What is Health and Safety Engineering?

Health and safety engineering is a type of engineering discipline that focuses upon health and safety within the workplace. In most instances, these engineers work inside of government or state buildings, though some private companies hire these professionals as well. The main task of a health and safety engineer is to ensure that all aspects of a work environment are up to code.

In addition to ensuring that a work environment is suitable, health and safety engineers also attempt to foresee any possible problems with machinery or a workplace. By analyzing a work environment, these engineers can determine whether or not the people who work within that environment are safe. Frequently, health and safety engineering also includes giving lectures to workers.

As an attempt to prevent workplace injuries from occurring, engineers are often required to teach employees how to avoid accidents. These types of lectures have been proven to prevent unnecessary injury. Thus, an engineer must have excellent communication skills as well as top-notch health and safety engineering skills.

To become this type of engineer, individuals must successfully obtain a degree in health and safety engineering from an accredited college or university. In addition, these professionals must also gain a health and safety engineering license. It is unlawful for any engineer to practice this type of discipline without a valid license in most parts of the world. Within the United States, these professionals must also pass state licensing examinations.

Prior to obtaining a health and safety engineering license, individuals must also have four years of experience working with the field. Experience can be gained by obtaining an internship with a government or private employer. In the instance that a person wishes to obtain a government engineering position, a government, or civil service, examination must be passed successfully in most countries.

Although engineers of this nature often prevent accidents from happening, it is impossible for an engineer to prevent every accident. When an accident occurs following a thorough inspection by an engineer, companies often reassess a work environment. Some people who work within this field may be required to travel frequently in order to inspect various office and work spaces. In general, the position of a health and safety engineer is a comfortable one that is usually lucrative. As with any other professional position, health and safety engineering is a competitive field where only the best engineers are likely to succeed.