Safety Net | November 2023

THE SAFETY NET L O C A T I O N C O NCSO U LNTSI NUGL T

D• ESIGN D & EESNIGGI NNE E R I N•G

E SGI GI N N -EBEURI L D ED N

IT’S ALWAYS SAFETY FIRST. R UNCSTTI R OU NC & TC O N T R A C T I N G • C O N SCTO

NOVEMBER 2023

VOLUME 17 ISSUE 11

November Home Maintenance and Safety Checklist 10.05.2023 | Safewise

SAFETY FIRST. The holidays have arrived, and with them comes the bustle of gift shopping, hosting,

Austin employees have

and for many, snow. Our November home maintenance checklist will help you with

worked 5,886,736 hours

safe turkey preparation, winter weather safety, and home security if you’re going

without a Lost Time Accident

out of town.

through 09/2023.

hazard. Most toasters have a trap door that allows you to safely remove crumbs and clean the depository.

CLEAN OUT THE PANTRY AND REFRIGERATOR You’ll spend a lot of time in the kitchen this season, and an organized space can make your holiday cooking that much easier. Throw away expired food and tame that mess in the fridge. (Plus it will make room for leftovers.)

CLEAN THE DISHWASHER The dishwasher cleans your dishes, but who cleans it?

Give your dishwasher a well-deserved scrub to remove detergent grime and buildup both inside and out. Then run it on the “clean” cycle. Your glassware will thank you.

2. TIDY THE BEDROOM 1. SPRUCE UP THE KITCHEN

LAUNDER THROW PILLOWS AND BLANKETS

PRACTICE SAFE COOKING

Give your guests the gift of fresh laundry. Wash the sheets,

Before you fire up the range for Thanksgiving, make sure

Regular washing keeps icky stuff like dust mites at bay and

your cooking habits are in good shape. Between 2017 and 2021, the NFPA estimated over 158,000 home fires started from cooking. Safe cooking with kids and adults will make your holidays a little brighter.

Follow a few of these basic guidelines: • Keep flammable materials like curtains or rags away from the stove and oven.

• Don’t leave cooking unattended.

• Turn off appliances after food is done.

pillowcases, throw pillows, and blankets in your house. prevents allergens in your home from building.

Also, give blankets and pillow covers a turn in the washing machine.

Some pillows won’t hold up to being fully submerged, so you’ll have to tackle those with a lint roller and a spot cleaner. After all, fluffing will get you only so far.

VACUUM UNDER THE BED It’ll be okay. Promise. The only truly scary things under there are dust bunnies. Get some help moving the bed so you can

• Read and follow all cooking instructions.

vacuum or sweep underneath. You’ll sleep easier at night.

• Have a fire extinguisher ready for emergencies.

3. PREP AROUND THE HOUSE

Check out our guide to Thanksgiving safety to learn more.

CHECK DRYER AND HOSES FOR LINT You should be emptying the lint trap in the dryer every time

HOW TO COOK A TURKEY SAFELY • Clean the oven before cooking.

• Completely thaw the turkey before cooking.

• Use a meat thermometer to make sure the bird is ready.

you do laundry, but keep in mind that not all the fuzz ends up in the filter. Check the dryer and hoses, and clean any lint buildup to prevent your next load from going up in flames.

CHECK WATER SOFTENER AND ADD SALT IF NEEDED If you’ve noticed your water seems to leave spots

• Let the turkey sit for 20 minutes before serving.

everywhere, your softener likely needs attention. Add salt

• If you’re frying your turkey this Thanksgiving, follow the

only when the reservoir is completely empty.

fryer’s safety guidelines to avoid a fire.

WIPE DOWN CLEANING EQUIPMENT This may not have occurred to you, but cleaning tools

REMOVE CRUMBS FROM THE TOASTER The remnants of hundreds of breakfasts lie at the bottom of your toaster, and those crumbs can pose a serious fire

get dirty. Really dirty. Brooms, mops, and vacuums are the workhorses of your house, and they deserve a once-over now and then.

