Michael W. Thompson, CSPPresident American Society of Safety Engineers www.ASSE.org

Canadian Society of Safety Engineering Professional Development ConferenceVictoria, British ColumbiaSeptember 9, 2007

Competencies of the Safety Professional

Global and National Perspective

….and a member of CSSE

Agenda

Definitions SH&E Professional Competency

Competencies Model The US Standard Career Progression Descriptors A Call for Collaborative Global Action

American Society of Safety Engineers

32,000 members- located in 70 countries 150 Chapters & 32 Sections 61 Student Sections

.

Education Skills/Behaviors Experience Continual Professional Development Credentialing Consistent Application of the Above

Awareness

Basic Application

Skilful Application

Mastery

Expert

Start your Career Climb

Career Aspirations

You are here? Want help to get here?

SH&E Professional

Competency- Part of defining a profession

the state or quality of being adequately or well qualified: having capacity ability; a specific range of skill and knowledge

the quality or condition of being legally

qualified to perform an act.

Websters New Universal Unabridged Dictionary

The appearance of competence is almost as important as competence itself

Chuck Lieppe , CEO Berol Corporation

Technical & Professional

Foundation

Core

Executive

.Competencies Model

What it takes to excel

The basic essentials

Foundation Competencies- Examples

• SH&E • Interpersonal

• Digital • Financial

• Project Management

• Procurement.

Foundation

National Standard

Established for

Safety Professionals

ASSE’s Scope & Function of the Professional Safety Position

It states that those practicing in the safety profession need: Common Body of Knowledge

+ Education+ Training + Experience

A fundamental knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology, physiology, statistics, mathematics, computer science, engineering mechanics, industrial processes, business, communication and psychology.

Technical and Professional Competencies- Examples

Measurement of safety performanceHuman behaviorEnvironmental safety and healthContinued knowledge of sh&e laws, regulations and standards

Management and business administrationEngineeringPhysical and social sciences and other fieldsAccident investigation and analysis

Technical & Professional

Technical and Professional Competencies- Examples Cont’d

Industrial hygiene and toxicologyDesign of engineering hazard controlsFire protectionErgonomicsSystem and process safety

Safety and health program managementProduct safetyConstruction safetyEducation and training methods

Some Research-based Findings

Five competencies of the highest importance:1. Communicating effectively2. Accepting responsibility3. Translating solutions into practical terms4. Business Acumen

+ the ability to integrate safety into business + the ability to speak the language of business

5. Problem solving

Core Competencies- Examples

• Business Insight • Innovation

• Taking the Lead

• Partnership and Team

• Performance Bias

• Wise Decisions

Core

Executive Competencies- Examples

Leadership Time-Management Performance and Goal Setting Risk Assessment Negotiating and Persuasion Strategic Thinking

Executive

Personal Development Process

DefineSet / Review

Personal Goals

AssessIdentify Development

Needs

PlanPrepare Development

Action Plan

DoImplement

Development Actions

ReviewAssess Effectiveness

of Actions

Quality ConversationsLearning Environment

Validation

ASSE’s Executive Program in Safety Management

This program is intended for: experienced Safety professionals on a “fast track” in their organization; CSPs and CIHs needing a relevant course of study while obtaining COC and CM points; senior safety professionals seeking a forum with their peers; and senior safety professionals exploring a new avenue of education.

ELIGIBILITY

                                               

Awareness Basic Application Skillful Application Mastery Expert

Knowledge: Understands basic principles. Has general awareness.

Knowledge: Has broad knowledge of principles and applications. Familiar with industry standards and employer guidelines.

Knowledge: Has detailed knowledge of principles and applications. Stays current with technology and methods and potential business benefits.

Knowledge: Full understanding of principles and practices and application to solving complex problems. Detailed knowledge of industry standards and trends.

Knowledge: Complete and integrated knowledge of technical and business practices.

Experience: Has not necessarily been a practitioner in this area.

Experience: Acquired through on-the-job experience.

Experience: Acquired experience in a wide range of areas.

Experience: Many years served as an active practitioner in diverse environments.

Experience: Many years served as an active practitioner on a global scale.

Currency: May or may not be currently active in the area.

Currency: May or may not be currently active in the area.

Currency: Currently or recently active in the area.

Currency: Active practitioner. Credentialed/Licensed

Currency: Active practitioner. Credentialed/Licensed

Responsibility: None. Requires guidance & supervision.

Responsibility: Some individual responsibility or autonomy, though mostly works under supervision.

Responsibility: Recognized within team as subject matter authority. Significant personal autonomy, works under limited or no supervision.

Responsibility: develops and leads technical projects. Recognized as Business Unit or regional authority for subject area. Sought after by management for technical assurance.

Responsibility: Sought after by management to provide strategic direction and technical assurance across wide portfolio of business and industry projects.

Influence: None Influence: None Influence: Participates actively in relevant company networks, sharing information, best practices, and lessons learnt.

Influence: Provides coaching in subject area. Develops and transfers knowledge throughout the business. Leads networks, mentors and coaches.

Influence: Leading authority in technology, recognized throughout business as well as by industry peers. Participates externally to set industry standards. Driving force in cutting edge R&D. Leads networks, mentors and coaches.

Career Progression Descriptors

Foundation SkillsCore Skills

Technical & Professional Business

External Forces Impacting the SH&E Profession

Reality --- in the U.S. Federal/state governmental agencies set certification criteria as part of a regulation without including SH&E professionals Some voluntary national consensus standards are developed that exclude safety professionals – this has happened Private/public sector organizations – debate safety and health and environment issues while excluding the SH&E Professional

It is Likely Happening Globally

Be Creative, SH&E Is Not Just a Product

Seek different ways to accomplish goals and engage the workforce The perception is that no skill or decision-making ability is required when administering SH&E.

Don’t Let Others Define the Profession

Formulating a plan for sh&E excellence requires strategic planning, technical competence and creativityToo many sh&e programs rely on quick fixes and shortcuts, which causes management to believe that anyone can oversee the sh&e process

A Call for Collaborative Global Action

Service and LeadershipService and Leadership

Mike W. Thompson, CSPPresidentAmerican Society of Safety EngineersMichael.Thompson6@BP.com281-366-4799 (O)281-642-3293 (M)