How did you start in EHS? 15 Professional Answers
How did you start in the Environmental, Health and Safety field? Was there an A-ha moment - "I want to do Environmental Health & Safety!" or was evolution of your career more organic? How did you realize how critical MSDS Management was at such a young age?
We recently put this line of questioning to a group of EHS professionals in a dedicated LinkedIn Group called the Environmental, Health and Safety Compliance Network. Here is what working professionals say about their experience.
Started by *accident*:
I got my start in safety when I was given the job as Lab Safety Officer after our hospital clinical lab had a fire. Someone knocked over the xylene that was too close to the bunsen burner (how dangerous was that!).
I was fresh out of college and was beginning my internship as a Medical Laboratory Technician. The Lab Director gave me the Fire code, EPA rules, and the OSHA regulations and told me to "make our lab safe".
The first thing I did was a chemical inventory where I discovered a teenie jar of picric acid that had crystalized! After the entire first floor was evacuated, the bomb squad was called and they removed the teenie jar in full bomb squad gear! I was able to accompany them to their firing range where they used the jar as target practice and it made a hole 10 feet by 10 feet. I had my picture taken in the hole and a safety professional was born!
- Debbie Emmerson
CHSP, Environmental, Health & Safety Professional
I was fresh out of college and was beginning my internship as a Medical Laboratory Technician. The Lab Director gave me the Fire code, EPA rules, and the OSHA regulations and told me to "make our lab safe".
The first thing I did was a chemical inventory where I discovered a teenie jar of picric acid that had crystalized! After the entire first floor was evacuated, the bomb squad was called and they removed the teenie jar in full bomb squad gear! I was able to accompany them to their firing range where they used the jar as target practice and it made a hole 10 feet by 10 feet. I had my picture taken in the hole and a safety professional was born!
- Debbie Emmerson
CHSP, Environmental, Health & Safety Professional
Pre-med turns preventative medicine:
Was a pre-med undergraduate student ... Started thinking it might be better to focus on prevention rather than treatment. The Chair of the university's industrial hygiene & safety department told me a graduate degree in IH may be something to think about. It didn't hurt that graduates from that program had the highest starting salary of all degree programs at that time (mid-80's)! Loved it and never thought about med school again!
Lance Erickson
Lance Erickson
Principal Risk Control Administrator
The Environmental Engineering route:
I was in the initial wave of environmental engineering graduates (straight out of undergraduate school) responding to the new NPDES permitting programs under the CWA. In fact, that law included funds to pay for graduate education in the environmental field (thank you, EPA). In the past 35 years, I've watched the regulatory environment expand along with the technologies associated with them (a far cry from the bucket chemistry - literally - that I learned).
Sam Waldo
I was in the initial wave of environmental engineering graduates (straight out of undergraduate school) responding to the new NPDES permitting programs under the CWA. In fact, that law included funds to pay for graduate education in the environmental field (thank you, EPA). In the past 35 years, I've watched the regulatory environment expand along with the technologies associated with them (a far cry from the bucket chemistry - literally - that I learned).
Sam Waldo
Director, EHS Support Services at Amphenol Corporation
Up the down staircase:
Back-doored it. Nothing to do with my degree but evolved first as working in Security/EmergencyResponse, became an EMT Instructor, then instructor at Police Academy, then HazMats, then state regulatory agency, then corporate director, then consultant. I just kept applying for jobs based on what I knew and previously did while attempting to get my undergrad and graduate degrees. After that, I had been in safety long enough that it was what I knew and what I did. Of course, it helped that I found the subject and the profession challenging and fascinating, but it was clearly NOT my initial direction in life. Now 30 years later, I guess I did OK.
Randy DeVaul
Founder, Brickhouse of NY, Inc, Global Performance Safety
Had the right chemistry:
Started in R&D as a chemist and was back-up for the MSDS author and Lab Safety guy. When an EHS department was created and the gentleman retired, I was the logical choice. Unfortunately, I do a lot more than just the MSDS and with GHS coming along and REACh, I am swamped. Thankfully, I belong to a great group call Society for Chemical Hazards Communications that helps keep me up to date on a lot of stuff.
