Position Overview
Safety officers are usually hired by universities or office building complexes where they work under the supervision and guidance of shift managers or safety directors.
They are entrusted with ensuring that the building (and people working or residing in them) are secure from malicious threats or forces.
Typically, they employ a variety of security techniques to make this possible which include inspecting buildings, checking people and patrolling grounds and facilities.
Working as a safety officer will require you to attend a short safety briefing each day which will guide you about your day’s activities in particular.
Most of the duties that you perform will be repetitive; some will need to be performed on an on-need basis.
Since safety officers are required to perform intervention activities especially in the event of a fight or altercation, they need to be able to think clearly and respond promptly.
In some environments, safety officers are responsible for opening and closing the building or premises that they are working for.
Skills and Abilities
The position of a safety officer requires one to possess well developed interpersonal skills including the ability to demonstrate good judgment and maintain confidentiality.
Another important prerequisite to working at this position includes physical dexterity which may be tested at some point during a typical workday.
See also: Safety Officer Resume
Safety Officer Duties and Responsibilities
• Refer to the safety plan charted out by the supervisor to comprehend the day’s activities.
• Provide security for buildings and persons residing or working within them.
• Take measures to secure assets such as fixtures and furniture of the building.
• Patrol grounds several times during the shift to gauge type of activity taking place.
• Intervene in any situation that may seem off such as a fight or an altercation.
• Handle routine involvement work such as directing vehicular and pedestrian traffic around the building.
• Assist in developing and implementing safety routines and procedures.
• Indulge in activities to increase safety awareness amongst residents or workers.
• Respond to emergency situations such as fires and perform CPR and First Aid.
• Coordinate removal and disposal of hazardous waste from the premises.
• Check incoming people traffic to ensure that they are not carrying arms or ammunition.
• Maintain inventory of safety equipment such as safety glasses, helmets, and footwear.
• Make-certain proper storage of dangerous materials around the premises.
• Identify and isolate areas that are potential health hazards by placing signs in and around them.
• Assist in the investigation of accidents or malicious activities such as graffiti or vandalism.