on their education, experience, and location.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $20.00 | $58.67 | $36.46 | $37.00 |
| Overall | $23.10 | $68.42 | $44.02 | $42.00 |
| Top | $25.00 | $80.62 | $49.92 | $47.00 |
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* 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.
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.
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $129,015 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $112,760 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $100,227 |
| Public Administration | $95,885 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $89,167 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $85,114 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $79,355 |
| Manufacturing | $77,946 |
| Construction | $73,208 |
| Educational Services | $70,368 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $69,185 |
| Retail Trade | $64,403 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $59,224 |
| Wholesale Trade | $55,573 |
Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) website: www.bcrsp.ca
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) website: www.ccohs.ca
ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2017. 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.