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Occupational Health Specialist: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

Career Overview
Interview Questions

What is a Occupational Health Specialist?

As an Occupational Health Specialist, your role would involve ensuring that workplaces are safe and healthy for employees. You would use your expertise to identify potential hazards, recommend preventative measures, enforce safety regulations and potentially take legal action if necessary to uphold public health standards.

How do I become a Occupational Health Specialist?

As an Occupational Health Specialist, your role would involve ensuring that workplaces are safe and healthy for employees. You would use your expertise to identify potential hazards, recommend preventative measures, enforce safety regulations and potentially take legal action if necessary to uphold public health standards.

What would you like to know?

What does it take to become an Occupational Health Specialist?

Skills, education, personality, career progression

Job demand for an Occupational Health Specialist

Job ads, popular location, season to apply



Skills

  • Knowledge of health and safety regulations and legislation
  • Ability to conduct risk assessments and identify hazards in the workplace
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with employees and management
  • Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation to identify trends and patterns in occupational health issues
  • Attention to detail and ability to conduct thorough inspections and audits
  • Problem-solving skills to develop and implement effective control measures
  • Ability to provide training and education on occupational health and safety practices
  • Knowledge of environmental health principles and practices
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Strong organizational and time management skills

Qualifications & Education

  • Degree accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) or the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS)
  • Work-based training placement
  • Professional examinations

Career Path

Occupational Health Specialist
Occupational Health Manager
Health and Safety Manager
Risk Management Consultant
Environmental Health Officer
Public Health Advisor
Health Promotion Specialist
Employee Wellness Coordinator
Wellness Program Manager
Corporate Wellness Consultant
Health Coach
Nutritionist
Disability Management Specialist
Case Manager
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Workplace Accommodation Specialist
Ergonomics Consultant
Ergonomics Engineer/Analyst
Product Design Ergonomist

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get experience in occupational health?

To gain experience in occupational health in the UK, you can start by applying to healthcare centers as a volunteer. This will allow you to gain hands-on experience and enhance your skills in caring for sick individuals. Additionally, you can also consider caring for sick people around you to further develop your nursing skills.

What does an occupational health specialist do?

An occupational health specialist in the UK is a doctor who specializes in the relationship between work and health. They provide advice and guidance to both employers and employees on work-related health issues. They visit workplaces to assess and address various health concerns related to the job.

What qualifications do you need for occupational health?

To become an occupational health specialist in the UK, you typically need to be a registered nurse and have the support of your employer. You can also pursue additional qualifications such as an approved program in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing - Occupational Health Nursing (SCPHN - OHN).

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