How to Be Environmental Health and Safety Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 11, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The Environmental Health and Safety Manager is responsible for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. They work to identify environmental risks, develop safety policies and procedures, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations. By doing so, they help to reduce the likelihood of costly accidents and illnesses, while helping to protect the environment. As a result, businesses benefit by having a safer workplace and improved productivity, while also avoiding potential fines and penalties for violation of environmental regulations.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become an environmental health and safety manager, you must first obtain a bachelors degree in a related field, such as environmental science, occupational health and safety, or engineering.
Obtain Certification. Many employers prefer that environmental health and safety managers obtain certification from a reputable organization, such as the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).
Obtain Work Experience. Employers typically prefer environmental health and safety managers to have at least three years of work experience in a related field.
Get Additional Training. Environmental health and safety managers should also stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and safety protocols. Training courses and workshops can help managers stay knowledgeable about the latest developments in the field.
Attend Networking Events. Networking events, such as those sponsored by professional organizations, can help environmental health and safety managers stay connected with industry professionals and stay up-to-date on new industry trends.

The lack of an effective Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager can lead to serious consequences, including increased health and safety risks, decreased operational efficiency, and higher costs. Without an EHS Manager, businesses are often exposed to a wide range of environmental and safety hazards, such as chemical spills, exposure to hazardous materials, and the risk of equipment malfunctions. Furthermore, the absence of an EHS Manager can result in decreased productivity due to poor maintenance of equipment and inefficient processes.

It can also contribute to higher costs associated with fines, legal fees, and insurance premiums. The ideal EHS Manager is one who understands the complexities of environmental regulations, safety protocols, and operational processes, and is able to develop and implement effective solutions that protect employees, customers, and the environment. An efficient EHS Manager is also able to identify potential hazards before they become a problem and develop strategies for preventing them from occurring.

By having an efficient EHS Manager in place, businesses can protect their personnel, save money, and reduce their risk of liability.

You may want to check Environmental Coordinator, Environmental Lab Technician, and Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement health and safety policies, procedures and systems.
Monitor adherence to health and safety regulations and standards.
Conduct regular safety inspections and audits to identify potential risks.
Investigate accidents and incidents and ensure correct reporting procedures are followed.
Coordinate emergency response planning and procedures.
Develop a system for collecting and analyzing safety data.
Provide training and guidance on safety-related topics.
Manage hazardous materials programs and activities.
Monitor environmental compliance programs.
Collaborate with other departments to ensure the safe operation of facilities.
Design, implement and manage safety programs to reduce workplace injuries.
Develop and implement corrective actions to address safety deficiencies.
Develop and implement safety incentive programs.
Maintain records of safety inspections, audits, and incidents.
Prepare reports for management review and action.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of applicable safety regulations, standards, and best practices
Ability to develop, implement, and manage safety programs and procedures
Knowledge of risk assessment techniques and hazard identification
Ability to conduct safety inspections and audits
Proficiency in using safety-related software
Ability to create and deliver effective safety training
Strong problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to build relationships with stakeholders
Working knowledge of environmental regulations and best practices
Ability to develop, implement, and manage environmental programs
Knowledge of air, water, and soil pollution control measures
Proficiency in using environmental-related software
Ability to develop emergency management plans and conduct drills
Working knowledge of waste management principles and techniques

The ability to manage health and safety in the workplace is essential for the success of any business. It is the responsibility of the Environmental Health and Safety Manager to create a safe environment for workers, protect the company from liability, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. To be successful in this role, an Environmental Health and Safety Manager must possess excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

They must be knowledgeable of federal, state, and local regulations, as well as industry standards. They must also be able to identify potential hazards in the workplace and develop strategies to eliminate them. Furthermore, they must be able to develop and implement training programs for employees to ensure that they are aware of safety protocols and procedures.

Finally, effective Environmental Health and Safety Managers must be able to build relationships with all departments within the company in order to create a culture of safety. Without these vital skills, it would be impossible to ensure a safe work environment and protect the company from liability.

