Top 12 EHS Specialist Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's competitive job market, standing out as an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist is crucial. Highlighting the top 12 EHS skills on your resume can significantly enhance your appeal to employers, demonstrating your comprehensive understanding and capability in ensuring workplace safety and compliance.

EHS Specialist Skills

1. OSHA Compliance
2. Risk Assessment
3. Hazard Recognition
4. ISO 14001
5. Incident Investigation
6. Emergency Response
7. EHS Auditing
8. Industrial Hygiene
9. Safety Training
10. Environmental Permitting
11. Waste Management
12. MSDS/SDS Management

1. OSHA Compliance

OSHA compliance, for an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist, involves ensuring workplace practices meet the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to protect employee health and safety.

Why It's Important

OSHA compliance is crucial for an EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) Specialist as it ensures a safe and healthy workplace by adhering to established safety standards, thereby reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. It also helps in avoiding legal penalties and enhancing organizational reputation.

How to Improve OSHA Compliance Skills

Improving OSHA compliance for an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist involves a multifaceted approach focusing on education, communication, and proactive management of workplace hazards. Here's a concise guide to enhancing OSHA compliance:

1. Stay Informed: Regularly review OSHA standards and updates relevant to your industry. OSHA's Official Website is a primary resource.

2. Conduct Regular Training: Ensure all employees undergo comprehensive safety training, emphasizing the importance of compliance. OSHA offers training resources at their Training Page.

3. Perform Routine Audits: Regularly inspect the workplace to identify and rectify potential violations. Utilize OSHA’s Inspection Page for guidance on conducting effective inspections.

4. Establish a Reporting System: Implement an anonymous hazard reporting system to encourage reporting of unsafe conditions or practices without fear of retaliation.

5. Engage Employees: Involve employees in safety meetings and committees to foster a culture of safety and compliance. OSHA’s Worker Participation page provides strategies for effective engagement.

6. Maintain Accurate Records: Keep thorough records of injuries, training, inspections, and corrective actions as required by OSHA standards. Refer to OSHA’s Recordkeeping rules for specifics.

7. Utilize OSHA Resources: Take advantage of the tools, guides, and consultation services offered by OSHA to improve workplace safety. OSHA’s Compliance Assistance page is a valuable tool for EHS specialists.

By integrating these strategies into your workplace’s safety program, you can enhance OSHA compliance, reduce the risk of violations, and create a safer environment for all employees.

How to Display OSHA Compliance Skills on Your Resume

2. Risk Assessment

Risk assessment, in the context of an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist, is the process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating the potential risks to the health and safety of employees and the environment within a workplace, aiming to implement measures to mitigate or eliminate those risks.

Why It's Important

Risk assessment is crucial for an EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) Specialist as it enables the identification, analysis, and prioritization of potential hazards in the workplace, facilitating the implementation of effective control measures to prevent accidents, health issues, and environmental harm, ensuring regulatory compliance and safeguarding the well-being of employees and the surrounding community.

How to Improve Risk Assessment Skills

Improving risk assessment, especially for an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist, involves a structured approach focused on identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks effectively. Here’s a brief guide:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly update your knowledge on EHS standards and regulations. Refer to authoritative sources like OSHA for the latest guidelines.

2. Hazard Identification: Conduct thorough inspections and audits to identify potential hazards in the workplace. Utilize tools and checklists available on EPA for environmental hazards.

3. Risk Evaluation: Assess the likelihood and severity of identified risks. Use risk matrices and software tools for accurate evaluation. The CDC offers valuable resources for health-related risk assessment.

4. Mitigation Planning: Develop and implement strategies to eliminate or reduce risks. This includes training, safety equipment, and emergency preparedness.

5. Continuous Monitoring: Establish a routine to monitor and review the risk management process. This ensures that new risks are identified promptly and mitigation strategies are effective.

6. Stakeholder Engagement: Involve employees, management, and external stakeholders in the risk assessment process. This collective approach ensures comprehensive identification and mitigation of risks.

7. Professional Development: Enhance your skills and knowledge through continuous learning. Websites like ASSE offer courses and certifications for EHS professionals.

By systematically following these steps and utilizing resources from credible organizations, an EHS Specialist can significantly improve the risk assessment process within their organization.

