How to Become an EHS Officer?

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• EHS Roles, Skills and Industries 
• Educational Requirements 
• Practical Experience
• Specialisation and Networking 
• Rewards and Challenges of Being an EHS Officer
  • Rewards
  • Challenges
• Conclusions

Introduction

Versatility. Demand. Growth.

Few industries offer all these perks like the Environment Health and Safety (EHS) Sector. EHS refers to the domain whose Professionals ensure that corporate objectives and processes do not harm the safety and well-being of workers, civilians and the environment. 

Thanks to growing awareness of occupational safety, the crackdown on safety violations and the need for regulatory compliance, the demand for EHS Professionals is only growing. From Construction and Pharmaceuticals to IT and Healthcare, nearly every industry is seeking passionate and talented EHS Officers to keep their workforce safe and sound. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics project that the employment of Safety Engineers (an EHS Professional) is set to increase by 4% by 2031.

Let’s explore the potential of a professional future as an EHS Officer, and what you will need to set yourself up for success. 

EHS Roles, Skills and Industries 

An EHS Officer is a broad term. It can include any Professional who works in the EHS Sector, from administrative roles like Safety Manager and EHS Manager to specialised roles like Safety Engineer and Industrial Hygienist. 

EHS is one of the unique industries where you can get employment opportunities in any industry. Education, Retait, IT, e-Commerce, Foodservice Industry, and even Sports and Performing Arts like Ballet – the options (and opportunities) are endless. 

Despite the variety of industries and job titles, the key skills that make up an efficient EHS Officer are very common across the sector. These include:

• Technical Skills: Knowledge of Safety/Emergency/Evacuation Protocols, Protective Equipment, Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, Accident/Incident Reporting and Occupational/Environmental Regulatory Frameworks.
   
• Soft Skills: Communication, Analytical & Critical Thinking, Observational Skills, Active Listening Skills, Empathy, Continuous Learning Mindset and ability to respond rapidly. 

⁠Educational Requirements 

Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in any relevant field (Environmental Health & Safety, Environmental Studies, Industrial Hygiene and so on) is a good starting point. These advanced degree programs can offer the specialised knowledge you would need to perform your day-to-day tasks. Optionally, having a strong academic background in Science is also helpful. You can also pursue a Master degree in these domains to further strengthen your technical expertise.

For aspirants who cannot afford a Degree Program or prefer something low-commitment to test-drive, UniAthena’s Diploma in Environment,  Health and Safety Management is a good place to start. Developed by experts, the Diploma is self-paced, free to learn and a student-favourite course on the platform. 

Take it a step further with UniAthena’s brand-new Postgraduate Certificate in Environmental Impact Assessment. You can develop an in-demand skill and stack up credits for your dream EHS degree. Even degree-holding Professionals who would like to expand their skill set can explore UniAthena’s collection of 600+ Free-Learning Short Courses. 

In addition to academic qualifications, practical training programs can also be helpful. Many institutions offer courses accredited by NEBOSH, IOSH, OSHA, RoSPA and so on. UniAthena’s Safety Courses are also a viable option for aspiring EHS Officers. 

⁠Experience | Entry Level Roles | Internships | On-the Job Training

Education is important, but employers will always value practical experience. If you are still in university, applying for Safety Training Internships is one way to gain practical on-the-job insights. You can try for Junior-level roles after graduation, which can be easier to land with some internship experience. Ultimately, diverse professional experience is the tried-and-tested way to climb the career ladder. 

⁠Specialisation and Networking

EHS Officer encompasses a range of job titles. You can choose the specialisation you would like to pursue and focus your educational and professional efforts in that path. These specialisations can include Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Sciences, Sustainability, Ergonomist, Safety Engineer, and more. Note that these roles will require additional specialised certifications and training beyond traditional EHS skills, although EHS skills form a fundamental part of these roles too. 

In addition to specialised Academic and Practical Training, Networking is also a useful strategy to adopt. Connecting with Industry Experts and Specialists can give you realistic insights into the pros and cons of these professions, helping you make a more informed decision about your professional future. Networking also keeps you informed on the latest developments and industry trends, and even new opportunities to help you grow your career. 

⁠Rewards and Challenges of Being an EHS Officer 

Like all careers, being an EHS Officer has its ups and downs. It is important that Professionals exploring  EHS are aware of the pros and cons before pursuing a career in the field.

Rewards:

• A Noble Purpose: Keeping people and the environment safe from harm is a meaningful and noble pursuit. You are likely to feel satisfied by the meaningful work you can do. 
   
• Opportunities Galore: Right now, the EHS Sector is experiencing significant demand for talented EHS Professionals, opening exciting career opportunities across industries. 
   
• Impressive Compensation: Keeping in mind that factors change on a case-by-case basis, EHS jobs typically come with impressive salary benefits. 
   
• Season of Innovation: Thanks to Artificial Intelligence and other upcoming technological marvels, the EHS Sector is experiencing an exciting tech-boom. 

Challenges:

• Safety is Often Overlooked: You will often have to fight to make Safety the top priority - leading to some uncomfortable conversations and likely some disgruntled managers. 
   
• Doing What Must Be Done: As an EHS Officer, you may need to discipline companies violating safety rules by enforcing  fines, penalties or even shutting a workplace down. 
   
• Uninterested Employees: It will be difficult to cut through workers’ general disinterest in safety protocols and inspire them to build a ‘safety-first’ work culture.  
   
• Dealing with Tragedy: EHS Officers will occasionally have to address serious accidents, fires, explosions and even fatalities with calmness and emotional distance. 

⁠Conclusion 

Data on the future of EHS Officers is clear. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Health and Safety Engineers can earn a median pay of $103, 690 per year, with 1500 job openings projected per year. While this will vary based on geographic location, experience, and other factors, it is undeniable that EHS is an up-and-coming powerhouse of an industry.

If EHS seems like your calling, you can start your professional education journey right here! UniAthena’s EHS Short Courses are beginner-friendly, self-paced and free to learn. You can also explore our Master and Postgraduate Programs in EHS and related fields.