Environmental Planner, Environmental Project Manager, and Environmental Design Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How have you dealt with complex safety issues in the past?
What experience do you have in creating and implementing safety plans?
How do you handle safety inspections and audits?
What strategies do you use to identify potential safety risks?
How would you go about developing and implementing safety policies and procedures?
Describe a time when you successfully addressed a safety complaint.
What experience do you have in identifying hazardous materials and hazardous waste?
How do you ensure compliance with applicable safety laws and regulations?
How would you manage a team of environmental health and safety personnel?
How do you stay up-to-date on changes in environmental health and safety standards?

Common Tools in Industry

Risk Management Software. A software that helps to identify, assess, and prioritize risks in a workplace. (Eg: SafetyMentor)
Safety Audits. A comprehensive review of the workplace environment to identify potential hazards. (Eg: OSHAs Safety and Health Program Audit)
Job Hazard Analysis. A systematic process for identifying and evaluating hazards associated with a specific job or task. (Eg: JSABuilder)
Incident Investigation Software. A software that helps to investigate potential or actual accidents or incidents in the workplace. (Eg: SafetyTek)
Hazard Communication Software. A software that helps to inform employees of the potential hazards in the workplace and the steps to take for safety. (Eg: SafetyTalk)
Training Management Software. A software that helps to track and manage safety training programs for employees. (Eg: EasySafety School)
Air Quality Monitors. Devices used to measure air quality, such as dust, smoke, gases, and volatile organic compounds. (Eg: Air Quality Monitor by Kaiterra)
Heat Stress Monitors. Devices used to measure temperature and humidity levels in order to avoid heat-related illnesses in workers. (Eg: Heat Stress Monitor by Kaiterra)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
National Safety Council (NSC)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
International Society of Environmental Health (ISEEH)
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
International Association of Safety Professionals (IASP)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM)

We also have Environmental Compliance Inspector, Environmental Services Technician, and Environmental Educator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Hazardous Material (HAZMAT). Materials that pose an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and the environment. Examples of hazardous materials include combustible liquids, radioactive materials, and corrosives.
Risk Assessment. The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling potential risks related to a particular activity or process.
Environmental Management System (EMS). An organized approach to managing the environmental aspects of a business or organization. It includes policies, procedures, and processes to ensure environmental compliance and reduce environmental impact.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A federal agency within the US Department of Labor that is responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions by setting and enforcing standards.
Ergonomics. The study of how people interact with their environment, including their physical environment, tools, and machines. It is used to design safer and more productive workplaces.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Clothing or equipment worn by workers to protect against workplace hazards. Examples include respirators, gloves, goggles, and other protective gear.
Industrial Hygiene. The science of preventing and controlling workplace hazards that can cause injury or illness. It includes studying the workplace environment to identify potential hazards, evaluating exposure levels to those hazards, and designing control measures to reduce or eliminate exposures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of an Environmental Health and Safety Manager?

The primary role of an Environmental Health and Safety Manager is to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for employees, customers, and the public by implementing and monitoring policies and procedures related to environmental health and safety.

What qualifications are needed to become an Environmental Health and Safety Manager?

To become an Environmental Health and Safety Manager, one typically needs a bachelors degree in safety, industrial hygiene, environmental health, or a related field. Additional certifications, such as Certified Safety Professional or Certified Industrial Hygienist, may also be beneficial.

What are some of the responsibilities of an Environmental Health and Safety Manager?

Some of the responsibilities of an Environmental Health and Safety Manager include developing and implementing safety policies and procedures, conducting safety inspections, training staff on safety protocols, creating emergency response plans, and responding to incidents and accidents.

How much does an Environmental Health and Safety Manager typically earn?

The median salary for an Environmental Health and Safety Manager is approximately $75,000 per year. Salaries may vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.

What industries often employ Environmental Health and Safety Managers?

Environmental Health and Safety Managers are often employed in the manufacturing, healthcare, construction, government, retail, and hospitality industries.

Web Resources

Environmental Health & Safety Manager - Unity College unity.edu
Environmental Health and Safety Manager: Job Description and publichealth.tulane.edu
Environmental, Health and Safety Management MS | RIT www.rit.edu