Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist

An environmental health and safety specialist observes and chronicles individuals' typical behaviors and procedures to determine if these practices are safe for the individual and for the company as a whole. This position is especially important in manufacturing and production fields, as a great deal of safety concerns may arise for those working on heavy machinery or directly with raw materials. The environmental health and safety specialist identifies potential safety hazards in operations and then report their findings to supervisors, who may be a board of representatives or a senior environmental health and safety specialist. After problems are identified, the individual must develop strategies or a plan of action to safely deal with the problem. In addition, an environmental health and safety specialist also may examine the operations of a company as a whole and determine if they are environmentally friendly; for instance, the job may require determining if certain emissions standards are being met by a production plant.An environmental health and safety specialist should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field. Prior experience in the company's field is usually needed, as are expertise in safety and an attention to detail.

As an Environmental Health & Safety EHS Specialist with 3-6 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

• Conducting regular workplace inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Perform routine inspections to identify workplace hazards and ensure adherence to safety guidelines.
• Developing and implementing safety policies and procedures to mitigate risks and promote a safe work environment. Create and enforce safety protocols and guidelines to minimize risks and foster a safe work environment.
• Providing training to employees on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and hazard identification. Conduct training sessions to educate employees on safety measures, emergency protocols, and hazard recognition.
• Investigating and reporting workplace incidents, accidents, and near-misses, and implementing corrective actions.

For an Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist, the following qualifications are required:

• A bachelor's degree in Environmental Health & Safety or a related field to demonstrate a solid foundation of environmental and occupational safety principles.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) indicating a commitment to continuous improvement and staying up-to-date with industry standards.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations to ensure compliance and develop effective strategies for risk mitigation.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills to assess, analyze, and implement effective EHS programs and initiatives within the organization.

The role of an Environmental Health & Safety EHS Specialist is vital for ensuring workplace safety and compliance with environmental regulations. For professionals with 3-6 years of experience in Australia, there are several alternative roles to consider within this field. Here are four options to explore:

• EHS Coordinator: A position that involves supporting the EHS team in implementing safety programs, conducting inspections, and providing training to employees.
• Sustainability Specialist: A role focused on developing and implementing sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and carbon footprint management.
• Compliance Officer: A position that involves ensuring adherence to EHS regulations, conducting audits, and developing policies and procedures to maintain compliance.
• Risk Assessment Consultant: A role that involves assessing potential hazards and risks in the workplace, developing risk mitigation strategies, and providing recommendations for improvement.

According to Google data, the projected growth of the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist role in Australia is promising. Market demands indicate an increasing need for EHS professionals in various industries due to growing environmental concerns and stricter regulations. Over the past 10 years, the job role has witnessed steady growth, with a significant increase in demand. This trend is expected to continue, offering ample employment opportunities in the future. With the rising focus on sustainability and occupational health, EHS Specialists are likely to be in high demand across industries in Australia.