I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the BCSP team and continue the organization's commitment to quality safety certification. In my new role as CEO, I will embrace innovation to further strengthen that commitment. It is my belief that BCSP's quality radiates from the inside out.

Putting our certificants first, BCSP recognizes that administering exams is only the starting point of an exceptional certification body. We certify, and become certified, to emphasize the importance of professionalism in advancing SH&E. It is recognition of our certificants' dedication to safety which we celebrate with the BCSP Award of Excellence (AoE) ceremony, which will be a pleasure to lead once again in 2013.

Many of our certificants are involved in membership organizations which provide tools to enhance skills in their area of practice. BCSP recognizes the important role of these organizations. We are actively seeking ways to assist these organizations and be a unifying body in professional safety practice. It was in this spirit that BCSP signed the Collaborative Agreement with NIOSH last May.

As the SH&E field is growing, along with the need for dedicated safety professionals, BCSP's partnership with NIOSH aims to meet demand. We have started to share knowledge on issues in safety and seek to share resources between NIOSH and certificants. As part of our work with NIOSH, we will strive to define safety such that it will be identified as a field of work youth will aspire to and consider in their choice of studies. As BCSP expands globally, it will be with this strong foundation that it achieves that goal.

With a growing number of global certificants, we at BCSP are defining our global role. In July, I had the opportunity to attend the International Network of Safety and Health Practitioner Organisations (INSHPO) in Moscow, Russia. This international alliance is made of pioneers in the promotion of worldwide safety standards. A leader in ensuring practitioner competency, BCSP gave a presentation on certification to INSHPO, more details on which can be found in this BCSP eNewsletter.

With my move to the position of CEO, I'd like to recognize the work of BCSP's previous Executive. Thomas Adams was a great visionary for BCSP and led by example, helping us all look to the continuous improvement and success of the organization. I would also like to thank our Board for giving me the opportunity to direct the efforts of BCSP, and the staff, whose work is essential in propelling BCSP towards its goals.

The BCSP Award of Excellence (AoE) will again be celebrating the exceptional safety practice of CSP, OHST, and CHST certificants in 2013. The 2012 ceremony was a powerful combination of honor and dynamism and BCSP aims to heighten the level of excitement at next year's event.    

To nominate yourself or a colleague of yours for a 2013 award, check the BCSP Award of Excellence webpage for the 2013 Guidelines

BCSP AoE 2012: Presentation of Awards

Tower 2's curtain wall, which was dubbed "The Coliseum".

Days after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center,  Jeffrey W. Vincoli, CSP, CHCM, Norman H. Black, CSP, and Stewart C. Burkhammer, P.E., CSP, then BCSP Board Member, faced the enormous challenge of protecting the safety and health of those willing to put their lives on the line in the chaotic environment of Ground Zero.

Black was in New York City the day of the attack, and was putting together a team of safety professionals to manage the aftermath as early as that afternoon. The next day, Burkhammer and Vincoli packed into a van and made a six-hour journey to meet Black and begin to bring order to a scene John Henshaw, then Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, described as "potentially the most dangerous workplace in the United States."

Often lost in the narrative of 9/11 is the recognition that the chaos of that event was not limited to the day of the attack, but that was a persistent element days and weeks afterwards. In the first week of cleanup, more than 10,000 people of varying skills and specialties converged on the site to help. Despite the hazardous mix of unstable rubble, a pervasive dust, and a strong odor that suggested a variety of chemical fires and biological hazards, there were not only many people on site who lacked proper respiratory equipment, but even a few individuals in t-shirts and shorts.

Norm Black, CSP

"In many ways I am proud because I was able to be at the site so quickly, figuring out ways to stop more people from being hurt or killed as a result of this attack. In many other ways, I am frustrated that I was not able to instantly stop all the apparent hazards because of the nature of the rescue-and-recovery process," said Black.

The environment of Ground Zero was one of extremes. The dust, appearing as snow (or fog, depending on the level of activity nearby), was the most apparent hazard. While concrete became snow, the glass in the surrounding buildings' windows became a terrible rain - until the buildings were netted the slightest wind or vibration caused this broken glass to free-fall from heights as great as 50 stories. The site also had a range of repulsive smells, all of which became stronger when acted upon by a powerful subsurface heat that measured from 400ºF in certain areas to more than 2,800ºF in others. "The surface was so hot that standing too long in one spot softened, and even melted, the soles of our safety shoes," the CSPs recalled.

