My Story: Roy J. Osborne, MBA, CSP

I started out as an environmental manager for a small business unit of a publicly traded company in the mid-1990s. The company, an industrial service and manufacturing organization, had started to consolidate environmental, health, safety, risk and quality functions into one role – a move that was gaining prominence at the time. Looking back, I’m fortunate for that consolidation, as it allowed me the opportunity to gain a comprehensive perspective on EHS management and exposed me to all aspects of this career path.

It wasn’t until I joined Honeywell 11 years later that I truly learned what “good” looks like in terms of leading with safety, measuring the right key performance indicators, focusing on behaviors, the importance of credentials (such as the Certified Safety Professional) and, most importantly, the role leadership has in influencing and shaping culture. I saw firsthand the power of an organization fully aligned on both strategic and tactical actions, the necessity of upholding standards, and the importance of accountability at all levels. This was a game-changer for me.

Throughout my career, I’ve encountered a variety of leaders. These experiences have profoundly shaped my own leadership philosophy. I believe in having a bias toward action, driving change before it becomes necessary and continuously seeking input from all levels – not just as individuals but as an organization. Most importantly, I’ve realized if you’re not serious, no one will take you seriously.

In my current role, I’m proud to lead an EHS function for an organization that truly believes in a “safety first” culture. Over the past 12 years, we’ve achieved a 78% reduction in our total recordable rate – an achievement I’m proud of, yet a reminder that the work of safety is never truly finished. Despite that fact, I remain proud and grateful for the opportunity to not only lead, but to pursue a meaningful purpose – keeping people safe every day.

My advice to anyone interested in a career in EHS is to remember that although a strong technical foundation is essential, true leadership comes from a genuine desire to help and care for others. This guiding principle will serve as your North Star, keeping you grounded in your focus and helping to eliminate the noise that sometimes gets in the way. Remember to hold the line on standards, lead by example and be decisive yet humble enough to admit when you’re wrong. Integrity is the foundation of leadership – it builds the respect that takes years to earn but only moments to lose.

As EHS professionals, every decision we make has the potential to protect lives, influence behavior and foster a culture where safety isn’t merely a checkbox but an ingrained value – one that touches lives and safeguards futures.

Roy J. Osborne, MBA, CSP
Global vice president – risk management,
environmental, occupational health and safety
Graham Packaging
Lancaster, PA