Philadelphia_ASSP_Email_Header.jpg
Share this newsletter:
FacebookTwitterLinkedinOther
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGEkjhjkhk_2309968.png

Welcome to the ASSP Philadelphia AUTUMN newsletter (never say FALL to a safety professional)!  I hope everyone is ready for a great new chapter year!

My hope is that this 2022-23 year will mark a return to “normalcy” after Covid.  I hope to see a lot more of you in person this year, for some good old-fashioned networking and sharing of safety knowledge.  But I understand there is a new normal, and not everyone wants to or is able to attend in person.  The chapter leadership team has heard you (via our annual membership survey), and we have invested in the technology to provide HYBRID meetings.  I think it went well for our September meeting on Rescue Planning, and we will offer this again for our October 25th meeting on Property Loss Prevention.

As always, please let me know what you would like to see our chapter do, how we can improve, or just say hello: president@phila.assp.org or go to our chapter website and click About →Chapter Officers https://phila.assp.org/.

Kate-McGee_1216022.png

John Suter

2022-23 Chapter President

October 25th - A Programmatic Overview of Fire Protection and Property Loss Prevention: Jameson Wendell, CSP, CFPS; Associate Director of Safety and Environmental at Merck & Co. Inc. 
 
November 15 - TBD
December 8 (Tentative) - Holiday Party
img_2038903.jpg
First Meeting of the Year! " Being Lucky is Not a Rescue Plan"
Screen_shot_from_2022-09-15_meeting_2331777.png
 
Our very own member Pat Karol was featured in the June Professional Safety Journal.
kjklllll_2331804.png
 
 
 
In 2022, the ASSP Philadelphia Chapter elected Ryan Costello. SMS, to the position of Vice President. Ryan is an experienced EH&S Professional.
 
We took a few moments of Ryan's time to ask him some questions about his passion for safety, volunteer experience and to get to know more about him. We hope you will enjoy taking a few minutes getting know Ryan a little better!
 
 jul1_2331872.png
jkj_2331876.png
kj_2331879.png
hkjhjk_2331884.png
kjllkjlj_2331888.png
jklj_2331890.png
 
 
 
FieldFederalSafetyAndHealthCouncils_2331822.png
 
8habits(2)_2342394.png
 

I began writing this book in 2004 while working as a civilian contractor for Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR) in Iraq.  I was the Area HSE Manager for a large portion of the Logistical Civilian Augmentation Program #3 (LogCAP III) Project. Our contract required us to hire a certain percentage of local national employees (Iraqis) to help build bases for the US military and coalition forces.  This was to help the local economies and to teach the Iraqi people new skills that they could use once we were gone.  In theory, this was a great idea; however, in reality, it was a safety nightmare.  Being a U.S. based company, we were required to follow O.S.H.A. 29 CFR 1926 (Construction), O.S.H.A. 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry), and in some cases U.S. Army Corp of Engineers EM 385.  But none of this translated to the “Idha Sh Allah” way of life in this part of the world.  Idha Sh Allah is loosely translated to “God Willing” in English and is pronounced “en shallah.”  Without turning this into a discussion of religion, I just need you to understand that many in this part of the world believe they have zero control over the things that happen to them. So, bring this culture to an American construction site and I'm sure you can see the difficulties.

For the purposes of the book and this article the term “Safety Culture” means – What your employees are doing when no one is watching.

Safety cultures can be traced all the way back to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in 1760.  While workplace safety now and workplace safety back then are two very different things, 1760 was the first accounts of company rules being written to “keep employees from hurting themselves”.

In 1802 the very first legislation dealing with workplace safety was passed.  Due to an outcry over child labor conditions, Sir Robert Peel, introduced the Health and Morals of Apprentices Act 1802, commonly known as the Factory Act.  The Factory Act applied to all textile mills and factories employing three or more apprentices or twenty employees and required factories to:

  • Have sufficient windows and opening for ventilation
  • Be cleaned at least twice yearly with quicklime and water
  • Limit working hours for apprentices to no more than 12 hours a day (excluding time taken for breaks)

While limited to a small portion of the workforce and with limited enforcement, the Factory Act is generally seen as the beginning of health and safety regulation.

