Loss Control Specialist Career Guide

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

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.