Safety Inspector Roles & Responsibilities And some thoughts on safety… After 30 years

Future EHS Pro!!

Why Safety? – THE EVENT Army War Nerves Risk Taker Superman Rejected most authority BAM! Wrong Attitude Wrong Place Wrong Time Stuff happens

Saved my life – but someone had to tell me to put it on!! This IS the ________________ job! Everyone (not just the safety inspector) must have an attitude of “if not me – who?” We, as leaders, must correct behaviors that we know may cause injury or incident.

Why Safety? Passion to want to help people. Saw the pain of loss Experienced the pain of having a life-altering event Insert picture here of tank explosion Paralysis

How many of our safety inspectors are truly passionate about safety? We must find people to fill these roles who care about the personal well being of others

Safety – A journey, not a destination Safety Intern Safety Supervisor Safety Manager Safety Director VP Safety President – Safety Co. Each role had differing responsibilities but the overall objectives remained the same. Reduce injuries, improve compliance, manage risk and lower costs.

What does it take to be successful as a “Safety Inspector”? Tough skin Passion to want to be questioned constantly Love to debate A willingness to stand ground Dream a little dream Have high empathy “gene”. If hiring safety inspectors I highly suggest working hard at matching personality to the job and values your organization has set for safety. If it’s not a good match safety will suffer and turnover will be high.

Safety Inspector Roles & Responsibilities Manage Health & Safety Programs Consultant Coach Cop (at times) Manager vs. Do’er Policy Setting Facilitate Educate / Train Committee member / Leader Responsibilities Lead by Example Build Culture Brand Sponsor Use Authority Wisely Pick battles Be a partner to your supervisors Hold all employees accountable

Manage the Program Periodic audits Written program reviews Industrial hygiene surveys Employee feedback surveys Job hazard analysis reviews Recurrent training programs Supervisor feedback surveys Periodic statistical evaluations Corrective action follow-up measures

Programs solve safety problems… Programs solve safety problems….not products, not any single person including the safety inspector.

Got Safety? Do all levels in the organization hold safety responsibilities? Top down including Senior Management must have safety as a part of their job responsibilities. Walk the “talk”. Be involved AND committed Sit in on safety committees Conduct site safety assessments with safety committees

Supervisors are always the key to successfully implementing safety programs!! And yet… Production vs. safety Unspoken “rules” (we will get er’ done) I hire based on how many fingers they’ve broken You ain’t working if you ain’t hurtin’ How do we get this group truly on the safety bus?

Safety’s Place in the organization Questions: Is Safety a priority in your company? Is Safety a VALUE in your company? Priorities change, Values DO NOT CHANGE

Building a Brand / Culture for safety Brands last and can generate “buzz” Creates positive momentum for safety Will reduce exposures and impact the lost time accidents, recordable rates Positions everyone in the corporation to be involved in the safety process

Core Competencies

Thank you all for your time! Kent Huber Sentinel Safety Group Cell: 3178405264