Safety Engineer
What's it like to be a Safety Engineer?
Safety Engineers develop and implement safety procedures that will protect staff from potential hazards concerning everything from health to infrastructure. Safety Engineers are typically in demand by industrial companies, but are also common in places like hospitals, schools, and government buildings or offices. Safety Engineers must have a keen eye for detail and be able to solve problems or make decisions under pressure, among other skills.
Tasks and duties
- Developing thoroughly designed safety plans and procedures for the workplace.
- Reviewing existing safety procedures for compliance with industry standards, laws, and regulations and making recommendations for improvements.
- Conducting training, seminars, and similar sessions that aim to educate the staff about workplace safety.
- Leading or assisting in investigations concerning lapses or violations in safety procedures.
- Supervising the implementation of established safety procedures regularly.
How to become a Safety Engineer
Most Safety Engineers have a bachelor degree in a field such as health, science, or engineering. A postgraduate degree may also be beneficial, but is not always required.
Complete a bachelor degree in engineering, mathematics, health, or similar fields. Some universities in Malaysia also offer Occupational Safety and Health courses.
Take up a master or postgraduate degree in the area that you want to specialise in. If you want to work with aircraft, enrol in master programmes in Aviation Safety. For those who want to focus on fire safety, there are universities offering a master programme in Fire Safety Engineering for you to consider as well.
Gain practical training and exposure in occupational or workplace safety engineering. To do this, take internships or relevant entry-level jobs at companies within your preferred industry. Many Safety Engineer jobs in Malaysia require at least 5 years of work experience.
Skills and experience employers are looking for
