2019 Job Outlook: ‘Selling’ the safety profession

It's funny how the industry promotes recruitment of new, non-college graduates for the field positions but, when it comes to safety a degree is expected. Safety started with field people and it seems the shift to educated people demeans the very backbone of the profession as many in the beginning of the craft of safety professional were field hands. It's a detent, even intimidating, to those of us who come from a labor position. And frankly, a bit insulting.

I am the safety director for our company. We are a general contractor and only have superintendents and asst. superintendents. However, I am constantly fighting a uphill battle with management for safety. I have used many examples where subcontractors have safety violations but management says if OSHA appears we will pass on the safety fines to the sub. I advised them that they are missing the point. I do not want anyone hurt regardless of fines. So I write up the violations to the superintendent but i get very little cooperation. When i take it to management, they say we want to do something about it but afraid they will lose the superintendent in the middle of the job, and possible due to the workforce so plentiful. I am a certified OSHA instructor but due to the jobs being so far apart from each other, they will not let me hold a class. I have sent the management articles from your magazine regarding the advantages of being safe but still no change. All I keep saying is "one day". I do not know what it will take to wake management up, but i hope it is not due to someone getting hurt. Please help me with any advice.

GREAT article. I've found the easiest way to identify a potential "safety professional" is to observe their daily habits. The true safety-minded person practices safety in a passionate & positive manner rather than a forced to comply manner. Regardless of their educational background, these are the folks I want to lead safety on our behalf.

I have recently earned my Bachelors in Safety Management from an accredited state school and I am noticing that companies fall into one of two categories: 1- They wont even talk with you unless you have 10+ years of experience & CSP certification. OR 2- They interview and consider candidates with no degree and no safety experience and then wonder why their culture never changes. I have over 20 years of National Sales Management experience but decided I wanted to follow my passion of Safety Management & went back to get my Bachelors in Safety Management. Yet it seems nobody is interested in the degree they want the CSP certification or they want to hire someone on the cheap.

I Really like this article and I am a Safety Manager at Onpoint!

I believe that the issues related to the safety profession are in part related to awareness, also it implies that most employers do not know what to look for in safety. For instance, who's to know that OSHA is an agency that regulates all that you do, wherever and whenever. As employer's awareness increases, more allocations for safety will be available to those whose professionalism and education are ready to tackle the situation. I am a retired United States Marine, and as a former CBRN Subject Matter Expert, I was not aware to the safety environment and the mentality that encompasses such industry. I am now working as a Safety Coordinator, and even though I have a background as a Safety Officer, the civilian populace does not see the possibilities and capabilities someone like myself can bring to the table. With proper training and with the right mentor, the sky is the limit. Needlessly to say that I was lucky to embrace the industry with the proper introduction. I have embrace the safety industry and I am looking to advance in this career to bring knowledge to those that think nothing bad ever happens.