What does an EHS Specialist do?
Published 4 min read
An EHS Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining environmental, health, and safety programs. They work to ensure that employees are aware of and comply with all safety regulations. Additionally, EHS Specialists conduct investigations into accidents and incidents, and develop corrective action plans to prevent future occurrences.
EHS Specialist job duties include:
- Implementing and maintaining the organization’s environmental, health and safety programs.
- Conducting audits and investigations to identify potential hazards and risks.
- Developing and implementing corrective action plans to address identified hazards and risks.
- Providing training to employees on environmental, health and safety topics.
- Monitoring compliance with environmental, health and safety regulations.
- Maintaining records of environmental, health and safety data.
- Preparing reports on environmental, health and safety activities.
- Investigating incidents and accidents to determine root causes and preventative measures.
- Assisting with the development of emergency response plans.
EHS Specialist Job Requirements
An EHS Specialist must have at least a bachelor's degree in environmental health and safety, although many specialists have a master's degree. They must also be certified by the Board of Environmental Health and Safety Specialists. Many states also require EHS specialists to be licensed as professional engineers. EHS specialists must have at least five years of experience working in environmental health and safety.
EHS Specialist Skills
- Hazardous materials handling
- Emergency response
- Safety compliance
- Training
- Investigation
- Reporting
- Record keeping
- Inspections
- Program development
- Budgeting
- Project management
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How to become an EHS Specialist
There are a few key steps to becoming an EHS Specialist. Firstly, it is important to have a strong foundation in the sciences, specifically in chemistry and biology. Secondly, EHS Specialists must be well-versed in environmental regulations and have a keen understanding of how to apply them to real-world situations. Finally, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential for success in this role, as EHS Specialists must often collaborate with others to resolve complex issues.
Those interested in becoming an EHS Specialist should first focus on developing a strong scientific foundation. A bachelor's degree in environmental science, chemistry, or biology is typically required for entry-level positions in this field. Once you have completed your undergraduate studies, it is also beneficial to pursue a master's degree or higher in environmental health and safety. Doing so will give you a deeper understanding of the topic and make you more competitive for jobs.
In addition to having strong scientific knowledge, it is also critical that EHS Specialists be well-versed in environmental regulations. There are many different laws and regulations governing environmental health and safety, so it is important to have a thorough understanding of them. Additionally, it is helpful to be familiar with risk assessment methods and how to apply them to real-world scenarios. Excellent communication skills are also essential for this role, as EHS Specialists often need to collaborate with others to resolve complex issues.
If you are interested in becoming an EHS Specialist, focus on developing a strong scientific foundation and gaining experience with environmental regulations. With hard work and dedication, you can develop the skills necessary for success in this rewarding career.
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