Working in the oil and gas industry can be a rewarding career choice, but it can also be a risky one. That's why having a safety officer is essential to ensure that everyone working in the industry is safe and protected.
The future for safety specialists in the coming years is promising, with an estimated 6,800 new positions projected to be added by 2030. This growth is partly due to the increasing concerns of companies and insurance providers over employee safety and the associated costs.
As a result, there will be a greater need for specialists who can identify and mitigate potential occupational hazards and risks in the workplace. This is an important role that can make a significant impact on the well-being of workers and the financial stability of businesses, making it a potentially rewarding career path for those with a passion for safety and risk management.
In this article, we'll discuss what a safety officer does and how you can become one.
Responsibilities of a safety officer in the oil and gas industry-
A safety officer's main responsibility is to implement and manage the company's health and safety program. They ensure that all employees are aware of the potential risks associated with their work, and that necessary precautions are taken to prevent accidents and injuries.
Developing and implementing safety programs that complies with industry regulations
Conducting safety inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and take corrective actions
Investigating any accidents or incidents and developing ways to prevent future occurrences
Developing and enforcing safety policies and procedures
Providing safety training to all employees to ensure that they are aware of potential hazards and taking necessary precautions
Maintaining safety records and documentation to ensure compliance with industry regulations.
How to Become a Safety Officer and how much do they get paid in the US?
Becoming a safety officer in the oil and gas industry requires some education and training.
A bachelor’s degree in fields, such as Mechanical engineering, chemical engineering or environmental science is a requirement.
It is also ideal to be certified with safety training certificates such as OSHA - 30, IADC RigPass, Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and the Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST). These can help you advance your career in the field.
It's important to have experience working in the industry to understand the potential hazards and safety issues that workers may face.
One can also network by joining professional organizations, attending conferences that can help you learn about job opportunities and advance your career.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for May 2020, the average annual salary for occupational health and safety specialists working in the oil and gas extraction industry was $94,300.
In conclusion, becoming a safety officer in the oil and gas industry requires education, training, and experience. Safety officers play a critical role in ensuring the safety of workers in the industry, and it's a rewarding career choice for those who are passionate about ensuring the safety and well-being of others.
At LearnToDrill, we offer certification courses on IADC RigPass and other safety practices.
These can help you advance your career as a safety officer, if you are looking to become one!
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