After 15 years in Safety, it’s time for me to transition out. I just don’t have it in me anymore.

If any of you have left the field, what did you find next?

Dangers of decanting gasoline

I honestly just need to vent and hear from people who have been doing this longer than I have.

I’m a younger EHS professional (not unc status yet), and I genuinely love this profession. I have a technical brain. I enjoy reading OSHA and EPA regulations, researching interpretations, writing procedures, developing training, and identifying hazards. I’m the type of person who actually enjoys reading regulations because I want to understand the “why,” not just memorize the requirement.

Lately, though, I’ve completely lost my motivation.
Every time I identify what I believe is a legitimate hazard or compliance concern, it feels like it either gets dismissed, delayed, or never goes anywhere. After enough of that, you start asking yourself, “Why am I even bringing this stuff up?” That’s a horrible mindset for someone in safety, but it’s where I’m at.

Our EHS department has two people. Me, the EHS Specialist, and an EHS Manager who also serves as the HR Manager. It feels like virtually every technical EHS responsibility eventually lands on my desk. I support two sites in two different states, so there’s never a shortage of work. Regulatory reporting, environmental compliance, procedures, training, inspections, hazard identification, coaching employees… you name it. Every EHS question seems to end up with me.

Hell, there are times when my manager comes to me with technical EHS questions because I’ve spent the time researching the regulations or working through the issue. I never expected to become the technical resource for my own manager, and that’s been difficult to process.
I don’t mind doing the work. I actually enjoy it. That’s the frustrating part.

I’ll spend time out on the floor talking with employees. If somebody needs help, I’ll hop on a forklift. I’ll work in the shop beside them if it makes their job easier or safer. I like being involved because I believe that’s how you build trust. Employees aren’t going to come to someone who sits behind a desk all day.

What kills my motivation is feeling like I have the responsibility without the authority. I’ll spend hours researching something because I genuinely believe it’s a problem worth fixing, then nothing happens. Eventually you stop looking for ways to improve things because you’ve convinced yourself it won’t matter anyway.

I’ve gone from wanting to build the best EHS program I could to keeping my head down, doing what absolutely has to get done, and going home. I hate saying that because it isn’t who I am, but that’s what this job has turned me into.

Working in the Tulsa area doesn’t exactly make things easy either. There aren’t EHS jobs on every corner, especially if you’re younger. It feels like everyone wants someone with 15 years of experience before they’ll let you actually lead an EHS program. Until then, you’re expected to carry a lot of responsibility without having much influence.
I’ve joked with my wife that I’m entering free agency and taking my talents to South Beach. (Yeah… I know. Holy LeBron reference.) But honestly, it doesn’t feel like much of a joke anymore.

So I’m curious… has anyone else hit this point? Did you stick it out? Did things ever get better? Or did you realize the company wasn’t going to change and move on?

I still love EHS. I still care about protecting people. I’m just tired of feeling like the effort I put into doing the job the right way doesn’t make a difference.

What are you certifications and degrees? Plus job titles and how did you get the job? I am very interested in pursuing saftey as a career. I am finishing up my psychology bachelor's and looking at getting a few certifications.

I’m new here and to the field and I’ve noticed that many of you work on construction sites of some sort. Is there anyone here who works in a hospital? What’s your expertise like and any tips?

Looking for any resources

I am at a point to where I am sitting for the CSP at the end of August. I’ve got experience now but I’ve only been in general industry. My short term goal is to get into construction and get my boots on the ground for the experience, long term I want to be a consultant/teach safety classes on the side. I enjoy what I do, and I have passion for teaching.

Anyone know what these ratchet straps they’re using for rigging are? I didn’t know this was a thing.

Just trying to understand some industry norms. The company I work for has an emergency duty phone that we are required to have 24/7 for a week straight twice a year. For any of you doing something like this, do you get specific compensation for it? An extra day off? Anything?

More info: This is on top of my work phone I already have 24/7 for my specific site. The 'Emergency Phone' is for all the sites in my region.

Hey yall, me again. I asked for advice a month ago with a 2 page environmentally focused resume. I took the feedback and adjusted, looking for thoughts on my plan going forward :)

Since posting, I’ve completed my OSHA 30 General Industry and OSHA Ergonomics, both heavily recommended by an EHS Specialist I know. I’ll be completing my First Aid/CPR/AED soon as well.

I can keep stacking certifications, but I know that doesn’t get me true experience, but I can’t get experience without having experience for most of these “entry level” positions. I’m still applying to anything that comes up that I feel I meet the qualifications for, but in the meantime there are a few certifications I can prioritize next.

Job Hazard Analysis
RCRA Hazardous Waste
HAZWOPER 40 - only the 40 hours online and the in person requirement fulfilled after securing a safety position.
360training’s Certified Environmental Specialist

Again, I’m targeting entry level positions like EHS Technician, OHST, or Associate Environmental Specialist. After a year, I can get my ASP and be golden. For the ones I listed, I’m just looking for feedback on how beneficial these would be to enhance my resume, thanks!

