Behind the Hardhat: Who Safety Pros Are

I’m starting a trend with "Food for a Day" articles here, sharing insights to spark discussion—looking for ideas and feedback from peers and friends!

Ever wonder who safety professionals are today and how we began? Ask anyone, and they might picture a site worker reminding you to wear a hardhat or offering first aid. Even my mom struggles to define my role, once describing it as "helping keep work safe"! Some people roll their eyes, seeing us as an extra regulatory layer, while managers view safety as a necessary insurance cost, leaving the role vaguely understood.

Yet, we’re a diverse crew—process safety experts, human behavior specialists, risk assessors, auditors, and more. Though the field is young yet established (I’ve been in it for two decades), it’s often misunderstood—a challenge I’ve faced filling out job forms on LinkedIn or other recruiting platforms! Job websites lump us with occupational hygienists or therapists, reflecting a vague grasp of our role and variety.

So, who are we? We’re advisors, not executors, offering deep insights to prevent issues and guide proactive choices. We stand by you during accidents, but our true value lies in preparation. Safety is my self-discipline—humans err, but risk assessments and foresight minimize mistakes. It’s not 100% foolproof, yet it prepares us for emergencies, sparing us from staring like a blind deer on the highway. No one wants that fate.

Let’s make safety a habit—connect with me to turn risks into opportunities, inspired by two decades of frontline wisdom!

#OccuSafeServ #SafetyProfessionals #WorkplaceSafety #RiskManagement