NIOSH Sees Shortage of Professionals In Occupational Safety and Health Fields

National demand for occupational safety and health professionals will far outstrip supply next year and beyond, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reported Oct. 20.

In survey results published Oct. 20, the institute found that while an estimated 2,845 professionals will graduate from occupational safety and health programs in 2011, employers are seeking to hire approximately 5,000 professionals per year during the next five years. The survey results are reported in the National Assessment of the Occupational Safety and Health Workforce.

The survey also found that the safety and health workforce is getting older, with a large ...