Table of Contents
Introduction
Like any other industry, the safety industry has its career chart. However, safety responsibilities increase with every role. We do say that safety is everyone’s responsibility, but the responsibility of safety officers and everyone involved in the safety department is much higher. They must ensure that the employees, workplace, and environment run smoothly, safely, and harmoniously.
If you are looking for a career in the safety industry, there are various options to explore. In this blog, we will discuss the roles of EHS officers and EHS managers in depth.
Definition of EHS Officer and EHS Manager
What is an EHS Officer?
An Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Officer ensures that an organization complies with environmental, occupational health, and safety regulations. This role involves
Identifying potential hazards
Implementing policies to prevent accidents and environmental harm.
EHS Officers work on the ground, directly interacting with staff and overseeing the implementation of safety practices.
For example, an EHS officer must ensure that employees wear proper PPE and know their work thoroughly. If the management notices any labor without proper PPE, the EHS officer is answerable.
What is an EHS Manager?
An EHS Manager takes on a more strategic role. They
Oversee the development, execution, and continuous improvement of the company’s EHS programs.
Handle compliance and risk mitigation.
Focus on long-term safety goals, corporate-level EHS policies, and leadership in sustainability efforts.
Manage larger teams and coordinate efforts across multiple sites or departments to drive overall EHS performance and corporate accountability.
An EHS manager strategizes the EHS roadmap to ensure that the organization follows all the necessary EHS rules and regulations.
EHS Officer
EHS Officer Roles and Responsibilities
An EHS officer, as mentioned above, has to oversee workplace safety from ground level. They are responsible for creating, implementing, and maintaining safety and environmental policies within an organization. These also include:
Identify potential hazards in the workplace and suggest preventive measures.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant safety, health, and environmental regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA) and ensure the company complies with them.
Investigate workplace accidents or environmental breaches, determine root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
Perform regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with safety protocols and environmental laws.
Develop and deliver safety training programs for employees, ensuring they know hazards and best practices.
Prepare detailed reports on safety and environmental performance, incidents, and compliance status.
Safety Officer Qualifications
A degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Safety Engineering, or a related field is often required for a safety officer.
The certifications may include;
NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health): One of the most widely recognized safety certifications worldwide.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certifications, such as the OSHA 30-hour course, are highly valued in many industries.
ISO 45001 Lead Auditor: For those involved in occupational health and safety management systems.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH): Advanced certifications for those looking to progress further in their safety careers.
EHS Officer Salary
The salary of an EHS Officer varies based on factors such as industry, location, experience level, and the organization’s size. But here’s a general overview:
Entry-level EHS Officers: Typically earn around $50,000 to $65,000 annually.
Mid-level EHS Officers: With 5-10 years of experience, salaries can range from $65,000 to $85,000.
Senior-level EHS Officers: In high-risk industries or large corporations, salaries can exceed $100,000, with some earning up to $120,000 or more.
In fact, industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and construction tend to offer higher salaries due to their complexity and risks. Additionally, certifications like NEBOSH or OSHA can increase earning potential.
An EHS officer must understand the basics of workplace safety, risk management, and compliance. They must also be able to train and communicate effectively. Their attention to detail and proactive problem-solving skills enhance workplace safety. In short, an EHS officer is critical in ensuring workplace, employee, and environment safety.
EHS Manager
How to Become an EHS Manager
Becoming an EHS Manager requires education, experience, and certifications.
From the education perspective, you require
A bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or related fields is usually required. OR/AND
Master’s degree in Safety Management, Environmental Health, or a related discipline to enhance their knowledge and marketability.
From experience POV, you need to
Start your career as an EHS Officer, Safety Officer, or a similar role to build hands-on experience in workplace safety, environmental compliance, and risk management.
Work on projects that involve regulatory compliance, safety audits, and incident investigations.
Most EHS Manager roles require 5-10 years of experience in progressively responsible safety positions.
Certifications required are;
NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health): An internationally recognized certification that helps build a solid foundation.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP): Advanced certification from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, which is highly regarded in the field.
ISO 45001 Lead Auditor: Certification in occupational health and safety management systems.
Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) are also valuable for specialized EHS roles.
Other skills required are;
You’ll need to coordinate teams, develop safety policies, and ensure the organization’s long-term safety strategy aligns with industry regulations.
Gain experience managing cross-functional teams and safety projects that span multiple departments or locations.
Attend industry conferences, workshops, and training sessions to stay up-to-date with regulatory changes and emerging trends in EHS management.
An EHS manager has many responsibilities and must be a true safety leader. They must also properly influence the organization’s commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.
EHS Career
Remember, an EHS career offers diverse opportunities, from entry-level positions to executive roles. Here’s a roadmap for professionals looking to build a successful EHS career:
Entry-Level Roles
EHS Technician/Specialist: Entry-level roles focus on monitoring workplace safety, conducting audits, and helping implement safety programs. You’ll assist in identifying hazards and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Environmental Coordinator: Specializes in ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, managing waste disposal, and monitoring pollution levels.
Mid-Level Roles
EHS Officer: As you gain experience, move into an EHS Officer role where you will manage the implementation of safety programs, conduct incident investigations, and work directly with management on compliance issues.
Safety Supervisor: This position oversees teams responsible for implementing safety procedures, conducting risk assessments, and promoting a safety-first culture.
Advanced Roles
EHS Manager: This position leads the organization’s overall safety and environmental strategy. This includes developing long-term plans, managing large-scale EHS programs, and ensuring compliance with international standards (ISO, OSHA).
EHS Consultant: Provide expert advice to organizations on regulatory compliance, safety audits, and risk mitigation. This role is often for highly experienced professionals specializing in specific industries or regulatory areas.
Executive-Level Roles
Chief Safety Officer (CSO) or Director of EHS: At the executive level, your role is to guide the organization’s long-term safety strategy, report directly to the board, and influence the organization’s commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Final Thoughts
Every carer comes with its own set of challenges. Still, an EHS career can be gratifying, offering opportunities to make a tangible impact on workplace safety, environmental sustainability, and organizational success.
With the right combination of education, experience, certifications, and leadership skills, EHS professionals can progress from operational roles to strategic leadership positions that shape the future of safety and sustainability. So, if you are looking for a career in EHS, contact TECH EHS for the right guidance, training, and course material.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
- A bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, or a related field is usually required.
- Key certifications like NEBOSH, OSHA, and ISO 45001 Lead Auditor are highly recommended.
- Relevant work experience and strong communication skills are essential for success in this role.
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP) – BCSP
- Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) – AIBH
- Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM) – IHMM
- IOSH Level 3 Certificate – IOSH
- Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) – BCPE
- OSHA 30-Hour – OSHA
- And More
The growing emphasis on workplace safety, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance means that the demand for qualified EHS professionals continues to rise across industries.
