Safety Professional.

I completed 38 years of professional life this week. I thought I could reflect on my journey as a safety professional.

+ves:-

1. The profession has got its depth and width beyond one can imagine. General Safety, Operational Safety, Environment, Product Stewardship, Loss Prevention, Business Continuity, Facility Management, and Ergonomics are today part of the safety professional domain. I include Process Safety Management (PSM) under the operational safety domain. I would add “Sustainability” too, though this is a joke in many of the implementation aspect.
2. The Technology/ knowledge domain/ sofware, tools, PPE are beyond imagination. The availability to procure them in a moment’s notice is unimaginable 40 years back.
3. Safety Implementation has become part of operational strategy/ Operational excellence linked to Productivity, Quality, Inventory, Delivery, Cost in High Performance organisations. No Longer safety as stand alone platform works.
4. Metrics, Metrics, Metrics, so many parameters to measure from softwares and work a Traffic Light dashboard of Green, Yellow, and Red.

Negatives:–

1. Safety Professionals still have not realized their potential, they may times focus only on Legal compliance and are drowned in it. So many times, they are becoming follow-up managers chasing operating licenses/ permits etc disappearing for days from facilities chasing regulatory authorities. Organizations are also not utilizing the potential of safety professionals. The less said about the Legal profession that support this, the better!
2. Many Line Managers feel Safety implementation is the Safety Manager’s responsibility.

So what Safety Professionals can do to improve their performance, How can they be visible, contribute meaningfully, and also learn and Grow in their profession?

Domain Expertise a must in the following areas:-

1. Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification
2.        Developing and Implementing Policies
3.        Training and Education
4.        Incident Investigation
5.        Regulatory Compliance
6.        Audits and Inspections
7.        Emergency Preparedness
8.        Management Systems Expertise.
9.        Communication and Collaboration-Leading Meetings
10.        Data Analysis and Reporting
11.        Implementing Corrective Actions- Tracking too.
12.        Continuous Improvement

In terms of skills, a Safety Professional should possess the following:

1. Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of regulations, standards, and best practices specific to their industry.
2. Analytical Skills: The ability to assess risks, analyse incidents, and make data-driven decisions.
3. Communication Skills: Effective communication to convey safety protocols and collaborate with diverse teams.
4. Problem-Solving: Quick thinking to address emergencies and find solutions to safety challenges.
5. Attention to Detail: Ensuring all safety measures are correctly implemented and monitored.
6. Leadership: Leading safety initiatives and motivating others to prioritize safety.
7. Adaptability: Being open to changes and staying updated with industry developments.
8. Interpersonal Skills: Building relationships and fostering a safety-conscious culture.
9. People Skills: Empathy, Active Listening
10. Project Management: Organizing and managing safety projects and initiatives.
11. Conflict Resolution: Resolving conflicts related to safety concerns effectively.
12. Training and Education: Developing and delivering effective training programs.
13. Ethical and Legal Understanding: Awareness of ethical considerations and legal obligations related to safety.

50 years on from establishing the Safety profession as a role globally, safety professionals face challenges. Line Management and many organizations feel that Implementing Safety (HSE) is a Safety Professional responsibility. Many meetings start with a 2-minute safety topic and safety being ticked off let’s move to other businesses!! How Safety professionals can get a seat at the table in such a situation as well as contribute and be recognised for a credible safety performance?

Here are steps you can take to shift this perception:

**1. Understand Their Perspective:
Start by understanding why line management holds this perception. Identify their concerns, misconceptions, and any barriers that might be preventing them from fully engaging in safety implementation.

**2. Effective Communication:
Clearly communicate the shared responsibility of safety. Emphasize that safety is a collective effort that requires involvement from all levels of the organization. Regularly communicate the benefits of a strong safety culture, including improved productivity, reduced costs, and enhanced reputation.

**3. Align with Business Goals:
Demonstrate how a strong safety culture aligns with the organization’s overall goals. Highlight the impact of safety on operational efficiency, employee morale, and the bottom line. Show that safety isn’t just a regulatory requirement but also a strategic advantage.

**4. Education and Training:
Provide training sessions for line managers and management to increase their understanding of safety principles, regulations, and best practices. This can help them appreciate the complexity of safety issues and their role in addressing them.

**5. Empowerment and Ownership:
Empower line managers to take ownership of safety within their respective departments. Encourage them to identify hazards, implement controls, and champion safety initiatives specific to their areas.

**6. Incorporate Safety into KPIs:
Link safety performance to key performance indicators (KPIs) that are regularly monitored and evaluated. When safety becomes a measurable aspect of performance, it underscores its importance to the organization.

**7. Leading by Example:
Executive leaders and upper management should visibly demonstrate their commitment to safety. When leaders prioritize safety, it sets a strong example for others to follow.

**8. Collaborative Approach:
Work closely with line managers to develop safety strategies that align with their departmental goals. Collaborative decision-making fosters a sense of ownership and encourages active participation.

**9. Recognition and Incentives:
Recognize and reward departments and individuals for their contributions to safety. Positive reinforcement reinforces the idea that safety is everyone’s responsibility.

**10. Open Feedback Loop:
Create a feedback mechanism where line managers can share their insights and concerns about safety implementation. Listen to their feedback and address any challenges they face.

**11. Cultural Change Initiatives:
Engage in initiatives that drive cultural change, such as safety committees, cross-functional teams, and employee involvement programs. These initiatives create a sense of community ownership of safety.

**12. Continuous Improvement:
Regularly review and assess safety processes. Show the management that safety isn’t a one-time effort but an ongoing process of improvement.

**13. Data-Driven Insights:
Present data and statistics that highlight the impact of safety efforts on operational performance. Use real-life examples to demonstrate how safety practices have positively affected the organization.

Remember, changing perceptions takes time and consistent effort. It’s about gradually influencing the mindset and behaviors of managers and leaders to view safety as an integral part of their roles and responsibilities. By effectively communicating, collaborating, and aligning safety efforts with overall business objectives, you can foster a culture where safety is embraced at all levels of the organization.

I leave with an Image (Without me) that is displayed near my work desk at home for the past 17 years. This is a significant catalyst for my professional success. Everything I do, I link to these one-of-the-line items.