Typical Tasks of a Safety Engineer
- Safety engineers regularly perform on-site audits of the facilities they oversee, systematically checking various mechanical components and work processes to ensure they are compliant with safety standards. Engineers will check things like emergency shutoff switches for factory equipment, hardhats and hazard warning systems on construction sites, and roller coaster machinery in theme parks. Safety audits often include checking required safety documentation, such as maintenance logs for equipment, to ensure that employees are following procedures.
- Technology facilitates the gathering of large amounts of data. Part of a safety engineer's job is to review a range of statistical reports on vital safety issues. On any given day, a safety engineer may review reports showing the percentage increase or decrease in reported accidents for the month, or the number of times machinery has been shut down for maintenance, for example. Engineers monitor these reports to spot potential safety hazards and address issues early.
- It is the job of safety engineers to develop the formal safety compliance programs of their companies or job sites. Engineers put policies in place to implement a comprehensive safety program, so that all employees know their duties and emergency procedures. Engineers continually assess current safety standards, making changes as operations change.
- In addition to companywide safety policies, safety engineers may be required to create and lead training programs for new hires and existing employees. Employees must be trained in a range of safety procedures, such as automatic external defibrillator (AED) operation, emergency evacuation procedures and hazard reporting systems. Safety engineers may conduct advanced training courses for employees with especially dangerous job roles. Construction workers who work on high beams, for example, require special training on the use of safety harnesses and safety-related communication on the job.
