EHS in the Medical Field?
I've been in the safety industry going on 5 years now. I currently work for a commercial insurance carrier as a Loss Control consultant, and lately I've been questioning whether or not I'd like a change... I have a strong interest for EHS opportunities in the medical field. Working in insurance has allowed me to have a broad understanding for various risks, industries, lines of business, etc. I have some experience identifying EHS exposures/controls in healthcare environments, and some brief background education and experience in the medical field, but that's about it. Can anyone with Healthcare/Medical Field EHS experience please provide any insight on what I can do to become a marketable candidate for such job, trainings/courses, what your day-to-day looks like, etc.? Anything will help. Thank you!!
Comments (9)
I work in a large tertiary care hospital in EHS. I do a blend of more traditional EHS type roles with some quality/assurance work. Respirator protection is a big component as it fire safety, ergonomics, and hazmat management. I transitioned from a lab safety role into the position. Jobs in the field (entry level) seems to pop up every few months, not in my organization but in neighboring hospitals.
Hi, Emily!
If you're on LinkedIn, I would recommend connecting with someone in the field already - preferably in the city you want to work in.
Don't go straight for the ask, but find the individual, see if you have anything in common on their profile (even if it's only that you live in the same city), then add that little note to go along with your connection request.
Engage on their posts so they get to know your name, and let them know exactly what you've said here.
Good luck!
I do not work in the medical field but I did some hospital-related EHS work when in grad school. Take what I say lightly, as I have not have formal experience in this environment.
Ergonomics is a big item considering the increasing rate of obesity in the US. Lifting injuries are a risk, as are STFs - for both employees and patients. Laboratories are also something to consider; IH experience would probably be a plus considering the various hazards associated with running a clinical laboratory. Additionally, I recommend looking into emergency planning and crisis management.
Unfortunately no Medical EHS experience, but I’ve done EHS in manufacturing/utilities for about 6 years at this point. I would say about 60% of my job is safety related (accident investigation, JHA review, near miss investigation, hazard identification) and 40% environmental (reporting, permit renewals, waste management). I actually got my masters in geology, and have no additional certifications. I think the EHS field is pretty starved for good workers so I think the fact you’re interested and have a passion for the field already puts you in a good spot. You may want to look into a RCRA training or basic waste management training to help bolster your resume