Written by Matt Agnew

During my first year of graduate studies at Oregon State University, in the Environmental and Occupational MPH Program, I had multiple professors talk in great depth about the importance of looking beyond the usual professional boundaries of public health when facing current problems. They often emphasized the value of building relationships and seeking support from those who weren’t directly involved in the occupational health and safety (OHS) field. Truthfully, I had some serious doubts about how much employers and individuals outside of this field actually cared about OHS. My perspective has shifted over this summer however, as I’ve had the great opportunity to work with SAIF Corporation’s Industrial Hygiene team.

While visiting numerous different work sites, sampling a variety of health exposures ranging from carbon monoxide accumulation to liquified heavy metals, I’ve seen a majority of organizations and employers show serious concern surrounding enhancing their worker protection methods. This often occurring regardless of whether hazards were found to be at dangerous levels or not. Their questions and actions many a time showed that they were already in a mindset that extended beyond the desire to just remain compliant, and displayed their wanting to understand the major needs and actions they could take when safeguarding their workers further than they already had.

I entered this field with the mindset that working with many employers, or the public in general, would devolve into an uphill struggle with limited support and backing. Part of that might be due to the history of the field in general. And while there certainly are still a few “bad apples” for lack of better words, it’s not nearly as bad as I once thought.

Based on my recent experiences I think it’s vital that other young professionals understand and acknowledge that there is a huge host of possible allies outside of our direct field of work they may not have originally considered. Many employers and employees are genuinely invested in improving their existing health and safety programs. They are hungry for guidance on the next steps they can take, and often just need some additional help in understanding the unseen hazards at their organizations. Going into my last year of school I’m looking to add to my current curriculum some additional education surrounding both interpersonal communication and organizational leadership, as I see those skills as crucial keys to success in the OHS field. I would encourage individuals new to this field of work, or just beginning their journey into higher education surrounding OHS, to move forward with an open mind with who you can reach out to for support. As it might surprise you just how many doors are open should you go looking.