How to Display Risk Assessment Skills on Your Resume

3. Hazard Recognition

Hazard recognition is the process of identifying potential sources of harm or danger in the workplace, which could lead to injury, illness, or environmental damage, allowing an EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) Specialist to implement preventative measures and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Why It's Important

Hazard recognition is crucial for an EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) Specialist as it enables the early identification and assessment of workplace hazards, ensuring the implementation of preventive measures to protect employees, prevent accidents, and comply with safety regulations, ultimately fostering a safe and healthy work environment.

How to Improve Hazard Recognition Skills

To improve Hazard Recognition, an EHS Specialist can:

1. Educate and Train: Provide regular training sessions on identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards. Use resources like OSHA’s Training for comprehensive guidance.

2. Conduct Regular Audits: Implement systematic safety audits and inspections to identify potential hazards in the workplace.

3. Encourage Reporting: Foster a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting potential hazards without fear of reprisal. Tools like SafetyCulture (iAuditor) can facilitate this.

4. Use Visual Aids: Post signs and labels as reminders of potential hazards. Resources like the National Safety Council can provide materials and guidelines.

5. Leverage Risk Assessment Tools: Use structured risk assessment tools to identify and prioritize hazards. The CDC’s NIOSH provides tools and guidelines for workplace assessment.

6. Stay Informed: Regularly update your knowledge on the latest regulations, standards, and industry best practices via EHS Today.

By integrating these strategies, an EHS Specialist can enhance hazard recognition, contributing to a safer workplace environment.

How to Display Hazard Recognition Skills on Your Resume

4. ISO 14001

ISO 14001 is an international standard for environmental management systems (EMS), providing a framework for organizations to improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste.

Why It's Important

ISO 14001 is important for an EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) Specialist as it provides a framework for managing environmental impacts, ensures compliance with regulations, and enhances sustainability efforts, thereby improving the organization's environmental performance and reducing risks.

How to Improve ISO 14001 Skills

Improving ISO 14001, the standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS), involves several key steps focused on enhancing environmental performance and compliance. As an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist, consider the following strategies:

1. Conduct a Gap Analysis: Identify current practices versus ISO 14001 requirements. Tools like ISO 14001 Gap Analysis Tool can guide you through this process.

2. Engage Top Management: Secure commitment and resources from top management. Leadership involvement is crucial for successful implementation and improvement.

3. Employee Training: Educate employees about their environmental responsibilities and the importance of ISO 14001. 360training offers various EHS courses that could be beneficial.

4. Continual Improvement: Implement a process for continuous improvement. Utilize the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, a core concept of ISO 14001, to systematically improve EMS performance.

5. Monitor and Measure: Regularly monitor and measure environmental performance against objectives. Tools like Enablon’s EHS Management Software can help track and analyze data.

6. Internal Audits: Conduct regular internal audits to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement. The ISO 19011 guidelines provide a framework for auditing management systems.

7. Review and Update Documentation: Regularly review and update EMS documentation to ensure it reflects current practices and complies with ISO 14001 requirements.

8. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders to gain insights and feedback on environmental performance and opportunities for improvement.

9. Leverage Technology: Use EMS software to streamline processes, improve data accuracy, and enhance reporting capabilities.

10. Seek External Support: Consider consulting with ISO 14001 experts or enrolling in professional development opportunities, such as those offered by ISO and IEMA.

By focusing on these strategies, you can significantly improve your organization's EMS and enhance its environmental performance in line with ISO 14001 standards.

How to Display ISO 14001 Skills on Your Resume

5. Incident Investigation

Incident Investigation, in the context of an EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) Specialist, is the systematic process of identifying the root causes of incidents to prevent their recurrence. It involves collecting and analyzing data, determining what happened, why it happened, and implementing measures to improve safety and prevent future incidents.

Why It's Important

Incident investigation is crucial for an EHS Specialist as it helps identify the root causes of accidents or near-misses, preventing future occurrences, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

How to Improve Incident Investigation Skills

Improving incident investigation as an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist involves a systematic approach to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence. Here's a concise guide:

1. Preparation: Ensure you have the right tools and training. Familiarize yourself with investigation techniques and incident reporting software. OSHA’s Incident Investigation guide is a good starting point.

2. Immediate Response: Secure the scene to preserve evidence and provide immediate care to those affected. Quick response forms from CDC’s NIOSH can guide this process.

