Kierstin Whitney didn’t always have a clear focus for her career path. She just knew that she wanted to have a positive impact on people’s lives.

After high school, she worked a bunch of different jobs, taking note of what she enjoyed and looking for new opportunities to grow and learn. She finally realized her true passion was health and safety.

It was intimidating to go back to school, but she knew she needed some specialized training. She took the leap, enrolled in the online OHS program through Herzing College—and never looked back.

We caught up with Kierstin to find out how she found the whole experience.

Here’s how that conversation went.

Updated February 2023

When someone gets hurt at work, the consequences can be serious and wide-ranging.

The injured person can lose income and benefits. The organization loses an experienced worker and could face production slowdowns, fines, or higher insurance premiums. Company morale and reputation can also take a hit.

That’s why safety officers are so important. Their job is to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses by identifying risks, enforcing safety legislation, and making sure everyone follows the right procedures.

Thinking about becoming a safety officer? Wondering what it takes to get hired?

We spoke with industry experts and examined dozens of actual job postings to find out what safety officer skills employers are looking for.

Here’s what you need to get your career started.