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Loss Control Specialist Career Guide

If you’re passionate about helping protect people, have good observation and strategic thinking skills, outstanding written and verbal communication skills, and can solve problems efficiently, a career as a loss control consultant might be right for you.

Loss control consultants work with businesses to protect employers from financial loss. Financial loss could occur through workplace accidents and financial responsibility or insurance and retail loss. Loss control consultants recommend strategies to prevent these risks. Their responsibilities are to evaluate a business’ safety and loss risks, implement strategies for the company and its employees to prevent safety issues, theft, and inventory loss, conduct routine assessments, and evaluate worker’s compensation and insurance claims. Loss control consultants usually work for insurance companies, private agencies, or independent consultant firms.

Sample job description

The loss control consultant will identify potential exposures to loss and how a business can avoid this loss. You will find ways to protect employees from injuries, loss of products due to theft, and/or avoid financial liability related to accidents. You will build and maintain professional networks and channels of communication inside and outside the organization. You are comfortable using a variety of computer applications and have excellent report writing skills. As an ideal candidate, you have proven experience in analyzing historical loss and claims data, assessing the possibility of future losses, and making recommendations to mitigate potential risks.

Typical duties and responsibilities

  • Identify potential exposures to safety and loss risks
  • Implement strategies for companies and employees to prevent safety issues, theft, and inventory loss
  • Conduct routine risk assessments
  • Evaluate worker’s compensation and insurance claims
  • Build and maintain professional networks and channels of communication inside and outside the organization
  • Gather and communicate safety information to assist in the risk selection part of the underwriting process
  • Coordinate and schedule inspections with building owners to ensure safety code compliance
  • Maintain database for all industrial inspections performed each quarter

Education and experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, occupational safety and health, consumer science, business management, or related field
  • Master’s degree a plus
  • 5+ years of related experience

Required skills and qualifications

  • Extensive knowledge of safety issues, safety rules, workers compensation, business operations, risk assessments, and liability claims
  • Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills
  • Detail-oriented and observant
  • Excellent technology skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred qualifications

  • Experience in auditing, loss prevention, risk management, or other related trades
  • LPCertified (LPC) accreditation from the Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF) or related program/certification
  • Managerial experience is a plus

Typical work environment

Every day is different as a loss control consultant. Many enjoy the flexibility of their work environment and around 50-65% of the workday involves traveling and visiting different locations. A typical day is spent inspecting facilities, factories, and also working in an office.

Typical hours

Work hours for a loss control consultant are not the typical 9 AM to 5 PM office job hours. However, most work full time. They can expect to have shifts that vary depending on the company’s needs.

Available certifications

Obtaining certifications will help increase your overall value as a loss control consultant. Here are some of the top certifications for this position:

  • OSHA Safety Certificate. The OSHA Safety Certificate is a 40-hour program that covers both the Construction 1926 and General Industry 1910 Standards, how to effectively interpret the Federal Register, health issues related to a work environment, recognition of physical hazards related to the violation of OSHA standards, and employer implementation of their own pro-active safety and health procedures. More than two years of education or training after high school is required as well as more than two years of work experience.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST). The Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) certification programs offer recognition among safety and health practitioners, demonstrate competence to employers and others, increase employee confidence in occupational health and safety programs, help improve company profitability through reduced incidents and losses, and enhance the company image. Certification renewal is required every 5 years. 
  • Safety Management Specialist (SMS). The Safety Management Specialists (SMS) are individuals with management skills required for a business’s safe operation, applying these safety skills on a full-time or part-time basis as part of their job duties. More than two years of work experience is required. Certification renewal is required every 5 years.
  • LPCertified (LPC). The LPCertified (LPC) is an advanced certification for experienced loss prevention/asset protection professionals that integrates the business of loss prevention into retail profit center practices and logistics. LPC covers six subject matter domains such as leadership principles, business principles, LP operations, safety and risk management, crisis management, and supply chain security. Must have 3 years of loss prevention experience.

Career path

The path to a career as a loss control consultant starts with a bachelor’s degree, typically in business, accounting, occupational safety and health, or consumer science. The next step is to gain practical experience by obtaining an entry-level position as a safety manager, loss control representative, or similar job. You can also gain experience through internships while obtaining your degree. 

Pursuing certification is a great way to boost your career. Many loss control consultants furthered their qualifications and skills in their field with programs, trainings, and certifications. By earning a master’s degree, you can take your career to senior roles. Degree programs can provide you with the skills you need to attain a top-level position.

US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook

SOC Code: 19-5011

2020 Employment98,000
Projected Employment in 2030104,800
Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift 7% increase
Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift6,000 increase

Occupational health and safety specialists, like loss control consultants, will be needed to work in a variety of industries to ensure that employers are adhering to both existing and new regulations. In addition, specialists will be necessary because insurance costs and workers’ compensation costs have become a concern for many employers and insurance companies.