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716 Safety Management System Evaluation
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Safety Management Systems Structure

Safety Engineer (SE)

The first question to ask when a hazard is identified in the workplace is, "How can we engineer the hazard out"?

The safety engineer uses engineering controls to eliminate or reduce hazards.

Safety Engineers (SE) usually work in the maintenance or engineering department and are responsible for developing engineering controls to eliminate or reduce hazards that might cause serious injuries. Consequently, they need additional training in engineering topics such as eliminating hazards associated with machine guarding, electrical safety, and lockout/tagout.

Examples of programs in which Safety Engineers may be involved include:

  • Lockout/Tagout
  • Electrical Safety
  • Walking-Working Surfaces
  • Machine Guarding

Examples of duties for which Safety Engineers may be responsible for include:

  • Conducts inspections and audits
  • Ensures safety consideration in purchase of tools, equipment, machinery
  • Consults with the safety manager and committee
  • Conducts research, analysis and evaluation to improve safety in the workplace

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-4. In which program would the safety engineer be responsible for identifying and controlling hazards?