Stepping up on my soap box… Some people filling the role of safety person need to take a long look in the mirror. If you do not believe your role in the organization is the most important then how in the hell do you expect anyone else to believe it. Stop looking to management to prop you up and take charge of the safety movement and be a leader!!
Most managers have not a clue what a world class safety process looks like or how it functions. If you do not have the will or desire to be a safety leader there are a lot of other jobs you can fill, but damn it there are countless families counting on us to do the right thing day in and day out so that their family members make it home each day. If we do not believe in ourselves as a safety leader and walk the talk, then ask yourself “why am I doing this job?” If it is just a job, then it is time to move on to another “job”. Safety is not about certifications or degrees; it is about people. Even people who hate what you do and maybe even hate you as a person deserve your efforts to be 110% each day. When Managment does not want you engaged because “you cause trouble” then maybe it is time to find a new management group to work with. NEVER let anyone pull you down to where you surrender your passion for something you love to do. There will always be people who ridicule the job we do or understand what drives us to do it with such energy and passion. Just accept the fact that we will not be “loved” by all and that we have a job to do. As Dr Geller says “dance with those who want to dance” and don’t let the nay Sayers suck you into their games. Have the passion and desire to create a world class safety process because it is the RIGHT THING TO DO and not because of some company mandate. People follow people because they believe in that person’s commitment to the cause, not because there is a company mandate. But damn it CARE about what you do because you believe it matters! Don’t wait for a serious injury or fatality to realize there was more YOU could have done as an individual to prevent it. You will live with that regret for the rest of your life! Stepping down now.