What Does an HSE Coordinator Do?

The HSE Coordinator plays an integral role in ensuring that health, safety, and environmental standards are upheld within an organization. This position involves a blend of strategy and practical application, focusing on developing, implementing, and monitoring policies that promote a safe and healthy work environment. By conducting risk assessments, training employees on safety protocols, and staying abreast of regulatory changes, the HSE Coordinator helps to minimize workplace hazards and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Their efforts not only protect the well-being of employees but also support the organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Through collaboration with various departments, the HSE Coordinator facilitates a culture of safety and environmental awareness, making it an essential component of the organization’s operational framework.

HSE Coordinator Job Duties

• Develop and implement health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Coordinate and lead HSE meetings and training sessions for employees to promote awareness and understanding of safety practices and legislation.
• Perform regular site inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and ensure adherence to safety standards and regulations.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, and near-misses to determine root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Manage the HSE documentation, including permits, safety data sheets (SDS), and records of inspections, incidents, and training activities.
• Liaise with external HSE consultants, inspectors, and regulatory agencies to facilitate external audits and ensure compliance with external standards.
• Oversee the maintenance and readiness of emergency response equipment and procedures, including fire systems, spill kits, and evacuation plans.
• Develop and monitor waste management plans, including the reduction, recycling, and disposal of waste, to minimize environmental impact.

HSE Coordinator Salary & Outlook

Salaries for HSE Coordinators are influenced by industry type, with oil, gas, and construction sectors typically offering higher pay. Experience level significantly impacts earnings, as seasoned professionals command higher salaries. Company size also plays a role, with larger organizations often providing better compensation. Lastly, the scope of responsibilities and risk management complexity can affect salary.

• Median Annual Salary: $80,325 ($38.62/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,000 ($58.65/hour)

The employment of HSE coordinators is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

This growth is driven by increasing regulatory requirements for workplace safety and environmental protection, alongside a growing awareness of the importance of health and safety practices across industries, necessitating skilled HSE Coordinators to implement and oversee compliance measures effectively.

HSE Coordinator Job Requirements

Education: A HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) Coordinator typically holds a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree, with a majority favoring fields such as Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, or Industrial Engineering. Coursework often includes risk management, environmental law, industrial hygiene, and safety technology. Advanced degrees may focus on specialized areas like environmental policy or safety systems management, enhancing one’s ability to oversee comprehensive HSE programs within diverse organizational settings.

Experience: HSE Coordinators typically come from diverse backgrounds, with a significant portion having practical experience ranging from initial exposure to seasoned expertise in health, safety, and environmental management. On-the-job training plays a crucial role, allowing individuals to adapt to specific industry standards and practices. Many have progressed through various levels of hands-on roles, enhancing their understanding of safety protocols, risk assessment, and compliance procedures. Training programs, both internal and external, are essential for staying updated on the latest HSE regulations and technologies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and safety excellence.

Certifications & Licenses: HSE Coordinator positions often require certifications such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST). Additionally, a NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) certificate can be beneficial. Some roles may necessitate specific licenses related to environmental regulations, but these vary by location and industry. No specific licenses are universally required for all HSE Coordinator roles.

HSE Coordinator Skills

Risk Assessment: Analyzing operations, processes, and activities to identify potential hazards is a primary duty of a HSE Coordinator. The goal is to evaluate the likelihood and impact of these risks on workplace safety and environmental integrity, implementing effective mitigation strategies to ensure regulatory compliance.

Incident Investigation: After workplace accidents or near-misses, HSE Coordinators gather and assess evidence to uncover root causes. By coordinating corrective actions across departments, they aim to prevent future incidents, aligning with safety regulations and fostering a culture of continuous health, safety, and environmental improvement.

Safety Compliance Auditing: Regular audits are conducted to verify that workplace conditions and operational activities meet local, state, and federal safety standards. Identifying potential risks and taking corrective measures helps maintain a safe working environment for all employees.

Emergency Response Planning: Preparing for emergencies involves developing strategies for risk mitigation and incident management. HSE Coordinators work with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure clear communication and efficient action protocols are in place for swift responses to critical situations.

Occupational Health Programs: Tailoring health programs to address the physical and mental well-being of employees is crucial. Through regular assessments and compliance with health and safety regulations, these programs are designed to meet the unique needs of various work environments.

Environmental Legislation Compliance: Staying informed about and adhering to environmental laws and regulations at all levels is a significant task. By proactively identifying legal requirements and implementing compliance strategies, HSE Coordinators coordinate audits and inspections to mitigate environmental risks and avoid penalties.

HSE Coordinator Work Environment

A HSE Coordinator typically operates within a dynamic environment that straddles both office settings and field operations. Their workspace is often equipped with standard office tools and specialized safety management software, reflecting the dual nature of their responsibilities. Work hours can extend beyond the typical nine-to-five, especially when coordinating safety drills or responding to incidents, underscoring the need for flexibility.

The dress code varies, with business casual attire for the office and protective gear for site visits. This role is deeply embedded in a culture of safety and compliance, fostering a social environment where collaboration with various departments is routine. Interaction levels are high, necessitating strong communication skills.

The pace of work can fluctuate, driven by project deadlines and the immediate need to address safety concerns. Travel to different sites is common, adding variety but also demanding adaptability. Technology plays a crucial role in monitoring safety metrics and facilitating training, making tech-savviness a valuable asset. Overall, the role balances the demands of ensuring workplace safety with the satisfaction of fostering a secure and healthy work environment.

Advancement Prospects

A HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) Coordinator can advance to senior roles such as HSE Manager or Director, overseeing broader safety programs and policies across an organization. Progression often involves taking on more strategic planning and compliance responsibilities, ensuring company-wide adherence to health and safety regulations.

To achieve these advancements, gaining experience in developing and implementing HSE policies is crucial. Demonstrating leadership in incident investigations and safety training sessions can also pave the way for promotion. Additionally, specializing in areas like environmental management or occupational health can open opportunities in sectors highly regulated for safety, such as oil and gas or construction.

Success in this career path requires a deep understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks, as well as the ability to influence corporate culture towards prioritizing safety. Building a track record of reducing workplace incidents and promoting a culture of safety are key markers of a HSE Coordinator ready for advancement.