3. Data Collection: Gather comprehensive evidence, including witness statements, photos, and physical samples. The EPA’s Emergency Response Resources offer valuable guidelines.

4. Analysis: Use root cause analysis (RCA) techniques to identify underlying issues. Tools like the 5 Whys and Fishbone Diagram can be instrumental.

5. Implement Corrective Actions: Develop a plan to address root causes. Ensure actions are specific, measurable, and time-bound.

6. Review and Follow-up: Monitor the effectiveness of corrective actions and make adjustments as necessary. Continuous improvement models like Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) can guide this process.

7. Documentation and Reporting: Maintain detailed records of the investigation and its outcomes. Reporting tools and templates from OSHA can help standardize reports.

8. Training and Communication: Share findings and lessons learned with all stakeholders. Conduct training sessions to prevent future incidents. Resources from NIOSH Training and Workforce Development may be useful.

By systematically following these steps and utilizing available resources, EHS Specialists can enhance their incident investigation processes, contributing to safer and healthier workplaces.

How to Display Incident Investigation Skills on Your Resume

6. Emergency Response

Emergency Response in the context of an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist involves the immediate and effective actions taken to mitigate threats to health, safety, and the environment during an unexpected event or disaster, ensuring the well-being of employees, the public, and environmental protection.

Why It's Important

Emergency response is crucial for promptly addressing incidents to minimize harm to people, property, and the environment, ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.

How to Improve Emergency Response Skills

Improving emergency response involves several strategies that can significantly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of response efforts, particularly from the perspective of an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist. Here are key strategies, concisely outlined:

1. Training and Drills: Regularly conduct comprehensive training sessions and emergency drills for all staff to ensure preparedness. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers resources and guidelines for workplace training and safety.

2. Clear Communication: Implement an effective communication system to quickly inform and guide employees during an emergency. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides insights into developing communication plans.

3. Emergency Response Plan (ERP): Develop and regularly update a detailed ERP, tailored to specific potential risks. Access guidelines from OSHA's Emergency Action Plan for creating a comprehensive plan.

4. Technology Integration: Utilize technology, such as emergency notification systems and mobile apps, to enhance response capabilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers tools and resources that can be integrated into emergency planning.

5. Collaboration with Local Authorities: Establish partnerships with local emergency services to ensure a coordinated response effort. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides information on collaborating with Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs).

6. Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and analyze emergency response performance to identify and implement improvements. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) offers resources for evaluating and enhancing workplace safety and health programs.

By focusing on these areas, an EHS Specialist can significantly contribute to the effectiveness of their organization's emergency response efforts.

How to Display Emergency Response Skills on Your Resume

7. EHS Auditing

EHS Auditing involves systematically reviewing an organization's procedures and practices related to Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) management to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and company policies, identify risks, and recommend improvements.

Why It's Important

EHS Auditing is crucial as it ensures compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations, identifies risks and non-conformities, and promotes continuous improvement in workplace safety and environmental stewardship. This process helps in preventing incidents, reducing environmental impact, and safeguarding the well-being of employees and the community.

How to Improve EHS Auditing Skills

Improving EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) Auditing involves several key steps tailored to ensure comprehensive compliance and performance enhancement. Here's a concise guide for an EHS Specialist:

1. Stay Updated: Continuously update your knowledge on EHS regulations and best practices. Websites like OSHA and EPA offer valuable resources.
2. Utilize Technology: Adopt EHS management software solutions for streamlined data collection and analysis. Platforms like Intelex can enhance efficiency.
3. Enhance Training: Regularly train audit teams on the latest EHS trends, techniques, and technologies. Online resources like Coursera offer relevant courses.
4. Engage Employees: Foster a culture of safety by actively involving employees in the EHS process. Utilize engagement tools and surveys to gather input and improve practices.
5. Implement a Continuous Improvement Process: Use audit findings to drive continuous improvement. Frameworks like Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) can guide this process.
6. Benchmarking: Compare your EHS performance against industry standards or similar organizations to identify improvement areas. Organizations like NAEM provide benchmarking reports and insights.
7. Seek External Expertise: Consider third-party audits for an unbiased view. Organizations like NSF International offer comprehensive EHS auditing services.

By integrating these steps, EHS Specialists can significantly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of their EHS auditing processes.