The Port Authority listed a number of other concerns, which included: that there were tanks containing approximately 200,000 pounds of Freon® 22 refrigerant for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system located several stories underground; that a tank with 72,000 gallons of diesel fuel used for the WTC's backup generator and power systems was buried in the basement of the complex; and that an inaccessible third floor of the WTC's Building 6 contained a firing range where more than 1.2 million rounds of ammunition were located.

Action to secure the area began immediately, and only quick, adaptive thinking could keep those working there safe.

To gain control of Ground Zero, the SH&E team recommended implementation of a positive access accountability system. A perimeter, the "Green Line," surrounded the volatile rubble at the site, which was further divided into four zones. Credentialing reduced the amount of workers present from 10,000 to a more manageable 2,500.

Workers were given hand-held air horns to signal site-wide emergencies, and two-way radios served to communicate details of a situation while cell phone links served to disseminate news among workers on site.

Haphazard use, or non-use, of PPE was addressed as NIOSH and OSHA set up stations to provide workers with respirators, which were required when working with debris.

These efforts were part of a rudimentary four-part plan that focused on personal health and hygiene, dust control, heavy equipment use and work zone control. In time, a comprehensive safety policy of unprecedented scope was designed with 26 federal, state and local agencies acting in partnership with the four primary contractors at the site.

Jeff Vincoli, CSP

"I am proud to say that during our time at Ground Zero, no one on the site suffered a fatality or serious injury. At least 30 rescue workers' lives were saved as a direct result of our team's involvement at Ground Zero," said Vincoli.

The comprehensive plan developed as part of the 9/11 rescue-and-recovery effort led to many changes in the management of safety in disaster response.

The importance of adequate and functional respiratory equipment was highlighted. NIOSH addressed this with research on the compatibility of respirator components, the ability to communicate while wearing a face mask, and protective gear's relation to physical or heat stress. OSHA used this information in developing safety training for first responders.

OSHA integrated worker safety and health into the National Response Plan, the plan used by the government in emergency situations, and established itself as the coordinating body in the plan's new Worker Safety and Health Support Annex. The agency used the worker protection efforts implemented at the WTC to form a National Emergency Management Plan.

Finally, the National Interagency Management System, which defines authority in the event of emergency, is able to make use of the OSHA National Emergency Management Plan and ensure safety with an immediately clear chain of command and accountability.

Stew Burkhammer, CSP

"After 39 years in the profession, having an opportunity to lead an effort that affected the lives of many was truly overwhelming," wrote Burkhammer in 2002.

The safety planning developed in the aftermath of 9/11 promises to positively affect the lives of many more these 11 years later.

Did you participate in the 9/11 recovery effort? What changes to post-9/11 safety plans have you witnessed or participated in? Share your experience in our BCSP LinkedIn discussion.

This article draws in part from an exclusive American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) article, SH&E at Ground Zero, utilized by BCSP with permission from ASSE.

• delete the option of using experience alone as a qualification for the GS-0018, Safety and Occupational Health Management job series and require education and/or professional certification.  

• move the GS-0018, Safety and Occupational Health Management job series, from the Administrative Series to the Professional Series.

• include the phrase "from an accredited college or university" with the positive education requirements, such as a bachelor's or higher level degree [as stated in the current qualifications], or an associate's or higher level degree in occupational safety from a college or university accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Carl Heinlein, BCSP Board President

The International Network of Safety and Health Practitioner Organisations (INSHPO) invited BCSP to co-present with the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals on competency based certification at its July meeting in Moscow, Russia. Carl Heinlein, BCSP Board President, and Dr. Treasa Turnbeaugh, BCSP CEO, attended the important global meeting.

INSHPO is an international network which fosters communication between safety organizations across the globe. INSHPO's goals are to accelerate research, promote evidence-based practice throughout the world and assist in ensuring practitioner competency internationally.

BCSP is a key member of INSHPO for its role in the certification of safety personnel.

David West, BCSP Board Treasurer, with his wife, Amy West

You can download a version of BCSP's modified presentation, re-titled

The Gold Standard in Safety Certification, on BCSP's Articles and Presentations webpage. 

The presentation was modified for use by David West, BCSP Treasurer, at the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE's) 2012 Annual Conference. This conference connects SH&E professionals throughout Canada.

