What is an occupational health and safety specialist?

In some countries an occupational health and safety specialist is a person employed within the health and safety industry who is both experienced and qualified to give advice and make decisions on occupational hazards and policies.

In the US, the title Occupational Health and safety Specialist is often given to a person with minimal background in the health and safety, but who has received some basic training and is functioning either as a supervised technician or as a part-time local safety resource for a group.