Enhancing the Image of the Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Professional - Blueprint for Success 

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Over the past several years our members have recognized a significant gap in the career development of hazardous materials/dangerous goods management professionals. Recent trends throughout the global business community have seen companies offering senior level management professionals accelerated retirement packages, and the hazardous materials/dangerous goods regulatory compliance management function is too often targeted for downsizing. Coupled with increased complexity of the global transportation regulations and lack of a career ladder, the best qualified management candidates are not attracted to a career path that focuses on hazardous materials/dangerous goods transportation.

The Issue 

How many times do you hear that compliance becomes an issue only when a non-compliant situation is discovered? The better we perform, the more unnecessary we appear. 

The Challenge

The problem is international in scope. At the 29th Session of the UN Sub-committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, (ST/SG/AC.10/C.3/2006/38) the Netherlands stated: There is a “decline in the experts on the transport of dangerous goods regulations, not only on the side of government but also on the side of industry. Furthermore, it is getting more and more difficult to find new persons who are interested in spending many years becoming an expert.” –29th Session of the UN Sub-committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, (ST/SG/AC.10/C.3/2006/38 submitted by the Netherlands)

To ensure the safe and efficient transportation of hazardous materials/dangerous goods on an on-going basis.

To achieve full recognition within companies, the industry, government and the general public for the professionals involved in ensuring the safe transportation of dangerous goods. 

The Plan
The industry’s visionary plan is designed to elevate the role of the hazardous materials/dangerous goods professional in business. This Blueprint for Success will fundamentally change the perception of the function of, and elevate dangerous goods professionals to the next level of inclusion in the business community via four core objectives. Develop key partnerships with the US DOT and other organizations internationally to coordinate and form new programs and resources for hazardous materials/dangerous goods professionals Work with existing programs and associations to design or expand professional development curriculum to evolve member careers. Stimulate awareness and influence about the value of the hazardous materials/dangerous goods transportation compliance profession with senior decision making executives at corporations, associations and within regulatory bodies Increase public awareness of the value provided by the profession.

Accomplishments to Date

• Formulated a Strategic Plan to meet the issue directly

• Partnership Agreement with USDOT PHMSA, November 2006, Washington DC

• Introduction and invitation to participate - Interested Parties Group (informal coalition of over 40 trade associations concerned with the safe and compliant transportation of dangerous goods)

• Presentation to a large audience of hazardous materials/dangerous goods professionals at COSTHA Annual Forum, April 2007, Scottsdale, AZ

• Introduction and invitation to participate – Institute of Hazardous Materials Management, April 3, 2007

• Presented to international symposium of dangerous goods transportation trainers, November 2007, Deerfield Beach, FL

• Submitted paper and held working group at the United Nations Subcommittee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods,  December 2007, Geneva Switzerland

• Created collaborative Web Site and distributed the information to thousands of hazardous materials/dangerous goods professionals inviting them to submit ideas and participate. February 2008

The Next Steps

We will continue to work with individuals, other associations, companies, schools, colleges and universities as well as the regulatory community to heighten the awareness of this critical function in the global business community.

• Advance Public Relations Strategy

• Add Human Resources Component

• Further Awards programs with DOT, member companies and other associations

• Continue to develop educational component

Visit our website:www.costha.com/EIHMP/EnhancingtheImage.htm

Steering Committee:

Jeanne Zmich, Vice President, Labelmaster, COSTHA Executive Committee, Co-Chair Education & Training Committee

Robert Heinrich , Transportation Operations Advisor, Novartis Pharmaceuticals , COSTHA Vice President, Chairman Annual Forum Committee

William Duff, Corp Mgr Environmental Coordination Office, Toyota Motor Sales, COSTHA President 

Lara Currie, COSTHA Administrator

Tools 

• Articles, press releases, UN Papers addressing the issue

• Human Resources (job descriptions, etc)

• Presentations

Projects and Information:

Education: 

Work Groups:

• Awards/Recognition

• Information “Kit”

• Certification

• Public Relations