What occupational safety roles exist in the military?

I'm really interested in occupational safety and thinking about joining the military. Are there specific jobs or positions that focus on occupational safety that I should be aware of?

Absolutely! Each branch of the military has positions focused on maintaining occupational safety and health.

1. The U.S. Army: The Army has a role known as Safety Specialist or Safety Officer. In this role, you would work on a variety of tasks from developing and managing safety programs, conducting safety inspections, and ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations, to preparing training materials and conducting safety briefings.

2. The U.S. Navy: The Navy has a similar position known as Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) Manager who coordinates safety programs aboard ships and at on-shore installations. These individuals may be responsible for everything from training crews on safety procedures to making sure equipment and workspaces are up to safety standards.

3. The U.S. Air Force: In the Air Force, you might consider a role such as Occupational Safety Specialist. This role might involve conducting regular inspections and evaluations, assisting with root cause analysis for any incidents, and training personnel in safety protocols.

4. The U.S. Marine Corps: The Marine Corps has a safety division that oversees occupational safety guidelines, training of personnel, and compliance with external regulations in addition to job-specific safety requirements.

5. U.S. Space Force: Given the unique risks and unknowns associated with operations in space, the Space Force undoubtedly has need for safety specialists and managers, although specific job titles may vary.

6. Finally, there is the U.S. Coast Guard: They have Health and Safety Officers who ensure boating safety standards are met, conduct safety inspections, and train personnel.

In any of these roles, you would be a crucial player in ensuring that your fellow service members can carry out their jobs in a safe and healthy environment. Please discuss your interest in occupational safety with your recruiter, as they can provide the most current and applicable information. Different branches may have different names for these roles, but the core purpose of ensuring occupational safety remains the same.