We must be able to clearly answer questions from workers and managers as they relate to acceptable risk in the work place. HOWEVER, WE MUST GO BEYOND SOUNDBITE SAFETY with its short answers offering plattitudes and slogans.
There is no shortcut to understanding the basis of safety standards. It is important to know why the exit doors must open in the direction of travel. We should be able to provide follow up information on standards beyond just saying something to the effect that is an OSHA regulation or that's the rule.
I encourage those of you preparing to take a certification exam to go beyond memorizing facts and standards relating to safety. You should strive to understand the reasoning behind the standards and why the calculations work. A greater understanding of the principles can help you function and communicate more effectively with your workers, managers and clients.