It was 31 years later before any other laws were passed.  In 1833, workers tired of spending over 12 hours a day in the factories began a movement to reduce working days to 10 hours, known as the “Ten Hours Movement.”  Pressure from the group led to the Factory Act of 1833.  The Act extended the 12 hours working limit to all children and included wool and linen mills. Perhaps the most important development, however, was the introduction of factory inspectors.   Yes, you read that correctly – CHILDREN as young as 4 years old were working 12+ hours a day in factories and mills all over the world.  They were much smaller than the adults so it was easier for them to get under the rotating equipment and correct problems.  It was common for children to loose limbs and even be decapitated.

Over the next 137 years other laws were passed to help the workers.

  1. 1837 was the Introduction of “Duty of Care”.
  2. 1842-1878 safety regulations increased.
    1. Several acts introduced over the 36 years, saw protection towards women and children strengthen. Women and children were prevented from working in underground mines, the use of child labor to clean and maintain moving machinery was stopped, and a 56-hour work week for women and children was introduced.
  3. 1880 the Employer’s Liability Act was signed.
  4. 1880-1969 safety acts and reforms continued to flourish.
    1. A number of acts and reforms were passed improving upon health and safety regulation across the country. Employers were required to provide safeguarding for machinery, the legal working age was gradually raised and more and more inspectors were appointed across industries.
  5. December 29, 1970, Richard Nixon signed the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
    1. April of 1971 OSHA was created.

1970’s

In the beginning, company philosophies were simple: “Don’t get hurt.”  They honestly didn’t think this new federal department would actually issue a fine for unsafe conditions.

The first citation written by OSHA was to Gimbel Brothers Department Store in New York City.  They found two violations and, while a citation was written, no fine was issued.

The first fine was issued on October 23, 1972, to Diane, Inc., a manufacturing company in Manhattan, for $45 (equivalent of about $300 today).  It was then that the new philosophy became “Get caught getting hurt and get fired.”  While this did have a profound effect on the way companies viewed employee safety and helped reduce the number of accidents, we found out later that it was counterproductive.

1980’s

Somewhere around 1980, the new company philosophy became “Accident occurs, discipline employee, create new policy and enforce the new policy.”  Then when another accident happens, it starts all over again. Accident – Discipline – Create New Policy – Enforce New Policy

1990’s

So, in the early 1990’s, we started doing more “Behavior-Based Safety” (BBS).  While the Ford Motor Company was the first company on record to use the BBS model, DuPont developed the first widely utilized BBS program called Dupont S.T.O.P. (Safety Training Observation Program). Now, for over 30 years, we've been trying to fix the workers’ behaviors in order to avoid an accident.

2000’s

The 2000’s have brough about very few significant changes.  There have been numerous variations of the BBS program, but nothing that will take us to the next level.

It is time for a paradigm shift in how we view and do safety.

In the book we discuss eight habits that will create a safety culture where it is safe for your employees to fail.  We know errors will happen and the fact is errors are predictable.  So if we build them into the process, then employees can do their jobs in very complex environments and help us create the systems to protect them. 

HABIT #1 - Stop Making Safety a Priority

HABIT #2 - Make it Safe to Raise Concerns

HABIT #3 - Make Safety a Responsibility of Operations

These first three habits are designed to create a just safety culture where you can then truly focus on leading indicators and stop an accident before it happens. 

HABIT #4 - Focus Left of Zero

And that’s where the fourth habit comes in.  In a just culture you can track and trend the information you get from the field.  When these four things are done in conjunction we can actually see and accident before it happens and implement measures to stop it.

HABIT #5 - Stop Managing People

Habit number five focuses on leadership principles which are essential in creating a culture that is sustainable in every environment.  The only constant in life is that things will change.  Be prepared to lead your team(s) no matter what comes your way.

