I have recently been asked about a “center of excellence” in safety.  Ultimately, I became curious as to what the thoughts of this group might be.  Thus, here are some topics I would like to open for discussion.  They are framed as questions, with some background to guide the discussion.

What is the definition of a “center-of-excellence”?

As with many concepts (sustainability, safety culture, etc) this phrase means different things to different people.  How would you define the term in operational language?

With your definition, would you apply it to a campus, an academic department, or, an EH&S department?

How would your operational parameters specifically apply to the above?

Do you feel that naming an EH&S Department as a “center-of-excellence” should be based on trailing (reduction in injury rate) or leading (number of PI led safety discussions with their research group) indicators?

What leading indicators would you like to see in a chemistry department which is striving to be a “center of excellence.”

And, yes, you can use the abbreviation “CoE”!

I look forward to a robust discussion to start off the week.

Keep it safe out there!

Neal

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