Achieving Excellence in Safety Performance

How can organizations elevate their safety performance to the next level by leveraging core human and organizational principles? Consider a recent example: a company with an injury rate already below the national average celebrated this success and recognized employees for their achievement—rightfully so. However, as they set their sights on transitioning from good to excellent safety performance, they identified a potential challenge: the risk of complacency within the organization.

Jim Collins, in his book Good to Great, asserts that "Good is the enemy of great." The same applies to safety performance. For years, organizations have relied on lagging indicators to assess safety. But achieving excellence requires more than tracking past outcomes—it demands a proactive, systematic approach.

What is Excellent Safety Performance?
Excellence in safety performance is not an isolated outcome; it is a systematic process that connects safety, human behavior, and organizational dynamics. These elements work in harmony to sustain individual accountability, leadership engagement, and organizational commitment, all of which are essential for safety excellence. Key principles of achieving safety excellence include:

•    Leadership-Driven and Management-Supported Initiatives: Excellence begins with a clear commitment from leadership, supported by active management.

•    Relentless Hazard Mitigation: Rigorous identification and control of hazards to minimize risk and exposure.

•    Effective Use of Safety Performance Tools: These human performance tools empower teams to identify risks, reduce humn errors, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Proven Expertise and Impact
Since 1988, Safety Performance, LLC has partnered with organizations across diverse industries—including global metal manufacturing, electric utilities, and food services—to enhance safety performance. Services include:

•    Comprehensive safety assessments and cultural surveys.

•    Tailored safety improvement plans.

•    Expert training on procedure development and human performance tools.

•    Engaging presentations and workshops on safety and organizational performance.

About John F. Kowalski, CSP
John F. Kowalski is the founder and president of Safety Performance, LLC. With over 45 years of experience, he is a recognized leader in the fields of safety, human performance, and organizational development. Throughout his career, he has delivered impactful training programs, authored insightful papers, and guided organizations toward sustained safety excellence. As a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), John’s expertise has been sought after across industries for over four decades.

Professional Certifications

• Associate Safety Professional (A.S.P.), Board of Certified Safety Professionals

• Certified Safety Professional (C.S.P.), Board of Certified Safety Professionals

• Certified Utility Safety Administrator (C.U.S.A.)

• Certified Risk Assessment Professional (ASSP)

• American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), Member and Author

• Certified Asbestos Inspector, State of Pennsylvania

• Adjunct Training Instructor at First Energy

Education

• B.S. Nuclear Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

• Youngstown University MBA Courses