Stefan Vecerdea, Health and Safety Manager, City of Hampton
Years as an ASSP member: 1 Years
Years in the safety industry: 9 Years
Key responsibilities of your job
In my current role, I oversee the development, implementation, and management of sustainable safety programs in compliance with OSHA and ANSI/ASSP standards for the City of Hampton. I investigate accidents, identify root causes, and recommend resolutions. My responsibilities include ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, conducting inspections, and preparing reports for regulatory compliance and management evaluation.
What do you like most about being a member of the ASSP Greater Tidewater Chapter
Being part of the ASSP Greater Tidewater Chapter provides a platform for networking and collaboration, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals who share your expertise and passion. This community fosters knowledge sharing, enabling you to stay updated on the latest industry trends, best practices, and advancements in the safety field.
What or Who inspires you
I’m deeply inspired by the opportunity to ensure the safety and well-being of others in the workplace. Throughout my career in safety, I’ve been driven by a passion for creating environments where employees can thrive without fear of injury or harm. My philosophy is pretty simple: I believe that everyone deserves to return home safely at the end of the day.
What tips or advice would you give someone just starting out in the safety field
Finding experienced professionals in the safety field to serve as mentors is crucial for career development. Their insights and advice can be invaluable as you learn and grow. Personally, my mentor John Ratcliffe, a former federal OSHA official, has been instrumental in my journey in the safety world. With his extensive experience and knowledge, John has provided guidance, support, and encouragement as I navigated my career path and pursued my goals. I am grateful for his mentorship, which has significantly contributed to my development as a safety professional.
Tell us about a professional success story that you are proud of
Donald Rumsfeld said: We don’t know what we don’t know.
One of the proudest aspects of my professional career is not confined to a single event but rather unfolds every day as I educate employees about potential workplace hazards. It’s a privilege to empower individuals with knowledge that can protect them from harm. Often, people inadvertently expose themselves to risks simply because they are unaware of them. I take immense pride in shedding light on these hazards and equipping individuals with the information they need to stay safe in the workplace.
What is something surprising that not many people know about you
I was born in Romania.
How would your best friend describe you in three words
Dynamic, innovative, and adaptable.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work
Anything that has to do with the outdoors.
What is your most embarrassing moment of your life (so far)
While giving a presentation, I suddenly froze. Despite weeks of preparation, my mind went blank, and I struggled to recall my next point. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to me, waiting for my next move. In that moment, I could feel the pressure mounting, and my cheeks burned with embarrassment as I fought to regain my composure and continue with the presentation.
List a favorite line from one of your favorite movies:
“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” – Forrest Gump
If you could pick a superpower, what would it be and why
If I could pick a superpower, I think I would choose the ability to manipulate time. With this power, I could pause, rewind, or fast-forward time as needed. It would give me the opportunity to effectively manage my tasks, learn from past experiences, and potentially even prevent certain events from occurring. Plus, I could take a break whenever I needed to catch up on some chores or embark on an adventure!
What did you want to be growing up
Growing up, I wanted to be in law enforcement.