Given her vast expertise and insightful advice, one might be surprised that Maegan Procasky has only been in the EHS industry for a little over five years. And since joining Walt Disney Parks & Resorts a year-and-a-half ago, she has been making quite a name for herself. In fact, she just got promoted!
Procasky started at Disney providing essential safety support to several resorts in Florida, including Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Wilderness Lodge Resort, and Riviera Resort, as well as Beyond Parks Entertainment. In her newly promoted role, she will serve as the senior safety professional supporting park operations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Procasky’s promising career began at Nestle USA, where she worked her way up to the role of senior facility safety, health, and environmental specialist. Before that, she spent two summers with Travelers Insurance as a risk control intern and one summer with General Motors as a safety intern.
Procasky’s credentials include a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health (OSH) from Murray State University; an Associate Safety and Health Manager (ASHM) certification from the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM); and a Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). She also completed the OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety and Health course and is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP).
To learn more about Procasky and her take on industry issues, please read the Faces of EHS interview below:
Q: How did you get your start in the field?
After experiencing some health issues, I hesitantly began my undergraduate studies with a bit of uncertainty about my future career path. Initially, I explored nursing, then business administration, trying to find a field that truly resonated with me. It was during this exploratory phase that I discovered Murray State University’s renowned OSH program. The idea of merging health and management into one degree seemed like a perfect fit for my interests. The OSH program at Murray State turned out to be an ideal choice, combining elements of both fields in a way that felt both practical and impactful.
I encouraged my brother, Morgan Alexander, now a safety manager in Kentucky, to explore the field alongside me. We were blessed with the opportunity to take classes and study together, which made the experience even more rewarding. I was fortunate to cross paths with exceptional mentors and take advantage of opportunities that further solidified my decision. Their advice and the experiences I gained were instrumental in shaping my career path. Looking back, I am grateful for the journey that led me to where I am today and for the supportive community that aids in my success.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence in the EHS industry, and why?
I am incredibly fortunate to have several significant influences in the industry. Josh Reed, director of technical safety and programs at Vail Resorts; Mary Ellen Ausenbaugh, technical director of human factors and ergonomics at Travelers; and Jerry Freeman, HSE manager at Honeywell have each played a pivotal role in my success.
Josh and I began our friendship a little over eight years ago. He took me under his wing early on, providing support and encouragement, and introduced me to Mary Ellen Ausenbaugh, which led to amazing internship opportunities and further development. Jerry Freeman recognized my potential and offered me my first full-time EHS job, never failing to be my biggest advocate. As respected leaders in safety, they are role models I aspire to follow. Their unwavering belief in me, especially when others did not, and their invaluable guidance along the way have been crucial in guiding my journey.
Q: What’s your favorite and least favorite part about working in the industry?
One of my favorite aspects of working in the EHS industry is the profound care for people and the meaningful connections that are built through this work. The essence of what I do daily extends far beyond the workplace, as safety has an extensive impact on everyone’s lives, both professionally and personally. Knowing that my efforts contribute to the well-being and protection of individuals, whether they are on the job or at home, provides a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose.
On the other side, my least favorite part of the industry involves the challenge of gaining acceptance and buy-in from all partners. Convincing others of the importance of safety can sometimes be an uphill battle, as it requires effective communication and a compelling narrative to convey the “why” behind our initiatives. We must continuously strive to articulate the value and necessity of safety measures, ensuring that our message resonates and fosters a culture of proactive engagement. Overcoming this challenge requires persistence and creativity in “telling the story” of why safety is essential for everyone’s well-being.
Q: What are your thoughts on safety culture? How can company leaders make safety a value within their organization?
Safety culture is fundamental to the success of any organization. It is not just a set of rules or procedures but a deeply ingrained value that shapes how everyone in the organization perceives and prioritizes safety. I believe that for safety to become a core value, it must be embraced by every individual within the organization, from top leadership to front-line employees. Everyone must talk the talk and walk the walk.
