Guest Post From Frank D'Orsi, CSP, ARM
2011-12 ASSE President Darryl Hill, CSP, Ph.D. and ASSE's Dennis Hudson opened this session with a quote from the U.K. noting the declining faith in the competency of the safety profession. Why is this the case and what can be done to enhance the public profession's image?Changing the face of the profession would be required by 1) establishing competence and standards for the profession; 2) developing the body of knowledge; 3) developing legalized standards of competence; 4) creating valid certifications and registration; 5) defining "competency"; 6) improving the low public image of the profession; 7) eliminating territorial encroachment; and 8) becoming a well-recognized profession much like doctors and lawyers.
In places such as Russia, Korea, Australia, Canada, U.K. and Singapore, efforts are already underway to make the changes needed to eliminate the causes of the image problem. They have formed alliances with safety professionals locally and internationally to establish core competencies and restore professionalism. According to Hill and Hudson, while much :as been done, but much remains to be done in the identified areas of need.
ASSE is part of this global movement and has begun providing important information in the U.S. and abroad to eliminate the negative factors that contribute to public's current mindset.