How to Display EHS Auditing Skills on Your Resume

8. Industrial Hygiene

Industrial Hygiene is the practice of identifying, evaluating, and controlling environmental factors or stresses arising in or from the workplace, which may cause sickness, impaired health and well-being, or significant discomfort among workers or among citizens of the community. It is a key aspect of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) management, focusing on preventing occupational illness and ensuring a safe working environment.

Why It's Important

Industrial hygiene is crucial as it ensures the health and safety of workers by identifying, evaluating, and controlling environmental hazards in the workplace. This minimizes occupational diseases and accidents, protecting both employees and companies.

How to Improve Industrial Hygiene Skills

To improve Industrial Hygiene as an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist, follow these concise steps:

1. Assess Risks: Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential hazards in the workplace. Tools such as the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards can help identify chemical risks.

2. Implement Controls: Apply the hierarchy of controls starting from elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, to personal protective equipment (PPE). The OSHA Hierarchy of Controls provides a framework for prioritizing actions.

3. Educate Employees: Develop training programs tailored to your workplace's specific hazards. Resources such as OSHA’s Training and Reference Materials Library offer valuable materials.

4. Monitor Environment: Regularly monitor the workplace environment for hazards like air quality and noise. Instruments such as air sampling devices and sound level meters are essential. The AIHA provides guidelines on environmental monitoring.

5. Review and Improve: Continually review and update your industrial hygiene practices based on new findings, technological advances, and feedback from employees.

By systematically assessing risks, implementing controls, educating employees, monitoring the environment, and regularly reviewing practices, EHS Specialists can significantly improve industrial hygiene in the workplace.

How to Display Industrial Hygiene Skills on Your Resume

9. Safety Training

Safety training involves educating employees on the necessary procedures, practices, and behaviors to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace, ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. For an EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) Specialist, it means designing, implementing, and overseeing training programs that foster a safe and healthy work environment.

Why It's Important

Safety training is crucial for an EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) Specialist to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, minimize workplace accidents and illnesses, and foster a culture of safety, thereby protecting both employees and the organization from potential hazards and legal liabilities.

How to Improve Safety Training Skills

Improving safety training involves a multi-faceted approach focusing on engagement, relevance, and retention. Here are concise strategies tailored for an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist:

1. Interactive Learning: Incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes, simulations, and hands-on exercises to enhance engagement and retention. Tools like Kahoot! can make learning more interactive.

2. Customized Content: Tailor training materials to the specific needs and risks of your audience. Utilize platforms like Articulate Storyline for creating custom e-learning courses.

3. Microlearning: Break down information into small, manageable chunks that are easier to digest and remember. Platforms like EdApp specialize in microlearning.

4. Blended Learning: Combine online digital media with traditional classroom methods. This approach allows flexibility and caters to different learning styles. LinkedIn Learning offers a wide range of courses that can complement in-person training.

5. Feedback and Improvement: Regularly collect feedback from participants to continuously improve training programs. Tools like SurveyMonkey can facilitate this process.

6. Stay Updated: Keep abreast of the latest trends, regulations, and technologies in EHS. Websites like EHS Today provide valuable news and insights.

7. Certification and Continuous Learning: Encourage certification and continuous learning, leveraging platforms like Coursera which offers courses in various EHS topics.

By integrating these strategies, an EHS Specialist can significantly enhance the effectiveness of safety training programs.

How to Display Safety Training Skills on Your Resume

10. Environmental Permitting

Environmental permitting is the process through which businesses obtain official authorization to conduct activities that may impact the environment, ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations. For an EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) Specialist, it involves preparing, submitting, and managing permit applications and ensuring operational adherence to permit conditions to mitigate environmental harm.

Why It's Important

Environmental permitting is crucial as it ensures that projects comply with environmental laws, protecting public health and the environment by preventing pollution and minimizing ecological damage. It allows EHS Specialists to manage and mitigate risks associated with hazardous materials and operations, ensuring sustainable and safe business practices.

How to Improve Environmental Permitting Skills

Improving Environmental Permitting as an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist involves several key steps. Here's a concise guide:

1. Stay Informed: Regularly update your knowledge on local, state, and federal environmental regulations. Websites like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offer resources and updates.

2. Pre-Planning: Conduct thorough environmental assessments before starting projects. Tools like the EPA's EJSCREEN can help assess environmental and community impacts.

