Occupational Health and Safety Technician

Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Construction Safety Consultant, Industrial Hygienist, Safety Specialist
Job Description

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians work to maintain and promote the health and safety of workers in various environments. They implement and monitor programs to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.

Typical Preparation

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Years in related career: None

On-the-job training: Moderate-term

Outlook

Projected Growth: 10.1% (far above average)

Annual job openings: 3 400

Direct AI exposure: 25% of tasks

Potential AI exposure: 58% of tasks

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Public and Environmental Health and Safety Professionals. According to the wage tables, average income is $94K per year.
Bottom 10%Bottom 25%Median (average)Top 25%Top 10%
$61K
per year
$75K
per year
$94K
per year
$107K
per year
$117K
per year
Compared to other careers: Median is $29K above the national average.

What does an Occupational Health and Safety Technician do?

Intro video

(less than 2 minutes)

Duties

  • Inspects and evaluates workplace environments, equipment, and practices for compliance with safety standards.
  • Conducts training sessions on health and safety practices and regulations.
  • Investigates accidents and incidents to identify causes and prevent future occurrences.
  • Collects samples of hazardous materials for analysis.
  • Prepares reports and documentation of inspections and investigations.

Work environment

These technicians are often employed in manufacturing plants, construction sites, hospitals, and corporate offices. Their work involves both field assessments in various work environments and office-based reporting and program development. They may interact with a wide range of employees, from factory workers to corporate management.

Typical Schedule

Areas of specialization

  • Industrial Safety: Focusing on the safety of workers in manufacturing and industrial settings.
  • Construction Safety: Specializing in safety practices on construction sites.
  • Environmental Health: Ensuring safe handling of hazardous materials and environmental compliance.
  • Ergonomics: Assessing workplaces to optimize worker comfort and efficiency and reduce strain.
  • Emergency Response: Preparing and implementing plans for emergency situations.

Description

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians play a crucial role in protecting the health and safety of workers and ensuring safe working conditions. They are instrumental in identifying hazards in the workplace and implementing safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries. Their work involves a mix of on-site evaluations and administrative tasks, such as data analysis and report writing.

Technicians must be knowledgeable about various safety regulations and be able to communicate these effectively to employees and management. They also need to be skilled in identifying potential hazards, including chemical, physical, and biological risks.

This career is suitable for individuals who are detail-oriented, have strong problem-solving skills, and are passionate about promoting safety and health in the workplace. It offers the opportunity to work in various industries and directly impact the well-being of workers.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

You might make a good Occupational Health and Safety Technician if you are...

Pros:

  • Rewarding work in promoting and ensuring workplace safety.
  • Opportunities to work in a variety of industries.
  • Dynamic work environment with a balance of field and office work.

Cons:

  • Potential exposure to hazardous conditions or materials.
  • Responsibility for compliance with complex regulations.
  • Need to keep up-to-date with changing safety laws and standards.

How to become an Occupational Health and Safety Technician

Typical education

Most positions require a college diploma or certificate in occupational health and safety or a related field, typically involving 1-2 years of post-secondary education. Some roles may also require industry-recognized safety certifications, and additional training aligned with provincial occupational health and safety regulations.

High school preparation

Courses:

  • Science courses, particularly chemistry and biology, to understand health and safety concepts.
  • Mathematics for data analysis and problem-solving.
  • Technical writing or English for report writing and documentation.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

  • Participate in health and safety clubs or programs.
  • Volunteer with emergency response teams or local health departments.
  • Engage in workshops or certifications related to first aid and emergency preparedness.

Preparation after high school

  • Complete a college diploma or certificate in occupational health and safety, environmental health, or a related field (typically 1-2 years) from a recognized Canadian college or polytechnic.
  • Gain experience through co-op placements, internships, or entry-level safety roles in industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, or natural resources.
  • Obtain Canadian safety certifications, such as WHMIS, Standard First Aid/CPR, and industry-specific safety training (e.g., confined space entry, fall protection).
  • Consider pursuing professional credentials such as Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) or working toward Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation as experience increases.
  • Stay current with provincial and federal occupational health and safety legislation.
  • Participate in ongoing professional development through workshops, safety conferences, and continuing education to keep up with evolving workplace hazards and regulations.

More resources

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