Transcript Document

Competencies of the Safety
Professional
Global and National Perspective
Michael W. Thompson, CSP
President
American Society of Safety Engineers
www.ASSE.org
Canadian Society of Safety Engineering Professional Development
Conference
Victoria, British Columbia
September 9, 2007
….and a member of CSSE
Agenda
Definitions
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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
.
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Expert
M astery
Skilful Application
Basic Application
Aw areness
Start your Career
Climb
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Career
Aspirations
SH&E Professional
Education
Skills/ Behaviors
Experience
Continual Professional Development
Credentialing
Consistent Application of the Above
Competency- Part of defining
a profession
Websters New Universal Unabridged Dictionary
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.
The appearance of competence is almost
as important as competence itself
Chuck Lieppe , CEO
Berol Corporation
Competencies Model
What it takes to excel
Executive
Core
.
Foundation
Technical &
Professional
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 CompetenciesExamples
Measurement of
safety performance
Human behavior
Environmental
safety and health
Continued
knowledge of sh&e
laws, regulations
and standards
Management and
business
administration
Engineering
Physical and social
sciences and other
fields
Accident investigation
and analysis
Technical & Professional
Technical and Professional CompetenciesExamples Cont’d
Industrial hygiene
and toxicology
Design of
engineering
hazard controls
Fire protection
Ergonomics
System and
process safety
Safety and health
program
management
Product safety
Construction
safety
Education and
training methods
Some Research-based Findings
Five competencies of the highest importance:
1. Communicating effectively
2. Accepting responsibility
3. Translating solutions into practical terms
4. 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
Define
Assess
Set / Review
Personal Goals
Identify Development
Needs
Review
Assess Effectiveness
of Actions
Quality Conversations
Learning Environment
Validation
Do
Implement
Development
Actions
Plan
Prepare Development
Action Plan
ASSE’s Executive Program in Safety
Management
ELIGIBILITY
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.
Career Progression Descriptors
Awareness
Basic Application
Foundation Skills
Skillful Application
Mastery
Core Skills
Technical & Professional
Expert
Business
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.
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 creativity
Too 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 Leadership
Mike W. Thompson, CSP
President
American Society of Safety Engineers
[email protected]
281-366-4799 (O)
281-642-3293 (M)