HABIT #6 - Stop Trying to Fix the Worker and Fix the Work

HABIT #7 - Find the STCKY and Stop the SIF

When I originally wrote the habits these next two were based on behavior based safety and using the Heinrich Triangle to stop unsafe acts/behaviors and therefore reduce the number of significant injuries and fatalities.  While BBS has helped reduce the number of workplace accidents its done next to nothing to reduce the number of fatalities, we have each year on jobsites around the country.  So the next two habits are going to take quite a shift in the way we view and do safety.

HABIT #8 - Stop Trying to Influence Everyone

The final habit is one that will help you implement the first seven.  When you try to influence everyone, you end up influencing no one.

All safety programs should be built on the principles of human performance.  I use the Five Principles of Human Performance designed by Dr. Todd Conklin.

  1. Error is normal. Even the best people make mistakes.
  2. Blame fixes nothing.
  3. Learning and Improving is vital. Learning is deliberate.
  4. How you respond to failure matters. How leaders act and respond counts.
  5. Context influences behavior. Systems drive outcomes.

But you can choose as many or as few as you like.  Choose the ones that fit your organization.  In the book I list a total of 25 potential principles called “The Incomplete List” because I’m sure there are others, it all just depends on your organization and what it is you are trying to accomplish.

During the process of writing this book I had quite a few “Aha Moments” and have learned so much from all of you in the safety industry.  Here are a few parting thoughts for you to consider.

  1. Workers aren’t the problem; workers are the problem solvers.
  2. Safety doesn’t prevent bad things from happening, safety ensures good things happen while workers do work in complex and adaptive work environments.
  3. Safety is not defined by the absence of accidents, but by the presence of capacity.

 

In the age of social media, instant communication and telecommuting, connection to a strong, live safety community has never been more important.  Your membership in the ASSP Philadelphia Chapter is a tremendous resource that can help you filter through the noise and keep you in touch with what’s really important.  Whether it is following us on our social media platforms (LinkedIn or Facebook), attending our monthly events, or becoming involved in a subcommittee or leadership role, you have the power to decide your level of engagement.  Why look any further than this community of safety professionals - right here in your backyard - to support your professional and personal development!

I encourage each of our 500+ members to look at their schedules and find the time to become involved. I am excited to see what this chapter’s leadership will achieve as we continue to build off the success from last year’s team.  Finally, as we start to make our plans and book out the calendar, we want to assure all of our members that the executive committee is dedicated to making your membership experience the best it can be!    

Have you ever thought about getting more involved with ASSP? What a better way to take advantage of your membership and the benefits it provides than to be on the team who guides the chapter? These opportunities can spur career growth and ultimately lead to better job opportunities. We strongly encourage you to become more involved in our community of over 500 safety professionals who lead, manage, supervise, research and consult on safety around the area and beyond. Take advantage of a wide range of benefits available to our ASSP members and become a chapter leader.  Email assp.philly@gmail.com to learn more!

 

The Philadelphia ASSP mentorship program is officially underway.  We are looking to connect people early in their careers (<5 years of experience) with seasoned safety professionals.  

For potential mentees, this is a great opportunity for you to connect with a mentor who can offer you insight, advice, opportunity – and help you navigate the next stage/s of your career. 

For potential mentors, this is a great opportunity to give back, become a better leader, and refine your own skills and networks 

Unfortunately, there is a limit on the number of people we can accept into the first group/cohort of mentors and mentees – so make sure to sign up right now using the link below.

We are excited to see the mentorships and outcomes which evolve from this initiative and look forward to matching you!

If you are interested please fill out the appropriate form (located on the chapter site under files) and return to Ryan Costello (RJCostello@firstquality.com)

memot_2038889.jpg

ASSP National has been regularly updating their COVID-19 webpage, providing the latest resources to assist members, their employers and their clients with re-opening as safely as possible.  Some highlights include:

  • A COVID-19 community discussion to ask for advice and share your experience with other front-line safety professionals.
  • Webinars, podcasts and articles on various aspects of COVID-19.
  • Links to COVD-19 resources from a number of other governmental and professional organizations.
covid19_2038894.png
The new officers of the ASSP Philadelphia Chapter for the 2021/2021 year:
 
