Safety isn’t just about rules and regulations—it’s about protecting lives, preventing accidents, and creating workplaces where people don’t have to worry about getting hurt on the job. A career in safety means stepping into a role that makes a real difference, whether that’s in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, or office settings. But what does it take to get started in this field? The path isn’t always obvious, but if you’re serious about becoming a safety professional, these are the six things you’ll need to get ahead.
Technology can Make you a Better Safety Professional
Long gone are the days when safety relied purely on checklists and clipboards. Now, technology plays a massive role in keeping workplaces secure. Digital monitoring systems, wearable safety devices, and AI-driven analytics are changing how companies promote safety and injury prevention in real time.
Understanding and utilizing these tools will give you an edge in the industry. Whether it’s automated reporting software that tracks workplace hazards, drones inspecting dangerous job sites, or smart sensors detecting air quality issues, technology makes safety professionals more effective. Those who embrace these advancements don’t just react to risks—they prevent them before they happen. A solid grasp of tech-driven safety solutions will set you apart and make you an asset to any employer.
Training and Certifications
No one walks onto a job site or into a corporate office and declares themselves a safety expert. Formal training is a must, and earning the right certifications proves you know what you’re doing. One of the best ways to show employers you’re serious is by obtaining the ASP certification—a key credential that sets the foundation for a long-term career in workplace safety.
The ASP certification isn’t just a piece of paper; it represents a comprehensive understanding of safety protocols, risk assessment, and compliance laws. Many employers prefer or even require it for entry-level positions. Beyond the ASP, continuing education in areas like OSHA regulations, hazard communication, and emergency preparedness will only boost your credibility. Safety professionals who invest in their education open the door to higher salaries, leadership roles, and career stability.
Strong Communication Skills
If safety professionals had to pick a single skill that matters most on the job, communication would be at the top of the list. A great safety plan means nothing if workers don’t understand it. Being able to explain safety protocols clearly—whether in training sessions, written reports, or on-the-spot corrections—can mean the difference between an incident-free shift and a serious accident.
But communication isn’t just about delivering rules and warnings. It’s about listening. Workers on the ground often notice hazards before management does, and creating a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting risks is crucial. Strong communication builds trust, and in safety, trust saves lives.
The Importance of Experience
You can have all the training and certifications in the world, but nothing replaces real-world experience. Many safety professionals start out in industries like construction, manufacturing, or warehousing before transitioning into a dedicated safety role. Hands-on experience gives you the ability to spot risks that aren’t always covered in textbooks.
Internships, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training programs can help bridge the gap between knowledge and application. Even if you don’t have direct safety experience, working in environments where safety is a priority—such as logistics, emergency response, or facility management—can provide a strong foundation. The more you understand the realities of different workplaces, the better equipped you’ll be to create safety protocols that actually work.
Important Legal Knowledge
Safety isn’t just about common sense—it’s about compliance. Every industry has its own regulations, and failing to follow them can result in fines, lawsuits, or even business shutdowns. Knowing the laws and standards that apply to your field is critical for keeping companies on the right side of the law.
Regulations from agencies like OSHA, EPA, and state-level safety boards are constantly evolving, which means safety professionals must stay up to date. Compliance training, attending safety conferences, and networking in the industry can help you stay ahead of changes. Employers rely on safety professionals to guide them through complex legal requirements, and those who can navigate these waters are in high demand.
Build a Long-Term Career in Safety
Getting your foot in the door is just the beginning. Safety is an evolving field, and professionals who stay stagnant get left behind. A long-term career in safety means continuously improving, expanding your expertise, and seeking out leadership opportunities.
Specializing in areas like industrial hygiene, fire prevention, or environmental safety can open up new career paths. Those who move into management roles often oversee entire safety programs, influencing policies at a corporate level. Some even go into consulting, helping businesses build safer environments from the ground up.
The key is staying proactive. The best safety professionals don’t just respond to problems—they anticipate them. Keeping up with new technology, regulations, and best practices ensures that your skills remain valuable and your career keeps growing.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
