Risk and Safety Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of increasing safety consciousness, the role of risk and safety managers has become more critical than ever.

As companies navigate the complexities of risk management and safety protocols, the demand for professionals who can address, mitigate, and manage these risks continues to grow.

But what does it really take to be a risk and safety manager?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring professional trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to identify the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the realm of risk and safety management,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a versatile risk and safety manager job description template, crafted for easy use on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve into it right away.

Risk and Safety Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Risk and Safety Managers are responsible for the development and implementation of health and safety programs in an organization.

They oversee and monitor activities to minimize risks and to ensure that safety regulations are adhered to.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing health and safety plans in the workplace according to legal guidelines
• Preparing and enforcing policies to establish a culture of health and safety
• Evaluating practices, procedures and facilities to assess risk and adherence to the law
• Conducting training and presentations for health and safety matters and accident prevention
• Monitoring compliance to policies and laws by inspecting employees and operations
• Inspecting equipment and machinery to observe possible unsafe conditions
• Investigating accidents or incidents to discover causes and handle worker’s compensation claims
• Recommending solutions to issues, improvement opportunities or new prevention measures
• Reporting on health and safety awareness, issues and statistics

 

Risk and Safety Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Risk and Safety Manager to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for identifying and reducing potential risks within the organization, as well as ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

The ideal candidate will have an understanding of risk management methodologies, extensive knowledge of health and safety regulations, and the ability to formulate policies and conduct detailed risk assessments.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement health and safety policies and procedures
• Conduct regular safety audits and inspections
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal safety laws and regulations
• Train employees on safety practices and regulations
• Lead investigations into incidents and accidents, and provide detailed reports
• Create and manage safety protocols in the event of an accident
• Maintain records of insurance policies and claims
• Develop company health and safety plans and strategies

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Risk and Safety Manager or similar role
• Knowledge of risk assessment and control
• Experience with reporting and recordkeeping
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations
• Excellent communication and training skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities
• BSc/BA in safety management, engineering or relevant field
• Certification in health and safety (e.g. CSP, CIH) is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Safety training and professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Risk and Safety Manager
• Work Environment: Office and field work. Some travel may be required for inspections and meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Operations or CEO.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Risk and Safety Manager Do?

Risk and Safety Managers primarily work in industries such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and other fields where safety is a top concern.

They can also work for various organizations and companies to help ensure the safety of employees and customers.

They are responsible for developing and implementing safety protocols and regulations within the company, as well as ensuring that these protocols are followed consistently.

Their job is to identify potential hazards in the workplace and provide solutions to mitigate these risks.

This includes conducting regular safety audits, training staff on safety procedures, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations.

Risk and Safety Managers also play a crucial role in developing and implementing emergency response procedures.

They regularly review and revise these procedures to ensure they are up to date.

They are often required to investigate accidents or incidents to identify their causes and find ways to prevent them from happening again.

They also manage claims related to workplace injuries and work closely with insurance companies.

Risk and Safety Managers are responsible for reporting to senior management on the effectiveness of safety programs and suggesting improvements when necessary.

They are the go-to person when it comes to all matters of safety and risk management in the organization.

 

Risk and Safety Manager Qualifications and Skills

A Risk and Safety Manager should possess a range of technical skills, managerial skills, and industry-specific knowledge to ensure company operations stay within the legal and ethical framework, such as:

• Strong analytical skills to identify, evaluate and control various risks including workplace safety, health issues, environmental hazards, and other operational risks.
• Excellent knowledge of legal, regulatory and industry standards in health and safety to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to effectively relay safety protocols and procedures to employees at all levels, and to liaise with stakeholders.
• Leadership and decision-making abilities to manage a team and make quick, informed decisions during emergencies or crisis situations.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail to develop, implement, and monitor safety programs and initiatives.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills to address and resolve any safety concerns, issues or incidents that arise.
• Proficiency in using safety management software and tools for risk assessment and analysis, incident reporting, and safety training.

 

Risk and Safety Manager Experience Requirements

Risk and Safety Managers are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a risk management or safety role.

