Amgen’s Helena Mulvihill examines how organizations in 2026 view environmental, health and safety issues in the workplace.
“I often hear EHS (environment, health and safety) described as a broad discipline, but it really comes down to protecting people while supporting safe and reliable operations,” explains Helena Mulvihill, EHS manager at biotech Amgen.
He told SiliconRepublic.com, “It includes environmental compliance, health and safety at work, and it actually connects all parts of the site. That means working closely with operational and support teams, often across multiple departments on the same day. ”
His work mainly involves the implementation of EHS management systems such as risk assessment, incident management, training, auditing and performance metrics; A big part of the role is also communication, making sure that expectations are clear and that teams feel supported in implementing EHS principles.
He said, “There really isn’t a typical day, which I enjoy. Although I can plan my week, priorities often change depending on work demands. That balance between scheduled and busy work keeps things varied and means I need to stay flexible.”
How important is it to involve everyone in EHS and does that work in practice?
Involving everyone is important because EHS cannot work in isolation. It must be focused on all levels of the organization, from the leadership to the people who do the daily work. I have found that my colleagues who are closest to the work have a clear understanding of how the work is actually done. They make real-time decisions, so their opinions matter.
While EHS teams provide direction and structure, it is important that individuals take ownership of implementing those principles in practice. That is what makes processes meaningful.
I build that through cooperation and collaboration. I spend time in workplaces, listening to feedback and learning about challenges from different perspectives. When people feel involved and see the thinking behind decisions, EHS becomes part of the way work is done rather than something separate.
What does a strong EHS culture feel like when you are a part of it?
You can really see it in the everyday decisions people make. Safety and operational impact are considered part of the job, rather than an afterthought. It also comes down to trust. People need to feel free to raise concerns, ask questions or even stop work if something doesn’t seem right. That openness is what allows issues to be picked up and resolved early.
Once that culture is in place, you see people taking responsibility, caring for each other and thinking about the wider impact of what they do. Over time, that consistency makes a real difference in both security performance and how effectively the site works.
How can employees support EHS in their daily work, even if it is not their main focus?
Supporting EHS often comes down to simple, consistent behaviors. Another method used at Amgen is the ‘Take Five’, which encourages people to pause before starting work and assess the situation. That may mean reviewing the environment, thinking about the task, identifying potential hazards and choosing the safest way to complete the task. It also involves putting in place appropriate controls and communicating clearly with anyone who may be affected.
I have seen how that can work in practice. It helps people to be aware of their surroundings and think about the impact of their actions. Even if EHS is not their primary role, those small actions make a real difference in reducing risk and supporting a safe workplace.
How does the work you do in EHS contribute to the broader organizational goals at Amgen?
My role focuses on implementing an EHS management system at the site, which supports the wider organization’s goals by helping the site operate safely, consistently and in compliance with regulatory expectations. A key part of the role is to anticipate and manage risks before they lead to incidents, while working closely with different teams to identify and implement improvements effectively. Strengthening the EHS management system, while helping to create an inclusive, high-performance safety culture, supports reliable manufacturing operations and continuous improvement.
What are the opportunities for people working in this field?
One of the most attractive things about EHS is the range of possibilities it offers. You have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as safety, environmental compliance, industrial hygiene or process safety, depending on where your interests lie. It also gives you exposure to various parts of the business from manufacturing and laboratory facilities to supply chain and support operations. That helps build a broader understanding of how everything connects, and over time, more people move between these areas to build a well-rounded skill set. You also get the chance to interact with colleagues around the world and learn from other sites, which brings new ideas and helps you keep improving over time.
What are the most relevant skills for professionals in this space?
I have come to realize that adaptability and patience are important skills because priorities can change quickly and you tend to react to different situations. Being able to adjust and stay focused is important. Communication is equally important. A large part of the role involves listening, asking questions and understanding how work is done in practice to identify risks early. It also means explaining things clearly, so expectations are aligned.
Curiosity and initiative are also key. Taking the time to connect with people, understand processes and build relationships makes a real difference. Combined with a willingness to keep learning, these skills help you thrive in an ever-changing field.
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