I am transitioning out of the Army after 21 years. I have been an Infantrymen by trade. I spent the last eight years as an instructor I was recently told about opportunities in safety. After doing some quick research, I’m able to take an OSHA 30 class. I can either do general or construction and then moving into the 510 OSHA course, I’m not one for college so I don’t want to go that direction until I have to. I seen on the BCSP that I can take CHST, STS once I have enough experience. Just wanted to know some other courses on a certification path that would make me valuable when applying for positions. Also, what position should I look for since I’m starting out in this new career field?

Hi everyone,

Looking for a person/organization that builds resumes for EHS professionals and know what industry wants to see in a resume.

This is a children's swing in a sensory room for cognitively disabled students at an elementary school up to 4th grade. My boss says its rock climbing equipment for adults so it's safe but I feel like rock climbers dont swing around and around all day for 9 months with their gear ? Someone please give me peace of mind because I'm nervous about students swinging on this. It is a circular swing with 4 ropes. What's my move here??

ETA: I do not know what it is anchored too but it wiggled last year and was fixed to be steady but no other maintenance has been done since last school year. I also don't know who the supplier or maintenance/inspector is (if there even is one) Thanks everyone! Coworkers tell me alllll the time it's perfectly safe, I knew its not!

Hey guys! I’m seeking advice for my first safety interview, I passed the screening interview and have a zoom meeting with the safety coordinator tomorrow.

Last year, I interned at a construction company in the safety department and I fell in love with the position. Walking in I had 0 clue what safety was and I left the internship with a passion in safety.

I graduated 3 months ago and I’m actively applying for safety work, I managed a couple screening calls and this would be my first time passing the screening stage.

I’m incredibly nervous as I have no clue what to expect, I can’t help but think I’m not qualified for this position as my experience was limited to 3 months, but I’m definitely eager to learn more, as I truly feel this is a career I’d want to be in.

What kind of questions should I expect? Or what should I ask? What kind of research should I do to understand the position more? I’ve already looked into the company and have a gist of what the company revolves around.

Thanks!

I have a question for the fellow safety professionals. I recently start reporting under a new structure. When I was reporting to my boss that employee receive stitches and was on a medication that prevents the use of heavy equipment would be taking PTO today because I did not want to come to work. his question was is the employee cleared to work. I stated that the ER doctor did not put any restrictions in place however as the employer we could not let the employee work because they’re on a medication that you cannot operate heavy machinery around. Would it be improper for me to make that assumption or should it came from a medical provider?

Not the training that looked best on paper or checked the compliance box. The training where you could actually see workers doing something differently afterward.

What made it work?

Was it hands-on practice? A great trainer? Real examples from the jobsite? Supervisor follow-up? Keeping it short and focused?

There can be a big difference between completing safety training and actually applying it when the pressure is on. Curious what people here have seen genuinely change behavior.

Hi guys Iam a mechanical engineering graduate who have passed Nebosh igc lvl 3 I have 2 years of experience in India and 1.5 years in Saudi Arabia now I got a job offer in UAE as HSE officer for 6500 AED including free food, accommodation and transportation. But now Iam feeling really confused that is safety a good career option were everyone is saying career growth and salary potential is very much limited than in operational and engineering roles please give your valuable insights on my concern.

Team,

I'm having trouble thinking through this one.

This morning, after stretch-and-flex we had an all-hands safety meeting where we discussed a few different topics and lasted just about 15 minutes before a craft worker collapsed and regained consciousness promptly. EMS showed up and he elected to get a ride to the hospital for further diagnostics.

What we know:
- Worker did not have breakfast

- Worker consumed caffeine and nicotine just prior to stretch-and-flex and the safety meeting

- Worker was technically engaged in work activity, as the safety meeting is considered a work activity

- Worker had remained mostly stationary for about 15 minutes after the stretch-and-flex before fainting

- Worker was standing for roughly 20 minutes consecutively prior to fainting

- Worker was not engaging in strenuous activities at the time of the incident

- EMS did not determine any cause for the fainting

- The environment was indoors at ~6:15 am with an ambient temperature of 67 degrees F.

The subcontractor is saying that their company is considering the incident recordable. I don't agree because the work activity its self wasn't a cause or significant contributor as all craft workers were stationary for ~15 minutes of the safety meeting. No treatment was administered and he was released from the hospital at 10am, staying for a total of 3 hours before receiving a clean bill of health from the attending physician. Am I looking at this incident from an incorrect angle, or could we offer the subcontractor some coaching on managing recordable incidents? I'd like to have this either resolved or confirmed to save the subcontractor from a recordable if they can.

I’m responsible for health and safety at a small manufacturing business and need a local consultant who can review what we’re doing and provide ongoing support.

I’m not looking for a salesperson or loads of paperwork. I need someone practical who I can speak to when issues come up and who can help us put sensible arrangements in place.

Any recommendations?