Entry-level roles in this field, such as safety coordinator or risk analyst, are a good way to gain experience in risk mitigation, safety regulations, and emergency response planning.

These professionals often participate in the development of safety programs and the execution of risk assessment activities.

After gaining some experience, individuals may progress to roles such as Safety Officer or Risk Consultant, where they are typically responsible for managing safety programs, conducting inspections, and providing guidance on regulatory compliance.

These roles usually require a more extensive understanding of safety standards and risk management principles.

Those with over 7 to 10 years of experience often hold senior roles such as Safety Director or Risk Manager, where they are responsible for developing safety policies, directing safety training programs, and overseeing risk management activities across the organization.

At this level, experience in managing teams, strong leadership skills, and an in-depth understanding of safety regulations and risk management strategies are crucial.

Professional certification such as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) may also be required or highly preferred.

 

Risk and Safety Manager Education and Training Requirements

Risk and Safety Managers typically require a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety, engineering, or another relevant field.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, many employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree in a related discipline such as industrial hygiene, environmental science, or engineering.

They also need a strong foundation in risk assessment and safety management methodologies.

Familiarity with legal health and safety guidelines and proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods are also essential.

Certifications such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) are beneficial for these professionals.

These certifications validate the individual’s competence and commitment to their profession.

Most states require Risk and Safety Managers to have a professional license.

Licensing criteria vary but generally require that the individual be 18 or older, have completed an accredited safety program, and have relevant work experience.

Continuing education to stay abreast of changes in industry regulations and standards is also critical for Risk and Safety Managers.

This could involve attending seminars, workshops, or advanced courses in risk and safety management.

 

Risk and Safety Manager Salary Expectations

A Risk and Safety Manager earns an average salary of $84,730 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the size and industry of the employing company, and the geographical location.

 

Risk and Safety Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Risk and Safety Manager need?

Risk and Safety Managers need to have strong analytical skills to assess potential risks and devise preventative measures.

They should have excellent attention to detail to identify safety regulations and ensure compliance.

Communication and interpersonal skills are crucial to effectively convey safety protocols and to work with different levels of the organization.

Moreover, they must demonstrate problem-solving abilities to address any safety issues that arise.

 

Do Risk and Safety Managers need a degree?

Yes, a Risk and Safety Manager usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety management, or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree or additional certifications.

Also, they need to have a thorough understanding of federal and state safety laws to ensure that the company meets all regulatory requirements.

 

What should you look for in a Risk and Safety Manager’s resume?

Firstly, a Risk and Safety Manager’s resume should highlight their educational background in safety management or a related field.

Look for professional certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).

Experience in developing and implementing safety programs is another key aspect to look for.

Additional skills such as knowledge of safety management software, strong communication, and problem-solving abilities should also be indicated.

 

What qualities make a good Risk and Safety Manager?

A good Risk and Safety Manager is proactive and is always on the lookout for potential safety hazards.

They should be able to demonstrate excellent decision-making abilities and strategic thinking.

Their strong leadership skills should enable them to train and guide staff on safety protocols effectively.

They should also possess high integrity and be able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

 

What are the daily duties of a Risk and Safety Manager?

A Risk and Safety Manager typically starts the day by reviewing safety reports and incident logs.

They conduct regular safety audits, train employees on safety regulations, and ensure adherence to safety protocols.

They also develop and implement safety programs, prepare safety budgets, and manage any safety-related issues that may arise.

Additionally, they liaison with external agencies and regulatory bodies to ensure the company is in compliance with all safety standards.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the core responsibilities and challenges of being a Risk and Safety Manager.

Surprised?

It’s not just about following safety protocols.

It’s about paving the way towards a safer, risk-free work environment, one policy at a time.

Armed with our detailed Risk and Safety Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But don’t halt your progress here.

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone towards precision-crafted job listings or optimizing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every safety policy implemented is a step towards a safer and risk-controlled future.

Let’s create that future. Together.

How to Become a Risk and Safety Manager (Complete Guide)

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