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Protecting the environment and the people who live and work in it is an important undertaking for many organizations. Their efforts to identify and mitigate risks to workers and the environment fall under the umbrella of environmental health and safety (EHS). Let’s take a closer look at this vital sector. 

Environmental health and safety measures can include everything from eye protection for welders to recycling programs for companies. With such a broad scope, EHS typically consists of three main components: occupational safety, environmental protection, and health and wellness.

Occupational safety may not seem that important for people who work in offices and similar workplaces, but remember that many others work in factories, at construction sites and other potentially dangerous places.

A program to ensure safe working conditions includes more than just providing personal protective equipment and clearly marked exits. Examples of precautions and programs that can protect employees include:

• Providing safety training appropriate to the workplace
• Establishing an incident and violation reporting system
• Identifying potential hazards and developing plans to prevent or address any emergencies that may arise
• Performing safety inspections

Environmental protection is a significant pillar of environmental health and safety. The environmental science aspect centers on preventing, reducing or eliminating pollution and other hazards that may endanger the environment.

Facets of this include monitoring pollution in soil, water and air; managing waste; and controlling and mitigating negative impacts of accidents. Wildlife management and monitoring falls into this category as well.

Founded in 1970, the (EPA) plays a significant role in ecological management. Some of its accomplishments include:

• Removing toxic waste
• Regulating auto emissions
• Increasing recycling
• Banning cancer-causing pesticides
• Restricting the use of lead-based paint

This pillar focuses on the personal health of a community or population. From mitigating risks like airborne contaminants from industrial processes and vehicle emissions to preventing the proliferation of biological agents and radiation, this component of EHS may also monitor disease outbreaks and roll out health and wellness initiatives. These may include public health screenings, healthy school lunch programs and substance abuse prevention initiatives.  

Environmental health and safety is a concern for most industries, but some fields may require extra attention.

The energy sector can play an extensive role in EHS, for example. While this sector can cause significant pollution, it also has the power to reduce the impact on the health of citizens and the environment. By diversifying energy sources and investing in renewable energy from solar and geothermal systems, the energy sector can be a key player in reducing pollutants and improving population health.

Healthcare is another field with a large stake in EHS. Not only does it focus on the prevention, detection and curing of infectious diseases, but it must also keep patients and staff healthy. This could mean providing clean spaces for recovery and promoting self-care programs for healthcare workers, among other initiatives.

The manufacturing industry also holds a crucial stake in environmental health and safety. Factories, for example, can be hazardous on multiple levels. The machinery can be dangerous to work with if the right safety measures are not in place. When chemicals are used, they can be dangerous to both employees and the environment. This industry’s approach to EHS, in other words, can affect many people on many levels.  

Government agencies responsible for EHS provide guidance, establish regulations and ensure compliance. Here are that work to protect the environment and population:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Focuses on public health and disease prevention through research, education and response to health emergencies.
• Environmental Protection Agency – Regulates and enforces laws to protect air, water and land from pollution to ensure environmental and human health.
• Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Oversees national health programs, including Medicare, Medicaid and public health initiatives to improve overall well-being.
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Regulates food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics and tobacco products to ensure safety, efficacy and quality.
• U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) – Investigates industrial chemical accidents, identifies causes and recommends safety improvements.

To improve the health and safety of populations and the environment, government agencies write regulations for industries that may cause harm. Here are just a few examples:

• Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) – Responsible for workplace safety standards, OSHA requires employers to provide a hazard-free workplace, conduct training programs and report on-the-job injuries.
• Clean Air Act – This legislation regulates emissions to reduce greenhouse gases.
• Food Quality Protection Act – A unified, health-based standard for pesticide residues in food, this prioritizes children’s safety and requires periodic reassessment of pesticide tolerances.
• Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know ACT (EPCRA) – This law focuses on the ways that companies handle hazardous chemicals and report that information to the public.

Compliance with environmental health and safety standards can offer numerous benefits to organizations, including enhanced workplace safety and reduced potential financial burden on employees, their families and the employer. By adhering to EHS regulations, businesses can reduce costs significantly through lower workers’ compensation premiums and increased productivity. Compliance programs may also engage workers to contribute to the company's social responsibility goals, enhancing its reputation and operational efficiency.

Adhering to FDA regulations and practicing EHS compliance can offer other benefits too. The FDA stamp of approval gives consumers confidence to purchase certain products. Going through the regulation process also gives owners of intellectual property pricing power and the potential for a higher return on investment. 

EHS professionals are tasked with developing and enforcing policies to protect employees and the environment, as well as maintaining records of compliance activities. One of their biggest responsibilities may be finding and removing risks brought on by noncompliance. To do so, they must have up-to-date knowledge of the regulations governing their industry — all to minimize risks and promote a safer, healthier work environment.

Environmental health and safety professionals use software to streamline compliance, risk management and reporting duties. Key tools include incident tracking systems for logging and analyzing accidents, compliance management platforms to meet regulations and risk assessment software to identify hazards. They may also use training management systems and real-time monitoring through IoT and mobile apps to further enhance safety management.

Working to prevent environmental harm, workplace injuries and fatalities, and occupational-related illnesses, EHS professionals may advise organizations on safety and health management in the workplace. Their role can sometimes include developing strategies and even leading workplace safety and health initiatives. 

Environmental health and safety specialists usually work in office settings, though they may also spend time at worksites, factories, energy-generation facilities and similar spaces.

The top employers of EHS specialists include the following sectors:

• Manufacturing
• Government
• Engineering services
• Construction
• Management, scientific and technical consulting services

EHS pros often hold a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field. Their education helps them develop knowledge in ecology, environmental regulations and risk management.

Key skills include:

• Data analysis
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Strong communication

Technical skills like using monitoring equipment and compliance software are also critical to developing and implementing effective safety protocols.