Creating a world class safety program in today’s environment (‘New OSHA’) requires thinking and action outside of ‘the box’
After many years working for OSHA, in the private sector and at FDRsafety, I have pretty much seen every type of safety program there is.
My partner at FDRsafety, Fred Rine , is one of the safety and health professionals that I have been associated with over the years that really “gets it.”
Fred is the best motivational speaker on safety I have ever heard. That’s because he speaks with workers and managers about safety awareness — not the “how” of acting safely, but the “why.” This is the most neglected topic in the safety field.
Fred’s career spans over 35 years and it documents his outstanding work ethic, dedication to success and entrepreneurial spirit. After earning a Bachelor of Science and Business Administration and a Masters of Science in Safety Management from West Virginia University, Fred began his career in 1971 as Superintendent of Safety and Plant Protection for Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Corp.
After seven years in the steel industry, Fred moved to Roadway Express Corp. as Managing Director of Safety, Health and Fire Prevention. At that time, Roadway was the nation’s largest trucking firm and Fred’s safety program and policies led the company to improve worker and vehicle safety.
In 1981, he went to Federal Express Corp. where he was the Managing Director of Safety, Health and Fire Prevention. Fred directed a staff of nine managers and 90 professionals and implemented a world-class safety program, which is still in place today.
Fred’s next career move was in 1992 when he became the Vice President of Safety and Health for the National Safety Council.
After realizing the potential for safety and health consulting services, Fred founded FDRsafety in 1996. Fred’s lifelong success has been built upon his experience, leadership and business insight.
Fred took a simple philosophy – motivate employees to “want to” work safely as opposed to the traditional approach of telling them they “have to” work safely – and created a worldwide safety consulting organization.
His respect for people and passion for instilling safety as a 24-7 value resonates with everyone. Built upon 10 words, the approach is both simple and profound, and it works in any industry sector.
FDRsafety has trained over 400,000 workers and managers in safety awareness in companies across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The training consistently gets the highest positive reviews from the workers and managers who take the course, even from attendees who initially felt that a training session on safety was the last place they wanted to spend their time.
For those who have not attended one of these sessions, I hope you have the opportunity to do so in the near future. Remember, OSHA compliance gives you just that – compliance. But FDRsafety’s safety awareness program is a foundation step for reducing risk on and off the job.