Environmental Health & Safety Manager

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Managers are responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing environmental health and safety programs for their organizations. They may work in a variety of settings such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and government.

Job Duties

EHS Managers typically have the following job duties:

• Develop and implement environmental health and safety policies and procedures
• Conduct risk assessments and develop plans to mitigate risks
• Monitor compliance with environmental regulations
• Conduct safety inspections and audits
• Investigate accidents and incidents
• Train employees on environmental health and safety topics
• Manage environmental health and safety budgets

Educational Requirements

EHS Managers typically have a bachelor's degree in environmental science, occupational health and safety, or a related field. Some employers may also require a master's degree.

Certifications

EHS Managers may obtain voluntary certification to demonstrate their expertise. Some common certifications include:

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
• Certified Environmental Professional (CEP)

Skills

EHS Managers should have the following skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of environmental health and safety regulations
• Experience in conducting risk assessments and safety inspections
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Career Outlook

The job outlook for EHS Managers is expected to be good over the next few years. This is due to increasing demand for EHS professionals as businesses become more aware of the importance of environmental health and safety.

Career Growth

EHS Managers can advance their careers by taking on more responsibility and managing larger teams. They may also move into management positions in other areas of the organization such as operations or human resources.

Transferable Skills

The skills that EHS Managers develop can be transferred to other careers in environmental health and safety, as well as other fields such as quality assurance, risk management, and compliance.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

The day-to-day responsibilities of an EHS Manager can vary depending on the size and complexity of their organization. However, some common tasks include:

• Reviewing environmental and safety reports
• Conducting safety inspections
• Meeting with employees to discuss environmental health and safety issues
• Developing and implementing environmental health and safety training programs
• Investigating accidents and incidents

Challenges

EHS Managers face a number of challenges in their work. These challenges include:

• Keeping up with changing environmental regulations
• Dealing with difficult employees
• Balancing the need for environmental protection with the need for business growth

Projects

EHS Managers may be involved in a variety of projects, such as:

• Developing a new environmental health and safety management system
• Conducting a risk assessment for a new product or process
• Investigating an accident or incident
• Developing a training program on a new environmental or safety topic

Personal Growth

EHS Managers have the opportunity for personal growth in a number of ways, such as:

• Taking on new challenges and responsibilities
• Learning new skills and knowledge
• Mentoring and developing other employees

Personality Traits and Interests

EHS Managers should have the following personality traits and interests:

• Strong work ethic
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving skills
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Interest in environmental health and safety

Self-Guided Projects

Students who are interested in becoming EHS Managers can complete a number of self-guided projects to better prepare themselves for this role. These projects include:

• Conducting a safety inspection of a workplace
• Developing a risk assessment for a new product or process
• Creating a training program on a new environmental or safety topic
• Investigating an accident or incident

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about environmental health and safety and prepare for a career as an EHS Manager. Online courses can provide students with the opportunity to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. They also allow students to access a wider range of courses than they may be able to find at their local college or university.

Online courses can help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a career as an EHS Manager. These courses can teach students about environmental health and safety regulations, risk assessment, safety inspections, and other important topics.

Online courses can also help students develop the soft skills necessary for success in this field. These skills include communication, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving.

While online courses alone may not be sufficient to prepare someone for a career as an EHS Manager, they can be a helpful learning tool that can bolster their chances of success.