How Do I Get This New Hat To Fit

1
How Do I Get This New Hat To Fit?

• Presented to VPPP Association
• Presenter Bill Shooter, Director
• Occupational Safety Division
• United Safety Council

2
Introduction

• Every time we get a job task or new employer, we
  usually find out there are other areas we need to
  learn more about.
• During the next few minutes, you will see that
  even though you may be the Safety Manager, EHS
  Director, or a member of the safety committee you
  really have more than one hat to wear.
• Some of you may be new to the safety organization
  you are currently working with so I will show
  other areas of responsibility that may not have
  crossed your mind.

3
Qualifications Hat

• You have been hired or assigned the task since
  the company is sure you have all the required
  knowledge to complete the task, or
• You know the task and may have had some previous
  experience, or
• You know the task but may not have had direct
  experience in the past, or
• You know the task and think you have the
  knowledge and experience level to complete it, or
• You know the task and really have no idea about
  what is necessary to even get started.

4
Safety Hat

• As the safety expert, you are expected to be able
  to do anything or know everything about safety.
• Many of our actions regarding safety are as a
  result of our previous exposures.
• One of our biggest hurdles is getting everyone in
  the organization to accept the responsibility of
  being accountable for themselves and their
  co-workers.

5
Inspectors Hat

• This is the hat many of us wear since we have so
  many different checklists that we either complete
  or review on a regular basis while we are
  inspecting our worksites.

6
Investigators Hat

• This is the hat we wear when we are doing that
  near miss or mishap investigation.
• When wearing this hat, remember that there is
  short and long term evidence that must be
  gathered.
• Your final report should only go to a responsible
  Senior Manager and only after all the facts have
  been collected and corroborated.

7
Judges Hat

• At some point in time, we are going to be placed
  in a situation where the safety
  professional/practitioner is responsible for
  making a critical decision based on the facts
  that are presented during a mishap investigation.
  
• This hat will be worn only when all facts have
  been determined.

8
Enforcers Hat

• This is the hat that none of us really ever wish
  to wear.
• When it is time to be the enforcer, it is
  important to remember that at one time, on or off
  the job, we may have done something without
  thinking through the outcome.
• Empathy is always important when we have to be
  the enforcer.

9
Analyst's Hat

• Many times we will wear this hat during the year.
  
• It is important that you do not read anything
  into the analysis until all the facts and
  documentation have been collected.

10
Financial Hat

• This is the hat we will wear at least once a year
  at budget preparation time.
• We will also wear this hat when we need to
  justify some of our expenses for a project.

11
Negotiators Hat

• We wear this hat when we are trying to get that
  new piece of equipment or the new training
  program.
• We also will wear this hat during budget
  submissions and annual reviews.

12
Salespersons Hat

• This is the hat we all wear almost all the time.
• Like any salesperson we need to know our product
  line well as how to up-sell the customers (our
  bosses) to the next idea.

13
Champions Hat

• As safety professionals/practitioners it is our
  responsibility to lead the charge into battle for
  the benefits of our safety programs, to champion
  the safety cause.
• Be proud that you are a safety professional or
  safety practitioner. Many times our professional
  observations have saved a person from serious
  injuries or even a fatality.

14
Where to Get More Information

• Other training sessions
• OSHA OTI Courses www.usfoticenter.org
• United Safety Council www.occsafety.com
• Mishap Investigation
• Forklift Train the Trainer
• CPR/AED/BFA/BBP Instructor Training
• Driver Performance Analysis System
• Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS)
  www.coss.net or www.occsafety.com

15
Where to Get More Information

• Books, articles, electronic sources
• OSHA www.osha.gov
• Modern Accident Investigation Analysis by Ted
  S. Ferry
• Finance and Accounting for Nonfinancial Managers
  by Steven A. Finkler PhD. CPA
• Health Safety Bulletin
• Environmental Bulletin
• Safety PowerPoint Presentations
  http//siri.uvm.edu/ppt/powerpt.html
• Safety Smart Ezine - www.safetyxchange.org
• Occupational Hazards e-News www.occupationalhaz
  ards.com

16
Where to Get More Information

• Consulting services, other sources
• United Safety Council www.occsafety.com
• USF Safety Consultative Program
  www.safetyflorida.usf.edu
• Your local Safety Council should be a good source
  to answer any of your questions concerning
  necessary training, OSHA questions and other
  consultative services.

17
Summary

• During this presentation, I have tried to show
  you that even though you wear the safety hat,
  there are so many other hats you also wear. This
  can be used as a reminder that our safety
  responsibilities are far reaching and please do
  not be shortsighted.
• Request feedback of training session