3. Public Engagement: Involve the community early in the planning process. This can lead to smoother permit processes and better project outcomes.

4. Documentation and Reporting: Maintain meticulous records of compliance activities, assessments, and mitigation measures. Use software like Enviance to streamline documentation.

5. Continuous Improvement: Implement a continuous improvement plan for environmental performance, using frameworks like ISO 14001 for guidance.

6. Professional Development: Stay updated with the latest in environmental permitting and compliance by joining professional organizations such as the National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP).

By following these steps and leveraging the right resources, EHS Specialists can enhance their environmental permitting processes, ensuring compliance and promoting sustainable practices.

How to Display Environmental Permitting Skills on Your Resume

11. Waste Management

Waste Management refers to the systematic process of handling, treating, and disposing of waste materials in compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards to minimize their impact on health, safety, and the environment.

Why It's Important

Waste Management is crucial for ensuring environmental protection, public health, and safety by minimizing pollution, preventing resource depletion, and reducing hazards associated with waste accumulation and disposal.

How to Improve Waste Management Skills

Improving waste management, especially from an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist perspective, involves a comprehensive approach focusing on reducing waste at the source, enhancing recycling programs, and ensuring proper disposal of hazardous materials. Here are concise strategies:

1. Conduct a Waste Audit: Identify the types and volumes of waste generated to target reduction efforts effectively. EPA Guidelines provide a good starting point.

2. Implement a Recycling Program: Encourage the separation and recycling of materials. Use resources like Recycling Basics from the EPA to get started.

3. Reduce Hazardous Waste: Substitute hazardous materials with less hazardous ones. The EPA’s Waste Reduction Model (WARM) helps organizations track and report greenhouse gas emissions reductions from various waste management practices.

4. Educate Employees: Conduct training sessions on waste reduction practices and the importance of recycling. Tools like OSHA’s Training and Reference Materials can be adapted for this purpose.

5. Compliance with Regulations: Ensure that waste disposal practices comply with local and federal regulations. Refer to EPA’s Laws and Regulations for guidance.

6. Adopt Sustainable Procurement: Purchase eco-friendly and recyclable materials. The Sustainable Purchasing Guide by EPA can provide valuable insights.

7. Monitor and Report: Regularly review waste management practices and measure progress. Utilize EHS Management Software for tracking and reporting.

By focusing on these strategies, EHS Specialists can significantly contribute to improving waste management within their organizations.

How to Display Waste Management Skills on Your Resume

12. MSDS/SDS Management

MSDS/SDS Management involves organizing, maintaining, and accessing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals and substances used within a company. These documents provide critical safety and health information. For an EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) Specialist, it is crucial for ensuring compliance with safety regulations, facilitating training, and protecting workers by providing immediate access to hazard information and handling instructions.

Why It's Important

MSDS/SDS Management is crucial for an EHS Specialist as it ensures workplace safety by providing essential information on handling, storing, and responding to emergencies involving hazardous chemicals, thereby protecting employees, the environment, and complying with regulatory requirements.

How to Improve MSDS/SDS Management Skills

To improve Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management as an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist, focus on the following concise strategies:

1. Digitize Records: Transition from paper-based to digital SDS management systems for easier access and updates. Consider platforms like VelocityEHS or SiteHawk.

2. Regular Updates: Schedule regular reviews and updates of your SDS library to ensure compliance with current regulations. Tools like ChemWatch can automate this process.

3. Employee Training: Implement ongoing employee training programs on how to read and understand SDSs. Utilize resources from OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard for guidance.

4. Accessibility: Ensure that SDSs are easily accessible to all employees, including remote access for offsite personnel. Cloud-based solutions like MSDSonline offer platforms for storing and retrieving SDSs from any location.

5. Compliance Software: Use compliance management software that includes features for managing SDSs, tracking chemicals, and reporting. Examples include EcoOnline which offers comprehensive EHS solutions.

6. Integration with EHS Systems: Integrate your SDS management system with other EHS management systems to streamline processes and facilitate data sharing. Platforms like Intelex provide integrated EHS management solutions.

By implementing these strategies, EHS Specialists can enhance the efficiency, compliance, and safety of their SDS management processes.

How to Display MSDS/SDS Management Skills on Your Resume