The advancement of EV technology necessitates a strong focus on safety protocols to adapt to new training requirements and mitigate risks. As the EV ecosystem expands, safety standards and innovative Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) practices must evolve alongside the industry-specific technologies.
The primary risk involved in EV manufacturing includes:
- Electrical Shock – exposure from high-voltage cables in the battery pack and powertrain
- Chemical exposure from handling lithium ion batteries
- Repetitive stress injuries form working on a manufacturing line
- Fire Risk
- Thermal Hazards
Safety in EV Apprenticeships: A Dual Focus
Safety encompasses multiple dimensions within the context of EV apprenticeships. On one hand, safety education is integral to every aspect of training curriculum, from developing exceptional classroom materials to ensuring that all hands-on learning environments prioritize safety. This holistic approach equips students with essential skills to manage risks that arise in their respective roles.
On the other hand, there exists a distinct career pathway dedicated to EHS professions. Environmental Health and Safety experts play a critical role in innovating safe workstations and systems within some of the world’s most advanced manufacturing facilities. They are essential for establishing safety standards that cater specifically to the unique challenges presented by high-voltage systems and battery technology.
Fire departments, for example, are currently enhancing their training efforts to respond to incidents involving lithium batteries, which require specialized knowledge to effectively manage fire hazards. Technicians transitioning from internal combustion engine work to electric vehicle servicing must undergo comprehensive training to safely handle high-voltage systems. Additionally, installers and maintenance personnel responsible for the expanding battery-based electrical grid must learn new safety techniques to create safe and sustainable work environments.
Importance of Innovative Safety Instruction
Incorporating industry-specific safety training as part of the apprenticeship curriculum is crucial. From learning the proper fit of personal protective equipment to understanding how to log safety incidents, even granular education can make a tangible difference.
Whether presented in modular formats or comprehensive courses, safety education serves as a foundation for successful careers in the EV sector while fostering a culture of safety awareness amongst all students.
Job Outlook
Beyond integrating safety into all EV apprenticeships, the employment outlook for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians is promising, with a projected growth rate of 14 percent from 2023 to 2033—substantially outpacing the average for all occupations. Approximately 18,200 job openings for these roles are anticipated annually.
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians play a vital role in assessing work environments, analyzing risks, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. By offering students a robust foundation in safety programming, educational institutions can give them a solid head start in a dynamic, growth-oriented occupation.
Job Highlight: What Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians Do
- Collect data, analyze trends, and design improvements to enhance workplace safety.
- Conduct inspections and enforce compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
- Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies in collaboration with industry stakeholders.
How to Become an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist or Technician
- Specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety, or a related field.
- Technicians may enter this apprenticeship occupation with only a high school diploma, with programs available that can be time or competency based.
Apprenticeship Codes:
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: 19-5011.00
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians: 19-5012.00
Pay Structure
As of May 2023, the median annual wage for occupational health and safety specialists was $81,140, while technicians earned a median annual wage of $57,920.
Additional Resources
To enhance their expertise, employers often prefer or require certification for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians. Resources for credentialing include:
- Board for Global EHS Credentialing (BGC)
- Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)
- National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP)
For information on workplace safety, compliance, and health training programs, consider these resources:
- U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and The Safe • Skilled • Ready Workforce (SSRW) Program
- The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program
- SAE International’s Fundamentals of High Voltage xEV, Safety, and PPE (find the course curriculum under the tab “Course Outline”)
Understanding safety protocols is vital for a successful career in the growing EV sector. By prioritizing safety training, educational institutions can ensure that future technicians and specialists are well-equipped to handle the unique challenges posed by electric vehicles.
Equipping First Responders
EV fires involving the high-voltage battery can present unique challenges to firefighters, often requiring different techniques. First responders should refer to the manufacturer guides and training resources noted above when responding to an electric vehicle incident or fire and should also be aware of the potential for delayed ignition of a damaged vehicle or reignition of a battery fire, even after it is believed to be extinguished. Further training resources for first and second responders is here. View the Electric Vehicle Fire Primer for Fleet Managers for more information.