WRAP THE PIPES FOR WINTER

PREPARE AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME AND CAR

If you didn’t do it last month, early November is a good

If there’s one rule of the road, it’s that you never know

time to start preparing. Prevent pipe freezes later in the

when an emergency will strike, so be prepared with a

season by wrapping the pipes in your basement. A water

fully stocked survival kit. Or, grab pre-made at-home

leak detector downstairs can also catch leaks that may

emergency kits or car emergency kits, which contain

happen during the winter.

different tools and safety gear.

POLISH STAIR HANDRAIL

PROTECT YOUR PACKAGES

Pretty much everyone who has ever been in your house

With so many folks doing their holiday shopping online,

has touched this. Everybody. Grossed out yet? Disinfect,

porches and front steps will be ripe for poaching porch

polish, repeat.

pirates ready to pilfer packages. This year, consider

4. DO A BATHROOM CHECKUP CHECK FOR LEAKS AROUND SINKS AND TOILETS While your toilets and pipes might sweat a bit, anything that’s puddling or dripping consistently should be inspected for leaks. The last thing you need is water damage from an unattended gusher.

RUN WATER AND FLUSH TOILETS IN UNUSED SPACES That bathroom no one ever uses? The toilet probably has quite the ring since you last checked it. Make sure everything is still in tip-top shape and give it a flush.

DO A DEEP CLEAN Obviously, cleaning the bathroom should be a regular

installing a video doorbell to watch for thieves.

Video doorbells can also make it easier for receiving guests and talking to visitors at a distance.

ARM THE HOME SECURITY SYSTEM IF YOU TRAVEL If you’re going out of town this November, be sure to arm your home security system and turn on your security cameras. If you don’t already have the equipment, you can find affordable options to keep your home safe while you’re away: • Best Cheap Security Cameras • Best Cheap Home Security Systems • Cheap Motion Detectors

chore. But with guests coming and your schedule filling up, now’s the time to really get scrubbing. Deep clean your bathroom by sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming the floors. Use bleach (with gloves) to clean the shower, toilet, sink, and other surfaces.

5. CHECK CO AND SMOKE DETECTORS With all the cooking and activity going on in your house over the holiday, don’t forget to test your smoke detectors and CO detectors. A simple test or fresh batteries can keep your main defense against home fires up and running.

6. PREPARE FOR WINTER GET SALT Having road salt or ice melt on hand for icy sidewalks or sandbags for vehicles that need a little extra weight is imperative. Don’t wait until the next storm blows in to stock up.

PUT ON SNOW TIRES You’ve been putting it off, but if you live somewhere with frequent snowfall, it’s time to switch your tires before you’re caught on the road in unsafe conditions.

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Nine Holiday Travel Safety Tips for Your Next Getaway 06.01.2023 | Safewise

1. PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR OPTIMUM SAFETY WHILE YOU’RE AWAY.

road in cold weather instead of tucked in around the table

If you have a security system installed in your home, ensure

Be proactive to avoid hazards like a blown tire. Take your

that it’s working properly—including all alarms, motion

car in for an inspection and any necessary maintenance,

detectors, cameras, and other monitoring equipment.

particularly on your tires— make sure they’re winter-ready

Some DIY home security systems offer optional monitoring.

with a piece of Grandma’s homemade pie.

and properly inflated for the long drive.

If you usually keep tabs on your system in an app, consider

Prepare a car emergency kit with necessities like a safety

adding 24/7 pro monitoring to your security system for the

cone, carjack, flashlight, and jumper cables. Include first

month in which you’ll be traveling.

aid essentials and extras like a blanket to stay warm if you

On top of stepping up security with your alarm system, cancel mail and any regular deliveries. Have a friend or neighbor check on your home while you’re away, especially if you’ll be gone for a long time. If you live in a snowy climate, make arrangements to have snow cleared while you’re away.

2. HAVE YOUR CAR INSPECTED OR SERVICED BEFORE YOU LEAVE, AND KEEP AN EMERGENCY KIT IN IT. Car trouble is a common issue for travelers during the holidays. You don’t want to end up stuck on the side of the

break down in the cold.

3. KNOW HOW TO DRIVE SAFELY ON ICY ROADS. Study up to ensure you know how to safely navigate icy, wet, or slushy roads. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind: • Avoid driving until roads have been plowed and sanded.

