Advice for a new field?
I just recently accepted a new position at a manufacturing company as a safety supervisor. I have no background in manufacturing safety just logistics. Any tips or things I should to expect? Any resources would be greatly appreciated!
Comments (10)
When I started in manufacturing I was part of an entirely new regime of EHS staff. Our team mostly sat back and observed throughout the first year to learn the culture and the processes. Of course we corrected issues that were imminently dangerous, but the observation period allowed us to strategize for how we would approach implementation of programs and policies. In the first year, I recommend getting to know the process and getting people on your side while researching any standards applicable to your facility.
I made the job in Dec 2019 from construction to general industry. Not to much difference, in fact I have been able to use a lot of my lifting knowledge from construction here as we repair and set up gantry cranes for our 2500 pound super sacks.
As everyone else has stated, meet the different departments and get to know them and what they do. I like to always get each department involved if I am changing or writing anything specific for that area.
Best thing I can say is listen to the floor on comments and ideas. Also If you ever get stuck give me a jingle.
Congrats!! My advice would be to learn your process and business as best you can, that way when rolling out EHS initiatives you’ll be able to put things into terms your peers will understand.
Also try to generally make friends with your colleagues. It’s a lot easier to make progress when you have a personal relationship with people
Oh boy, this could be a long discussion. Hopefully others chip in too! Manufacturing is pretty great because there is such a wide variety of processes and hazards.
What kind of manufacturing? How large of a site? What kind of EHS structure will you be in?