Barron Greenwalt
Feb 20, 2014

My profession prevents unnecessary deaths and injuries to workers. I attempt to instill the idea that we all have a duty to promote a safe workplace. Having certain inherent skills and abilities allow me to fulfill the many roles associated with being a Health & Safety Manager. Below are five useful tips that may enhance your professional image as you begin to think about issues concerning your field of expertise.

Journaling

Journaling allows one to recall the events as they were. It is a record of what happened as well as specific thoughts, feelings, and ideas at that specific time. Following a couple of simple journaling habits/rules will make any job easier in the end, especially when filling out those dreaded reports. Always keep a journal with you to jot down brainstorming ideas and inspirations. Keep each note organized with date, project, and the names of those involved in the margin.

Problem Solving

A part of any professional’s job description is to solve problems, no matter the title. When an accident occurs, I investigate and create a root-cause analysis to prevent this and similar issues from re-occurring. Trouble shooting and solving problems begin with basic questions of investigation. What is the problem? Why did this happen? What is the solution?

Resourcefulness

Safety professionals must always deal promptly when regulatory issues arise, otherwise occupational injuries may occur. Develop a network of professionals for fingertip information and read articles related to your field to remain current on issues and trends; these type of resources are invaluable to all professionals. In addition, when asked to present information, return to research fundamentals. Do not abandon the research basics learned in high school and college; there was a reason for that research paper assignment.

Accident Prevention

Accident prevention is in the details. Inspections and behavior observations of the location and people present can be leading indicators foretelling that something may go wrong. The key is to recognize the details and put them together like a puzzle to help predict the future. Who is present? How are they behaving?

Traveling

Constant travel can wear you down. I remain loyal to hotels, airlines and car-rental companies because being familiar with surroundings prevents distress often associated with being on the go. Hearing your name when you arrive at your hotel is comforting. Being familiar with your environment is reassuring because you know the location of banks, barbers and other businesses. Familiarity becomes a safety feature by deterring one from making a wrong turn into danger.

Published by Barron Greenwalt