• Give yourself extra time to get to your destination so you don’t rush in suboptimal conditions.

• Decrease your speed as needed.

• Leave yourself plenty of room behind other vehicles so you can stop safely on slick roads.

4. PLAN THE DRIVE AHEAD OF TIME, AND KNOW ALTERNATE ROUTES.

8. WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY WITH SOAP OR ANTIBACTERIAL HAND SANITIZER. Proper hand washing isn’t just for pandemic times. The holidays are also smack dab in the middle of flu season.

Keeping your hands sanitized is especially important if you’re flying or riding a train or bus. Everything you touch has been touched by someone else, including armrests and door handles.

Clean your hands frequently with either soap and water or antibacterial gel or wipes—and for the love of Aunt Betty’s homemade stuffing, keep those hands away from your face!

5. MAKE FREQUENT REST STOPS. Winter driving challenges can tire you out much more than driving in the summer. Make frequent stops to rest or just stretch your legs. It’s important to keep your energy level high enough to stay alert on the road. Stopping for even a few minutes every couple hours can do wonders for keeping your energy high.

6. CARRY A CELL PHONE AND CHARGER. You never know when or where car troubles may rear their ugly head. A mobile phone lets you call for help, get a tow, or arrange alternative transportation if you run into trouble.

But it won’t do you any good if the battery dies. Make sure you grab your phone charger before you leave the house.

A wall charger is good when you’re making a stop, but a car charger is better when you’re on the road.

9. GIVE SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU A COPY OF YOUR TRIP ITINERARY AND PHOTOCOPIES OF IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS. Before you leave, give a copy of your itinerary and all

If you have a smartphone, you can also download apps

necessary contact information to a relative or friend. This

to help you in your time of need. If your car insurer has

way it will be easy to reach you in case of an emergency,

an app, download it before your trip for easy access to

whether you’re on your way out or heading back home.

roadside assistance. It’s also a good idea to download or take a picture of your insurance card.

7. STAY HYDRATED. Dehydration may not be on the top of your list of holiday travel safety hazards, but not having enough water during a long drive could mean fatigue or decreased alertness— and that’s dangerous on the road. Keep a few bottles of water handy, and sip often to keep yourself hydrated throughout the trip.

Also, leave photocopies of your passports, credit cards, and any other types of identification with this person in case something happens to the originals and you need a photocopy. It’s also smart to keep a separate set of photocopies in your luggage.

The holidays don’t have to be a dangerous time to travel.

Use these holiday travel safety tips to be proactive about travel safety. That way you’ll spend time focused on the fun, not stressed about something going wrong.

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Finding The Time 10.03.2023 | EHS Today Achieving excellence starts by asking the hard questions.

Years ago, I attended a journalism training that featured a panel of Pulitzer-prize winning reporters. As they recounted their experiences of uncovering those investigative features, I marveled at how they had time for such pursuits. Now, of course, I realize they didn’t have the time; rather, they made the time.

In our September/October print issue, we featured the 2023 class of America’s Safest Companies. After judging this competition for a few years, it’s safe to say you don’t win this award by accident. This year’s crop of winners, as in years past, stand out because they made the time and a commitment to doing the hard work. They also ask the tough questions—of themselves and of their organizations.

Creating a world-class safety program takes time and effort, but you can begin today. Even if you only have 10 minutes, that’s enough to get started. I recommend you ask yourself some questions, and then ask those same questions to your colleagues. That can help you understand your common vision and the roadblocks you need to overcome. Plus, seeking others’ perspectives will help you see more than you can by yourself.

HERE ARE FIVE QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU GET THE BALL ROLLING. 1. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE? It’s easy to get myopic by focusing on the daily tasks. But when you pause and reflect, you realize the world of possibilities.

As a child, you spent untold hours daydreaming and watching the clouds go by. Research shows that letting our minds wander is good for your health and our productivity. So, if you’re looking to start somewhere, start by dreaming big.