Monica Mathers
Product Compliance Coordinator at American Refining Group
The military strategist:
I would have to say my path was a bit more deliberate: upon joining the U.S. Navy where I started out as a sheet metal mechanic, I had set my sights on moving into the Quality Assurance side of the house in the later years. I never made it to the QA house, because an opportunity opened up to get into Six Sigma and lean processes. I jumped on it and started to look hard at safety through those eyes. When it was time to move on I was asked where do I want to go -- I went to the safety department of an aircraft carrier, having some knowledge on safety I was able to jump right in and move on up.
I retired from the Navy and applied my efforts here to the outside and have made great strides in this field.
Currently finishing up a degree with Columbia Southern University and then on to the ASP and then CSP and work on a master degree. Things are looking up. The old adage applies: “If I knew then what I know now, I would've really worked on the education while I was still in the service.”
Bret Humphrey
Safety Rep at BAE Systems, Sealy TX
Too trustworthy to let go:
Moved from plant chemist to 'environmental manager in training' - a.k.a., compliance supervisor. At that point in my career, I could either wait for a corporate chemist position, or switch to another career track with further upside potential. There is a very high level of trust needed to fill the environmental position, and the manager felt that I would keep him safe, even while I learned on-the-job. The previous environmental manager was promoted and maintained an office on-site to train me.
The environmental compliance field in New Jersey is a very stressful position. Anyone saying "I want to do that!" should seriously consider what they are doing. The job is mostly sitting in front of a computer, trying to keep up with all the changes in regulations, and rushing to hit all your required submission dates.
Rolf Dinsmore
Compliance Supervisor (New Jersey)
Waste not, want not:
I made a career change which required more education. I went back to college at RIT, majoring in their Environmental Management program. I was very fortunate to get an internship at The Eastman Kodak Co. performing waste reduction audits. I was hired upon graduation to work for a recycling company as their Human Resource Health & Safety Manager. Now I work for another recycling company as a Health, Safety and Risk Manager. Although there was no organic moment for me, I found a love for the recycling and solid waste industry as a safety manager.
Susan Shay
Manager of Health, Safety & Risk Management at Metro Waste Paper Recovery
Back-doored it. Nothing to do with my degree but evolved first as working in Security/EmergencyResponse, became an EMT Instructor, then instructor at Police Academy, then HazMats, then state regulatory agency, then corporate director, then consultant. I just kept applying for jobs based on what I knew and previously did while attempting to get my undergrad and graduate degrees. After that, I had been in safety long enough that it was what I knew and what I did. Of course, it helped that I found the subject and the profession challenging and fascinating, but it was clearly NOT my initial direction in life. Now 30 years later, I guess I did OK.
Randy DeVaul
Founder, Brickhouse of NY, Inc, Global Performance Safety
Had the right chemistry:
Started in R&D as a chemist and was back-up for the MSDS author and Lab Safety guy. When an EHS department was created and the gentleman retired, I was the logical choice. Unfortunately, I do a lot more than just the MSDS and with GHS coming along and REACh, I am swamped. Thankfully, I belong to a great group call Society for Chemical Hazards Communications that helps keep me up to date on a lot of stuff.
Monica Mathers
Product Compliance Coordinator at American Refining Group
The military strategist:
I would have to say my path was a bit more deliberate: upon joining the U.S. Navy where I started out as a sheet metal mechanic, I had set my sights on moving into the Quality Assurance side of the house in the later years. I never made it to the QA house, because an opportunity opened up to get into Six Sigma and lean processes. I jumped on it and started to look hard at safety through those eyes. When it was time to move on I was asked where do I want to go -- I went to the safety department of an aircraft carrier, having some knowledge on safety I was able to jump right in and move on up.
I retired from the Navy and applied my efforts here to the outside and have made great strides in this field.
Currently finishing up a degree with Columbia Southern University and then on to the ASP and then CSP and work on a master degree. Things are looking up. The old adage applies: “If I knew then what I know now, I would've really worked on the education while I was still in the service.”
