MY JOURNEY

Mike McCullion, CSP. ARM: MY JOURNEY

Director of Market Sectors and Safety SMACNA National

I started in the sheet metal / HVAC industry as the Director of Safety for SMACNA 18 years ago. My career includes over 35 years in occupational safety, environmental heath, and risk management. Prior to joining SMACNA, I held related positions at a variety of organizations, including George Mason University, the Virginia State OSHA program (VOSH), and a private consulting company. I consider myself a “generalist” versus a “specialist” in that these positions provided me with a diverse background to handle all the issues facing SMACNA contractors on construction jobsites and in fabrication shops. The network of colleagues and associates I have built over the years allows me to confer with them on any sheet metal / HVAC subject area from machine guarding to fall protection to electrical safety.

Safety and health are important because the shared goal of SMACNA and SMART is to help workers go home at the end of the day safe and healthy, and able to enjoy their families and personal lives. Working with SMOHIT on numerous projects to benefit SMART members has been a highlight of my time at SMACNA. The cooperation between the organizations is evident in the variety of training topics and formats available to training centers and contractors. It seems like just yesterday we were providing VHS tape formats, and now SMOHIT has a diverse website with real-time available videos and programs on many helpful safety and health topics.

I became interested in the safety and health field when, early in my career as a Campus Police Officer, I realized I didn’t want to pursue Criminal Justice (my degree from Rutgers University). Instead, I focused on the “safety” side of safety and security. I was still able to help people as my original intention, but from a different perspective. I then studied for classes and certifications in the safety and health field. I am now a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and an Associate in Risk Management (ARM).

Accomplishments in the safety and health positions I held are often hard to identify since there is little “data” I can point to as indicators of success. However, I can say that one motivation for me is believing that somewhere along the way I have saved someone’s life or prevented serious injury or illness due to the training, inspections, or outreach I have conducted. That is very satisfying. In addition, my volunteer work at the chapter and regional level with the American Society of Safety Professionals, my professional safety association, has been a significant part of my professional development.

The challenges I have found in the field and the sheet metal and HVAC industry were often related to misinformation or misunderstanding of the safety or health issue being addressed, especially on the health side. Hazcom continues to be one of the most frequently cited OSHA standards because many supervisors and workers are familiar with engineering principles, but science-related issues tend to get pushback. Therefore, I refer to health issues as “hidden illnesses” that need constant attention, as they often don’t show immediate impact but, rather, harm over time. Common examples include chemical overexposure (such as to asbestos and silica), hearing loss, and musculoskeletal issues.

As I move towards retirement at the end of 2021, and SMACNA appoints my replacement to take on the future responsibilities and challenges, I want to thank all the coworkers, colleagues, and associates who have helped me grow professionally and personally. Big thanks to my wife and son for being a part of my personal journey. ▪