Matthew Slemp, EH&S Manager, Dominion Terminal Associates (DTA)
Years as an ASSP member: Less than 1 Year
Years in the safety industry: 1 Year
Key responsibilities of your job
Develop and implement safety plans and policies. Lead DTA’s Safety Committee and implement our Behavior Based Safety (BBS) Program so our employees can easily voice safety concerns, suggest ideas to make jobs safer, and repair any outstanding safety related issues.
What do you like most about being a member of the ASSP Greater Tidewater Chapter
The resources and networking within the Greater Tidewater Chapter (GTC) seem to be the most beneficial things so far. I’ve attended seminars which were insightful and informative and have discussed safety related issues with contacts I’ve made within the Greater Tidewater Chapter.
What or Who inspires you
The ground level Supervisors at DTA give me daily inspiration. They perform difficult tasks in unfavorable conditions every day, all while doing so safely to ensure their employees return home without harm at the end of every shift.
What tips or advice would you give someone just starting out in the safety field
You are not alone! It may feel like you are on a deserted island at times but there are many resources available through GTC and other safety professionals. Safety professionals often have a difficult time seeing the fruits of their labor; knowing where your company’s safety culture started and where you are today helps bring things into focus.
Tell us about a professional success story that you are proud of
It’s a long and arduous journey when attempting to change the safety culture in a facility that has tenured employees and has been in business for a long time. Personally, I am starting to see the positive effects of the work I’ve put in through the actions of our employees. It is becoming common for employees to stop unsafe activities and coach other employees and contractors on the safe way to complete a task. This isn’t every employee and it’s far from common (yet) but the progress has certainly made me feel as though the process is working and our employees are feeling empowered to do the right thing.
What is something surprising that not many people know about you
I enjoy foraging for medicinal and edible plants.
How would your best friend describe you in three words
Honest; Stubborn; Goofy
What do you enjoy doing outside of work
Working on tractors and spending time with my family.
What is your most embarrassing moment of your life (so far)
Confidently jumping a fence and nearly breaking my ankle. This wouldn’t have been embarrassing except that I had just finished explaining how I was in great shape and young enough to hop that fence with ease.
List a favorite line from one of your favorite movies:
What might have been and what has been points to one end, which is always present. (“Palm Springs”)
If you could pick a superpower, what would it be and why
The ability to fly. I despise commuting around Hampton Roads.
What did you want to be growing up
A doctor