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

Dec 16, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor is to ensure that companies comply with all applicable health and safety regulations, while also protecting their workers and the environment. The supervisor must monitor and evaluate the safety practices of the company, identify any potential risks and hazards, and develop strategies to mitigate them. In doing this, they help to ensure the safety of employees, customers, and the public, while also preventing pollution and protecting the environment.

When effective safety policies are implemented and maintained, this can lead to improved workplace morale, productivity, and cost savings. Furthermore, when companies fail to adhere to regulations, they can face hefty fines from government agencies.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor, you will need to earn a bachelor's degree in environmental health and safety, environmental science, or a related field. This type of degree program will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed for the role.
Take an Environmental Health and Safety Certification Exam. After graduating with a bachelor's degree, you may want to pursue certification as an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor. The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) offers the Certified Professional in Environmental Health (CPEH) certification exam. Passing this exam will demonstrate to employers that you have the skills necessary to become an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor.
Gain Relevant Experience. Many employers are looking for candidates who have experience in the field of environmental health and safety. Working as an intern or volunteer in this field can provide you with valuable experience and make you a more attractive candidate when applying for supervisor positions.
Find a Job. Once you have the proper education, certification and relevant experience, you can begin searching for employment as an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor. You can find job postings online, through job boards, or through professional organizations like the NEHA.
Stay Up-to-Date. To stay competitive in the field, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, regulations and technologies in the field of environmental health and safety. Attend seminars and conferences, read industry publications, and network with other professionals in the field to stay informed.

The Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor must stay up-to-date and qualified in order to successfully protect employees, visitors, and the environment from potential health and safety hazards. Staying up-to-date on new regulations and technologies, attending industry conferences and seminars, and participating in professional development activities are all ways a supervisor can stay qualified. staying informed about the latest industry trends and regularly educating workers on environmental health and safety is essential.

By doing so, a supervisor can ensure that employees are aware of safety procedures and protocols, as well as any new rules and regulations that could affect their job. by taking the necessary steps to stay up-to-date and qualified, an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor can ensure a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.

You may want to check Environmental Consultant, Environmental Protection Scientist, and Environmental Officer for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement health, safety and environmental policies and procedures.
Monitor safety compliance in the workplace.
Conduct risk assessments and develop action plans to address identified risks.
Prepare accident reports and investigate accidents and incidents.
Conduct training on health, safety and environmental topics.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Design and monitor implementation of emergency response plans.
Inspect workplace conditions to identify potential hazards.
Maintain records of safety inspections, accidents and other safety related documents.
Liaise with external safety experts and regulatory bodies as needed.
Provide guidance to management on best practices for safety and health in the workplace.
Coordinate with other departments to ensure safety compliance.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and standards related to environmental health and safety.
Extensive knowledge of hazardous materials management and waste disposal protocols.
Ability to develop, implement, and monitor EHS programs.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to recognize potential hazards and take appropriate corrective action.
Demonstrated experience with incident investigation and root cause analysis.
Ability to develop safety training programs and conduct safety meetings.
Knowledge of OSHA recordkeeping requirements.
Knowledge of ISO 14001 and other relevant environmental management systems.
Proven ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to use computerized systems and software to prepare reports and analyze data.

The role of an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor is essential for any company. In order to be successful in the role, it is important to possess a wide range of skills, such as strong communication and problem-solving abilities, organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task. it is important to have an extensive knowledge of relevant laws, standards and regulations concerning health and safety in the workplace.

A successful supervisor must also be able to identify and assess potential hazards, as well as come up with solutions to minimize or eliminate them. By having these skills, a supervisor can ensure a safe and healthy work environment, which can result in improved productivity, better morale, and lower overall costs for the organization.

Environmental Services Manager, Environmental Protection Inspector, and Environmental Health and Safety Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What safety protocols have you implemented in prior positions?
What strategies have you used to reduce workplace accidents and injuries?
How have you managed hazardous materials and waste disposal in past roles?
What experience do you have creating and maintaining a safe work environment?
Have you ever had to investigate an on-the-job injury or incident?
How do you stay current on safety regulations and standards?
Describe a time when you had to enforce safety policies at work.
What do you believe is the most important aspect of environmental health and safety?
How do you ensure that workers are following safety guidelines?
How would you respond to a situation where an employee was not following safety protocols?

Common Tools in Industry

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). A range of protective clothing and gear designed to protect employees from hazardous workplace conditions (e. g. safety goggles, gloves, hard hats).
Risk Assessment Software. Software used to identify, assess, and manage potential hazards in the workplace (e. g. EasyRisk).
Safety Training Programs. Programs designed to educate workers on safety procedures and protocols (e. g. OSHA 10-Hour Training).
Emergency Response Plans. Plans outlining steps to be taken in response to emergency situations (e. g. fire evacuation plans).
Hazardous Materials Management Systems. Systems used to manage the use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials (e. g. Hazardous Materials Management Software).
Air Quality Monitoring Equipment. Equipment used to monitor air quality in the workplace (e. g. air quality sensors).
Environmental Management Systems. Systems used to track and monitor environmental performance (e. g. ISO 14001).
Ergonomics Analysis Software. Software used to analyze workplace ergonomics (e. g. ErgoMapper).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
National Safety Council (NSC)
International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
American Association of Safety Engineers (AASE)
American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)
International Labour Organization (ILO)

We also have Environmental Protection Administrator, Environmental Protection Monitor, and Environmental Design Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Hazardous Materials. Any material that is considered to be dangerous to people, property, or the environment.
Risk Assessments. A process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating potential risks associated with activities or processes within a workplace.
OSHA Regulations. Regulations set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that are designed to protect the safety and health of workers in the workplace.
Emergency Preparedness. Preparations made to ensure that an organization can respond effectively to an emergency situation.
Training Programs. Programs designed to ensure that employees are knowledgeable about safety procedures and other safety-related topics.
Accident Investigation. An investigation conducted to identify the cause(s) of an accident and to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What duties are included in an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor role?

An Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. This includes conducting safety inspections, training employees in safety protocols, and responding to incidents.

What qualifications are needed to be an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor?

To be an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor, one should have a bachelors degree in occupational health and safety or a related field, such as public health, engineering, or environmental science. Additionally, experience in developing and implementing safety protocols is a must.

What certifications are recommended for an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor?

Certifications from organizations such as the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) or the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) can help demonstrate expertise in the field and may be beneficial for an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor.

What is the average salary of an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor?

According to PayScale.com, the average salary for an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor is $62,547 per year.

What is the job outlook for an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor?

The job outlook for an Environmental Health and Safety Supervisor is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of safety professionals to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, making it faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.