Safety Knights

I often tell people in my H&S Training that, "Safety is NOT #1!" I enjoy everyone's head snap around as if to say, "What did he just say? How can he say that?" I let it sink in and go into my "Safety is a Value" speel that safety cannot be a goal that can be prioritized. It has to be something we just do, never questioned. It has to be a essential value of you organization's culture! You have to feel it and know it! Can you really buy into a goal with 'PASSION'? How about something that is a VALUE?" Any of us that have been in the game for a while know this.
I also tell people considering careers in HR and/or H&S that you cannot go into these careers without a love of people and passion and commitment for protecting them! We sure as heck will not likely become rich with money! However, you will be rich in other ways. Even today as a semi-retired manager (and now consultant), when I go to bed I say a little prayer of thank-you. As I settle in to sleep I get a smile on my face, because I know if I am lucky the Big Safety Manager in the Sky will tell me how many people went home safe and sound because of my efforts, when I cross the River. But now I know for sure I did get some home safe! If you cannot get a smile on your face about that do not do this!
Nice job on the article!