Bret Humphrey
Safety Rep at BAE Systems, Sealy TX
Too trustworthy to let go:
Moved from plant chemist to 'environmental manager in training' - a.k.a., compliance supervisor. At that point in my career, I could either wait for a corporate chemist position, or switch to another career track with further upside potential. There is a very high level of trust needed to fill the environmental position, and the manager felt that I would keep him safe, even while I learned on-the-job. The previous environmental manager was promoted and maintained an office on-site to train me.
The environmental compliance field in New Jersey is a very stressful position. Anyone saying "I want to do that!" should seriously consider what they are doing. The job is mostly sitting in front of a computer, trying to keep up with all the changes in regulations, and rushing to hit all your required submission dates.
Rolf Dinsmore
Compliance Supervisor (New Jersey)
Waste not, want not:
I made a career change which required more education. I went back to college at RIT, majoring in their Environmental Management program. I was very fortunate to get an internship at The Eastman Kodak Co. performing waste reduction audits. I was hired upon graduation to work for a recycling company as their Human Resource Health & Safety Manager. Now I work for another recycling company as a Health, Safety and Risk Manager. Although there was no organic moment for me, I found a love for the recycling and solid waste industry as a safety manager.
Susan Shay
Manager of Health, Safety & Risk Management at Metro Waste Paper Recovery
Offshore production comes home:
I first started right out of High School as an Electricians Helper working in the Offshore Production field moving up to lead foreman. I enjoyed the career because it took me all over the world. But after about 7 1/2 years of this I was desperately trying to get out of always being away from my family. So resumes went up and one day while on the job, I got the call from a Safety Training company that wanted to speak with me about my offshore experience and using my field experience in training. I started working for them 2 weeks later as a Safety Trainer and spent 7 years with them as a Compliance Specialist training people in all kinds of industries. During my 7 years with that company I moved from just a Trainer to Region Manager, then Vice President of Operations.
Today I now own my own Safety Training company "Omega Safety Training, Inc.” and could not be any better off, since I love nothing more than helping companies improve their safety and the wellbeing of their employees. I have built this business to accommodate companies by traveling to them to provide the training they need. This has been a big hit with many companies.
Chad Keller
Owner, Omega Safety Training, Inc.
It's a family affair:
I started in safety nearly 27 years ago and come from a family of HSE professionals, so you could say it was in the genes. My late father was in the HSE field for over 30 years and I suppose myself and 2 brothers caught the bug as kids listening to all the stories about international safety when we used to sit around the table. Overall we have all been involved on the international scene with a combined total of over 100 years of safety experience in one family, and still counting. Who knows - maybe a third generation will take up the mantle?
Wayne Harris
HSE Director - Qatar, Board Director - World Safety Organization, CEO Int Safety Quality Environment Management Assoc
Welcome to the jungle:
Started career in pesticide enforcement and transitioned to emergency response and spills response. HSE was a vital part of all actions along the way and became a real focus when taking a General Operations Manager position for an environmental clean up contracting firm. Its just mushroomed ever since. Its kind of like having a tiger by the tail, you can't let go!
Dean Kelley
Owner, Northern Horizons of WI LLC and Environmental Compliance Consultant
From missionary to mission:
I had initially wanted to study atmospheric sciences which was a graduate level program in my state. In preparation for doing that I was advised to get a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Sciences with a concentration in atmospheric science. A few years after I graduated I volunteered to serve a church mission working with spanish speaking people along the border of Mexico in Texas.
For a few months I lived directly across the street from a large refinery. After completing my missionary assignment I came home and began working in the field of air pollution control and have been doing that now for nearly 30 years.
Barry Andrews, P.E.
Principal/Manager of Air Quality Services at LT Environmental, Inc.
