I often get asked why safety is not one of NASSCO’s core values. There are six in total:

1. Adaptability: We creatively utilize all available tools and resources to accomplish whatever needs to get done and help each other out whenever possible.
2. Camaraderie: We enjoy the work we do because of the fun and friendly culture, open communication and transparency among NASSCO’s staff, board of directors and members.
3. Efficiency: We are hardworking, confident, and resourceful professionals who organize our time well to drive results.
4. Fairness: We are inclusive, valuing honesty and integrity above all else while humbling ourselves when we make mistakes.
5. Knowledge: We confidently and reliably serve as the trusted source of information for trenchless technologies and industry resources.
6. Support: We work as a dependable, capable team that partners with individuals and organizations to find solutions through a spirit of deep appreciation for the contributions of others.

The reason safety is not a core value for NASSCO is this: While our core values are positive behaviors expected of NASSCO staff and members, safety is an important action that is woven into everything we do. Safety goes way beyond posters mounted on a wall; for NASSCO, it means shifting our entire culture to include a Certified Safety Professional staff member to oversee all NASSCO and committee activity. 

To accomplish this, NASSCO hired Dennis Pivin, CSP, as its new director of health, safety and environmental in December. In his role, Dennis provides consulting services to all NASSCO members at a deeply discounted rate. Services include, but are not limited to, safety audits, employee training and consulting for NASSCO members in good standing. This is an important benefit of NASSCO membership that will promote and encourage safety best practices throughout our industry.

NASSCO’s website also continues to grow as a reputable source for safety facts and information including styrene safety, confined space entry, PFAS, fall protection and so much more. This information, which is continually updated, is available to the public at no charge. There are also numerous specification guidelines, webinars and videos, all focusing on safety, available for free download and use at nassco.org. Finally, NASSCO’s library of self-paced online safety courses, including topics on safe use of grouting and cured-in-place pipe best practices are available for a small fee and earn students who successfully complete the exams CEU/PDH credits.

NASSCO’s mission is to set standards for the assessment, maintenance and rehabilitation of underground infrastructure and to ensure the continued acceptance and growth of trenchless technologies. Listing safety as one of our core values will not accomplish what our industry deserves: Making safety an important action step in everything we do.

If you have a question about safety, email safety@nassco.org and we will be happy to assist (whether you are a NASSCO member in good standing or not) because it is our goal to share safety facts and information with everyone. We also encourage you to bookmark NASSCO’s Safety webpages and visit often at nassco.org/safety. 

Finally, if you are not yet a member and would like to join NASSCO where you can benefit from deeply discounted safety consultation rates, discounted training and so much more, visit nassco.org/membership/join.

About the Author

Sheila Joy is executive director of NASSCO. She can be reached at director@nassco.org.