Technical inspectors and regulatory officers

How to become an occupational health and safety specialist

Official title: Occupational health and safety specialists

Also called: Safety officer, Safety practitioner, Mine safety inspector, Health and safety officer, Industrial health officer, Health officers supervisor, Health and safety inspector, Occupational health officer, Occupational safety officer, Health and safety technician, Occupational health inspector, Occupational safety inspector

Occupational health and safety specialists review, evaluate and monitor health and safety hazards and develop strategies to prevent, control and eliminate accidents and occupational injuries. They inspect the workplace environments, equipment and practices to ensure compliance with organization and government environment, health and safety standards and regulations. They are employed throughout the public and private sectors.

Main tasks

Lead and participate in workplace audits and investigations of safety concerns, incidents and accidents
Lead and participate in workplace inspections to ensure that equipment, materials and production processes do not present a safety or health hazard to employees
Develop and implement health and safety programs, including standard operating procedures, policies and training to mitigate risk, optimize worker's health and safety and foster a positive occupational health and safety culture
Initiate enforcement procedures on workplaces contravening organization and government health and safety standards and regulations
Provide training to employers, employees and the general public on issues of workplace safety
Communicate, engage and influence decision-makers and workers to ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and regulations

How to become one

A bachelor's degree or college diploma in occupational health and safety is usually required. Occupational health and safety officers may require certification with the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP).

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Ways in

College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 41% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Quality control and safety technologies/technicians; Business administration, management and operations; Human resources management and services.

Pay · Outlook

Median pay: $79,911 a year The middle half earn $56,784 to $99,372.
About 33,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 39,800 are projected by 2033. (+19.2%)
Projected labour market to 2033: balance.

Questions people ask

How do I become an occupational health and safety specialist?

How much does an occupational health and safety specialist earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $79,911 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $56,784 to $99,372.

Is an occupational health and safety specialist a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 19% by 2033, from about 33,400 to about 39,800 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become an occupational health and safety specialist?

Not always. 32% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.

Sources

Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03