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Memo
TO: COSTHA Member
FROM: Lara Currie, Administrator
RE: COSTHA and IHMM Partnership to Advance HazMat Career Development
DATE: January 5, 2009
Recent studies throughout the global business community indicate a significant gap in the career development of hazardous materials management professionals over the past several years. Recent trends throughout the business community have seen companies offering senior level management professionals accelerated retirement packages, and the hazardous materials regulatory compliance management function is too often targeted. Coupled with increased complexity of the transportation regulations, criminal and civil liability incurred as a result of errors or omissions, and lack of a career ladder, the best qualified management candidates are not attracted to a career path that focuses on hazardous materials transportation leading to a worrisome decline in the number of workers with expertise in the transport of dangerous goods.
At the 2008 COSTHA conference, a session entitled "Blueprint for Success--Enhancing the Image of the HazMat Professional," addressed this issue. COSTHA's Blueprint calls for "raising the perception of the function of hazardous materials professionals and workers to a higher level of inclusion in the business community." A major component of COSTHA's plan is expanding professional development opportunities through certification programs.
And that's where the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management fits in&
IHMM is a credentialing organization for hazardous materials professionals, widely known and respected in the hazardous materials community. It is best known for the Certified Hazardous Materials ManagerŪ (CHMMŪ) credential. IHMM has recently introduced a new credential, the Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner" (CHMP"), for hazmat workers with five or more years of experience but no college degree. More information about both credentials is available at www.ihmm.org.
As partners, COSTHA and IHMM seek to achieve full recognition within business, government, and the general public for the professionals involved in ensuring the safe and compliant transport of hazardous materials. Working together, and with your help, we will succeed.
As a member of COSTHA, here's what you can do:
 | Support hazmat credentialing among your colleagues and the workers whom you supervise. |
| Encourage your employer to recognize professional hazmat credentialing and to provide financial support for hazmat training and overall professional development. |
| Visit the COSTHA website to learn other ways you can help to heighten the awareness of the essential need for skilled professionals focused on the safe and compliant transport of dangerous goods. |
We welcome your comments and suggestions!
Regards,
Lara Currie,
Administrator COSTHA
Institute of HazMat Management (IHMM)
Click here to view the program for the March 29-April 1, 2009 COSTHA Annual Forum & Expo in Long Beach, California.
COSTHA
7803 Hill House Court
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
Phone: 703/451-4031 Fax: 703/451-4207
www.costha.com email: mail@costha.com