Leaders play an essential role in fostering this culture by setting the tone and demonstrating their commitment to safety through their actions and decisions. To embed safety into the organizational fabric, leaders need to make it a shared responsibility. When every employee understands that safety is a collective obligation and not just a top-down directive, it creates a sense of ownership and accountability. Excellence in safety is a collective endeavor.
In addition, making safety personal and engaging is essential in transforming it from a mere compliance requirement into a genuine value. This means creating an environment where safety is integrated into daily routines and is seen as an integral part of the work experience. Leaders can achieve this by thinking outside the box, making safety initiatives interactive and enjoyable—whether through engaging training sessions, safety challenges, or recognition programs that celebrate safety achievements.
By infusing safety into the organizational culture in a way that resonates personally with employees and makes their involvement enjoyable, leaders can cultivate a workplace where safety is not only valued but also enthusiastically embraced. This approach not only enhances compliance but also fosters a proactive mindset where everyone is motivated to contribute to a safer work environment.
Q: What safety concerns or issues do you think need more prioritization in EHS programs?
There are several critical safety concerns and issues that I think warrant more prioritization to enhance overall effectiveness and ensure comprehensive protection:
- Ergonomic issues and musculoskeletal disorders are common in many workplaces, particularly those involving repetitive tasks or manual handling. Enhanced focus on ergonomic assessments and solutions can prevent body motion injuries. Implementing improved ergonomic training, investing in ergonomic tools and equipment, and regularly evaluating workplace ergonomics are essential steps to prevent knowledge compliance gaps and ensure employees are well informed and prepared.
- Mental health has increasingly become a key aspect of overall workplace safety. Stress, burnout, and mental health disorders can significantly impact employee well-being and productivity. EHS programs should continue to integrate mental health support into their safety initiatives, offering resources such as counseling, stress management workshops, and creating a supportive environment that addresses mental health concerns alongside physical safety.
- Another significant area that needs increased prioritization in EHS programs is the development of stronger partnerships with occupational health clinics and doctors. Effective management of work-related injuries and illnesses requires seamless communication between EHS professionals and healthcare providers. Strengthening partnerships with occupational health clinics ensures that injured or ill employees receive appropriate and timely medical care. It also facilitates better case management and follow-up, which is essential for effective recovery and return-to-work planning. This collaboration ensures that both preventive and responsive measures are well-coordinated, creating a unified effort to protect and support employees’ well-being, in addition to minimizing downtime.
By giving more attention to these areas and prioritizing better partnerships with occupational health clinics and doctors, EHS programs can create a safer, more supportive, and proactive environment for employees, ultimately leading to better overall safety outcomes. These contribute to improved management of work-related injuries, tailored programs, employee support, an integrated approach to well-being, data-driven decision-making, and a collaborative culture. Strengthening these ultimately leads to a safer and healthier workplace.
Q: How will new safety technologies influence the work being done by EHS professionals?
New safety technologies are already significantly influencing the work of EHS professionals in several transformative ways. Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence can process large volumes of safety data to identify trends, predict potential incidents, and optimize safety strategies. Automated reporting tools simplify the documentation process, ensuring compliance and facilitating more efficient communication of safety metrics and incidents. Mobile apps and cloud platforms facilitate real-time communication and collaboration among EHS professionals and employees, regardless of location.
As new safety technologies and automation are integrated into workplaces, they can make things so much easier and more streamlined, but technology can also introduce new challenges, especially when it doesn’t work properly. EHS programs need to adapt to technological advancements by evaluating potential risks associated with new equipment or processes and providing appropriate training and safety measures.
New safety technologies have the potential to enhance the capabilities of EHS professionals by improving risk detection, streamlining processes, and providing more accurate data and insights. These advancements can allow EHS professionals to be more proactive, efficient, and effective in their roles, ultimately leading to safer work environments and better overall safety outcomes.
