Pursuing or maintaining professional certification is the most common career move reported by safety and health pros, according to Industrial Safety & Hygiene News’ annual White Paper reader survey. Forty-three percent of those surveyed will work on certification in the coming year. Fifty-three percent of those identifying themselves as industrial hygienists will focus on certification.

The employment picture looks stable. Overall, 17 percent of safety and health pros surveyed will actively look for another job in the coming year, and 14 percent will seriously think about a career change.

Jobs keep challenging most professionals. Only 16 percent say they feel like they will hit a career plateau next year. Still, almost one-third of the industrial hygienists surveyed (29%) see their careers plateauing.

Turnover in the ranks will be an issue in coming years. More than a quarter of all pros surveyed (26 percent) say they are approaching retirement.

ISHN’s 17th Annual White Paper survey is based on responses from 956 readers. Based on a mailing to 4,687 readers, the survey has a 20 percent response rate.