Occupational health and safety technicians held about 15,100 jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most occupational health and safety technicians were as follows:
Government
18%
Manufacturing
16
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services
10
Hospitals; state, local, and private
7
Support activities for mining
6
Occupational health and safety technicians work in a variety of settings, including offices, factories, and mines. Most private companies either employ their own occupational health and safety workers or contract with firms that provide such services.
Their jobs often involve considerable fieldwork and travel. In addition, occupational health and safety technicians may be exposed to strenuous, dangerous, or stressful conditions. Injuries are minimized by the use of gloves, helmets, and other safety equipment.
Work Schedules
Most occupational health and safety technicians work full time. Some technicians may work weekends or irregular hours in emergencies.