Health and Safety Manager Responsibilities

Safety and health management is an integral part of an organization's responsibility. Employers are liable to provide a safe and healthy environment to their employees or anyone who are visiting their work premises. According to OSHA, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, employers are directly responsible for maintaining and securing an environment that is hazard-free and safe. A health and safety manager is a person who is designated to oversee the safety programs and its implementation in an organization. Health and safety manager responsibilities are carried out in compliance with health and safety regulations and to enforce employee's health and safety at work.

Health and safety being a crucial matter, the role of a health and safety manager requires a competent, dedicated and responsible attitude in the person. The manager must monitor and address safety issues for employees and the company. He/she has the ability to assess operational, procedural or environmental risks and threats before they occur and take corrective measures accordingly. Minimizing risks, designing programs, formulating emergency plans, incident reporting and examining safety levels are some of the basic tasks that are carried out by these professionals. He/she aims to promote the physical and mental well being of employees with the help of certain techniques and methods which are in line with the organization's health and safety policies.

Key Duties and Responsibilities of a Health and Safety Manager

• Ensure that the workplace possesses an ideal and safe work environment to protect the health of the staff and visitors
• Identify hazardous elements like chemical, physical, radiological, and biological in the workplace
• Inspect and evaluate all equipment, practices and procedures in accordance with safety legislation and government regulations
• Develop, implement and monitor health and safety policy, programs and plans
• Ensure that the company’s rules and policies are followed, while working on a health and safety project
• Predict all kinds of potential risks (accidents, diseases, etc.), identify their causes and recommend measures to prevent or minimize them
• Report all critical emergencies, accidents, staff complaints to the management, and investigate such cause
• Set up emergency plans and educate all employees how to handle such situations
• Act as a liaison with the fire department regarding emergency procedures, communications and fire safety education programs
• Suggest ways of recycling, waste disposal, pollution and industrial waste prevention practices
• Increase health and safety awareness across all levels and departments of the organization
• Conduct safety inspections, health and safety test of the workplace periodically to prevent hazardous work environment
• Coordinate and provide necessary training in the areas of safety like first-aid, fire drills, accident, etc.
• Maintain good relation and coordination with the company staff, management and external parties to maximize healthy environment and minimize risks
• Lead and assist colleagues at all levels in carrying out health and safety measures
• Coordinate and deal with health and safety committees, department of labor, government bodies and regulating agencies
• Prepare budget proposals for the operation of health and safety measures, programs and other requirements
• Prepare, review, and update appropriate sections of the company's emergency procedures manual

Essential Skills

• In-depth knowledge of environment, health and safety regulations
• Familiar with ISO environmental practices and standards, environment regulations and chemical plant processing units
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Competent and goal-oriented with experience in health and safety management
• Excellent leadership and analytical skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects
• Ability to complete project within the deadline
• Ability to assess and predict potential risks and recommend essential remedial measures
• Excellent organizational and management skills
• Ability to handle high stressed, emergency, fast paced environment
• Energetic and self-motivated team player
• High problem solving skills
• Knowledge of computers, various software programs and complex testing equipment

Educational Qualifications

A health and safety manager has to complete his/her bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or college. Some employers demand a master’s degree or Certified Safety Professional certification as a qualification criterion for the position.

The managers are required to invest their quality time in new learning programs during their tenure of work. It is extremely important to remain updated with new safety and health policies and standards. Thus, attending workshops and training sessions are compulsory for them.

Salary Details

A health and safety manager receives a remuneration of $39,207 to $92,810 per annum, depending on various factors. Managers are usually entitled to receive an additional pay in terms of bonus, commissions, allowances, and other benefits to a maximum of $25000 per year approximately.

The pay structure is dependent on the educational background, skills, and experience of the candidate as well as the nature, size or location of the employer.

Work Conditions and Duration

A health and safety manager spends standard working hours of 40¬ 45 hours per week from Monday to Friday. Based on the work load, emergency or priority basis, working hours may be extended to late evening, night or weekend. He/she may work in an office, factory, mine or other places and must be equipped with safety equipment like gloves, helmets, etc. This kind of job profile usually involves fieldwork and travel.

Thus, health and safety work involves ensuring safety and health of employees in an organization. To perform health and safety manager responsibilities, one should possess the essential skills, having enough experience to implement programs in compliance with safety regulations. Job openings in this field are plentiful, and one can plan a promising career with growth potential in this field of work.