Author: Aleksey Kuzin, Head of Ecology and Technosphere Safety Division — BMZ
In today's world, where technology, manufacturing, and work processes are constantly evolving, ensuring the health and safety of employees is becoming a priority. The role of an HSE specialist is becoming indispensable in sectors where potential risks and hazards to workers exist. But what exactly does this specialist do?
This professional is a true expert, capable of combining a wide range of knowledge and skills:
- Technologist, who understands industrial processes and provides advice to other engineers.
- Economist, who plans budgets for safety initiatives.
- Teacher, who conducts education and training sessions.
- Designer, who makes everything look "beautiful" and "modern."
- Psychologist, who is always ready to listen to concerns and complaints, providing support to employees in problem-solving and stress management.
- Investigator, who looks into incidents and accidents, identifying their root causes.
- Predictor, who is indispensable when absurd situations arise.
- Analyst, who processes vast amounts of information and identifies trends and issues in HSE.
- Procurement Officer, who selects workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) and interacts with suppliers.
- Lawyer, who understands all the mysteries of legislation.
- Marketer, who promotes safety, making it clear and appealing to staff.
- Auditor, who develops checklists to check other checklists.
- Sociologist, who studies human interaction with the work environment and adapts working conditions to employee needs.
- Writer, who drafts articles, newsletters, and lengthy orders.
- Call Center Operator, who spends half the day answering phone calls.
- Hero, who does everything, and then some.