Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Hazard Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

A Hazard Specialist is a critical Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) professional responsible for the proactive identification, comprehensive evaluation, and effective control of occupational hazards. This role serves as the organization's subject matter expert on chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks. The Hazard Specialist champions a culture of safety by developing and implementing robust safety programs, ensuring strict compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations (such as OSHA and EPA), and leading emergency preparedness and response efforts. By blending technical expertise with strong communication, they protect the well-being of employees, safeguard the environment, and ensure the operational integrity of the business.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Safety Coordinator
Environmental Technician
Industrial Hygiene Technician
Laboratory Safety Officer

Advancement To:

Senior Hazard Specialist or EHS Manager
Corporate Director of Environmental, Health & Safety
Risk Manager or Director of Risk Management
Process Safety Management (PSM) Lead

Lateral Moves:

Emergency Management Planner
Business Continuity Specialist
Compliance Manager
Process Safety Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive risk assessments, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and process hazard analyses to proactively identify potential health and safety risks associated with equipment, materials, and work processes.
Develop, implement, and meticulously maintain company-wide EHS programs, policies, and procedures to ensure full compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices.
Serve as the primary subject matter expert on hazardous materials management, overseeing the entire lifecycle from procurement and storage to use and disposal, including managing the hazardous waste program.
Lead and document thorough incident investigations, utilizing root cause analysis methodologies to determine contributing factors and develop robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to prevent recurrence.
Interpret complex federal, state, and local EHS regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, DOT, RCRA) and ensure all site operations, documentation, and reporting are in full compliance.
Design, develop, and deliver engaging and effective safety training programs for employees at all levels, covering topics such as Hazard Communication, Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space Entry, and Emergency Response.
Perform regular and unannounced site safety audits and inspections of facilities, work areas, and equipment to identify non-compliance issues and unsafe conditions, and track findings to closure.
Manage and maintain the organization's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) library, ensuring all documents are current, accessible, and integrated into the broader Hazard Communication program.
Develop, review, and update site-specific Emergency Response Plans and act as a key leader or advisor during drills, exercises, and actual emergency situations.
Conduct industrial hygiene monitoring, including air quality sampling, noise level dosimetry, and ergonomic assessments, to quantify employee exposures and recommend appropriate controls.
Provide expert guidance and technical support to management, engineering, and operational teams on EHS matters to integrate safety considerations into all business decisions and projects.
Maintain meticulous and audit-ready EHS records, including training logs, inspection reports, incident files, and regulatory permits, to demonstrate due diligence and compliance.
Lead or actively participate in safety committee meetings, fostering a collaborative environment to address employee concerns, review safety performance, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Evaluate, select, and oversee the implementation of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring proper fit, function, and employee training on its use and limitations.
Manage critical safety programs such as Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Confined Space Entry, Fall Protection, and Hot Work, ensuring all procedures are followed and documented correctly.
Interface with regulatory agency representatives during inspections and inquiries, serving as the professional and knowledgeable point of contact for the company.
Review new chemicals, equipment, and processes before introduction into the workplace to conduct a pre-emptive hazard review and ensure necessary controls are in place.
Oversee and audit contractor safety performance, ensuring that third-party workers on-site adhere to company EHS policies and all regulatory requirements.

Secondary Functions

Provide EHS data and in-depth analysis for management reporting, trend identification, and the development of key performance indicators (KPIs) to track safety performance.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of the corporate Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) management system, such as ISO 45001 or VPP programs.
Partner with engineering, operations, and facilities teams to integrate "safety-by-design" principles into new capital projects, process modifications, and facility layouts.
Participate in cross-functional project teams to provide expert EHS guidance and ensure compliance is maintained throughout the entire project lifecycle.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Regulatory Expertise: Deep and practical knowledge of OSHA, EPA, DOT, and RCRA regulations, with the ability to interpret and apply them in a complex operational environment.
Hazardous Materials Management: Proficiency in HAZMAT/HAZWOPER protocols, chemical compatibility, GHS classification, and hazardous waste disposal regulations.
Risk Assessment Methodologies: Demonstrated skill in applying techniques like Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and other qualitative and quantitative risk assessment tools.
Incident Investigation: Expertise in root cause analysis (RCA) techniques such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and TapRooT® to conduct thorough and unbiased investigations.
Industrial Hygiene: Competency in using and interpreting data from industrial hygiene monitoring equipment for air, noise, and other physical/chemical agents.
Emergency Preparedness: Strong understanding of the Incident Command System (ICS) and experience in developing, drilling, and executing emergency response plans.
Technical Writing: Ability to author clear, concise, and technically accurate documents, including safety procedures, investigation reports, and regulatory correspondence.
Safety Management Systems: Familiarity with the structure and implementation of formal EHS management systems (e.g., ISO 45001, ISO 14001, OSHA VPP).

Soft Skills

Influence & Persuasion: Ability to influence and build consensus among diverse groups, from senior leadership to front-line employees, without relying on direct authority.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of translating complex technical information into understandable and actionable guidance for all audiences.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in conducting inspections, reviewing documents, and maintaining records to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical mindset to identify underlying issues, evaluate options, and implement effective, sustainable solutions.
Training & Presentation: The ability to develop and deliver compelling training sessions that engage adult learners and drive behavioral change.
Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic environment, able to manage multiple priorities, respond effectively to emergencies, and adapt to changing regulations and business needs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

Master's degree in a relevant field and/or a key professional certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Occupational Health and Safety
Environmental Science or Management
Industrial Hygiene
Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
Public Health

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of direct, progressive experience in an Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), industrial hygiene, or dedicated hazard/chemical management role within an industrial, manufacturing, or research environment.

Preferred:

Experience within a highly regulated industry (e.g., chemical, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, energy, construction) is highly desirable. Professional certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) are strongly preferred and may be required for senior-level consideration.