16 Health and Safety Manager Skills for Your Career and Resume

Health and safety managers are responsible for ensuring that workplaces are safe for employees. They develop and implement safety policies, conduct safety audits and inspections, and investigate accidents. Health and safety managers need to have a strong understanding of safety regulations and best practices. They also need to be able to effectively communicate with employees and management. If you want to pursue a career as a health and safety manager, developing these skills is essential.

Risk Assessment

Health and safety managers are responsible for assessing risks in the workplace and developing strategies to mitigate them. This requires a thorough understanding of occupational health and safety standards, as well as an ability to analyze potential hazards and predict their outcomes. For example, if a company is considering installing new equipment that may increase the risk of electrical fires, a health and safety manager would need to assess this change and determine whether it’s worth accepting the risk or taking steps to minimize it.

Investigation

Health and safety managers often investigate accidents to determine the cause of them. They also use investigative skills when they need to find solutions for workplace hazards or other issues that affect employee health and safety. For example, if a machine malfunctions and an employee gets injured, the manager might interview witnesses, review video footage and examine the machine to identify what caused the accident and how to prevent similar ones in the future.

Analytical Skills

Health and safety managers need to analyze data, trends and information to make informed decisions. They also use their analytical skills when creating health and safety programs for companies or organizations. For example, they might evaluate the current state of a company’s health and safety program and determine what changes are needed to ensure employees’ safety.

Leadership

Leadership is the ability to motivate and guide a team toward common goals. Health and safety managers often lead teams of employees who work in different departments, so strong leadership skills are essential for success. You can develop your leadership abilities by taking courses or workshops on management, attending conferences where you can learn from other health and safety professionals and observing successful leaders at work.

Auditing

Auditing is the process of reviewing and evaluating a company’s health and safety practices. Health and safety managers use this skill to ensure their organization meets all regulatory requirements, including OSHA standards. Auditing also allows you to identify any potential risks in your workplace so you can implement measures to reduce them.

Accident Prevention

Accident prevention is the ability to identify and implement strategies that reduce workplace accidents. Health and safety managers use this skill when creating policies, procedures and training programs for their organization. They also use it when evaluating potential hazards in the workplace and suggesting ways to eliminate them. Accident prevention can help ensure a safe work environment and prevent costly injuries or damage to equipment.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and address issues that may arise in a work environment. Health and safety managers use problem-solving skills when they need to find solutions for workplace accidents, equipment malfunctions or any other potential hazards. For example, if an employee files a complaint about a faulty machine, the health and safety manager may use their problem-solving skills to investigate the issue and determine how to fix it.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly and concisely. Health and safety managers must be able to communicate with employees, supervisors and other departments in order to ensure that everyone understands their policies and procedures. They also need to communicate effectively during emergencies so that all personnel know what they’re supposed to do.

Safety Training

Safety training is an important skill for health and safety managers to have because it allows them to train their employees on how to work safely. This can include teaching employees about the equipment they use, proper procedures and any potential hazards that may exist in the workplace. Safety training also includes developing programs that help reduce accidents or injuries at a company.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the study of how people interact with their environment. Health and safety managers need to consider ergonomic factors when designing workstations, equipment and other aspects of a workplace. For example, if an employee has back pain from sitting at a desk all day, a health and safety manager can suggest changes to reduce that pain, such as installing a standing desk or changing the height of the chair.

Industrial Hygiene

Industrial hygienists are professionals who assess the safety of a work environment and recommend ways to improve it. They often have extensive knowledge about health and safety regulations, as well as how different chemicals affect people’s bodies. Health and safety managers with industrial hygiene skills can help their organizations comply with regulations and reduce employee exposure to harmful substances.

Environmental Protection

Environmental protection is the practice of reducing waste and preserving natural resources. Health and safety managers who have environmental protection skills can help their organizations reduce their carbon footprint, save money on utility bills and protect the environment for future generations.

Emergency Response

A health and safety manager needs to be able to respond quickly to emergency situations. This includes knowing how to handle accidents, fires or other dangerous situations that may arise in the workplace. It’s also important for a health and safety manager to know what steps to take when an employee is injured on the job. For example, they should know who to contact and what forms need to be filled out.

Hazard Communication

A health and safety manager needs to be able to communicate effectively with employees about potential hazards in the workplace. This includes providing information on how to recognize risks, what steps to take if an accident occurs and what resources are available for treatment. You also need to be able to relay this information clearly so that all employees understand their responsibilities and rights when it comes to staying safe at work.

Decision Making

Health and safety managers make decisions on a daily basis, so it’s important that they have strong decision-making skills. These professionals often need to decide how to handle workplace accidents, equipment malfunctions or other unforeseen circumstances. They also use their decision-making abilities when making strategic business decisions, such as whether to invest in new technology or training programs.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities. Health and safety managers often have many duties, including overseeing employee training, maintaining equipment and reviewing company records. Having strong organizational skills can help you manage your workload effectively and ensure that all aspects of your job are completed on time.

How Can I Learn These Health and Safety Manager Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to become a health and safety manager. Many colleges and universities offer degree programs specifically in occupational safety and health, which can give you the theoretical knowledge and practical experience you need to excel in this career. Alternatively, you can gain experience in the field through internships or entry-level jobs in safety and health, and then complete a professional certification program to demonstrate your competence in the field. Whichever route you choose, it is important to continuously update your skills and knowledge to keep up with changes in the field.