Today and tomorrow we profile three young safety professionals and highlight some of the lessons they’ve learned so far in their rising careers. All three are part of an impressive group of 40 Under 40 Rising Stars, a National Safety Council program that recognizes excellence in the safety field.
Joe Kopko, now 31, is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in safety sciences. He has worked in the safety field for power plant construction projects, a laser optics firm, and the Pepsico Bottling Group. For the past 4 years he’s served as safety director at Emcor Services-Scalise Industries, a Pittsburgh mechanical and electrical construction firm.
Lessons Learned
Frustrations. Kopko says one of his most frustrating moments as a young safety professional was also one of the most valuable. He watch a worker climb to a high platform without fall protection as a supervisor silently observed. Afterward, the supervisor wrote up the employee for the infraction. "At that point I decided I didn’t want to be a safety cop," Kopko says. "I want to be an advocate, and educator, and a mentor. I saw resistance by the workforce to the safety cop idea, and I knew it wouldn’t get me anywhere."
Technology. Technology is great, Kopko admits, but it can’t take the place of basic compliance. Despite advancements in computer-based, self-paced training, live instruction in small groups with open discussion can often be more effective. "You can break things down and go through the basics to make sure they understand."
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The future. "Ten years from now, I’d like to be having more of an impact with younger safety professionals. I’ve worked with interns and that moment when the lightbulb goes off is very rewarding!"
Professional challenges. For Kopko, getting the budget he needs to do the job has not been difficult. The bigger obstacle is changing workers’ behaviors and their perception of risk—getting them to avoid cutting corners and, instead, make the safe choices.
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Treena Leonard, 35, a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, started out as assistant safety manager for the Nevada region at Rinker Materials. From there she moved on to CalPortland, a construction company and producer of cement, concrete, aggregates, and asphalt, where she has been instrumental in improving safety communications.
Lessons Learned
Progress. A good day is one in which Leonard feels she’s broken through a barrier and encouraged a lasting behavior change. The "we’ve done it this way for 30 years attitude" is tough to change.
Communications. "Don’t talk at them; talk to them," she recommends. Leonard has also learned that there is little value in discussing the financial implications of safe behavior with workers. Putting a dollar sign on it just doesn’t work. Rather, she suggests hearing their concerns and letting them know you understand. "Stop talking, and listen to what your guys are saying."
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OSH careers. Young people interested in an occupational safety and health career are in a good position, with so many baby boomer–era professionals soon to retire.
Tomorrow, we feature another young professional and tell you more about OSHA Training System, a safety training resource that can make your job easier and your workplace safer, no matter where you work or what stage you find yourself in your career as a safety professional
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