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 Canada, your main responsibilities include:

• Conducting regular safety inspections, identifying hazards, and implementing corrective measures to ensure a safe working environment. Perform thorough safety inspections, identify potential hazards, and take necessary actions to maintain a safe workplace.
• Developing and implementing environmental programs and policies to comply with regulatory requirements and promote sustainability. Create and enforce environmental programs and policies to meet regulatory standards and promote sustainability practices.
• Providing training and education to employees on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and environmental awareness. Train employees on safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and raise awareness about environmental issues.
• Investigating incidents and accidents, analyzing root causes, and recommending preventive measures to minimize risks.

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 crucial in ensuring workplace safety and compliance. For professionals with 3-6 years of experience in Canada, here are four alternative roles to consider:

• Sustainability Coordinator: A position focused on developing and implementing sustainability initiatives, such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and environmental impact assessments.
• Occupational Health Specialist: A role that involves assessing and managing workplace hazards, conducting health risk assessments, and implementing safety protocols to protect employees' health.
• Compliance Officer: A position responsible for ensuring that organizations comply with environmental regulations, conducting audits, and developing compliance programs.
• Risk Management Consultant: A role that involves identifying and mitigating risks related to environmental and occupational health, providing recommendations for risk reduction, and developing emergency response plans.

The Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist role is projected to experience significant growth in the Canadian market. According to a 10-year analysis, job opportunities in this field are expected to increase steadily in the future. Recent data from Google indicates that there is a high demand for EHS Specialists, with numerous employment opportunities available both now and in the coming years. The market for this role is expanding due to increased focus on environmental regulations and workplace safety. Overall, the projected growth of the EHS Specialist position in Canada is quite promising and offers a positive outlook for job seekers in this field.