Safety First, Innovation Always: Shaping the Future of EHS

Dustin Workman, a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), has over a decade of experience in Health, Safety, Environment, and Energy (HSEE) management. Currently a doctoral candidate in Safety Sciences at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he holds multiple certifications, including OSHA Authorized Trainer, First Aid/ CPR/AED Trainer, Smith System Trainer, and Pro Board Hazardous Materials Operations.

Through this article, Workman, explores the evolving role of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) in today’s dynamic workplace. He discusses the importance of building a strong safety culture, leveraging technological advancements to enhance workplace safety, and maintaining consistency across a vast operational network. He concludes by emphasizing the need for passion, continuous learning, and leadership in driving impactful and sustainable EHS practices.

Key Experiences Shaping an EHS Leadership Approach: A career built on continuous learning, leadership, and adaptability

Aristotle said, “The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.” This has proven true throughout my career. I’ve had the responsibility of keeping people safe both in and out of uniform, while serving in the military since 2010 as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Operations Officer, while simultaneously working in the civilian sector. Through this experience, I have developed strong leadership, communication, and trust-building skills. Working across industries—from manufacturing and logistics to food production—has reinforced that learning never stops. Each field presents unique challenges, shaping my growth as an EHS professional. True expertise isn’t about knowing everything but embracing continuous learning.

You must continue to practice your profession and learn to give workers’ a fighting chance to remain happy, healthy, and return safely to their families each day. Love what you do, and of course, you never work a day in your life

Maintaining Safety and Environmental Standards: Building a culture of safety through consistency, leadership, and systematic excellence

The challenge of a successful program is developing culture through systematic excellence. A house – In order to stand the test of time, must have a strong foundation, and this remains true for Environmental, Health, and Safety. The building blocks of small things done correctly, repeatedly will ensure long-term success. Safety must be practiced by all leader – no exceptions and no compromise.

The Impact of Technological Advancements on EHS: Embracing innovation to enhance safety, efficiency, and adaptability

Technology and the use of machine learning can greatly benefit employees when it comes to ergonomics and musculoskeletal injuries. I hope to continue to adapt to technological advances and implement those into building more efficient processes, ensuring our employees are safer. Our main goal is to provide the products and services our clients need and provide it to them when they need it. This can be challenging with food and fuel prices as they have had a great impact on both the companies and the customer’s bottom line.

Advice for Professionals Innovating in the Food and Beverage Industry: Passion, continuous learning, and a commitment to worker safety

The best advice I can give to a young professional or someone that is looking to get into the EHS field, is that you must have a passion for the work. You must continue to practice your profession and learn to give workers’ a fighting chance to remain happy, healthy, and return safely to their families each day. Love what you do, and of course, you never work a day in your life.