Top 5 Tips For A New Safety Professional

Taking on a new safety professional role can be daunting. You may be asking yourself, where do I start? Do I review past inspections and violations? Where can I find additional resources?

The following tips will provide guidance on where to start as a new safety professional:

1. Get to know the property/properties/campus you will be responsible for. This may include a review of past inspections and violations, as well as a walk-through of the property/properties.  It also includes talking to department managers and learning what safety challenges they face on a regular basis.  
2. Develop a network of contacts. This may include the local fire department, first responders, and other safety professionals.  Since the regulations are someone contradictory, sharing your challenges with your peers can help you learn how to navigate this.
3. Become familiar with the applicable local, state, and federal regulations, codes, and standards. This will ensure you are up-to-date on the latest requirements. (Also include your industry-specific standards, i.e. The Joint Commission)
4. Review the company’s safety program and ensure it complies with all applicable regulations. If you aren’t sure what programs your company should have, visit the OSHA website making sure to look at your specific industry standards.  
5. Plan and conduct safety audits. This will help you to identify potential hazards and ensure the company is in compliance with applicable codes and standards. When conducting the audits, talk to the employees and ask them where the safety issues lie, within their department and in the organization.  

Following these tips will help you hit the ground running in your new safety professional role.