How long have you worked in health and safety, and how many different companies have you worked for?
Interested to see how long EHS folks stick around in their positions for. If you're willing, feel free to share whether you quit, or got laid off/let go.
I've worked for three companies so far throughout my 5 years of EHS experience - TTM Technologies (printed circuit board manufacturer), Aria Energy (renewable natural gas facility), and RED Rochester (current position, utility provider). Fortunately, I have never been laid off, all of my job changes have been location related.
Comments (13)
I have been in construction safety since 1970. I have worked all over the country and many parts of the world. I love what I do. When I no longer feel l make a difference or no longer love it, I will hang up the hardhat.
Doc
The best manager leads by example and not by the book. The safety book in my opinion is a guide of common sense. A bad manager sits in the chair and yells orders out orders. Not knowing how things work.
In my approximately 16 years of safety experience, I have had 6 positions.
Position 1: Insurance loss control, 7 years. Left for better pay and new challenge.
Position 2: Safety Specialist, 3 years. Left for career advancement.
Position 3: HSE Manager, 2.5 years. Company was sold and all existing management was shown the door.
Position 4: HSE Manager, 1.5 years. Could see corporate downsizing coming and moved on.
Position 5: HSE Manager, 1 year. Company was going to be bought out and I bailed.
Position 6: HSE Manager, current job. So far so good.
I have become very sensitive to corporate buyouts and other issues. The situation I found myself in during my first HSE Manager job really got to me. I could see the train coming but couldn't get out of the way. I have switched jobs far more that I like over the past 5 years, I hope to be able to stay in my current position for a while.
Been directly involved in safety since 2013. I started with a compliance company until 2019 when given an opportunity as safety manager with a oil field services company. Laid off in late March, 2020.
I have worked for four companies in my 26 years directly responsible for HSE in functions. I only took 8 months out to support my wife through chemo and radiotherapy. I have been fortunate to work for companies where HSE was very much valued and supported throughout the business - from boardroom to back bits!
6 years total and 3 different companies. Safety Specialist 3 years, Safety Manager 1.5 years, Safety Director 1.5 years (current). Always leave for advancement and increased responsibility opportunities.
9 years as of this past July
4 years with Fortistar Methane Group - An Alternative Energy Company - EHS Specialist (left for a promotion and due to relocation)
1 Year with Barilla Pasta - EHS Manager (left for terrible work/life balance)
1.5 years with McAlpin Industries - Metal Fabrication - EHS Manager (left for financial advancement)
Almost 3 Years with Mersen (current) - A busbar and advanced materials manufacturer - EHS Manager
Hello,
I am currently in my third role as a safety professional. I have been in safety and health for almost 4 years now. My first role in safety was a position that "I fell into". I started the Safety Specialist with little to no experience or education in the field. I moved from that role in 2019 because I thought that my time was coming to end at that company after three changes in management. My second role was an EHS Assistant and then I was promoted to EHS Specialist. But, after COVID-19 hit, I was laid off from that company in June. Now I am an EHS Coordinator. So, I guess I have had four different roles at three different companies in less than four years.
My next goal is to find a place I can stay and grow!