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The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) held its semi-annual meeting in April of 2004. The following report summarizes the highlights.
The System Safety Society is one of the sponsors of the BCSP and currently has a representative (Director) on the Board. The Board meets twice yearly to provide policy and
other direction to the BCSP. If you have questions or would like further information, please visit the BCSP Web site at www.bcsp.org or contact Larry Jones at 256-705-0900 x206 (larry.jones@dynetics.com).
BCSP Interaction. Mr. Henry Smahlik, BCSP Board President, participated in the annual Inter-Society Forum held in Rosemont, Illinois, in March. This was
a forum for presidents and executive directors of safety, health, environmental and ergonomics organizations. The BCSP was one of three sponsors for this year’s meeting. Next
year’s Inter-Society Forum will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 3, 2005.
BCSP representatives also participated in meetings sponsored by the American Society of
Safety Engineers and the National Safety Council. Communications between the BCSP and other safety professional organizations continue to improve, and these meetings remain a
valuable resource for maintaining relationships and advancing issues of mutual concern.
Ad Hoc Committee on Governance. After review of the BCSP
governance practices, the committee reported that the overall governance of the Board functions very well. One area of concern is insufficient communication between meetings,
making it difficult for the directors to stay current. The Executive Committee recommended the formation of a standing Strategic Planning Committee, which requires a change to
the Bylaws. This committee would formulate strategic direction for the BCSP in order to increase the Board’s role and become more proactive in setting direction. It would also
elevate strategic matters as part of Board meetings.
Navy Agreement on Use of the System Safety Specialty Examination. The Board approved signing an
agreement with the U.S. Navy allowing the Navy to use the System Safety Examination (which is being discontinued as a CSP specialty exam) in its own certification program. The
Navy wishes to use the exam as one of several to qualify individuals as a “Principal for Safety” of weapons systems. The agreement is in place, and the BCSP staff is moving
ahead with establishing administrative procedures and administrative software development.
BCSP Web Site Update. A new edition of the BCSP Web site is now
in place. The primary changes were a new look for the site and the division of the site into public and private portions. The changes are a response to the need to create a
customer-only area for BCSP transactions.
Examination Cut Score Panel. New procedures are under development for setting cut scores for the BCSP
examinations. Cut score panelists will be selected from among CSPs in various industries and geographical regions, also taking into consideration the length of time the CSP
designation has been held. The panelists will be selected from among volunteers, and will include one or more representatives from the BCSP Board. The first panel meeting took
place in Houston, Texas, in July of 2004.
2005 Elections. At the Fall 2004 meeting, the Board of Directors will elect a new Vice President for 2005, a
new Public Director, and two new Directors to fill at-large positions being vacated because of term limits.
CSP Logo Items. CSP logo items are available
through RLK & Associates via phone and fax orders, with online ordering capabilities. The BCSP Web site home page points visitors to a products page with item pictures,
sizing (if applicable), pricing and ordering instructions.
Continuance of Certification (COC). COC credits can now be earned by taking the CSP
Continuance of Certification Quiz in Compliance magazine. The COC Committee also confirmed that all Certified Risk Manager courses qualify for credit under Category 7. Other
examinations that qualify for COC credit include PA Radon Tester, Certified Biological Safety Professional, and Registered Nurse License, which meet the requirements of
Category 10.
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