I first started right out of High School as an Electricians Helper working in the Offshore Production field moving up to lead foreman. I enjoyed the career because it took me all over the world. But after about 7 1/2 years of this I was desperately trying to get out of always being away from my family. So resumes went up and one day while on the job, I got the call from a Safety Training company that wanted to speak with me about my offshore experience and using my field experience in training. I started working for them 2 weeks later as a Safety Trainer and spent 7 years with them as a Compliance Specialist training people in all kinds of industries. During my 7 years with that company I moved from just a Trainer to Region Manager, then Vice President of Operations.
Today I now own my own Safety Training company "Omega Safety Training, Inc.” and could not be any better off, since I love nothing more than helping companies improve their safety and the wellbeing of their employees. I have built this business to accommodate companies by traveling to them to provide the training they need. This has been a big hit with many companies.
Chad Keller
Owner, Omega Safety Training, Inc.
It's a family affair:
I started in safety nearly 27 years ago and come from a family of HSE professionals, so you could say it was in the genes. My late father was in the HSE field for over 30 years and I suppose myself and 2 brothers caught the bug as kids listening to all the stories about international safety when we used to sit around the table. Overall we have all been involved on the international scene with a combined total of over 100 years of safety experience in one family, and still counting. Who knows - maybe a third generation will take up the mantle?
Wayne Harris
HSE Director - Qatar, Board Director - World Safety Organization, CEO Int Safety Quality Environment Management Assoc
Welcome to the jungle:
Started career in pesticide enforcement and transitioned to emergency response and spills response. HSE was a vital part of all actions along the way and became a real focus when taking a General Operations Manager position for an environmental clean up contracting firm. Its just mushroomed ever since. Its kind of like having a tiger by the tail, you can't let go!
Dean Kelley
Owner, Northern Horizons of WI LLC and Environmental Compliance Consultant
From missionary to mission:
I had initially wanted to study atmospheric sciences which was a graduate level program in my state. In preparation for doing that I was advised to get a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Sciences with a concentration in atmospheric science. A few years after I graduated I volunteered to serve a church mission working with spanish speaking people along the border of Mexico in Texas.
For a few months I lived directly across the street from a large refinery. After completing my missionary assignment I came home and began working in the field of air pollution control and have been doing that now for nearly 30 years.
Barry Andrews, P.E.
Principal/Manager of Air Quality Services at LT Environmental, Inc.
Fresh from the farm:
My story is a little different. I had completed my BS degree at Purdue University in Agricultural Mechanization. I became interested in agricultural safety from an 8 week course offered at Purdue.
I had numerous years of experience working on a farm, and the safety class opened my eyes to what I wanted to do and prevent injuries and illnesses on the farm. An opportunity came to pursue a graduate degree with a research assistantship in the safety area and working for the top Extension Safety Specialist in the nation at Purdue. Of course I jumped at the opportunity. In addition to my degree and research work, it gave me the opportunity to serve residents in Indiana in farm safety education and information.
I completed my MS and PhD at Purdue in Ag Mechanization with an emphasis in agricultural safety. I went on to the University of Wisconsin Madison and West Virginia University as an Extension Safety Specialist.
Today, I am the Director of Member/Region Affairs at the American Society of Safety Engineers (www.asse.org) assisting safety professionals across the globe to advance their safety career and the safety profession. We can assit you in your career wherever you are in your A-ha moment.
Terry Wilkinson, PhD, CSP, CAE
Director, Member/Region Affairs at American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)
Director, Member/Region Affairs at American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)
Thanks to the LinkedIn group:
Thanks to the EH&S Group on LinkedIn and to everyone who participated and who gave permission to use their name and/or company. Thanks to EHSers everywhere, for keeping our facilities, environment, work-spaces, and products safe, code-compliant, and healthier every year.
There were so many great responses. We believe this discussion can benefit anyone interested in EHS and Compliance -- from students to industry analysts to colleagues.
Please send your "How I Got Started" to khurley [at] actio.net if you'd like to be in the sequel. Everyone's experience can help someone just starting out in the field -- your experience can be of service, too!
pictured:
Kal Kawar, Chicago, Illinois
Certified Industrial Hygienist (C.I.H.), Professional Engineer (P.E.)
Career EH&S Professional
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