Difference between a HSE Officer and HSE Manager

This question has been in my mind for a very long time before I decided to ask fellow professionals; I know there are some HSE professionals that also needs an answer to this question.

Now:

WHO IS A HSE MANAGER?

From the understanding of management, in summary a HSE manager designs, develops, and controls the health and Safety structure in any organization.

 

Now the next question:

WHO IS A HSE OFFICER?

A HSE officer is saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the Health and safety system to ensure it is working as planned and also complies to statutory requirements and organization’s best practice.

From the responsibilities stated above, you can see a clear demarcation between the HSE officer and a HSE Manager, but in the Health and safety profession, most times we see an overlap in the responsibilities of a HSE officer and a HSE manager. We see HSE Officers possessing some qualifications that some HSE manager does not possess, Some HSE Officers earns a better salary than some HSE managers.

This is why I came up with this question; What is the ” Difference between a HSE Officer and HSE Manager “?

These are some responses from some HSE professionals on this question I posted on LinkedIn:

“What is the ” Difference between a HSE Officer and HSE Manager “; answers should be based on responsibilities, qualification and salary”.

I quote:

• “HSE Manager is saddled with the responsibility of developing and monitoring HSE policy, programs, processes, etc, that will help improve on the HSE-MS of the organization.

While

HSE Officer is responsible for enforcing all of the above P’s.

On certification, certificates do not really differentiate people in this profession as such because everyone have access to NEBOSH, OSHA, NISP/ISPON, ect. What counts is hands-on experience, the magnitude of hazards/risks you successfully overcome, your records.

Salary will largely depend on industry and associated risk”.

                                       Mr. Augustine Agboiyi

 

• “I have tried researching on the topic. I found out that organizations use the designations HSE Manager, HSE Officer, HSE Supervisor or HSE Coordinator base on their individual organizational structure. It is not based on any professional hierarchy. They are just titles based on organizational perception of HSE role. The qualifications are the same, but individual experience defers and that determines output.

You may have one organization call their own HSE Supervisor           or Coordinator but the person called HSE Officer in another             organization may be more experienced and productive.                     However, some organizations with well develop HSE-MS might         well have a HSE practitioner who should have possessed an             advanced experience to oversee the affairs of the HSE                       department in relation to the other department as a HSE                   Manager.

In terms of their responsibilities, it is virtually the same. A HSE         Officer in an organization without a dedicated HSE                           department must be saddled with the same responsibilities of         creating policies, developing templates and documents as well         as enforcing the policies.

The salary depends on the level of recognition accord to HSE             as a system not on the title of the person.”

                              Mr. Obioma Futurehope O.

 

From the above responses from those professionals, the subject matter had been made clear. The job designation is just a title adopted by an organization and they also determine the responsibility. The salary they pay is also determined by the value the organization place on the HSE profession.

 

Points to note about the ” Difference between a HSE Officer and HSE Manager “

• There are no statutory duties of a HSE Officer, HSE manager, HSE Coordinator, nor HSE Advisor; it is organization dependent. Keep in mind that duties do overlap. Though you may see, “Duties of a HSE officer” more may be expected from you with the same designation (HSE Officer or Safety officer). Just keep yourself abreast with what could be required of you as a HSE professional and develop yourself towards that.
• There is also no standard salary scale for a HSE professional; it is organization dependent.
• For qualification: The qualification needed for whatever HSE role you are to occupy is determined by the organization that wants to hire you. I have seen several HSE job post; some qualification needed for a HSE Officer role is some organizations is higher that the qualification needed for a HSE Coordinator and HSE Manager role in other organization. As a HSE professional, always search for opportunities for career development; enroll for HSE trainings. This is the only way you can sustain a steady growth in the HSE profession and also get better offers.
• Lastly: The most important factor is experience, gain as much experience as you can whenever opportunity presents itself. This will be the only thing that will stand you out from other professionals. Everyone have access to training as long as the finance is available, not everyone do not have access to experience since it cannot be bought.

 

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