L-R: Chris Coburn, DeWayne Pyatt, Glen Johansen, Kas Zbierajewski

"URS and its' legacy companies have been using the STS program for 13-14 years," says J. T. Bowman, CSP, Senior Safety Manager. "During that time I've seen an overall improvement of the safety culture on many different sites. Our supervisors are better able to make informed decisions without having to wait to consult with a safety professional. They know the right thing to do and that it's expected of them."

Seeing such results with use of the STS, Bowman embraced his team members' decision to pursue the CHST.

DeWayne Pyatt, STS, one of the new CHSTs, felt that superintendents achieving the CHST is a good way for organizations to get their first line supervisors at a much higher level of safety. "It brings to light an understanding in the safety field they would not, under normal working conditions, receive," Pyatt says. "It also shows the client that the organization is willing to go that extra step to make safety value based and not just a priority."    

Bowman concurs. "Our supervisors are beginning to understand the science behind the methodologies," he says. "When we discuss PELs, IDLHs and TWAs, they get it."

Pyatt says that getting his CHST has opened doors to a few other opportunities as well. It's his goal to retire as a superintendent at 55, but continue to promote safety as a safety representative for at least a decade longer. Having the CHST will help him in his goal.

"I would definitely recommend superintendents achieve their CHST certification," adds Pyatt. "One learns so much information when studying for the test."

Bowman added that he congratulates the team, and said to never stop striving for self-improvement.

Oklahoma State University's Fire Protection and Safety Technology (FPST) program will mark its 75th anniversary on September 13, 2012. The OSU FPST program is the only ABET accredited Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology program, holding the accreditation since 1977.

As an ABET accredited safety program, the FPST program is one of only 15 that BCSP recognizes as Qualified Academic Program, allowing graduates to obtain the Graduate Safety Practitioner designation. This designation indicates equivalency to passing the first exam of our two exam process of competency-based testing to become a Certified Safety Professional.

"OSU FPST alumni have excelled in the practice of our profession; in the public and private sectors both in the United States and abroad, and have made significant contributions toward the protection of people, property and the environment," states Carl Heinlein, CSP, BCSP President.

BCSP is honored to be affiliated with such an exemplary program.

Sean Le joins BCSP as our new Director of Information Technology. Le is a professional with over 10 years of experience. In his new capacity, Le will be responsible for strategic planning, project management, budgeting, and information technology infrastructure planning in support of business objectives. Prior to joining Board of Certified Safety Professionals, he worked as the Chief Architect for Oneiric Systems and Tacony Corporation where he was responsible for designing, developing and managing large and small-scale information technology infrastructures.

Le holds a Bachelor's of Computer Science and Economics degree from the University of Missouri - Rolla.

The BCSP website now includes a BCSP-NIOSH Collaborative Agreement webpage. This webpage will be the go-to spot for information on developments in the BCSP-NIOSH partnership. It provides a place online where you can find the details of the agreement and links to important safety initiatives NIOSH is highlighting.

L-R: John Howard, NIOSH President; Treasa Turnbeagh, BCSP CEO; Christine Branch, NIOSH Principle Associate Director; and Carl Heinlein, BCSP Board President

BCSP examinations rely in part on items submitted by certificants.

The CHST, STS-Construction, STS-Mining, STS-General Industry, and STS-Petrochemical examinations all currently require new exam items.

To understand the item writing process, you may visit the new BCSP Item Writing webpage. It contains the latest edition of the Manual for Writing Examination Items and helpful links to each certification's blueprint.

Demonstrate your knowledge and earn those Recertification points!

Since the CET webpage went online at the time of our last BCSP eNewsletter, the certification's new handbook has been published.

If you are an individual who conducts professional SH&E training, you should consider pursuing this certification. The CET Handbook can be found on the right-hand column on BCSP's CET webpage, in the "PDF Library - Application Forms" section. 

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Have you ever found yourself needing additional Recertification points?

Now, those who have CSP, OHST, CHST or STS certifications can earn credits toward their Recertification by reading articles offered by Workplace HR & Safety and taking an associated quiz.

For each eLe@rn quiz passed, BCSP offers Recertification points equal to 0.01 times the number of questions on a quiz. 

eLe@rn sends two quizzes per month by email, plus one bonus quiz in December. The eLe@rn system automatically generates your score and confirmation. It's that easy.

Get started by signing up online. An annual subscription is $150. 

Questions? Contact Amy Lehr or call +1 800-793-4209.   

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CSP 2012 Anniversaries