Dismal State of Indian EHS Profession (Compensation and Recognition)

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I’ve recently come across some unsettling trends in the compensation and recognition of EHS professionals in India, and I believe it’s high time we addressed these issues head-on. As a fellow EHS consultant, with around 40 years of experience in the field, it pains me to see the current state of affairs. Let’s dive into the current landscape, the underlying issues, and potential paths forward.

The Alarming State of Compensation

First and foremost, it’s disheartening to see job postings offering a meager salary of Rs 15,000 per month (approximately $180 USD) in a metro, for qualified safety professionals. To put things in perspective, these are individuals who have not only undergone rigorous training but also possess a minimum of two years of work experience before they can even qualify for government-recognized courses. A driver of car rental earns as much and ofcourse, he is tipped better.

Looking at the broader picture, even professionals with around 10 years of experience are being offered salaries in the range of Rs 10 lakh per annum ($12,000 USD) is pitttance. This is starkly contrasting with the compensation trends two decades ago, where the starting salary was around Rs 3 lakh (300,000) per annum, with a 10% annual increment. By those standards, a professional with 10 years of experience back then would earn approximately Rs 13 lakh per annum ($30,000 USD considering the exchange rates of that time).

The Issue of Undervaluation

Why are EHS professionals underselling themselves? This question has multiple layers:

1. Proliferation of Subpar Training Institutes: There’s been a mushrooming of institutes offering substandard diploma courses in safety. These “fly-by-night” institutions churn out inadequately trained professionals who dilute the value of the profession. Anything goes attitude sets in.
2. Skills and Competence: It’s not just about having a degree or certification. The profession demands a blend of hard and soft skills, competence, and a strong conviction to enforce safety standards. The quality of training and the professionals’ commitment to continuous learning seem to have dwindled.
3. Bargaining Power: It appears that EHS professionals have lost their bargaining power. This could be due to a lack of unity in the profession or a general undervaluation by the management. EHS professionals also do not endear themselves by the approach of “Catching people doing Wrong”. The perception even amongst colleagues on competence of EHS person is average or below average to support them in most cases.
4. Management Perception: There’s a troubling perception among some management circles that EHS professionals are a necessary nuisance rather than valuable assets. This attitude needs a significant shift. I am coming across cases after cases where management do not even provide tools of trade like a good office space to sit and work (Shared with another person) and a laptop to carry out work is not provided even after weeks of joining with the expectation that the person would work for data mining etc.

The Accountability Paradox

One of the most ironic aspects of our profession is that, despite the lack of empowerment, EHS professionals are often held accountable—even criminally—for incidents that occur. This paradoxical situation further demotivates professionals and diminishes the profession’s appeal to potential new entrants.

The Way Forward

Given the challenges EHS professionals face today, we must adopt a multifaceted approach to elevate the profession and ensure fair recognition and compensation. Here are some key strategies:

Intelligent Risk-Taking: The EHS profession involves dealing with many unknowns. Approaching these challenges with intelligent risk-taking, using the right tools, competence, and consulting, can make a significant difference. This approach not only addresses immediate issues but also demonstrates your problem-solving abilities and proactive mindset.

Strengthening Training Standards: There should be a concerted effort to regulate and standardize EHS training programs. Only accredited institutions with proven track records should be allowed to offer certifications.

Continuous Professional Development: EHS professionals need to commit to lifelong learning. Keeping up with global standards, technological advancements, and best practices is crucial.

Building a Stronger Community: EHS professionals should unite and form stronger networks. Professional associations can play a significant role in advocating for better compensation and working conditions.

Raising Awareness Among Management: It’s essential to educate management on the critical role EHS professionals play in ensuring not just regulatory compliance but also the overall well-being of employees and the organization’s long-term sustainability.

Empowerment and Accountability: There needs to be a balance between accountability and empowerment. EHS professionals should be given the authority and resources to implement necessary changes effectively.

Good Leadership and Mentorship: Finding a good leader to mentor you on all aspects of business and skills can be invaluable. A mentor can provide guidance, support, and insight into navigating the complexities of the profession.

Building Your Personal Brand: Develop your personal brand by honing your skillsets, personality, competence, and networking abilities. A strong personal brand can set you apart and open doors to better opportunities and recognition.

Delivering Results: Ultimately, you are judged by the results you deliver. It’s essential to meet and exceed expectations consistently. Excuses won’t hold; results are what count in proving your worth and value to an organization.

Conclusion

The road ahead is challenging, but not insurmountable. As EHS professionals, it’s our responsibility to elevate the standards of our profession. By addressing the root causes of the current situation and advocating for fair compensation and recognition, getting tools of the trade to carry on work, we can ensure that the profession not only survives but thrives.

I welcome your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions on this crucial issue. Together, we can make a difference.

Stay safe and stay strong.

Regards

Karthik

14th June 2024, 11am.