Written by Duane Freyberger, Vice President, Client Strategy
Every workplace, no matter the industry, benefits from having someone who understands how safety, health, and the environment intersect with operations. That person is the EHS Manager. In today’s regulatory landscape, the Environmental Health & Safety Manager plays a critical role in reducing risk, ensuring compliance, and keeping teams safe.
What is an EHS Manager?
An EHS Manager, or Environmental Health & Safety Manager, is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a company’s safety, health, and environmental programs. This role ensures the organization complies with federal, state, and local regulations while also promoting a workplace safety culture where employees can do their jobs safely and confidently.
These professionals often lead or support EHS teams, build policies and procedures, conduct training, and respond to incidents. More than just a rule enforcer, an EHS Manager is a strategic partner to operations, helping balance safety performance with productivity.
What Does an EHS Manager Do?
EHS Managers wear many hats. They oversee safety audits, hazard assessments, environmental compliance, emergency response planning, and more. They’re also responsible for documentation, regulatory reporting, training, and employee engagement.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average EHS Manager salary ranges from $80,000 to $110,000, depending on industry and region. Compensation reflects the complex and high-impact nature of the role.
Example of EHS Manager Projects:
- Developing an emergency response plan
- Conducting a facility-wide hazard assessment
- Launching a near-miss reporting program
- Leading OSHA 300 log recordkeeping and audits
- Implementing a new safety training curriculum
- Designing waste management protocols
- Coordinating indoor air quality testing after a renovation
- Tips for Being a Great EHS Manager
Great EHS Managers go beyond compliance. They lead with communication, empathy, and clarity while driving performance through smart systems and personal accountability.
1. Communicate
Clear communication is one of the most important tools an EHS Manager can use. Whether it’s explaining new policies, reporting trends, or engaging executives, strong communication builds trust.
For example, holding regular safety stand-downs or toolbox talks helps ensure everyone understands expectations and procedures. It also opens a two-way dialogue that makes employees feel heard.
2. Know That Safety is About People
Safety isn’t just about rules—it’s about protecting real people. Great EHS Managers know how to connect safety practices to human outcomes.
When employees see that leadership truly cares about their well-being, participation increases. Share real stories of how safety processes have prevented harm—it creates meaning behind the measures.
3. Lead By Example
Your behavior sets the tone. EHS Managers must walk the talk—wearing proper PPE, following procedures, and showing up consistently.
If you expect employees to report hazards or attend training, you should be the first one doing it. This builds respect and sets a clear standard.
4. Engage & Reward Employees’ Participation
Recognition goes a long way. EHS Managers who create a feedback loop—celebrating safe behaviors or team safety wins—are more likely to build buy-in.
Whether it’s informal praise, safety milestones, or peer-to-peer recognition, make sure employees know their effort is noticed and appreciated.
5. Develop Better Procedures
Outdated or overly complex safety procedures don’t help anyone. Great EHS Managers simplify where possible and involve frontline teams in developing or revising procedures.
For example, turning a lengthy written process into a quick visual SOP can dramatically improve adoption and compliance.
6. Stay Updated & Relevant in Certifications
Regulations change, and new risks emerge. Staying current with certifications like CSP, CHST, or environmental credentials ensures you remain credible and competent.
Many great EHS leaders make time for continuing education and subscribe to trusted industry resources to stay ahead of trends.
7. Monitor Workplace & Employee Safety
Proactive observation is more valuable than reactive inspection. EHS Managers should regularly walk the floor, check controls, talk with employees, and document what’s working—and what’s not.
Behavioral-based safety observations and data tracking help catch problems early and continuously improve your program.
8. Implement Safety Training
Training isn’t a checkbox—it’s an investment. Good training programs reflect real tasks, risks, and environments. Great EHS Managers adapt content for new hires, supervisors, and seasoned employees alike.
From hands-on simulations to microlearning videos, make training relevant, engaging, and repeatable.
Benefits of Having an EHS Manager
Companies that invest in EHS Managers gain far more than compliance—they build operational resilience. Benefits include:
- Fewer injuries and incidents
- Stronger regulatory performance
- Improved employee morale and retention
- Lower insurance premiums
- Greater efficiency through streamlined safety processes
An effective EHS Manager helps translate policy into practice and makes safety a part of daily operations.
We’re Here to Help With EHS Management
Need support with your safety strategy or looking to level up your EHS program? At Safety Management Group, we offer experienced EHS professionals, program development, and industry-specific solutions to help you build a culture of safety that performs.
Whether you’re staffing your EHS team, launching a new compliance program, or training your workforce, we can help. Reach out to learn how our team can support yours.