President: John Suter
President-Elect: Julie Anderson
Vice President: Ryan Costello
Treasurer: Greg Wharton
Secretary: Helen Rush
Delegates: Hoyt Emmons
                   Omar Whitfield
                      Kimberli Harris
Past President: Kate McGee
 
To contact the officers, please visit: https://phila.assp.org/chapter-officers/
Assp_2021_1937654.jpg
Please give a warm Philly welcome to the following safety professionals who have joined our chapter since we published our last newsletter:
 
  • Mohamed Al-Ali, Pennsylvania State University
  • Kwasi Asare
  • Lisa Barday, Be Well Ergo
  • Jared Barket, Fleisher Forensics
  • Lon Bartoli, Schindler Elevator Corporaration
  • Chris Beach, Atlas Flasher & Supply Company
  • James Brackin
  • Ken Brydges, Riggs Distler
  • Lior Busel
  • John Chemello
  • Joe Ciccarella
  • John Cobleigh
  • James Cutright
  • Vince Daliessio, Pennoni Associates Inc
  • Aaron Deegan
  • Dartagnan Delgado
  • Vijal Desai, Chubb
  • Allan Edgarton
  • Matthew Feldman
  • Dwayne Fitzpatrick
  • Richard Foulks, Integrated Project Services, LLC
  • Tom Gilman, Railroad Construction Company of South Jersey
  • Kimberly Holman, Good Fellowship Ambulance and EMS Training
  • Connor Hyer
  • Phoebe Ivady, Bergey's Inc.
  • Leonard Johnson, Armstrong Flooring
  • Kimberly Killion
  • Donald Lyons
  • Grace McCue
  • Randolph Merced
  • Craig Olsen, Brightfields, Inc.
  • Garrett O’Neill, Sodexo
  • John Saleski
  • Haley Schupp, Keystone Industries
  • Olivia Shively
  • Lisa Spacht, PMA Companies
  • Justin Umberger, JD Eckman Inc
  • Richard Wagner
  • Steven Walton, West Pharmaceutical Services
  • George Watlington, Airgas
  • Levi Wieand, HNL Lab Medicine
  • Daren Williams, Merck
  • Joseph Wills
JOB POSTINGS
The following jobs were posted on our Chapter website at the time this newsletter was distributed.  Postings are for 30 days unless instructed otherwise, so the jobs on the website may be slightly different when you visit.
Job seekers, also consider posting your resume to the ASSP Career Center, where employers across our region and across the country can match it to their job openings.  At the Career Center, you can also set up a customized search to be automatically notified when jobs meeting your criteria are posted. 
 
Click here to visit our website to view the details about these jobs.
 
Jobs are posted as a service to our members who are looking for jobs, or for members whose companies are seeking qualified candidates.

Please note that job postings may be edited or abbreviated for web posting; be sure to obtain a complete copy of the job posting from the contact person listed.

To post a position, e-mail your information to the Webmaster. Postings should be submitted in a format that is easy to cut and paste (plain text, Microsoft Word, etc.). Information such as experience required, salary range, who should be contacted and how should be included.

jobposting_2038898.jpg
We are excited to share a new benefit available to members, the ability to post your resume on the Philadelphia ASSP Chapter Website.
https://lnkd.in/dJ9PmmK

On our website, click on jobs and select seeking employment. Here you will find instructions to submit your resume and have it posted for 60 days. Employers will be referenced to refer to this location to download and view member's resumes who are seeking employment.

Submit your resume today!
Seeking_Employ_1758218.jpg
CONTRIBUTE TO THE NEWSLETTER
Do you have an idea for the newsletter, a photo from an event, or an article or blog post you would like us to publish?  Please send the information to Helen Rush at secretary@phila.assp.org
contri_2038896.png
CONTACT US
Visit our Chapter website here: https://phila.assp.org/
 
Contact our Chapter Officers here: https://phila.assp.org/chapter-officers/
Share this newsletter:
FacebookTwitterLinkedinOther
Working_Together_White.png ASSP_Shield_White.png
Facebook.pngTwitter.pngLinkedIn
If you do not wish to receive these emails, please click here
to unsubscribe from ASSP Philadelphia Chapter messages.

American Society of Safety Professionals | 520 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068