1. 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 Competencies of the Safety Professional Global and National Perspective ….and a member of CSSE

2. Agenda Definitions SH&E Professional Competency Competencies Model The US Standard Career Progression Descriptors A Call for Collaborative Global Action

3. American Society of Safety Engineers 32,000 members- located in 70 countries 150 Chapters & 32 Sections 61 Student Sections

4. SH&E Professional

5. 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

6. Technical & Professional Foundation Core Executive. Competencies Model What it takes to excel The basic essentials

7. Foundation Competencies- Examples SH&E Interpersonal Digital Financial Project Management Procurement. Foundation

8. National Standard Established for Safety Professionals

9. 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.

10. Technical and Professional Competencies- Examples 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

11. Technical and Professional Competencies- Examples 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

12. 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

13. Core Competencies- Examples Business Insight Innovation Taking the Lead Partnership and Team Performance Bias Wise Decisions Core

14. Executive Competencies- Examples Leadership Time-Management Performance and Goal Setting Risk Assessment Negotiating and Persuasion Strategic Thinking Executive

15. Personal Development Process Define Set / Review Personal Goals Assess Identify Development Needs Plan Prepare Development Action Plan Do Implement Development Actions Review Assess Effectiveness of Actions Quality Conversations Learning Environment Validation

16. 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

17. AwarenessBasic ApplicationSkillful ApplicationMasteryExpert 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: Currently or recently active in the area. 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: 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 Skills Core Skills Technical & Professional Business

18. 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

19. 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.

20. 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

21. A Call for Collaborative Global Action

22. Service and Leadership Mike W. Thompson, CSP President American Society of Safety Engineers Michael.Thompson6@BP.com 281-366-4799 (O) 281-642-3293 (M)