Managers in both the private and public sectors put in a lot of work to make sure their employees have the best possible conditions to work in. In most cases, business owners put their full faith and confidence in EH&S managers to take care of all environmental and other safety-related responsibilities. It can be challenging for EH&S professionals to keep up with the constant changes in legislation that pertain to the workplace, which is one reason why it is common for these professionals to take on contract or full-time work. When an expert in EH&S is on staff, businesses are able to improve worker safety and reduce the negative impact their operations have on the surrounding environment. There may be some distinctions between professionals in the fields of Environmental Public Health and Environmental Policy and Planning, but they both work within the constraints of the law. Each stage needs to be completed with painstaking attention to detail and a solid understanding of the most recent regulations concerning the safeguarding of the natural environment.
Who Are Environmental Health and Safety Managers? What Do They Do?
It is possible that looking for work at companies that strictly adhere to the regulations set forth by the government and the environment in regard to the maintenance of a safe working environment is considered a luxury by some. Some people, particularly those who are known for encouraging positive work habits among their coworkers, might find the idea of working as an Environmental Health and Safety Manager to be an appealing career option. This is especially true of those people who have a strong background in the field. If you are interested in working in a position that encompasses the management of the environment, health, and safety, then perhaps a position as an Environmental Health and Safety officer would be the perfect fit for you! Take into consideration the many different opportunities that are available, such as project manager, construction superintendent, project engineer, construction or commercial superintendent, construction manager, safety manager, assistant project manager, and so on and so forth. Even though every position is different, there are a few requirements that are standard across the board that must be fulfilled in order to meet the prerequisites for getting hired and staying up to date on the latest developments in legislative affairs. Working directly with the organizations that the legislation will have an effect on, as well as working directly with professionals who work in environmental public health and environmental policy and planning. These positions require a significant amount of experience in addition to knowledge of contemporary environmental safety management in order to address potential hazards that may be present in day-to-day operations, procedures, and activities. This is because these positions are responsible for ensuring the safety of employees and the environment.
What employment opportunities exist for Environmental Health Specialists?
Numerous opportunities for employment can be found in the fields of health and safety, safety, environmental health, and safety management through the following associations.
- NEHA - The National Environmental Health Association is the most well-known professional health and safety organization in the United States. NEHA Is in charge of putting out training manuals and courses for people who work in Health and Safety. NEHA also certifies professionals, allowing it to build, maintain, and empower an effective environmental health workforce.
- OSHA -The Occupational Health and Safety Administration offers a variety of services to assist workers and businesses in recognizing and mitigating the risks posed by potentially hazardous situations. OSHA is the leading source of information and reports on occupational health and safety, contributing to the development of a resource base that can be leveraged by professionals to create a safer working environment. This is because OSHA is the leading source of information and reports on occupational health and safety.
Can I Get a Job in Environmental Health Management?
The majority of jobs only require a bachelor's degree, but because there is a falling demand for general health and safety professionals, it may be challenging to find stable employment. Obtaining a master's degree in environmental health and safety with a concentration may be the best way for you to distinguish yourself from other candidates when applying for specialized jobs. It's possible that some of your choices include obtaining degrees in Occupational Health and Safety, Business Law, Chemistry, Ecology, and Biology, as well as Related Fields, in addition to the prerequisites needed for your chosen profession. Without a Ph.D., you may be able to find work in the field or in academic research if your area of expertise is in the handling of hazardous materials.
An environmental health and safety manager's responsibilities include the following:
- Hold a four-year bachelor's degree in Environmental Health, Safety Engineering, or Occupational Health.
- Have at least five years of experience in the field.
- Compete independently in an office setting and as needed across multiple sites.
- Make good use of your time and demonstrate your command of time management techniques.
- Have the ability to quickly switch gears and solve problems.
- Maintain contact with coworkers through oral, written, and digital means to keep the lines of communication open.
- Keep up to date on all health and safety laws, codes, regulations, and policies that apply to the inside and outside of the building.
- Examine each potential hazard in the workplace.
- Obtain all required health and safety permits (fire safety, environmental, and operating permits).
- Maintain all machinery, equipment, and safety and comfort systems in your building on a regular basis, including alarms, sprinklers, and HVAC systems.
- Educate employees and teams in all aspects of the business.
You will eventually be given additional responsibilities at a higher level after you receive your promotion. In a larger company, a senior Environmental Health and Safety Manager might be in charge of an entire division's worth of employees in addition to the departments that they work in.
A senior environmental health and safety manager's responsibilities include the following:
- A master's degree in Environmental Health, Safety Engineering, or Occupational Health is required.
- have at least five years of experience in environmental health and safety.
- Maintain a flexible schedule and the ability to travel to different locations to monitor health and safety measures.
- Keep track of certifications, licenses, and staff upkeep.
- Visitors, employees, and contractors must all be properly educated on the site's risks and hazards.
- Oversee all aspects of EHS-related projects.
- Prepare audit and inspection reports for administrative departments.
- Create health and safety reports for everything.
- During meetings, seminars, and workshops, talk to people both in person and online.
- Maintain your own training to keep your skills and credentials current.
- To ensure health and safety, inspect the building from top to bottom.
- Create, train, and supervise personnel for incident command and emergency response.
What Can an Environmental Health and Safety Manager Expect to Earn?
The typical income of an EHS specialist is adequate to meet one's needs. Although the specifics can vary depending on education and experience, the starting salary for a health and safety professional is typically somewhere around $70.5 thousand. In general, H&S professionals can anticipate an annual salary of at least $78,000 from the market leader in the industry. Over the course of the last few decades, there has been a consistent rise in the demand for experts in EH&S, and this pattern is expected to continue. It is anticipated that individuals will see improved employment opportunities in the field of environmental health and safety as a result of the increased availability of graduate-level education in the field of environmental health and safety.
How to Get a Job as an EHS Manager
If you want to work in a field that promotes health, safety, and environmental responsibility, becoming an EH&S manager could be a good fit. Even though many businesses and organizations do the right thing by adhering to private and public workplace standards, it usually takes an outsider to check in and ensure everything is in order. Because of this, Environmental Health and Safety Managers earn such high salaries. Environmental Health and Safety Managers are equipped with the tools they'll need to do their jobs well, starting with a solid education. Then, as they go, they pick up the slack, figuring out how to enforce any and all environmental, health, and safety regulations they come across. The EH&S manager's job is the same regardless of where the office is located: they are responsible for ensuring that everyone in the building is safe. Environmental Health and Safety Manager positions are available in most areas, but the best places to look will depend on your location and existing community connections.