2. WHAT ARE YOUR WORK DREAMS ABOUT? Dreams are a way for the unconscious mind to think through challenges. Of course, dreams don’t always make sense. (Why is there a goat farm in my house?).

But, if you’re thinking about work while lying in bed or dreaming about work, don’t brush those thoughts aside.

Your brain is likely trying to work through something. It’s important to listen to your psyche and to let that guide you. You may discover what’s really troubling you or find a solution to a pesky problem.

3. WHAT IS YOUR END GOAL? Plans help us prepare for future action. You don’t win a war without a plan, and you certainly can’t build a world-class safety program without one, either. Thinking about your vision will help you connect today’s groundwork with tomorrow’s action. Plus, an end goal can anchor you when making decisions and can help you endure any hardships.

4. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR? Don’t confuse this question with “What do you want to be your legacy?” In my opinion, a reputation is more current and malleable, whereas legacy is finite. I suspect you will want to be remembered for your commitment to safety, but in the meantime, you need to be known for something else. Maybe it’s fun safety training. Maybe it’s being a stickler for forklift protocols. Whatever it is, own it. Because you build a reputation by delivering on something others can see and experience. And that helps reinforce your vision.

5. WHAT ARE YOU HEARING FROM YOUR CO-WORKERS? The next time you you’re talking with a colleague, or even hear some office gossip, think about what they are saying. Often, that juicy tidbit can reveal a safety risk.

As a journalism professor often said, “Once you hear the same answers over and over again, you know what to focus on.”

Their answers can suggest what and how to act on something. What’s more, it demonstrates to your co-workers that you’re listening. And, when people believe they are heard, they are more likely to help.

Asking questions is a low-cost way to help you form a vision, gain buy-in and uncover solutions. You can ask questions at any time, either in a formal or unformal manner, and you can squeeze them into whatever gaps you have in your calendar.

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How Can Flourishing Help Worker Well-Being?

10.04.2023 | EHS Today This concept can help employees better navigate the

All too often leaders assume that employees know

workplace by connecting to a sense of purpose, having

how their work makes a difference. More often than

positive emotions and building relationships.

not, employees don’t know if or how their day-to-day

I have to admit that I have never heard of the term

activities make a difference. Even if they do, hearing it

flourishing, with respect to employee well-being..

directly from their leader or supervisor is a way of letting

In an article in the Harvard Business Review, this concept is explained.

Flourishing — a holistic framework for well-being — was first developed by Martin Seligman, one of the leading researchers in the field of positive psychology. The concept of flourishing doesn’t mean that we will be happy at every moment of our lives or that everything in our lives needs to be going well for us to be doing well. Flourishing means that we can connect to a sense of purpose in our lives, experience positive emotions, build relationships with people and communities that matter to us, and recognize and appreciate our accomplishments even in challenging moments and chapters of our lives.

In an article in Psychology Today, Amy M. Young, Ph.D. explains that this means. “ What we know is that positive relationships, positive meaning, and positive emotions are the nutrients we need to flourish.”

them know others appreciate what they do. This strategy directly promotes positive meaning, relationships, and emotions in both the employee and the leader.

2. Allow moments of play or lightheartedness at work: At the beginning of a meeting, make it a habit to add a few minutes of fun. If it is a virtual meeting, consider playing an uplifting tune as you are waiting for members to join or a quick home office scavenger hunt. We have the assumption that joy or happiness doesn’t belong in the workplace because it reduces productivity. This is an assumption that needs to be debunked. Bringing joy to the workplace not only promotes flourishing by increasing positive emotions, but it also strengthens workplace relationships.

3. Celebrate accomplishments: All too often we move onto the next challenge without ever taking the time to savor our wins. Taking the time to recognize the small wins by dedicating five minutes at the end of meetings

She offers three action steps to take:

devoted to calling out the small victories of your team.

1. Tell your employees how they matter: Do your

Not only does this directly promote flourishing by fulfilling

employees know how their work contributes to the

our need for achievement, but it also builds positive

overall goals of the team or the organization? If you

relationships, meaning and emotions if done as a group.

have hired an employee, they play some role in contributing to the overall success of the company

Energy Wheel Safety Training Energy Wheel safety training was presented to Franke project team, fifteen (15) employees including management David Mooney and Robert Wang. Everyone was surprised on the number of additional hazards that were identifies after reviewing the job daily hazards. The project team identified 20 to 30 percent additional hazards using the wheel.

