The Biggest Challenges for Safety Leaders, Revealed

Dec. 11, 2023
A look at what motivates, frustrates and challenges safety professionals.

What slows you down at work? What gets in the way of you being the best-version-of-your-leadership-self? What prevents you from achieving all your goals in any given day?

In other words, what are your biggest challenges as a safety professional?

This past year has been a challenging one, particularly for those whose jobs are to ensure the health and safety of others. And if it seems like the world is just getting more dangerous and confusing with every passing day, it’s not just you—that seems to be one of the after-effects of the pandemic. A lingering sense of “what’s going to happen next?” has become a prevalent mood within the workplace, making it all the harder to keep workers motivated. And yet, for all of the turmoil in the world, safety professionals continue to perform at a high level, inspiring their employees to embrace a culture focused on the health and safety of everyone.

EHS Today’s National Safety and Salary Survey 2023 invited respondents (all of them EHS professionals) to share comments regarding their job situation, the safety profession, and the biggest professional challenges that they face. All responses were posted anonymously.

In the slideshow that follows, you’ll hear from your peers what gets them going, what frustrates them and what they would most like to see in the workplace. And feel free to weigh in with your own challenges in the comment field below.

About the Author

Dave Blanchard | Editor-in-Chief / Senior Director of Content

During his career Dave Blanchard has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. Prior to joining Endeavor/Informa/Penton, he spent a decade covering the artificial intelligence industry. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University. 

About the Author

Nicole Stempak

Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

Sponsored Recommendations

Ensuring a Safer Workplace through a Comprehensive Contractor Qualification Framework

March 13, 2025
Avetta is a leader in contractor management, and with over 15 years of industry experience, we can help you establish a robust contractor pre-qualification program that aligns...

EQT Private Equity to Acquire Avetta from WCAS

March 13, 2025
EQT commits to supporting Avetta in its ongoing growth and innovation journey.

Guide to OSHA Workplace Lighting Requirements

March 13, 2025
Learn OSHA workplace lighting requirements to enhance safety, productivity, and quality. Discover standards, compliance benefits, and risks of non-compliance.

What is the difference between Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers and why do they matter?

March 13, 2025
From raw materials to final products, each supplier tier poses risks and liabilities that can impact your organization. Avetta's supply chain management software offers peace ...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!