Dave’s Health & Safety Minute

DF Safety Health and Safety Tips

Hi! I’m Dave and this is my first blog. Thanks for stopping by — I’m going to introduce myself a bit and share my approach to health and safety.

The importance of keeping safety systems simple can never be understated. In my 25 years of experience, I have learned the fundamental value of being pragmatic mostly by watching complicated safety initiatives fail.

When designing safety plans, I put significant effort into utilizing systems that are not unnecessarily complicated. Complicated systems, at best prove difficult and end up being only partially implemented. At worst, they can actually make situations worse and reduce safety performance. The simple and effective approach has been proven to work.

I am a Canadian Registered Safety Professional and have served on numerous boards and committees, including:

  • Alberta Construction Safety Association – Board of Directors
  • U of A Board of Governors Safety Committee
  • NAIT Occupational Health and Safety Diploma Program – Associate Chair of the Program Advisory Committee

I have had the opportunity to provide services for a diverse client-base including small companies, Indigenous organizations and large multinational corporations. I put the same care and attention into every project, regardless of the size of the client and the scope of work.

I enjoy working with people and consider myself a good trainer, coach and mentor. And, I enjoy seeing people develop the skills they need to be successful.

Training and expertise are important but needs to be paired with a solid set of core values. My personal core values honesty and integrity are the bookends of every project DF Safety is engaged in.

Online Course Safety Leadership

What people are saying…

“I take this opportunity to share my experience in working with Dave on a journey that spans over a decade in duration. During this time Dave successfully advanced and risk management performance in major corporations, and effectively supported various community groups with his volunteer efforts.

“In the construction firm he worked with, Dave was able to marshal a national effort to consolidates safety work across the country into a unified loss management system that enjoyed the commitment of all corporate divisions. His work with executive leadership in the company led to the adoption and integration of safety into corporate values and practice. Dave’s contribution was a key factor in propelling this corporation into leading safety performance within their industry sector.

“Dave’s commitment to safety is unparalleled. He demonstrates integrity in his actions, and he readily coaches others in effectively leading safety a legacy that continues on today where these folks have advanced to become senior safety leaders in industry.

“Dave is also applying his leadership proficiency in major industry project work towards improving overall safety performance and reducing corporate risk exposures. In the spirit of self-improvement, he is also constantly looking for educational opportunities to supplement his current work and community efforts.

“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to know and work with Dave Ferro, a true leader in safety.”

Gord Winkel
Director, Chair
David and Joan Lynch School of Engineering Safety and Risk Management – University of Alberta

I’ll be back shortly with my blog where I’ll discuss firearms safety.

Questions? Please email me dave.ferro@dfsafety.ca.