Austin Mexico Project: FRANKE ELDORADO | Location: Zona Industrial, San Luis Potosí, SLP Miguel Esquer, Carlos Becerril, Leiris Guillén, Robert Wang, Alfredo Aguilar, Charlie Engel, Michelline Olague, David Mooney, Manuel Zepeda, Fabian López, Gerardo Reyna, Alberto Bray, Beatriz Suárez.

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New Research to Help Prevent Lone Worker Incidents 10.17.2023 | EHS Today Research reviews the use of worker monitoring

and how industry-specific technology can be used to save

technologies, ranging from fall detection devices and

lives and prevent injuries.”

proximity sensors to mobile apps and panic alarms, in

The report evaluated findings from several academic

remote settings.

databases, as well as two case studies, to specifically

An estimated 15% or employees are working by themselves.

assess the use of worker monitoring technologies, ranging

And for those working in isolated environments there could

from fall detection devices and proximity sensors to mobile

be risk for serious injury, even death. Recognizing the

apps and panic alarms, in remote settings. In addition to

emergence and severity of this issue, the National Safety

concluding these types of technologies can be ideal for

Council released a new white paper through its Work to

lone workers in high-risk industries, such as construction,

Zero initiative, Using Lone Worker Monitoring Technology to

mining or agriculture, NSC identified three key benefits for

Protect Workers, to help employers identify and implement

any isolated work environment, including:

new solutions to keep their workers safe.

• Enabling two-way communication. The majority of lone

“Lone work can be beneficial for both organizations and

workers report frequently working outside of cell phone

employees, allowing for more flexibility and a greater

coverage areas. Monitoring devices, many of which

utilization of resources, but this practice also comes with

are equipped with GPS capabilities, address this gap

heightened risk for workers,” aid Katherine Mendoza,

enabling employers to stay connected to their workers

senior director, workplace programs, NSC, in a statement..”

to take immediate action in the event of an emergency.

According to a 2021 survey, nearly 70% of organizations reported a safety incident involving someone working by themselves in the past three years, and 1 in 5 of these incidents were described as ‘quite or very severe. Every employee deserves to work in an environment where safety risks are minimized, and this white paper helps business leaders do just that by providing a playbook for understanding the unique hazards isolated workers face

• Enhancing safety capabilities. Many monitoring devices available to employers are packaged with additional EHS functionalities that can detect and alert the wearer to hazardous situations, such as gas emissions, thermal exposure and proximity to dangerous machinery.

• Increasing cost-savings. Monitoring devices may help streamline the otherwise cumbersome task of checking

in with lone workers through email, phone calls or

solutions into their workplaces but may not offer the

calendars, and ultimately increase overall efficiency.

customization leaders need to successfully integrate the

The Council also found the marketplace for monitoring technology is rapidly expanding, providing employers

new technology into other parts of the organization or address a range of hazards.

with unprecedented access to new safety solutions, and

Despite its many benefits, limitations with current lone

outlined the following guidance to help safety mangers

worker monitoring technology still exist. Namely, NSC

select the best solution for their organizations’ unique lone

found these monitoring capabilities do not eliminate

work needs:

workers’ exposure to hazards and called on employers to

• Identify the type of industry and associated risk of the

conduct a thorough audit of their operations to mitigate

workflow. For example, healthcare employees, who may be susceptible to workplace violence incidents while working alone, may benefit from discreet duress alarms to avoid escalating a hazardous situation, while audible alarms may be more suitable for those working outdoors.

• Consider the ease of scalability . In addition to assessing the number of potential users, organizations should consider how new devices will integrate with pre-existing technology. While mobile applications are a turnkey, cost-effective way for larger organizations to incorporate lone worker monitoring, smaller companies should assess the benefits and cost effectiveness of adopting additional capabilities.

• Use technology holistically. Off-the-shelf technologies can help employers quickly implement new safety

the root causes of employee risk. Organizations are also encouraged to participate in regular drills to ensure lone workers and leaders are adequately trained and informed on emergency responses.

