If you believe that every worker deserves a healthy and harm-free work environment, consider a career in occupational and environmental safety and health.
Typical day
Nicole Tubeszewski, who earned a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, (academics.uww.edu/safety) is a risk management specialist for Diversified Insurance Services, Inc.
Tubeszewski’s job takes her to all kinds of locations, which she enjoys. She spends much of her time at various companies, from welding shops to offices to construction sites.
“On any day, I could be doing audits and training in an industrial plant and doing jobsite visits at construction sites,” Tubeszewski says. “Or, working in the office developing loss-prevention programs and assisting clients in interpreting and applying standards and laws.”
Professionals in the occupational safety field work with employers to ensure a healthy workforce and safe workplace. They inspect work areas for compliance of safety-oriented laws, and they identify hazardous or potentially harmful conditions. Many are employed by local, state and federal governments.
Classes, job skills
Working in occupational health and safety requires an understanding of standards—which can be difficult when those standards continuously evolve.
“Look for an employer that will provide professional growth and development in the occupational health and safety field,” Tubeszewski says.
Classes for an occupational and environmental safety and health degree include industrial accident prevention, fire protection and prevention, ergonomics, labor-management relations, and chemical safety. Within the major, there are concentrations available in construction, environmental and occupational safety.
And there’s room for growth.
“There were opportunities for a professional level of employment and growth opportunities for women in the occupational health and safety field,” Tubeszewski says of her choice of careers.
Vital Stats
National average salary: $51,570
Education: Bachelor’s degree in occupational and environmental safety and health required. Certification available but not necessary.
Typical day: Occupational and environmental safety workers visit other workplace sites to counsel employers on how to improve the safety of the area, and to check for compliance on safety rules.
Pursue if: You enjoy meeting new people. You want to travel in your area for work instead of staying at the same office all day. You are committed to safety and want to provide a healthy workplace for others.
For more information on becoming an occupational and environmental safety and health professional, visit the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at http://academics.uww.edu/safety/.
