Difference Between Safety
Coordinator and Safety Officer
Job Description Comparison for
Interview Preparation
Overview
• This presentation highlights the key
differences between the roles of a Safety
Coordinator and a Safety Officer. Both
positions are vital in maintaining health and
safety compliance on worksites, but they differ
in scope, responsibility, and authority.
Safety Coordinator - Job
Description
• - Coordinates safety programs across
departments
• - Assists with safety training and compliance
audits
• - Ensures documentation and safety records
are maintained
• - Acts as a liaison between departments and
the safety manager
• - Supports risk assessments and incident
investigations
Safety Officer - Job Description
• - Implements and enforces safety policies on-
site
• - Conducts daily safety inspections and hazard
assessments
• - Reports and investigates incidents or near-
misses
• - Trains staff on proper safety protocols
• - Ensures PPE compliance and safe work
practices
• - Acts immediately to correct unsafe
Key Differences
• - Scope: Coordinator is broader, Officer is site-
specific
• - Authority: Officer has enforcement power,
Coordinator supports programs
• - Focus: Officer focuses on daily safety,
Coordinator on compliance and systems
• - Location: Officer is field-based, Coordinator
may be office-based
• - Interaction: Coordinator works cross-
departmentally, Officer interacts with site staff