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Safety engineer vs health and safety coordinator

The differences between safety engineers and health and safety coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a safety engineer, becoming a health and safety coordinator takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a safety engineer has an average salary of $74,228, which is higher than the $53,465 average annual salary of a health and safety coordinator.

The top three skills for a safety engineer include OSHA, safety standards and safety program. The most important skills for a health and safety coordinator are OSHA, EHS, and environmental health.

Safety engineer vs health and safety coordinator overview

Safety EngineerHealth And Safety Coordinator
Yearly salary$74,228$53,465
Hourly rate$35.69$25.70
Growth rate4%6%
Number of jobs16,61772,017
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4245
Years of experience26

What does a safety engineer do?

The duties of a safety engineer depend on one's industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around overseeing the implementation of the safety policies and regulations in a company by conducting regular inspections and maintenance checks, coordinating with department personnel to gather data, assessing risks, and arranging precautionary measures. A safety engineer must also address issues and concerns, responding to them in a timely and efficient manner. Furthermore, there are instances when they have to lead safety orientations and seminars to maintain a safe and productive environment for everyone.

What does a health and safety coordinator do?

A health and safety coordinator is responsible for identifying the potential safety risks of an organization, recommending solutions to mitigate hazards that may affect the company's operational performance and productivity. Health and safety coordinators inspect the safety and security of the facilities, including the production tools, equipment, and machinery, and analyze findings to develop procedures that would eliminate work-related threats. They also facilitate safety training and programs for the employees, as well as emergency drills and reiteration of safety policies and protocols for strict compliance.

Safety engineer vs health and safety coordinator salary

Safety engineers and health and safety coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Safety EngineerHealth And Safety Coordinator
Average salary$74,228$53,465
Salary rangeBetween $49,000 And $110,000Between $37,000 And $75,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CANewark, NJ
Highest paying stateNorth DakotaAlaska
Best paying companyAppleMeta
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between safety engineer and health and safety coordinator education

There are a few differences between a safety engineer and a health and safety coordinator in terms of educational background:

Safety EngineerHealth And Safety Coordinator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorMechanical EngineeringBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of ConnecticutStanford University

Safety engineer vs health and safety coordinator demographics

Here are the differences between safety engineers' and health and safety coordinators' demographics:

Safety EngineerHealth And Safety Coordinator
Average age4245
Gender ratioMale, 81.6% Female, 18.4%Male, 59.5% Female, 40.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 9.7% White, 69.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 5.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage4%7%

Differences between safety engineer and health and safety coordinator duties and responsibilities

Safety engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage hazardous and special waste programs and profiles including audits/inspections, vendor compliance, documentation and recordkeeping.
  • Develop SWPPP and SPCC programs.
  • Design new Lockout/Tag-out (LOTO) system for production floor and facilities.
  • Direct subcontractors in safely deploying spill response equipment to enforce EPA / TDEQ regulations.
  • Provide safety support for construction projects -Conduct audits for LOTO, environmental, IH surveys, safe work practices etc.
  • Create site-specific EHS orientations for contractors.
  • Show more

Health and safety coordinator example responsibilities.

  • Interview, hire, train, and manage all CPR instructors.
  • Manage and implement a regional EHS program for multiple lumber manufacturing facilities.
  • Develop an incentive program to promote and cultivate a safety culture through EHS activities participation.
  • Maintain relationship with governmental agencies and corporate regulatory department staying abreast with OSHA and EPA regulations and standards.
  • Determine requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety devices.
  • Have advised on training requirements to sample or remove asbestos containing material and PPE requirements.
  • Show more

Safety engineer vs health and safety coordinator skills

Common safety engineer skills
  • OSHA, 10%
  • Safety Standards, 6%
  • Safety Program, 5%
  • Safety Regulations, 4%
  • ISO, 4%
  • Corrective Action, 4%
Common health and safety coordinator skills
  • OSHA, 9%
  • EHS, 5%
  • Environmental Health, 5%
  • Rehabilitation, 4%
  • Corrective Action, 3%
  • Safety Program, 3%

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