Another challenge affecting widespread adoption of monitoring technology is an enduring concern over worker and data privacy. While monitoring devices can equip employers with potentially lifesaving data related to worker activity levels and location, some employees may feel they are being surveilled while on the worksite. To mitigate these concerns, experts recommend involving workers in the adoption process and educating employees on the benefits and limitations of the new safety technology, while maintaining transparency on how their data will be used, stored and encrypted.

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Safety Leadership Resides in Every Employee’s Hands 10.02.2023 | EHS Today

Creating systems which embed safety responsibility into the

that the utility negligently failed to shut off power despite

fabric of every job is the path to safety excellence.

exceptionally high winds and dry conditions.

A key characteristic that distinguishes our America’s

The Associated Press reported that witness accounts and

Safest Companies (ASC) winners is the core value that

video “indicated that sparks from power lines ignited fires as

responsibility for a safe workplace sits squarely on the

utility poles snapped in the winds, which were driven by a

shoulders of every single person in the company.

passing hurricane.”

When everyone in the organization is able to not only speak

Unfortunately, the number of instances when companies

up when identifying a risk but also to take action, disasters

have failed to adequately prepare for risks is more common

are avoided.

than we might think. Pacific Gas & Electric, as noted in

Therefore, the opposite is true—when the sum part of a

an article by The New York Times, “has been responsible

company’s workforce refuses to see or act upon risks, catastrophes can happen.

A very recent example of that is the situation that occurred on the island of Maui. As the initial shock of the hurricane and wildfires wears off, officials are still trying to piece together what went wrong. The county of Maui, for instance, has sued the local electric company claiming

for wildfires in recent years that destroyed hundreds of thousands of acres.” In 2018, the most destructive wildfire in California’s history (one that killed 85 people) started when a live wire broke free of a tower that was a quarter-century past what PG&E considers its “useful life.”

It’s not just the utilities that are negligent. One of the most alarming aspects of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation of New Orleans in 2005 was the fact that “the city’s vulnerabilities

had been well-documented and understood,” according

time accident. The company received the “Million Work

to the Atlantic.

Hours Award, given by the National Safety Council, for

In addition to those that ignore risks there are some

its efforts. The company explained that the award was

companies that are frequently being cited for unsafe actions and don’t adequately address the situations. Case in point is discount retailer Dollar Tree, which also owns

achieved because their “managers and staff actively participate in identifying and controlling work hazards under their control and promptly address conditions or actions that may be unsafe. Ensuring that work is performed safely is part of each manager’s job, whether in the field or in the office.“ Creating a structure that places safety across an organization instead of in a hierarchy of roles is one reason that Plastipak Packaging, manufacturer of plastic containers, was one of this year’s ASC award-winners. The company explains that safety is “owned” by operations, not the EHS function. “It is an integral part of every performance review for every associate in the company, including leadership,” explains Andrew Smigiel, the company’s EHS manager, North America.

Family Dollar Stores. The two chains have received more than 400 violations since 2017, to the tune of $13.1 million.

And that philosophy of “everybody owns safety” is repeated time and again, not only at the companies that

On the bright side, though, there are companies that not

have been honored throughout the years by EHS Today,

only have excellent safety records but have pushed hard to

but at numerous other firms—large and small—where every

be exceptional. One example is Roncelli Inc., a Michigan-

employee recognizes that safety begins with them. Or

based construction services firm. In 2020 they announced

to put it another way, the best-run companies are those

that they achieved the distinction of going 5 million hours

where everybody is a safety leader.

worked without a lost-time injury, dating back to 2007.

A record like that is only achieved with the cooperation of all team members. Explaining this milestone, Gino Roncelli, vice president, made exactly that point. “I’d like to recognize the high level of safety awareness that team members bring to their jobs each day. It is a remarkable accomplishment to work not only one year with zero lost-time injuries but over a decade, especially in construction. He credited “everyone in the organization for making safety their number one priority.”

