What Are EHS Roles and Responsibilities?

Posted March 16, 2020

Health and safety manager responsibilities are available to anyone who is interested in taking on the role of protecting the environment, and the workplace. If you are a hardworking person, willing, and ready for the necessary coursework – this could be your dream job. An Environmental Health and Safety position is referred to by a variety of names including occupational health, safety specialist, corporate safety director, environmental protection officer, and safety consultant. These titles are all names of positions held by Environmental Health and Safety Managers however, each EH&S job description is different. Designed to create a job for inspectors to eliminate workplace hazards and minimize incorrect working methods. EH&S managers work on different tasks depending on the industry. Businesses, non-profit organizations, and private companies already know that it is profitable to hire a Health, and Safety Manager, but you may not realize what the roles and responsibilities of an EH&S manager are.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Environmental Health and Safety Manager

You may not work for a company that ensures compliance with the current safety regulations set forth by the U.S. government, or industry. Businesses often hire an Environmental Health, and Safety manager as an inspector for the environment, equipment, and processes of a workplace. Identifying biological, chemical and radiological materials takes up a good portion of the time allotted to an Environmental Health and Safety manager, but they also investigate accidents and prevent future incidents. Each part of the Environment Health and Safety job description is important and comes with a unique set of responsibilities. Here are the five most vital aspects of the role of an Environmental Health, and Safety Manager:

Develop & Implement Plans. Businesses need a competent Environmental Health and Safety officer to act on behalf of workplace compliance. When employees are able to focus on their productivity, profits usually improve. The improvements in workplace productivity are directly linked to the development and implementation of strategic plans for workplace safety by an official EH&S manager.
Capture Data. In order to prevent injuries, workplace toxicity, and accidents an EH&S manager must obtain information. The data may be collected in relation to illness, injury, and incidents in the workplace. Capturing data to analyze, and improve workplace compliance to all lawful regulations on safety, and health is the main role of an EH&S officer.
Create Reports & Analysis. Using the data collected from the workplace site, as well as internal, and external customers, and EH&S manager uses their expertise to perform an official analysis. The information is then applied to state policies in accordance with the most current legislation to ensure compliance. After the analysis, the reports may be used to implement new strategies and plans for improvement.
Hazardous Waste Management. You may not recognize all of the warning signs in your work environment without the help of an EH&S manager. These professionals are responsible for posting signs on health, and safety to warn employees of potential dangers.
Coordinate Audits. Safety and environmental audits are used in order to keep track of the many laws, policies, and reports necessary. These regularly scheduled audits are also used to take actions for improvements in all areas and departments of the business.

Qualifications of Environmental Health and Safety Managers

Job seekers looking for a career as an Environmental Health and Safety Manager may require training as early as high school however, many people get into the field after college with a Bachelor’s degree. After earning a college degree most applicants continue their education with coursework specific to their field.

Preliminary education with hours in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and English
A Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health, Safety, or related field
On-the-job training
Higher education in the specified field

Is Environmental Health and Safety Management Right For Me?

qualifications-of-environmental-health-and-safety-managers

If you want to get into the field of Environmental Health and Safety Management there are always environmental health safety job choices available. It is estimated that jobs will continue to increase in demand as the government continues to change regulations, inspections, and hazards classifications in the workplace. The best way to determine if a job in Environmental Health and Safety management is for you is by talking to an educational counselor that can help you choose the right path.

What Is the Pay Rate for an Environmental Health and Safety Manager?

Typically, Environmental Health and Safety Managers earn between $39,770, and $67,340 a year. The average hourly rate for EH&S professionals is between $19.12 and $32.37. State and local governments may offer higher paying positions related to specific services with an average of around $88,390 per year, and $42.49 per hour. If you are considering a new career path, the outlook for Environmental Health and Safety Managers is good! Increased use of nuclear power created many opportunities available in the Environmental Health and Safety Management professions. Jobs for health and safety managers are projected to continue to grow as the aging population remains in the workforce for longer, and worker’s compensation claims include more sick time. If you feel a career in environmental health, and safety is for you use this guide to accomplish the roles you want.