Q: What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my success in navigating complex environments and overcoming significant challenges, both personally and within various organizations, and to now be working for a dream company that truly values health and safety. Whether facing obstacles in health, education, relationships, grief, finances, the workplace, relocation, a new job, an industry change, or adapting to new policies, the ability to transform these challenges into opportunities for growth and emerge stronger reflects true resilience and leadership skills. It is rewarding to see how stepping out of your comfort zone and overcoming obstacles leads to long-term benefits for not only myself but everyone around me.
Q: Do you have any advice for people entering the EHS profession?
Entering the EHS profession can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One important piece of advice I would offer to newcomers is to embrace change and step out of your comfort zone. Being adaptable and open to change is essential for staying effective in your role.
View challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Overcoming challenges often leads to valuable experience and personal growth. Step out of your comfort zone by networking and building relationships with colleagues, industry professionals, and other partners. Strong professional relationships can provide support, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration. Develop resilience and optimism towards change. Resilience helps you navigate the ups and downs with grace and effectiveness. A positive attitude towards change fosters a proactive approach and helps you remain focused on achieving goals.
In summary, being open to change and stepping out of your comfort zone are essential for thriving in the EHS profession. Embracing adaptability, innovation, continuous learning, challenges, networking, advocacy, and resilience will help you make a significant impact and achieve success in your EHS career.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
One of the valuable insights I gained at a previous job and brought over to my current role is what I refer to as the 4 MCs, and I would like to take this opportunity to share it with you.
Safety is an ever-present issue that is a constant threat in any environment. The most effective way to prevent accidents is to educate individuals on how to minimize risks to the greatest extent possible and implement controls that mitigate the likelihood of incidents. By adopting the right mindset and attitude, workplace accidents can be significantly reduced. It’s crucial to identify and address four common factors that contribute to accidents: Complacency, Fatigue, Frustration, and Rushing—referred to as the 4 Major Contributors (4 MCs). Being vigilant for these signs and taking proactive measures can help prevent severe incidents before they occur.
- Complacency is one of the most dangerous mindsets that can lead to injuries or accidents. The initial step toward an accident often involves the misguided belief that experience makes one invulnerable. Accidents can occur to anyone at any time, and it is essential to remain vigilant and aware of the risks in each situation. A false sense of security, often stemming from inadequate training and poor practices, significantly increases the likelihood of accidents. Management must act swiftly when boredom leads to complacency. Such attitudes can cause or contribute to critical errors that increase the likelihood of injury, including not focusing on the task at hand, not being mentally engaged, walking into hazardous areas, and losing balance, traction, or grip.
- Fatigue diminishes both productivity and performance. Research indicates that a tired driver can be as hazardous as a drunk driver, highlighting the severe risks associated with fatigue. It’s important to recognize signs of fatigue in workers and take appropriate action. In hotter climates, heat stress is a major concern as it can lead to fatigue and, in extreme cases, be fatal. Implementing heat stress safety plans is a vital component of training for all employees. To prevent fatigue, employees should avoid excessive work hours and overwork. It is necessary to set realistic deadlines and achievable goals to support employee well-being and efficiency.
- Frustration is a mindset that everyone encounters at some point. Effectively managing frustration and turning negative experiences into positive outcomes is critical for preventing accidents and injuries. It’s essential to foster a work environment that minimizes the potential for frustration. Employees may become frustrated due to inadequate procedures, poor communication, insufficient or incorrect materials, and personal issues. While not all situations can be controlled, hiring individuals who can manage their emotions effectively is a valuable practice for any organization.
- Rushing through work is another major contributor. Employees often experience pressure to complete tasks quickly to move on to the next one or finish their day early. This rush often compromises the quality of work and raises the likelihood of skipping essential steps. Accidents tend to increase on Fridays, during holiday weekends, or when projects are running behind schedule. It is important to remind employees that safety should always take precedence, even if it means extending the time needed to complete the job.
Are you or a colleague an EHS professional interested in being profiled for the Faces of EHS series? Please contact Joe Bebon at JBebon@BLR.com.