Why Some Companies Are Terrible for Safety Managers

Okay, let me tell you something. After 40+ years in the safety game, you see it ALL. I’ve worked with hundreds of companies, and I’m just going to say it: not all safety manager jobs are created equal. Not even close!

If you’re one of the many safety managers out there—or if you’re thinking about becoming one—you need to listen up. The absolute worst place you can land is at a small to medium-sized private company. Seriously. Here’s the real scoop on why.

The Public vs. Private Showdown

You’ve got your big, publicly traded companies (owned by stockholders, listed on the exchange). These places are a totally different world! They’re usually run by sharp, qualified execs who *get it*. They understand that investing in safety training, gear, and staff pays for itself with lower insurance, higher morale, and way better productivity.

Big public companies? They usually have an awesome workplace safety culture, a well-funded EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) department, and a CEO who actually wants to know the safety stats. It’s where safety managers can actually… you know… *manage safety!*

The Red Flags: Why Small Private Companies Can Be a Nightmare

Now, let’s talk about the flip side: smaller, privately held companies, especially the ones still run by the founder or their family. Oh boy. If you’re a safety manager, this is where your career can go to die. Here’s why:

🚩 Red Flag 1: “Safety is a Cost, Not an Investment”

The owner, who probably built the company from scratch with a tiny team, often looks at safety managers as just another line on the expense report. They don’t see the value; they see a cost. Their motto is “lean,” and you’re the first thing they’ll want to cut.

🚩 Red Flag 2: The “Rules Don’t Apply to Me” Owner

This one is my favorite. You’ll watch the owner walk right through a mandatory PPE area without a hard hat or safety glasses, just to show everyone who’s boss. It screams, “The rules I pay you to enforce are just for the little people.”

🚩 Red Flag 3: All About the Short-Term

Need a new $50,000 ventilation system to reduce chemical fumes? Good luck! They’re so focused on *this quarter’s* profits that they can’t see the long-term payoff. They’ll put it off, promise it for “next year,” and hope you forget.

🚩 Red Flag 4: Productivity Beats Safety, Every Time

At these places, cutting corners on safety procedures to get an order out the door isn’t just common; it’s practically *expected*. You’ll feel more like a hall monitor than a safety professional.

🚩 Red Flag 5: Cheaper is Always “Better”

Why spend money on expensive (but permanent) engineering controls when you can just buy the cheapest earplugs on the market? Private owners *love* to opt for cheap, disposable PPE over making a real, effective fix.

🚩 Red Flag 6: The Anti-Regulation Attitude

Get ready to hear a LOT of complaining about “government overreach.” Many private owners hate being told how to run their business, and that includes safety regulations from agencies like OSHA. You’ll be seen as the enemy’s representative.

🚩 Red Flag 7: Turning Away the Inspectors

This is the big one. The ONLY companies I have *ever* known to turn an OSHA inspector away (and force them to get a search warrant… which is a *terrible* move) were privately owned. That tells you everything you need to know about their “culture.”

So, Where SHOULD You Work?

Bottom line? If you’re one of the thousands of dedicated safety managers who actually wants to make a difference, save lives, and build a real career, my advice is simple: **Aim for the biggest, publicly owned company you can find.**

You’ll be stepping into a world where safety is taken seriously, where your expertise is valued, and where you can actually thrive. Stop trying to fight a battle you can’t win. Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated!

Common Questions for Safety Managers

What’s the biggest red flag for safety managers in a new job?

The biggest red flag is management’s attitude. During the interview, ask them about their safety philosophy. If they talk about safety as “a necessary evil” or “a compliance cost” instead of “a core value” or “an investment in our people,”… RUN!

Do safety managers have more power in public or private companies?

Generally, yes! In public companies, safety managers are often backed by a formal EHS department, a bigger budget, and a leadership team that’s accountable to stockholders (who *hate* seeing bad safety stats). In a private company, your “power” is 100% dependent on the owner’s mood.

How can a safety manager handle an owner who ignores PPE rules?

This is the toughest spot to be in. The best (and safest) approach is to document it privately. Send a polite, professional email reminder, “FYI, per our policy and OSHA standard XXX…” This creates a paper trail that protects *you* and shows you’re doing your job, even if they aren’t.

Build a Career, Not Just a Job

Want to prove your value with hard data? Our full training catalog and WAVE Compliance Suite can help you track, manage, and report on safety with the kind of professionalism that even a skeptical owner can’t ignore.

And if you’re stuck in a place with a weak culture, our Establishing a Safety Culture Training Course is the perfect tool to start the conversation.