Simmons Foods

Rick Hellinga

As an experienced Occupational Safety & Health professional, I am often asked what advice I would give to young professionals entering the field of Occupational Safety. 

My first bit of advice is to make sure you understand your personal “Why”.  What attracts you to consider entering the Occupational Safety profession? Each person must look within themselves to determine why.  Just know that starting a career in Occupational Safety is more than just learning regulations and compliance, it is about becoming a trusted advocate for people’s overall well-being. For young professionals entering this field, here are a few general principles I believe can shape a successful and meaningful Occupational Safety career.

Learn and Understand What is “Behind the Rules.”

Anyone can memorize OSHA standards or company policies, but understanding the rationale behind them sets great safety professionals apart from the average safety person. When you know why a rule or regulation exists, you can better explain it, adapt it, and apply it to real workplace challenges.

Build Relationships

Safety is a people business. You are most effective when you earn the trust of the folks you’re trying to protect. While there will be office time, it is most important to spend time on the floor.  Listen to concerns of the workers doing the work, listen to the concerns of the managers managing the work and show that you’re there to support, not to be the safety police. Follow-up with the people directly.  It takes time to build trust, but if you are perceived as not addressing concerns workers have brought up to you, the trust you so carefully cultivated will quickly disappear.  Remember that relationships are your strongest tool for influencing and leading safe work behavior.

“Starting a career in Occupational Safety is more than just learning regulations and compliance, it is about becoming a trusted advocate for people’s overall well-being”

Stay Curious and Keep Learning

Just as the pace of change in general industry is evolving constantly and quickly, so is the field of safety.  New technologies, emerging risks, and changing regulations are occurring at breakneck speed. New Safety Professionals must dedicate themselves to continually seeking out and understanding new risks and identifying effective solutions to present and implement.  Additionally, the new Safety Professional needs to attain and stay current with professional credentials and certifications like CSP or CHMM, attend developmental conferences, develop a network of subject matter experts, and seek out mentors. The more you learn, the more value you bring, and the more credibility you have.

Communicate Effectively and with Confidence

Whether you’re writing a report or speaking in a safety meeting, your ability to communicate clearly can make or break your message. Practice translating technical jargon into language that your audience understands.  Every safety person knows how many acronyms we use daily.  They become a basic part of our vocabulary.  While we know them, our audience probably does not.  In preparation for these communication opportunities, consider your audience and modify your message so that its meaning is understood by all different levels being communicated to, from frontline to the C-Suite.

Strive To Be Proactive vs Reactive

One challenge Safety Professionals face is our tendency to act as “trouble shooters” and “fire fighters”.  Often this tendency becomes our default mode of performing.  We like to solve problems and get quick wins by addressing issues as they are occurring.  Always force yourself to avoid this tendency.  Do not wait for incidents to drive positive change. Use objective data, regular and structured observations, and personal conversations to identify risks early. Being proactive not only prevents injuries but also demonstrates leadership.

Remember Your Personal Mission

At the heart of a safety role is a simple truth: Safety roles help ensure people go home to their families. Do not lose sight of that.  Understanding that is what gives this career purpose and importance.

I would like to conclude by saying this to those just starting out in this challenging and rewarding profession, you are beginning a career that matters. Proceed with a caring heart, personal integrity, true empathy, a commitment to learn, and you will go far.  Welcome and let’s get after it.