Defining the Practice of Safety

It is a basic requirement of a profession to develop a precise and commonly accepted language that clearly presents an image of the profession. And the language used by safety professionals should convey an immediate perception of the intent of their practice. In his book General Insurance, David L. Bickelhaupt (1983) made a significant statement about the need for clear communications that speaks to the purpose of this treatise. 

On the Practice of Safety, Fourth Edition. Fred A. Manuele. 

Terminology becomes important in the serious study of any subject. It is the basis of communication and understanding. Terms that are loosely used in a general or colloquial sense can lead only to misunderstanding in a specialized study area such as insurance. (28) 

Similarly, clear terminology and avoiding terms that lead to misunderstanding is necessary in the practice of safety, which surely requires highly specialized study. We have not yet agreed on universally accepted definitions of the terms we use, but progress is being made in that direction. 

In the book Introduction to Safety Engineering, Gloss and Wardle 

A highly regarded professor in industrial engineering observed, after participating with safety practitioners in what he considered a baffling discussion of concepts, that what we who call ourselves safety professionals actually do will never be accepted as a profession by those outside our field until we agree on a clear definition of our practice. 1 agree with that premise, and I will explore in this chapter the scope and function of the professional safety position and will define the practice of safety in terms of a societal responsibility. 

In his book General Insurance, David L. Bickelhaupt made a significant statement about the need for clear communications that speaks to the purpose of this treatise  

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With the dissertation from BCSP on What Is a Safety Professional and with a good position description in ASSE s Scope and Functions of the Professional Safety Position, why go further to define the practice of safety For this reason If the practice of safety is to be recognized as a profession, it must ... 

It is the intent of this chapter to define the practice of safety in a logical and precise manner. All safety professionals who would like their practices to be thought of as representing a profession are invited to move this discussion forward. 

Having defined the Practice of Safety in Chapter 3, these two subjects will now be addressed ... 

One of the objectives of Chapter 3, Defining the Practice of Safety, is to emphasize the significance of our not having yet defined our practice. And, we must do so to attain professional recognition. 

A brief and unscientific study was made of the understanding that decision makers have of the titles we use, about which comment is made in Chapter 3, Defining the Practice of Safety. I wrote that if I had a magic wand with which I could eliminate the use the titles Loss Prevention, Loss Control, and Industrial Hygiene, I would do so and believe that I had done a great service for those engaged in the practice of safety. 

Defining the Practice of Safety We who call ourselves safety professionals will never be accepted as a profession until we agree on a definition of the practice of the safety, make it known, and meet its requirements. Chapter 2 identifies the societal need fulfilled by safety professionals and sets forth the fundamentals of the practice of safety. 

With respect to the order of chapters, it was suggested by professors who use the book that the chapters representing basics about the practice of safety be the leading chapters. So, the first four chapters are now On Becoming a Profession, Defining the Practice of Safety, Principles for the Practice of Safety A Basis for Discussion, and Academic and Skill Requirements for the Practice of Safety. ... 

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