Safety Engineer

Manufacturing plants are loud, dusty, fast-paced environments that present myriad opportunities for workers to get hurt. As a Safety Engineer, you evaluate the designs for new systems, as well as assess existing ones, in an effort to minimize or eliminate accidents at the worksite.

Safety Engineers look at the entire process and identify dangers or potential improvements. Loud noises can cause hearing damage, so you research and recommend the highest-quality ear protection. When dust creates slippery floors, Safety Engineers suggest footwear or cleaning procedures that minimize slips and falls. Safety Engineers also create training programs for employees that help them use equipment safely.

When analyzing design or inspecting equipment, you focus on each minute part. One detached wire can take down an entire production line—an expensive enterprise for the company. That same wire can short out, spark, and cause a factory fire—another very unpleasant outcome. Thank goodness you’re on the job to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Much of your job entails familiarity with systems, equipment, and safety protocol. You thoroughly research industrial accidents, stay up to date on industry news, and incorporate local, state, and federal guidelines into the operation. In other words, you learn from other people’s mistakes and make sure they don’t happen on your shift.