Education
While a high school diploma may suffice for some safety technician positions, having a bachelor’s degree in business and occupational safety and health can be advantageous. Additionally, some safety technicians choose to pursue studies in criminal justice and general studies (Zippia, 2023).
Key Facts
- Education: While a high school degree is sufficient for some safety technician positions, having a bachelor’s degree in business and occupational safety and health can be beneficial. Some safety technicians also study criminal justice and general studies.
- Certification: One of the recognized certifications for construction health and safety technicians is the Construction Health and Safety Technician® (CHST®) certification offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). To obtain this certification, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria and pass the CHST examination.
- Eligibility: To be eligible for the CHST certification, you must have at least three years of experience in a construction health and safety role. This experience should include tasks related to hazard recognition, assessment, and control; incident investigation; and safety program management.
- Application Process: To apply for the CHST certification, you can create an account on the BCSP website and submit your application through the “My Profile” portal. BCSP Certification Services will review your application to ensure you meet all the certification requirements.
- Examination: Once your application is approved, you will have one year to take and pass the CHST examination. The examination tests your knowledge and skills in various areas of construction health and safety.
- Criminal Convictions and Actions: During the application process, BCSP requires applicants to disclose any criminal convictions or actions against a professional license or credential. This information will be confidentially reviewed and may be considered as part of the final credential application or recertification review.
Certification
One of the most recognized certifications for construction health and safety technicians is the Construction Health and Safety Technician® (CHST®) certification offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) (BCSP, n.d.). To obtain this certification, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria and successfully pass the CHST examination.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the CHST certification, candidates must have at least three years of experience in a construction health and safety role. This experience should encompass tasks related to hazard recognition, assessment, and control; incident investigation; and safety program management (BCSP, n.d.).
Application Process
To apply for the CHST certification, individuals can create an account on the BCSP website and submit their application through the “My Profile” portal. BCSP Certification Services will review the application to ensure that the candidate meets all the certification requirements (BCSP, n.d.).
Examination
Once the application is approved, candidates will have one year to take and pass the CHST examination. The examination assesses knowledge and skills in various areas of construction health and safety (BCSP, n.d.).
Criminal Convictions and Actions
During the application process, BCSP requires applicants to disclose any criminal convictions or actions taken against a professional license or credential. This information will be confidentially reviewed and may be considered as part of the final credential application or recertification review (BCSP, n.d.).
References
Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). (n.d.). Construction Health and Safety Technician® (CHST®). Retrieved from https://www.bcsp.org/construction-health-and-safety-technician-chst/
Zippia. (2023). How to become a safety technician. Retrieved from https://www.zippia.com/safety-technician-jobs/how-to-become-a-safety-technician/
FAQs
What is a construction health and safety technician?
A construction health and safety technician is a professional responsible for ensuring the health and safety of workers and the general public on construction sites. They identify and assess hazards, develop and implement safety programs, and conduct safety inspections.
What are the education requirements to become a construction health and safety technician?
While a high school diploma may suffice for some positions, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in business and occupational safety and health, criminal justice, or general studies.
What are the certification requirements to become a construction health and safety technician?
One of the most recognized certifications is the Construction Health and Safety Technician® (CHST®) certification offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). To obtain this certification, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria and pass the CHST examination.
What are the job duties of a construction health and safety technician?
Construction health and safety technicians perform various duties, including identifying and assessing hazards, developing and implementing safety programs, conducting safety inspections, investigating accidents, and providing safety training to workers.
What are the salary prospects for construction health and safety technicians?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for occupational health and safety technicians was $76,530 in May 2021. The top 10% earned more than $115,340, while the bottom 10% earned less than $49,130.
What is the job outlook for construction health and safety technicians?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of occupational health and safety technicians will grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected due to increasing demand for safety measures in various industries.
What are the skills required to become a construction health and safety technician?
Construction health and safety technicians should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They should also be proficient in using various safety equipment and technologies.
Where can I find job opportunities as a construction health and safety technician?
Construction health and safety technicians can find job opportunities in various settings, including construction companies, government agencies, and consulting firms. They may also work in manufacturing, mining, and other industries where safety is a concern.