Remembering the Early Years
By
Robert LeClerg (NSMS President 1966-1967)
William C. Pope
Thomas J. Creswell
|
Over three decades have passed since a group of "challenged" safety "people" decided they had a vision for the future based upon a philosophy that made sense. While putting together a special anniversary booklet, memories of the past flowed fast as existing files were searched for information to include.
When I enrolled in the "Value Management" course taught by two instructors listed as William C. Pope and Thomas Creswell, little did I realize what the future would hold. The philosophy and concepts expounded by the two instructors -- each a principal safety director of his respective department -- was so facinating and "down-to-earth" that the students found themselves beginning the thought process of how to further such an approach to accident prevention.
Those weekly sessions were attended by several of the seven founders of "the movement:" Trenton Crow, Hal Gordon, Charles Grundmann, and myself. As the enthusiasm grew, planning sessions took place, leading up to the "formal" first meeting on September 28, 1966. I was elected Chairman.
|
Our vision sustained through the years
The original organization, called then the "Safety Management Association," was formed to promote the advancement of the safety function through application of management principles. It's purpose then, as it is today, was to provide a medium of communication to encourage the development of information and the application of techniques to advance the degree of professionalism of safety management. It provided a favorable environment to encourage the contribution of all academic and managerial disciplines for the purpose of promoting safety as a truly integrated management function.
Growth in vision and interest
As interest in our philsophy and goals increased, so too did the potential for an expanded organization. That meant consideration of a name that was reflected a more "professional" and geographic purpose. We first decided to call the organization the American Safety Management Society...to be later changed to the National Safety Management Society, and formal incorporation within the District of Columbia took place in 1968 as a non-profit [501(c)(3)] corporation.
The seven of us were restricted by little or no funds, but with great expectations. We knew we had something that was practical and workable, We were so convinced of this that we didn't want to "loose control" of the philosophy. For several years we restricted membership to people in the Washington, D.C., area! However, as word spread, and safety professionals learned of the Society, we "branched out" and began the growth process.
Back to the future
Today, over three decades later, the NSMS continues to fulfill its original purpose. As with any organization, regardless of size, there are "ups & downs." NSMS has had its share of peaks and valleys. Some days are filled with frustrations; others with excitement!
Thanks to a deep belief in the potential for our philosophy making a significant contribution to reducing losses due to what we call "accidents," the spark remains. Reading the letters received from some of the "older" members brought back great memories. But, it pointed out a more important fact: "The best kept secret in the profession" has lasting qualities. As long as there's a challenge; as long as there are professionals seeking challenging approaches to their mission, all of the efforts are worth the time.
|
