The COSTHA Enhancing the Image of the Hazardous Materials / Dangerous Goods Professional is identifying the reasons for the decline in experts and  developing measures to attract qualified candidates to embark on climbing the career ladder to becoming an expert in this field. One of the key elements identified in the COSTHA project, entitled, Enhancing the Image of the Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Professional, Blueprint for Success, is to create an awareness and greater appreciation for the critical importance of the tasks performed by individuals employed as dangerous goods transportation professionals. Unfortunately, the more success these professionals achieve, the less importance may be perceived for the work they do to avoid those incidents that never occur.

“The better we perform, the more unnecessary we appear.”

The Strategic Plan behind the COSTHA project, Blueprint for Success, contains the following four major elements:

• Advance Public Relations Strategy

• Add Human Resources Component

• Further Awards programs within government, industry and other associations

• Continue to develop the educational component

The work has moved ahead steadily with the following successes:

• Signed an official agreement with the US Department of Transportation which identifies the problem and the challenges and commits us to work together to develop solutions.

• The program has been introduced and well received at the UN Sub Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods with several government delegates indicating support of the program

• The expert from the UK has engaged the European Union and this initiative has been added to the Commission’s Logistic Action Plan
  

At the December 2008 meeting the EU members:

• Highlighted the role of the management in encouraging expertise, noting that the problem is even more accentuated in small and medium sized companies;

• Recalled the good track record of the sector: as only a few incidents have occurred, there appears no urgency to allocate more resources in the sector. Thus transport of dangerous goods is a victim of its own success.

• Noted the continuous outsourcing of activities may be contributing to the problem

• Returned to the basic question of salary and career prospects.

• The chairman concluded that the problem is complex, having no single solution.

• We are working with the Institute of Hazardous Materials Managers (IHMM) to  encourage them to expand their focus on transport and assisted the Institute with an industry survey.

• We have published a website, presented at meetings around the world to include Durban South Africa, Sydney Australia and Montreal Canada.

• Published the “Blueprint for Success” brochure to educate the industry about the program.

At the December 2009 UN Sub-Committee Of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods COSTHA presented a paper on the progress of our Human Resources Project:

• We have identified an international trade association of 250,000 HR professionals that can assist us in communicating the value of the knowledge skills necessary to perform this vital function   

• Highlighted the results of a pilot survey which confirmed many of our original thoughts about the importance of clearly identifying the role of the dangerous goods compliance manager to management. Certification programs are important. Recognition and awards programs are encouraged. Click here to read the paper and Human Resources Survey results.    

Earlier this year, COSTHA engaged the services of a human resources consultant, Barbara McIntosh, PhD, SPHR, School of Business Administration, University of Vermont. COSTHA also conducted a pilot survey to lead the most critical component of the project.  The fundamental portion of the human resources projects is to benchmark positions in terms of salary, title, responsibilities and placement within the organization.  The goal from the original strategic plan is to provide sample job descriptions and titles for industry professionals to draw from. These job descriptions and titles will assist the dangerous goods professional in communicating their role and responsibilities with the hope that this will positively impact their recognition within the company.  Dr. McIntosh quickly added another opportunity to the project by identifying the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), with over 250,000 members in 140 countries, as a way to communicate the value of the knowledge skills and abilities necessary to perform the vital function of controlling dangerous goods transport risk and ensuring safety.

The Human Resources pilot study indicates the following:

• The majority of respondents work in manufacturing

• The regulated materials involved cover the full spectrum

• For the majority, hazardous goods constitute less than 10% of all goods transported.

• Materials were shipped domestically as well as internationally

• Ground transport was the primary mode (91%) followed closely by air (83%) and water (70%)

• Average tenure was 10.25 years

• Educational background is divided among those with college degrees and those without

• 33% of the respondents report having masters degrees

• 27% report having industry credentials (DGSA and CHMM)

The majority of the respondents to the pilot survey reported making over $90,000 US. However, this compensation needs to be analyzed compared to other comparable positions within the individual organizations. Anecdotally we also believe that this amount will be lower than comparable positions in the public sector. COSTHA is now distributing the actual survey to thousands of industry professionals.

The December 2009 issue of Hazardous Cargo Bulletin included an article regarding the recent Human Resources pilot study and corresponding UN paper that COSTHA submitted. Hazardous Cargo Bulletin is a UK based magazine devoted to dangerous goods transport. The subscription is high value and their base is approximately 7,000. Click here to read the article.

The Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles, Inc. - COSTHA, is one of the largest trade associations dedicated to promoting the safe and efficient transportation of dangerous goods. Founded in 1972, COSTHA is a member-responsive organization that incorporates and promotes education, growth and development. COSTHA is the leading provider of information, publications, and educational programs designed for regulatory compliance personnel and others working in the transportation of hazardous materials. COSTHA brings ongoing advocacy and up-to-date information to the dangerous goods transportation industry. Membership consists of a large cross section from all aspects of the hazardous materials transportation industry including chemical, automobile, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and fragrance manufacturers as well as freight forwarders, shippers and carriers. The diverse membership is rounded out by consultants, dangerous goods trainers and container manufacturers and reconditioners.  Click here for a listing of COSTHA members.

For more information or to find out how you might be able to participate, visit the COSTHA Enhancing the Image web site -

http://www.costha.com/initiatives/enhancing-the-image/ or send an email to mail@costha.com or call 703.451.4031.
 

-end-