A Job Description For A Health & Safety Executive

A health and safety executive assumes responsibility for designing and implementing programs that protect people and the environment. He focuses on the prevention and correction of hazardous working conditions and environmental impacts, typically in a manufacturing setting. He ensures that these initiatives meet governmental and company standards. Some safety leaders are called health and safety vice presidents, chief security and safety officers (CSOs) or industrial safety and health engineers. Median annual income is $70,080, according to ONetCenter.com.

Compliance

The health and safety executive knows the rules and policies of regulatory agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). She represents her employer during meetings with these groups to make certain all company facilities meet local, state and federal safety laws. The director balances the welfare of the workforce and the community against the company's interest in earning profits. She makes sure all work satisfies company expectations without jeopardizing humans or nature.

Investigation

The director oversees investigations into workplace injuries, accidents or occupational illnesses to determine causes and corrective actions. This includes inspections of machinery and safety equipment to find and fix hazards so that workers are not endangered. The director is responsible for documenting and reporting these findings to the appropriate corporate and agency representatives. The director also attends plant inspections by regulatory groups that are conducted on a routine basis or in conjunction with an incident.

Awareness

The health and safety leader ensures that employees and management are safety conscious. He uses his expertise in industrial practices to implement training and promotional programs that emphasize personal protective equipment and caution when operating machinery or touching chemicals. A safety executive reviews and deciphers safety rules and policies for inspectors, engineers and labor representatives. He also supervises any changes in processes--such as installation or modifications to instruments--to make certain that safety codes are enforced.

Manager

A health and safety executive leads her department. She supervises and mentors subordinates, including safety managers, engineers, specialists, technicians and administrative support. She oversees the budget related to delivering safety programs. A safety director stays abreast of innovative engineering technologies that could enhance her team's work. The workman’s compensation program typically falls under her jurisdiction. She ensures that health and safety are incorporated into the company's objectives and strategic vision.

Background

Most employers prefer a health and safety executive to have a bachelor's degree in engineering, science or environmental safety. Some companies require a master's degree. Ten years of management experience typically is expected because this is a leadership role. A health and safety executive also must demonstrate familiarity with multiple facilities, expertise in completing root-cause analysis followed by corrective steps, and ability to interact with vendors and customers.



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References

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