What Does an HSE Manager Do?

HSE managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of health, safety and environmental compliance within their organization. They commonly work with a team of specialists to ensure that all employees are following proper procedures and protocols at all times.

HSE managers may also be tasked with developing new policies or procedures related to health, safety and/or environmental concerns. This might include anything from creating training programs for employees to implementing new equipment or technology to improve efficiency while maintaining compliance.

HSE Manager Job Duties

Health, safety, and environmental (HSE) managers have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Conducting investigations into accidents or near misses to identify potential hazards and recommend corrective action
• Developing and enforcing safety policies and procedures to ensure employee compliance with safety regulations
• Coordinating safety training programs to help employees understand and follow safety protocols
• Monitoring employee safety performance to identify areas for improvement
• Overseeing safety for workers in a company or organization through inspections, audits, and research
• Identifying ways to improve safety by conducting studies on workplace hazards
• Recommending equipment upgrades to ensure it is safe to use
• Ensuring that safety equipment is available, such as hard hats and respirators
• Developing and implementing safety policies and procedures to protect employees from hazards in the workplace

HSE Manager Salary & Outlook

Health and safety manager salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and industry of the company. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $92,500 ($44.47/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $142,000 ($68.27/hour)

The employment of health and safety engineers is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

Employment growth will be driven by the need for health and safety engineers in manufacturing industries, where automation and technological improvements have increased productivity but also introduced new risks. In addition, demand for health and safety engineers is expected to increase as more companies hire these workers to help them comply with OSHA regulations.

Related: HSE Manager Interview Questions and Answers

HSE Manager Job Requirements

The following are some of the requirements for obtaining a position as an HSE manager:

Education: Most employers require HSE managers to have a bachelor’s degree in a field such as health, safety, environmental science or engineering. Some employers prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree in health, safety or environmental science.

Training & Experience: HSE managers typically receive on-the-job training in their first few months of employment. This training may include shadowing an experienced HSE manager or performing duties under the supervision of an experienced HSE professional.

Certifications & Licenses: There are several professional certifications available for health services managers to demonstrate their skills and qualifications to current and potential employers.

HSE Manager Skills

HSE managers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Leadership: Leadership skills allow you to motivate and inspire others to work toward common goals. As a HSE manager, you may be responsible for leading a team of engineers or technicians who work on safety-related projects. Leadership skills can help you to guide and direct your team members to complete their work efficiently and effectively.

Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information to others. HSE managers use their communication skills to convey information about safety regulations, procedures and standards to their teams. They also use their communication skills to convey information about new projects, initiatives and changes in the workplace.

Problem-solving: Problem-solving skills allow you to identify issues, develop solutions and implement them. As a HSE manager, you may be responsible for identifying and resolving workplace hazards, ensuring compliance with regulations and developing safety programs. Having strong problem-solving skills can help you address workplace issues and improve workplace safety.

Decision-making: HSE managers make decisions about a variety of workplace topics, including safety, employee training and company policy. Effective decision-makers can make quick, informed choices that benefit their organization. HSE managers can use their decision-making skills to make informed choices about workplace safety, employee training and company policy.

Organization: Organization is the ability to plan and execute tasks and projects in a logical and efficient manner. HSE managers often have many responsibilities, so it’s important for them to be organized to ensure they complete all of their work on time. Organization can also help you save time and resources by allowing you to complete tasks simultaneously.

HSE Manager Work Environment

HSE managers are responsible for the health, safety, and environmental compliance of their organization. They typically work in an office setting, but may also spend time in the field at company facilities or job sites. HSE managers typically work full time, but may be required to work additional hours to respond to emergencies or to meet deadlines. Some HSE managers travel frequently to company facilities or job sites in different parts of the country or world.

HSE Manager Trends

Here are three trends influencing how HSE managers work. HSE managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for a More Integrated Approach to Safety

The need for a more integrated approach to safety is becoming increasingly important as businesses become more global and complex. This trend is leading to an increased demand for HSE managers who can provide a more comprehensive view of safety across the entire organization.

HSE managers who are able to integrate safety into all aspects of the business will be in high demand, as they will be able to help companies reduce risk and improve their overall safety culture.

A Greater Focus on Culture Change

As businesses continue to focus on improving their bottom lines, they are beginning to realize that culture change is one of the most effective ways to do so. This is leading to a greater focus on hiring HSE managers who can help create a safe and healthy workplace environment.

HSE managers who are able to create a positive culture in their company will be highly valued by employers, as they will be able to help create a work environment where employees feel comfortable raising concerns about safety and health issues.

More Attention to Employee Engagement

Employee engagement has become a major focus for many businesses in recent years. As a result, HSE managers are being asked to play a larger role in ensuring that employees are happy and productive.

In order to be successful in this new role, HSE managers will need to be able to identify the factors that contribute to employee engagement and develop strategies to improve them. They will also need to be able to communicate effectively with employees and understand what makes them tick.

How to Become an HSE Manager

A career as a HSE manager can be rewarding and fulfilling. It’s important to consider the various aspects of this role before making your decision. One of the most important things to think about is what type of company you want to work for. Do you prefer working for a large corporation or a small business? Do you want to work in a manufacturing environment or a service industry?

You should also consider the location of the company. Is it near where you live or far away? What is the commute like? Are there good public transportation options? You should also think about the culture of the company. Does it have a positive atmosphere that promotes teamwork and collaboration? Or does it have a more competitive, cut-throat culture?

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start looking for jobs that match your preferences. You can find job postings on websites such as Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn. You can also network with people in the industry to see if they know of any openings.

Advancement Prospects

HSE managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, engineering, or a related field, and many also have a master’s degree. They must have several years of experience working in safety in the same or a similar industry as the one they will be managing.

HSE managers typically start out as safety specialists or coordinators. They may be promoted to HSE manager after demonstrating their knowledge and ability to develop and implement safety programs that improve worker safety and compliance with regulations.

HSE managers who are effective at their jobs may be promoted to higher-level positions such as director of safety or vice president of safety. Some HSE managers become consultants.

HSE Manager Job Description Example

The [CompanyX] HSE Manager is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining the company’s Health, Safety and Environmental Management System across all locations. The HSE Manager will work with all employees to ensure that they are aware of and comply with the company’s HSE policies and procedures. The HSE Manager will also be responsible for investigating all incidents and accidents, and developing corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurrence.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in Occupational Safety and Health or a related field, and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role. The candidate must also be proficient in Microsoft Office, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Management System
• Conduct risk assessments and develop control measures to mitigate identified risks
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and internal policies and procedures
• Investigate incidents, near misses, and accidents, and prepare reports as required
• Monitor and audit health and safety performance, keeping accurate records
• Provide health and safety training for employees at all levels
• Keep up to date with changes in legislation and industry best practice
• Liaise with external bodies such as regulatory authorities and insurance providers
• Prepare and submit statistical reports as required
• Manage the budget for the health and safety department
• Develop and deliver presentations on health and safety topics
• Champion a positive health and safety culture within the organization

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety, or related field
• 5+ years experience in a health, safety, and environmental role
• Proven experience developing and implementing HSE programs
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and standards (OSHA, MSHA, EPA, etc.)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong organizational and time-management skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in occupational health, safety, or related field
• 10+ years experience in a health, safety, and environmental role
• Certification as a professional engineer (PE), certified industrial hygienist (CIH), or certified safety professional (CSP)
• Experience working in a mining or construction environment
• Familiarity with risk management principles