These last few months have been truly challenging for most, but uniquely so for many safety professionals.  First, with the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic, we were thrust into a much greater role as health professionals and advisors to companies that were marginally prepared for a major health crisis such as was thrust upon us.  Many, myself included, had primarily focused on safety concerns, preventing and managing occupational injury, and health concerns often took a back seat.  Now we had our work cut out for us on the health side, with those of us working with essential employees still needing to address the safety, injury aspect of our jobs, while incorporating some fast moving and critical health initiatives.  This was truly a challenge for most of us.

Then along comes a social event that shakes our communities to their core.  Social unrest and upheaval throws another challenge our way. Security issues are now raised to the fore front, yet our last challenge still lingers in the background. We must keep our sites secure and be concerned with additional risk to our employees such as fire and violence.  Safety professionals are now tasked with health, safety and security all as a priority.

In order to meet the challenges before us we must stay focused.  We must keep our attention on our primary purpose, the health and safety of the employees under our charge.  We cannot fall to the temptation of other involvements that would divert our attention from that primary focus.  We must stay vigilant and on task, protecting employees and that way positively affecting society.

Just one man’s thoughts.

James Kane Chesapeake Chapter VP 2019-20
Incoming Chapter President 2020-21