What does a Safety Coordinator do?
A company’s Safety Coordinator establishes and oversees the health and safety processes for the organization. They take into consideration industry regulations and the specific risks in your workplace to ensure normal work activities are handled safely. They train employees on safety protocols and enforce them if they’re not being followed properly. Safety Coordinators also respond when workplace accidents happen, creating reports and determining ways to prevent similar accidents. They work in a variety of settings, including warehouses, manufacturing companies and large office buildings, addressing specific concerns based on the type of business and industry.
Safety Coordinator skills and qualifications
Employers expect specific skills and qualifications for candidates in Safety Coordinator careers. Some of those qualifications include:
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Understanding of OSHA guidelines and other state and local safety regulations
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Familiarity with the tools, machines and equipment used in the workplace
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Attention to detail
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Critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills
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Ability to teach others the established safety standards
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Strong verbal and written communication skills
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Computer literacy skills and comfort with various types of technology used in the industry
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Ability to work well as a team and interact with different groups of people
Safety Coordinator experience requirements
Safety Coordinator candidates should have experience in the health and safety field, either as a Safety Coordinator or a similar role that helps create and enforce safety standards. Looking for someone with experience in your industry can be beneficial. That industry experience makes the candidate more aware of the health and safety concerns that affect employees. It can also be advantageous to look for a candidate with experience in writing safety policies, using the type of safety management system you have and collecting data on health and safety.
Safety Coordinator education and training requirements
While there aren’t any industry-required degrees to become a Safety Coordinator, most companies want applicants to have an associate degree in a related field. Some prefer a bachelor’s degree in business administration, law, health and safety management or similar fields. You might also prefer candidates who have completed OSHA’s Safety and Health Fundamentals Certificate Program. Additional training often takes place on the job and relates specifically to the organization’s risk factors and safety procedures.
Safety Coordinator salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Safety Coordinator is $55,279 per year. You can find differences in salary based on where the job is located, the organization and how much experience the candidate brings to the position.
Job description samples for similar positions
Your company might need a slightly different professional for your team. Here are some additional job descriptions that are similar:
Safety Coordinator job description FAQs
What qualities make a good Safety Coordinator?
To succeed as a Safety Coordinator, a candidate should have a keen sense of safety threats and how to handle them. People in this position should work well on a team and collaborate with various departments and team members. They have a passion for health and safety and know how to teach others to be concerned about workplace safety. Safety Coordinators also need to maintain their composure in emergencies.
Who does a Safety Coordinator report to?
A Safety Coordinator typically reports to the Safety Manager of the facility. However, they work with several people within the company, including supervisors, managers and executives, to assess threats, create feasible safety plans and teach those team members the established safety protocols.
Do Safety Coordinators have different responsibilities in different industries?
Safety Coordinators in all industries aim to create a safe and healthy workplace. However, the threats vary based on industry. A Safety Coordinator in a manufacturing plant that uses heavy machinery has more safety concerns than one who works in a corporate office. They have to analyze the industry-specific risks and create protocols to minimize them, which might vary from other industries.
How can you make your Safety Coordinator job description stand out?
Describe the environment and types of safety issues the Safety Coordinator will handle to give them a better understanding of the position. Discuss the resources and tools the candidate will have in order to use the job well. Mention traits that set your company apart, such as accolades for your safety record.
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