A friend encouraged me to take an occupational safety course. After a few courses, I realized that occupational safety provided an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the individuals I work with and those who come in contact with on our projects.
My safety, health and environmental (SH&E) career started with an AECOM legacy company more than 17 years ago. During my career, I have had the opportunity to support clients across multiple industries — such as automotive, power, chemical, manufacturing, oil and gas, and nuclear waste remediation — in varying roles of SH&E responsibility. In my current role at AECOM as industrial process business unit SH&E director, I assist leaders with establishing a safety culture focused on the behaviors and leading indicators that we believe will lead to outstanding lagging indicator performance. Within my role, I support multiple projects and programs for the oil, gas and chemical; industrial manufacturing; and facilities management markets. However, my dedication to safety expands beyond the workplace. As an active member of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) at the federal and local levels, I work on the ASSE’s Government Affairs Committee (GAC) to positively influence government decisions that impact the SH&E profession. I also help the committee, as well as the overall organization, ensure that any decisions by federal or state government impacting the safety, health and environment of the workplace is based on reliable science and sound technology. As a member of the GAC, I review proposed regulations that effect the SH&E profession to assist ASSE in crafting a position. I also routinely meet with Senate and Congressional staffers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Chemical Safety Board to help advance ASSE as well as the SH&E profession. From a thought leadership perspective, I participate on the Construction Users Roundtable (CURT) Safety Committee. CURT is an owner organization jointly working with select contractors to improve safety performance on construction projects and drive incidents, injuries and fatalities to zero. This committee is an industry leader in SH&E knowledge sharing. Mentoring the next group of leaders in the SH&E profession is of primary importance to me. As a member of Oakland University’s Occupational Safety and Health Program Advisory Board — consisting of safety and health professionals who help steer the program to meet industry needs — I work to provide students with direction, mentoring and advice on the SH&E profession. Overall, I believe that the success of AECOM and all similar companies begins with the elimination of personal injuries, occupational illnesses, damage to equipment and property, the prevention of pollution and the protection our most vital resource — our employees.Jeffrey
