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Whether it's a health inspector at a restaurant or an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) trainer on the job site, those who work in safety-related careers keep us, our communities, and global populations safe. Learn more about safety careers and explore edX online safety training programs so you can make a positive impact on the world.

What is safety?

The safety field encompasses any career that drafts policies, enforces regulations, or implements strategies to help protect people and the environment from harm, death, injury, or disease. If you wear a seatbelt, wash your hands, or get vaccinated, then someone in the safety field has done their job well.

Safety is a broad field that includes industries like public health, environmental science, healthcare, crisis resource management, workplace safety, construction, and many more.

Many safety positions may require you to undergo training or earn industry-specific certifications. Find out how you can learn about safety on edX.

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Choosing the right safety program for you

When selecting a safety program on edX, consider your career goals, current qualifications, financial situation, and time investment. Research program requirements, length, and cost to find the best fit for your career aspirations and budget.

Courses

Courses provide targeted knowledge on topics like workplace safety, humanitarian aid, healthcare policy, and suicide prevention. They are a great way for beginners to familiarize themselves with different safety careers or for those looking to increase their knowledge in targeted areas.

Professional certificates

For experienced safety professionals looking to advance their careers, professional certificates can help you expand your knowledge in specific safety areas, like roadway safety, water management, or crisis response.

Executive education programs

These programs are designed for C-suite executives and established professionals in senior roles. They focus on subjects related to workplace leadership, regulatory compliance, and risk management.

Degrees

Degrees offer a well-rounded education to prepare you for a long-term career in the safety field. edX offers bachelor's, master's, and even doctorate degrees in relevant areas like social work, public health, sustainability, healthcare management, and criminal justice.

Jobs in safety

Safety careers exist in healthcare, gas and oil, mining, agriculture, and federal agencies. From drafting public policy to checking machinery and equipment, the safety field offers graduates various opportunities to help change and protect their community.

Hazardous materials removal worker

These workers identify, remove, and properly dispose of dangerous materials and substances to protect public safety. They commonly work in construction, waste management, or environmental services.

Community health worker

Community health workers conduct outreach and initiate education programs to help individuals and communities make healthier life choices. They often work for health departments, nonprofit organizations, or healthcare facilities.

  • Required education: High school diploma
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $48,200
Fire inspector

Fire inspectors visit buildings to ensure compliance with fire codes and investigate the causes of fires. They primarily work for fire departments, government agencies, or private companies.

  • Required education: High school diploma, fire academy training
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $71,420
Occupational health and safety specialist

These specialists evaluate work environments and design procedures to ensure workplace safety by preventing disease, injury, or exposure. They are often employed in government, manufacturing, hospitals, and laboratories.

  • Required education: Bachelor's degree
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $77,580
Emergency management director

An emergency management director plans and coordinates crisis response for natural disasters, rescue missions, public health crises, and other emergencies. They are frequently employed by local, state, or federal government agencies, nonprofits, hospitals, and universities.

  • Required education: Bachelor's degree
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $83,960

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    FAQs about safety

    What is safety?

    Safety refers to the practices and policies designed to protect people, environments, and resources from disease, injury, and death. It is vital in fields like public health, occupational safety, and crisis management.

    What careers in safety have the highest demand?

    With rising concerns about chronic illness and infectious disease, there is a high demand for safety professionals, particularly community health workers and occupational health and safety specialists. The BLS projects 13% and 14% growth, respectively, for these occupations from 2023-33, which is significantly higher than the 4% projected growth for all occupations.

    What skills do you need to work in safety?

    Safety professionals need skills in leadership, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and attention to detail. Depending on the role, other valuable skills could be fundraising, safety protocols, food handling, CPR and first aid training, event planning, or public speaking.