By Brad Ziegler
Safety professionals can contribute more when we’re included while decisions are still taking shape.
Before equipment is purchased. Before a space is redesigned. Before a new process becomes the way we’ve always done it.
At that stage, we can ask questions, understand the operational goals, and help identify practical options. There’s still room to make adjustments without undoing work, delaying a project, or adding unexpected costs.
A brief conversation early in the process can surface considerations that are easy to overlook: maintenance access, ventilation, employee training, emergency procedures, or how people will actually use the space or equipment.
I’ve been reminded recently how much I appreciate being included in conversations where my experience and perspective can be useful. That invitation builds trust and gives me a better understanding of what colleagues are trying to accomplish and the constraints they’re working within.
For those of us in EHS, we have a responsibility to make that invitation worthwhile. We need to listen, ask useful questions, explain our concerns clearly, and help find a workable path forward. Our recommendations should reflect an understanding of the work.
Those everyday conversations also build relationships. When people know they can bring us an idea and work through it together, it becomes easier to ask the next question or raise the next concern.
“I’m not saying no. I’m saying let’s do it safely.”
That approach works best when the conversation starts early.