WHAT DOES AN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY SPECIALIST DO?

Updated: Sep 18, 2025 - The Environmental Health and Safety Specialist implements, reviews, and maintains health, safety, and environmental systems to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while supporting incident investigations, audits, and contractor management. This role involves leading site sustainability initiatives, coordinating cross-departmental efforts, and monitoring progress in reducing environmental impacts such as energy use, water, and waste. The specialist also educates and engages employees in sustainability goals, manages data reporting, and ensures fire safety and facility compliance in collaboration with relevant departments.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

1. EHS Specialist Duties

  • Regulatory Compliance: Maintains regulatory compliance with governmental regulations related to fire-fighting.
  • Standards Conformance: Conforms to the standards set by applicable regulations.
  • Policy Conformance: Conforms to Wanek standards and policy.
  • Inspection: Conducts routine inspections of facilities for compliance with company and government regulations.
  • Reporting: Supports EHS Supervisor on weekly reports for submission to EHS Director or any other related stakeholder, identifying potential hazards and discrepancies, and providing recommendations for control and compliance.
  • Reporting Preparation: Supports EHS Supervisor to prepare monthly report for submission to the EHS Director and related stakeholders, detailing the overall health of fire-systems and fire-fighting equipment.
  • Safety Advisory: Advises employees and management on safe work practices and potential hazards.
  • Equipment Issue Resolution: Supports initiatives to resolve all fire-fighting equipment issues.
  • Issue Investigation: Investigates and proposes actions to remedy fire systems issues.
  • Training: Carries out effective training to assist operations and office staff in understanding fire-fighting regulations and emergency response procedures.
  • Equipment Maintenance Support: Supports proper inspection and maintenance of fire protection equipment.
  • Emergency Response Training: Supports all emergency response team (ERT) training activities.
  • Representation: Represents the company during Fire Department (PCCC) inspections and is responsible for supporting solutions for deficiencies noted.
  • Incident Investigation: Supports EHS Supervisor to conduct accident investigations for any fire-related incident.
  • Continuous Learning: Participates in meetings, workshops, and conferences to stay updated on emerging technologies, methodologies, or equipment.

2. Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Details

  • Safety Assessment: Perform safety assessment and identify risk factors.
  • EH&S Procedures: Develop and publish EH&S procedures to reduce the risk of operation.
  • Site Communication: Promote regular site-wide communication with employees and refresh attention to relevant EH&S-related topics.
  • Hazard Identification: Assist R&D groups with identifying hazards and providing sufficient guidance on safe operation.
  • Training Development: Develop internal training plans for different groups.
  • External Training Collaboration: Work with external trainers to introduce essential professional training to the site.
  • Training Records: Maintain a good record of participants for each training.
  • Supply Management: Manage the inventory of critical EH&S supplies (PPEs, lab coats, sanitizers, etc.) and chemicals.
  • Supply Distribution: Distribute lab supplies to refill local stations.
  • Chemical Storage and Labeling: Regulate the proper storage and labeling of chemicals (especially hazardous materials).
  • Waste Disposal: Provide assistance on routine waste disposal and schedule waste pickups.
  • Waste Storage and Labeling: Regulate the storage and labeling of waste in compliance with OSHA and local regulations.
  • Hazard Containment: Take effective procedures to contain hazards such as spills, leakage, or contamination.
  • Emergency Response: Oversees site emergency response teams and embraces the role of Incident Commander.

3. Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Responsibilities

  • EHS Advisory: Provide timely, accurate, and relevant EHS specialist advice and site support - classroom trainings, site-work risk assessments, accident and incident investigation, etc.
  • Project Support: Provide on-site support during major projects, shutdown activities, or major modifications.
  • Partnership Development: Provide EHS support to develop successful partnerships with long-term contract companies and staff.
  • Site Inspection: Perform routine site-wide inspections to guarantee compliance with federal and local regulations such as OSHA, ANSI, and NFPA.
  • Agency Management: Regulate relationships and manage conversations with supervisory agencies.
  • Facility Maintenance: Perform regular inspection and maintenance of EH&S facilities.
  • EHS System Integration: Integrate the EHS system with the group and the division's EHS Policy.
  • EHS System Establishment: Establish a functional EHS system with processes and procedures in line with operational and company objectives and needs.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure site work is performed in compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Safety Culture: Establish a program for a proactive safety culture.
  • EHS Strategy Development: Develop short- and long-term EHS strategy and plans based on division policy and standards.
  • Incident Reporting: Coordinate, review, and approve EHS incident investigation reports.
  • Audit Coordination: Coordinate audits and inspections initiated by authorities and by the group.
  • Risk Assessment Coordination: Coordinate periodic EHS risk assessment.

4. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist Job Summary

  • EHS Improvement: Set and meet objectives to improve and drive EHS to reduce risk while doing the basics right.
  • Stakeholder Management: Maintain relationships within several levels of the organization by reaching out to stakeholders.
  • EHS Compliance: Set requirements, facilitate and audit EHS compliance & enable stakeholders to follow up.
  • Policy Development: Develop, implement, and sustain EHS policies, plans, and procedures.
  • Regulatory Interface: Interface with local regulatory agencies on permitting, reporting, and related issues.
  • Safety Audits: Perform EHS safety audits and risk assessments, and address recommendations and actions.
  • Incident Analysis: Support the incident analysis process and implementation of corrective actions to prevent injury.
  • Incident Recordkeeping: Record and maintain workplace incidents, accidents, and near misses.
  • Workspace Design: Design safe workspaces and create policies for employees that minimize job-related hazards.
  • Waste Coordination: Ensure activities related to waste coordination take place in compliance with applicable requirements.
  • EHS Education: Conduct education, instruction, and training on EHS based on the identified risks to raise awareness.
  • Data Analysis: Analyze and present EHS data, reports, and trends to recommend & support plans for corrective actions.
  • Safety Program Coordination: Coordinate safety programs such as emergency response, personal protective equipment, ergonomics, traffic safety, electrical safety, contractor safety, LOTO, hazard communication, dangerous goods, and 5S.

5. Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Accountabilities

  • EHS Standards Implementation: Facilitate the implementation of new or revised global or local company EHS Standards.
  • Standard Maintenance: Implement and maintain all standards and requirements.
  • Root Cause Analysis Cooperation: Cooperate with Root Cause Analysis team to ensure thorough and consistent approach, especially regarding behavioral safety.
  • Compliance: Apply global and local Company standards and legislation.
  • Self-Assessment & Audits: Participate in the EH&S self-assessment and audit process, together with Line Management.
  • Risk Analysis: Analyze the daily activities of the employees and the possible risks within the company.
  • Incident Analysis: Analyze injuries and incidents, register, and follow up with improvement actions.
  • Risk Assessment Program: Prepare, implement, and update the RI&E / Risk assessment program.
  • Safety Tours: Conduct safety tours in the workplace and be the contact point for employees on EHS matters.
  • EHS Committee Leadership: Lead and supervise the EHS Committee.
  • Emergency Response Management: Manage and implement emergency response and company emergency plan.
  • Audit Supervision: Supervise EHS audits (internal, external - ISO 45001/14001).
  • Policy Application: Implement and apply Johnson Controls EHS Policy and documents.
  • Safety Training: Set up safety training courses and provide training within the organization.
  • EHS Data Collection: Collect EHS data and enter it into the global system.

6. Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Functions

  • Multitasking, Result-Driven: Manage multiple priorities simultaneously, have a strong drive oriented on results.
  • Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with all safety requirements.
  • Safety Culture Promotion: Work with staff to promote a positive safety culture and ensure compliance with all safety requirements.
  • SOP Development: Develop and review site SOPs and procedures.
  • Audit and Inspection Leadership: Lead safety inspections and other audit programs.
  • Incident Management: Prepare and track incident investigations and reports.
  • Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance to the Safety Committee and EHS team.
  • EHS Training: Develop and provide EHS training to personnel, including but not limited to new hire employee orientation, chemical safety, and subsequent refresher training.
  • Training Records Management: Maintain records of EHS training.
  • Project Support: Provide oversight, support, and tracking of appropriate EHS projects to completion.
  • Hazard Reporting: Manage employee hazard reporting program and disperse concerns to appropriate project teams.
  • Coaching and Escalation: Help support EHS project teams by coaching team leads and ensuring proper escalation of concerns.
  • Environmental Stewardship: Promote environmental stewardship within the facility.
  • Hazardous Waste Management: Assist with the proper collection, storage, and disposal of hazardous wastes onsite.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal safety, environmental, and employee health regulations, guidelines, and all applicable client policies and procedures.

7. Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Job Description

  • SOP Development: Assist with writing internal SOPs and integrating client’s Directives for Environmental Health, Safety, and Occupational Health programs.
  • EHS Regulatory Guidance: Provide technical and regulatory EHS guidance for programs including universal waste, biohazardous and hazardous waste, wastewater management, air emissions, hazard communication, biosafety, injury and illness prevention, chemical hygiene, industrial hygiene, lab safety, emergency preparedness, facilities/contractor safety, and pollution prevention.
  • Waste Management Compliance: Lead in the development of documentation and programs to ensure that waste streams are handled in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
  • Employee Health and Safety: Ensure that all wastes are handled in a way that will not jeopardize employee health or safety.
  • EHS Policy Development: Develop, implement, and maintain EHS policies, procedures, programs, and compliance initiatives that contribute to employee health and safety and maintain compliance with environmental standards.
  • Safety Culture Promotion: Lead in the promotion of a culture of proactive safety and compliance across the organization and facilitate continuous improvement.
  • EHS Training Program: Drive the development and implementation of an employee training program focused on EHS compliance and best management practices.
  • Workplace Safety Management: Ensure a safe and healthy working environment for personnel, vendors, and contractors through management and training of compliance policies.
  • Contractor and Consultant Coordination: Coordinate and guide external consultants and contractors to assure compliance with corporate standards as well as federal and local regulations, specifically commissioning an annual third-party gap assessment and developing required remediation and risk mitigation plans.
  • Environmental Compliance: Manage and maintain policies and programs to manage waste streams, comply with permits, investigate events, environmental accounting, air permits, and emissions.
  • Industrial Hygiene: Manage industrial hygiene programs and ensure risks of exposure, particularly to hazardous chemicals and biohazardous materials, are mitigated.
  • Risk and Hazard Assessment: Conduct hazard assessments and risk assessments for processes and equipment.
  • Safety Design Input: Provide design input to ensure equipment and facilities are safely and compliantly designed.
  • Regulatory Record Keeping: Ensure compliant record-keeping such as OSHA Logs.
  • Employee Training and Awareness: Conduct learning sessions, both electronic and classroom, to inform and update employees regarding critical policies.

8. Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Overview

  • Safety Compliance Enforcement: Apply and enforce the code of safe practices with all employees.
  • Safety Monitoring: Monitor day-to-day activities as they relate to safety compliance.
  • Safety Training Support: Work with HR to assist in safety training of new employees.
  • Preventive Measures and Audits: Enforce preventive measures and conduct safety audits.
  • Incident Investigation: Conduct accident/injury investigations and illness exposure monitoring.
  • Accident Reporting: Prepare reports on accidents and violations.
  • Risk Assessment and SOP Development: Conduct risk assessments and create standard operating procedures.
  • Safety Inspections: Conduct safety and health walkthrough inspections.
  • Equipment Training and Recertification: Conduct training and recertification of powered industrial equipment.
  • Equipment Inspection: Ensure periodic inspections of power equipment and tools for proper operation.
  • Safety Meetings and Communication: Conduct safety meetings to assess and inform team members of safety policies and procedures.
  • Record Keeping: Maintain proper paperwork and filing in accordance with policies and procedures.
  • Safety Supplies Management: Monitor warehouse safety supplies and other required stock.

9. EHS Specialist Details and Accountabilities

  • EHS Performance Reporting: Measure and report EHS performance, operational resource efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, hazardous waste, energy consumption, and safety information for the designated region to the assigned regional lead.
  • Accident and Hazard Investigation: Investigate accidents, injuries, and complaints concerning hazards or conditions in the workplace and its associated operations.
  • Contractor Coordination: Coordinate with contracted services including contractors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
  • Regulatory and Leadership Liaison: Interface with local leadership, key external organizations, or regulatory bodies within or related to the site, business, sub-region, or country.
  • Workplace Assessment and Improvement: Assess environmental and workplace conditions, incident reports, and recommend improvements in processes, design, procedures, and operating equipment that are identified as deficient.
  • EHS Training and Compliance: Deliver site EHS trainings and monitor training compliance.
  • Corrective Action Support: Support the completion of corrective actions.
  • EHS Hazard Prevention: Anticipate, analyze, monitor, and prevent EHS hazards that could be present in the work area.
  • ISO Certification Maintenance: Participate and aid in the maintenance process for Zebra-certified Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (ISO 14001 and ISO 45001).

10. Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Tasks

  • EHS Training Development: Identify, develop, and deliver EHS training, training materials, training plans, and efforts to support operational needs for safety and environmental compliance.
  • Training Compliance Management: Ensure EHS training programs meet or exceed compliance obligations, legal, and other requirements.
  • Training Gap Analysis: Proactively identify training gaps and develop training programs that support facility needs and initiatives.
  • Workers’ Compensation Management: Co-manage workers’ compensation, case management, documentation, post-incident/injury investigations, and proper coordination of benefits with the Third Party Administrator to ensure timely and accurate claim resolution.
  • EHS Compliance Monitoring: Monitor facility EHS compliance obligations, legal and other requirements, and maintain postings, documentation, reporting, and related procedures.
  • Incident Reporting Coordination: Ensure incident reports are completed timely and accurately and coordinate with occupational medicine, line management, and employees.
  • Data Reporting and Trend Analysis: Provide timely data, reporting, communications, and trend analysis to identify occupational safety and environmental sustainability opportunities.
  • Safety and Wellness Program Development: Develop and support facility occupational safety and wellness programs.
  • EHS Continuous Improvement: Contribute to identifying and solving problems that drive continuous improvement of EHS results.
  • Hazard Assessment and Resolution: Identify occupational safety and environmental sustainability opportunities through safety inspections, audits, and hazard assessments, and recommend appropriate resolutions, including training and program development.
  • EHS Process Administration: Administer and coordinate all EHS processes and procedures in support of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 Management Systems, Behavior-Based Safety, Job Hazard Assessments, and emergency response programs.

11. Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Roles and Responsibilities

  • Health and Safety Systems: Implement and review health and safety systems and procedures, updating and maintaining them to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
  • Safety Assessments: Assist local managers with assessments and other practical requirements under health and safety legislation.
  • Health Monitoring: Assist in the operation, development, and organization of safety and health monitoring schemes, including written policies, record keeping, and monitoring.
  • Incident Investigations: Undertake incident investigations and record and report monthly accident and incident statistics to management.
  • Fire Safety: Liaise with the Facilities Department to maintain fire safety systems as required by legislation.
  • Contractor Management: Manage and monitor the on-site contractors program.
  • Environmental Collaboration: Liaise with facility environmental staff and other departments, including Operations, Maintenance, and Procurement, to lead and coordinate sustainability efforts.
  • Sustainability Leadership: Lead the site sustainability team through monthly meetings to reduce environmental impacts, including energy use/CO2, water, and waste.
  • Sustainability Programs: Implement sustainability initiatives and programs based on global sustainability guidance.
  • Employee Engagement: Educate, inspire, and lead employees to support the company’s sustainability goals.
  • Data Management: Enter waste and water data into the sustainability database and prepare progress reports for site management against goals.

12. Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Key Accountabilities

  • EHS Implementation: Assist with the implementation of EHS procedures and policies in alignment with business needs.
  • EHS Vision: Champion the EHS vision of the regional EHS team and ensure alignment with local site needs.
  • Budget Management: Work within approved budget constraints and report performance against forecasts.
  • Policy Development: Create and renew policies and procedures for laser safety, chemical safety, ergonomics, illness and injury prevention, building and fire safety, task-specific safety, general environmental performance, and waste management.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure EHS program performance complies with local regulatory requirements, corporate best practices, and applicable external standards such as ISO and KLA-specific standards.
  • EHS Training: Coordinate and implement EHS training, and plan and conduct safety training for employees, contractors, and stakeholders.
  • Risk Assessment: Conduct site and location risk assessments, draft recommendations, and lead their implementation.
  • Data Reporting: Collect EHS data and provide reports to regional EHS leadership, including critical metrics and performance against key initiatives.
  • Incident Analysis: Analyze safety incidents and lessons learned, monitor progress, and implement processes, goals, and projects for improvement.
  • EHS Support: Serve as a point of contact for EHS-related issues and inquiries.
  • Visitor Policies: Support the site in implementing visitor policies.

13. Environmental Health and Safety Specialist General Responsibilities

  • Floor Engagement: Engage daily with manufacturing floor operations with a focus on hazard recognition, safety observations, and coaching.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Assist in ensuring operations comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Injury Oversight: Support injury oversight, including reporting, investigation, identification of corrective and preventative actions, and publication of safety alerts.
  • EHS Program Support: Support comprehensive implementation of AirMI EHS programs as directed by AirMI EHS leadership.
  • Training Development: Assist in developing and delivering general and equipment-specific training for hourly, supervisory, and management team members.
  • Risk Analysis: Provide support in conducting root cause analyses, risk assessments, and job hazard analyses (JHAs).
  • Audit Support: Support internal and external inspections and audits, and manage all documentation associated with the processes.
  • Performance Reporting: Assist in producing reports, analyses, and key performance indicators as directed by site leadership and the EHS manager.
  • Document Management: Maintain site documents in accordance with the site record management system.
  • Safety Culture: Implement defined elements of Safety Culture as directed by EHS Management.
  • Relationship Building: Develop strong relationships with hourly personnel and supervisory management.
  • Compliance Expertise: Provide technical and regulatory compliance expertise and support.
  • Problem Solving: Identify and solve a range of problems in straightforward situations, analyze possible solutions, and assess each using standard procedures.

14. Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Role Purpose

  • EHS Improvement: Provide solicited and unsolicited advice to continuously improve the site’s Environmental, Health, and Safety performance.
  • EHS Management: Assist with the management of site EHS requirements, risk assessments, procedures, and work instructions, ensuring all are updated and accessible.
  • Data Analysis: Analyze and report trends in data, including follow-up on reported unsafe situations, observations, and environmental data.
  • Training Communication: Propose and implement communication and training formats to increase knowledge and awareness on a broad range of EHS topics.
  • Behavioral Awareness: Promote a culture of behavioral awareness through coaching and by challenging unsafe practices and behaviors at both the work floor and management levels.
  • Authority Liaison: Liaise with internal and external enforcing authorities.
  • Safety Audits: Carry out regular health and safety audits and inspections.
  • Safety Training: Assist in staff safety training.
  • Record Keeping: Maintain suitable and sufficient records relating to all health and safety matters.
  • Customer Support: Respond to non-standard requests from internal and external customers, investigating with assistance from others.

15. Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Essential Functions

  • Regulatory Audits: Conduct monthly safety and environmental regulatory audits of the facility.
  • Compliance Evaluation: Evaluate compliance, identify areas for improvement, and communicate findings directly to department managers and the Plant Manager.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure local plant activities are conducted under regulatory compliance.
  • Safety Training: Provide training and training materials to hourly associates and team leaders on safety and regulatory programs, and document and track training compliance.
  • Safety Committees: Establish and direct plant safety shift committees and their activities.
  • Workers' Compensation: Serve as the main contact with RPC Corporate regarding the Workers' Compensation program and back-to-work policies.
  • OSHA Recordkeeping: Administer, document, and properly file OSHA Recordkeeping Standards 29CFR1904, Accident Reports, 300 Log, Form 301, and other regulatory and safety compliance documentation.
  • Medical Liaison: Act as plant contact for the medical clinic, nurse case managers, and insurance carrier representatives regarding medical restrictions.
  • Budget Management: Manage work within the site EHS budget while seeking ways to increase value and improve expense efficiency.

16. Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Additional Details

  • Program Administration: Coordinate and administer health, safety, and environmental programs in accordance with corporate guidelines.
  • EHS Support: Assist the Sr. EHS Engineer with tactical, day-to-day EHS matters.
  • Metrics Reporting: Track and communicate site EHS metrics to appropriate parties and prepare monthly EHS status reports.
  • Regulatory Liaison: Support the Sr. EHS Engineer in serving as liaison between the company and external regulatory agencies, including OSHA, DEC, and EPA.
  • OSHA Programs: Coordinate the implementation of OSHA programs such as Hazard Communication, Lockout/Tagout, Machine Guarding, Electrical Safety, Confined Space, Hot Work, and PPE, including initial and periodic employee training.
  • Compliance Documentation: Maintain and retain compliance documentation as required by OSHA, USEPA, NYSDEC, and NYSDOH.
  • Return-to-Work: Coordinate with the Workers' Compensation Manager to manage the return-to-work program.
  • Waste Management: Oversee the recycling program and hazardous waste management system, including RCRA Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazmat Awareness training.
  • Emergency Response: Coordinate the emergency response system by maintaining written plans, scheduling drills, managing response equipment, and training site managers and supervisors to lead emergency response actions.
  • Safety Awareness: Build employee safety awareness through communication, training, and participation in the development and implementation of a global behavioral safety system.
  • EHS Software: Co-administer the EHS Tracker Software System and provide training to mid-level management on incident and near-miss reporting.
  • Safety Audits: Assist the Sr. EHS Engineer in addressing employee safety concerns by overseeing the Safety Teams’ monthly audit program to identify and investigate emerging issues.
  • Incident Investigation: Assist in investigating near misses, workplace illnesses, and injuries, and develop and implement corrective action plans while monitoring and assessing effectiveness.
  • Action Plans: Update and maintain records of EHS Corrective and Preventive Action Plans.
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