In most occupations, performing daily tasks may pose some health and safety risks. These can range from minor conditions like eye strain and carpal tunnel syndrome to more critical concerns, including life-threatening injuries. Regardless of the industry, employers have a responsibility to mitigate potential harm as much as possible, and they often rely on environmental health and safety (EHS) professionals to do so.
Environmental health and safety specialists work in a variety of industries. This guide explores some popular career opportunities and pathways to entering the field, including Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Occupational Safety and Health program.
What is the Role of an EHS Professional?
EHS professionals identify, address and manage workplace hazards. The scope of their work includes promoting safe and healthy workplaces, complying with environmental and safety regulations, preparing for emergencies, designing policies and training around health and safety, and educating employees and management on risks.
These professionals directly contribute to the well-being of others. Their work reduces the risk of workplace illnesses and injuries, as well as environmental disasters that threaten entire communities. They may also lead initiatives that foster employee well-being and corporate sustainability. Some of their general duties include:
- Conducting workplace safety inspections and risk assessments
- Developing and implementing safety policies and training programs
- Ensuring compliance with OSHA, EPA and other regulatory standards
- Investigating health and safety incidents and recommending actions to promote safer workplaces
Some EHS specialists are responsible for other tasks. For example, they may supervise employees, collect and study environmental and workplace safety data and attend meetings with regulatory agencies.
What Are the Different Types of EHS Careers?
Those looking to get started in occupational safety and health can choose from many career paths. People who enjoy hands-on, practical work may pursue employment as safety specialists and coordinators. These professionals work on job sites, identifying and addressing hazards and providing health and safety education for employees.
EHS professions also include research and clinical roles, as well as industrial hygienists and occupational health specialists. These jobs typically involve collecting and analyzing data on chemical exposures, noise, radiation, biological threats and other risks to make recommendations for long-term workplace safety improvements.
Individuals interested in regulatory standards can find work as environmental compliance officers. Often, members of corporate leadership teams act as liaisons between organizations and the agencies that regulate them, ensuring that companies adhere to all environmental, health and safety regulations. EHS professionals with the right skills and experience can qualify for other leadership opportunities such as EHS manager and EHS director. These roles typically involve developing and implementing policies to promote workplace health and safety and environmental sustainability.
What Skills Are Essential for EHS Careers?
Success in EHS careers requires a broad skill set. In most roles, professionals need technical knowledge of safety regulations and environmental standards. While some may acquire this knowledge on the job, many professionals learn the fundamentals through formal education programs, such as Southeastern’s online B.S. in Occupational Health and Safety program.
Soft skills are also essential to EHS careers. Employers often prioritize candidates who have demonstrated:
- Analytical skills for interpreting data
- Problem-solving ability for developing policies and initiatives to mitigate risk
- Communication skills for training and incident reporting
- Attentiveness to detail to identify risks and ensure the completeness of reports
- Commitment to continuous improvement and adaptability as regulatory requirements evolve
What Is the Career Outlook for EHS Professionals?
Frequent changes to workplace health and safety regulations, coupled with increased efforts by organizations to prioritize employee wellness, mental health and safety, have led to a growing demand for EHS professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates 12% job growth for occupational health and safety specialists through 2034, with 18,300 openings expected each year.
In addition to growing demand, job mobility will also increase, partly because EHS professionals often have numerous opportunities to advance into management and leadership positions. Earning voluntary certifications, such as those granted by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), often supports career progression for EHS specialists. Earning a degree can also help advance safety careers.
Across the field, EHS professionals typically enjoy competitive salaries. The median annual salary for occupational health and safety specialists was $83,910 in May 2024, according to BLS. Some industries saw even higher median wages, such as:
- State, local and private hospitals: $95,510 per year
- Government agencies, excluding local education and hospitals: $86,320 per year
- Construction: $84,890 per year
- Manufacturing: $83,710
Pay levels are influenced by industry, employer size and the experience, education, skills and certification status of EHS professionals. Geographic location also affects salaries, with wages typically higher in areas with a higher overall cost of living.
Become an In-Demand EHS Specialist With an Online B.S. From Southeastern
By fostering safer, healthier workplaces and supporting regulatory compliance, EHS professionals make a real difference in the lives of others. The field offers a wide range of career opportunities in an array of industries for those with the right knowledge, skills, education and experience.
Open to new and transfer students, Southeastern’s online B.S. in Occupational Safety and Health program provides a strong foundation in employee safety education, regulatory compliance and EHS policy and enforcement. Delivered in a flexible online format, the program meets BCSP’s Qualified Academic Program (QAP) standards, enabling graduates to automatically qualify for the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation. Pay-as-you-go tuition and financial aid options make the program accessible and affordable for those ready to embark on an EHS career.
Learn more about Southeastern’s online B.S. in Occupational Health and Safety program.