16 HSE Manager Skills for Your Career and Resume

An HSE manager is responsible for the health, safety and environmental compliance of an organization. They develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure the safety of employees, the public and the environment. HSE managers must have a wide range of skills to be successful in their role, including leadership, communication and organizational skills.

Negotiation

Negotiation is the process of coming to an agreement with another party. HSE managers often use negotiation skills when working with employees, contractors and clients. For example, they may negotiate a contract between their company and a supplier or discuss compensation for employee injuries.

Accident Investigation

Accident investigation is the process of determining what caused an accident and how to prevent similar accidents in the future. HSE managers often use their skills in accident investigation when reviewing workplace incidents, which can help them make informed decisions about safety protocols and equipment maintenance.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the study of how people interact with their environment. As an HSE manager, you may be responsible for creating and enforcing workplace safety standards that include ergonomic considerations. For example, if your company has a new computer system, you might recommend it because it reduces repetitive motion injuries among employees.

Hazard Communication

Hazard communication is the ability to clearly explain potential risks and safety concerns. As a manager, you may need to communicate with employees about workplace hazards or accidents. Your ability to relay information in an informative and respectful manner can help ensure that your team members are aware of any dangers they might face at work. You can also use this skill when communicating with clients who have experienced an accident involving their product.

Auditing

Auditing is the process of reviewing and evaluating a company’s records to ensure they are accurate. Auditors check for compliance with regulations, review safety procedures and assess potential risks. HSE managers often perform audits on their own companies or other organizations to evaluate their safety measures. This skill can help you develop effective safety programs that meet regulatory standards and reduce risk.

Emergency Response

Emergency response is the ability to react quickly and appropriately when an emergency occurs. HSE managers are often responsible for ensuring that their company has a proper emergency response plan in place, as well as training employees on how to respond during emergencies. They also need to be able to assess situations and determine the best course of action.

Leadership

Leadership is the ability to motivate and guide a team toward common goals. HSE managers are responsible for ensuring that their teams complete projects on time and within budget, so strong leadership skills are essential. Effective leaders can inspire their teams to work hard and take initiative when necessary. They also know how to delegate tasks effectively and provide constructive feedback.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information in a way that others can understand. As an HSE manager, you may need to communicate with employees and other managers about safety protocols or potential hazards. Strong communication skills can help you relay important information clearly and encourage collaboration among your team members. You might also use written communication when creating reports on workplace accidents or incidents.

Industrial Hygiene

Industrial hygienists are experts in workplace safety and health. They develop programs to reduce the risk of exposure to chemicals, dust and other hazards that can cause illness or injury. HSE managers work with industrial hygienists to ensure their company follows all regulations and provides a safe working environment for employees.

Training

HSE managers are responsible for ensuring their company complies with all applicable regulations and standards. This requires them to train employees on safety procedures, emergency response protocols and other aspects of health and safety management. HSE managers also need training skills so they can develop the necessary programs and courses needed to educate their staff.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities. HSE managers often oversee a variety of projects, so it’s important for them to be organized. This skill can help ensure that they complete all their duties on time and maintain records of past projects. It also allows them to delegate work effectively by assigning tasks to employees who are most likely to meet deadlines and goals.

Decision Making

HSE 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 safety concerns and accidents at work sites, as well as whether or not certain equipment is safe for employees to use. They also need to make decisions about which training programs are most effective for their staff members and what types of new technologies the company should invest in.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and resolve issues. HSE managers often use their problem-solving skills when responding to accidents or other workplace incidents. They also use this skill when evaluating new processes, equipment or procedures to ensure they are safe for employees and customers.

Safety Regulations

Safety regulations are the rules and guidelines that companies use to ensure their employees work in a safe environment. HSE managers must be familiar with safety regulations for their industry, as well as any company-specific policies regarding health and safety. Safety regulations often include procedures for handling emergencies, so an HSE manager should also have knowledge of emergency response protocols.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is the ability to identify potential hazards and risks in a workplace. HSE managers use this skill when reviewing safety protocols, equipment or procedures to ensure they minimize any dangers that could lead to accidents or injuries. For example, if an electrical system needs updating, the HSE manager can assess the situation to determine whether it’s necessary to update the system immediately or if there are other options available.

Behavior Based Safety

Behavior-based safety is a management style that focuses on the actions of employees rather than their results. For example, if an employee follows all safety protocols and records but still experiences an accident, they may receive praise for following protocol while others who experienced accidents may be reprimanded. This type of management can help to encourage employees to follow safety protocols even when it doesn’t directly affect their performance evaluations.

How Can I Learn These HSE Manager Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to become an HSE Manager. Firstly, you can take courses or earn a degree in Occupational Safety and Health. Secondly, you can become certified as a safety professional through organizations such as the Board of Certified Safety Professionals or the American Society of Safety Engineers. Finally, you can gain experience in the field of safety through internships or working in safety-related positions.