Similarly, HGL, an environment restoration company, was recognized for setting a safety record of 4 million hours worked from 2015 until 2021 without a single lost-

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The Challenging Nature of Workplace Safety 10.12.2023 | EHS Today Resilience—that quality of never giving up and always

So what is on the minds and in the hearts of safety

moving forward—is one of the hallmarks of a safety leader.

professionals in 2023? Let’s find out…

It’s that time of year again—the time when I turn over

• The biggest problem with the safety profession is

the writing of this column (well, most of it) over to you,

burnout. There are too many skilled and motivated

the readers. I’ve conducted quite a few salary surveys

safety professionals leaving the profession due to a

over the years, and I long ago learned that readers love

plethora of issues, ranging from lack of support from their

to hear what their fellow industry peers are thinking. EHS

employers to lack of buy-in from the workers they are

professionals never fail to impress me with their willingness—

now supporting. We should work harder to identify how

sometimes eagerness—to share their thoughts about

to find and ultimately support those professionals who

their jobs and profession, as you’ll see in the sampling of

are at their wit’s end.

comments below.

• Safety is a community effort. We strive for the same thing.

The EHS TodayNational Safety & Salary Survey is kind of like

The most effective and efficient production is when

a virtual focus group, offering a direct conduit between our

it’s done most safely. Safety shouldn’t be brand-loyal.

audience of safety leaders and their peers. The survey offers

The safety department should be the bridge between

respondents the chance to opine—anonymously—about

companies and competitors.

anything and everything safety-related. As you would imagine, many of the comments we received the past couple of years were heavily focused on pandemic-related concerns, so this year is the first time this decade where COVID didn’t dominate the list of “biggest challenges.”

• The EHS profession is too fractured. We should be an allencompassing profession consisting of EHS professionals like the AMA [American Medical Association], which includes many disciplines but still allows individual

professional groupings unique to their expertise.

• It’s important to prioritize safety and overcome any

Since we’re so fractured, we have minimal weight in

resistance to it, as neglecting it can have terrible

political issues.

consequences. In order to ensure a safe environment,

• “Safety Third” continues to predominate across many industries and clients.

• The regulators and special interest safety groups appear to be led by social justice issues, which have been distracting them from their primary mission and function.

This is a detriment for safety professionals who rely on these organizations for education, networking and professional growth.

• Safety is more than making employees follow the rules.

Safety is having personal conversations with employees.

It is important, as a safety professional, to be able to listen well and to be able to say, “I don’t have the answer for that, but I will find it,” and then do it with

everyone must be on board and engaged.

Unfortunately, many safety professionals are not compensated adequately, leading to a culture of compliance rather than proactive safety measures.

• Safety needs to adapt more to technology and get with the times in the adoption of AI, wearables and real-time data analytics. The EHS profession is strong, but we need to modernize our approach to safety.

• I love safety. I feel it’s a very rewarding job to be helping people stay safe at work. It’s also very frustrating when people don’t listen to the things you are trying to teach them, or when top management doesn’t support the training or initiatives.

follow-up. I love to use the phrase, “Go home better

• EHS often feels like the story of Sisyphus.

than when you came to work!” How? By going home

Laboriously pushing a boulder up a mountain, only to have

uninjured and having earned at least eight hours of pay.

Hence, we are better!

• As a one-person EHS department with no definitive

it slip from your fingers and roll back down, and then you try to do it all over again—that might be a fit metaphor for the worklife of a safety professional. Despite all the training

budget, you have to be creative in how you keep your

sessions and PPE and cutting-edge technologies provided

team members safe.

to employees, workplace incidents still happen. The “road

• Safety is not always the #1 priority of management.

Dollars dictate what gets done, and safety is at the bottom of the list. Organizations need to start budgeting for safety as a line item so they can share with their staff that they care about safety.

• I enjoy my job. It’s challenging. If I can change one employee’s point of view on a single safety concept, I

to zero injuries” journey may indeed be as mythical as Sisyphus. And yet, confronted by so many challenges, safety leaders keep at it, doing what they do best every single day—keeping workers safe from harm, while protecting their organization’s financial and reputational health. That kind of resilience deserves to be celebrated, so kudos to all of you!

have succeeded for that day.

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