ABSTRACT
The workplace is a balance between management and labor, with the safety function often thrust into the middle. Generally, management is production driven, dollar cognizant, quality motivated, and salary paid. Again, generally labor consists of a number of individuals who perform speci™c work tasks, are responsible for individual job functions, and are paid by the hour. With these philosophically diverse positions, labor and management can con®ict, creating adversarial situations that encompass the safety function. Safety professionals can be the link between management and labor, serving as the point to achieve the ultimate objective of creating and maintaining a safe work environment. In very broad terms, the safety professional is employed to minimize risks and save money for the company or organization. The safety professional is also employed to minimize risks and safeguard employees from injury or illness in the workplace. The safety professional must be able to work with and between all levels of management and labor, adapting to the different motivational factors and con®icting issues.
