Safety coordinators ensure employer compliance with regulations.
Safety coordinator responsibilities include determining organizations' safety needs, implementing safety programs and monitoring for regulatory compliance. The Board of Certified Safety Professionals, or BCSP, offers certifications for safety coordinators in various capacities.
Certified Safety Professional
BCSP's Certified Safety Professional certification requires either a bachelor's degree or an associate's degree in safety, health or environmental disciplines. Candidates also need at least three years of verifiable professional experience and must pass two exams. To maintain the certification, professionals must complete 25 continuing education units during a five year cycle.
Other Certificates
Safety coordinators with specialized technical skills may opt for either the Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) or Certified Loss Control Specialists (CLCS) certifications. Coordinators in a construction setting may consider the Construction Health and Safety Technician certifications.
Finding a Certification
Aside from BCSP, other organizations such as the American Board of Industrial Hygiene, American Board of Health Physicists and local entities offer professional safety certifications, reflecting a broad profession with opportunities to cultivate expertise. Professionals considering certification to advance their careers and enrich their employers' safety programs should seek programs accredited by organizations like the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or the American National Standards Institute.
Tags: Certified Safety, American Board, Certified Safety Professional, Health Safety, Safety coordinators, Safety Professional, safety programs