When an employee gets hurt, he or she can suffer both physically and financially. Plus, the company can experience lower productivity and morale.

Health and safety officers try to avoid such scenarios. Their job is to keep workplace accidents and injuries from happening.

They do this by identifying possible hazards, providing safety training, and making sure staff at all levels comply with relevant laws.

Thinking about pursuing this career? Wondering how you can quickly become a health and safety officer?

Here are six simple steps that can help you get where you want to go.

Updated November 2020

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a broad industry, which focuses on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of people at work. 

This field includes all aspects of worker health. From workplace harassment to fire prevention; ergonomics to emergency evacuation procedures. 

Updated August, 2021.

In 1976, Manitoba passed The Workplace Safety and Health Act. It laid out standards for safe working conditions, and outlined the responsibilities of employers to maintain those standards.

This move came shortly after Saskatchewan passed North America's very first Occupational Health Act in 1971—making Canada a strong leader in this area.

But, who is in charge of ensuring these laws are actually followed? How do we know if employers are abiding by the legislation, and punished when rules are broken?

This responsibility lies with occupational health and safety officers.

The role goes by several names. You will see titles like Health and Safety Inspector, Health and Safety Coordinator, and Health and Safety Specialist—but they all have the same goal: to uphold the law and protect employees' health and wellbeing at work.

What exactly does this job entail, and would it be a good fit for you?

Take a look at 5 good reasons to consider a career in occupational health and safety, and some helpful advice on how to get started.