Austin Blakely is a safety leader who celebrates the small wins, even while working at a massive company like Boeing.
Blakely serves as a senior safety specialist at Boeing in the St. Louis region, where the aerospace giant employs about 15,000 workers and produces high-tech military aircraft and related systems. He has been at the company for nearly four years and is currently the risk management team lead and fall protection subject matter expert. His main duties include managing Boeing’s risk register, annual program reviews, compliance tasks, and special investigations.
Prior to Boeing, Blakely started his EHS career working at Chevron as a safety specialist in Houston for four years. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Murray State University and holds a CSP certification.
To learn more about Blakely and his take on industry issues, please read the Faces of EHS interview below:
Q: How did you get your start in the field?
I began college like many students, unsure of my future. During campus tours, I learned about the Occupational Safety & Health Department, and I was immediately intrigued by the positive impact of the field. I decided to dive in, fully immersing myself in the department. I took every opportunity to learn and get involved, which paid off significantly.
I landed multiple high-level internships, including one in Hawaii, and received scholarships that enhanced my marketability in the job market. I feel fortunate to have found a career that aligns with my interests and is incredibly rewarding.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence in the EHS industry, and why?
Becoming deeply involved in school brought me more than just knowledge; it gifted me lifelong friendships and invaluable mentorships. Among these extraordinary influences are Tanner Neese, Josh Reed, Clark Adams, and Matt Hall. Each of them has become a close friend I can reach out to at any time, whether it’s about EHS topics or personal matters.
I cherish these bonds, knowing that together, we are shaping the next generation of global EHS leaders. Our shared experiences and support for one another have created a network that extends beyond our time in school, enriching both our professional and personal lives. I am truly grateful for the connections I’ve made and the impact we are all making in our field.
Q: What’s your best mistake, and what did you learn from it?
During my time at a previous employer, I had the opportunity to lead a pilot program introducing new gas detection technology to our field offices. While the existing technology was effective, the new system promised enhanced features that would better support technicians working alone in remote areas with higher hazard potentials.
Unfortunately, the program stalled in the pilot phase, and the company ultimately decided to pursue a different direction. Reflecting on this experience, I realized that as a young professional, I had focused too much on the safety benefits of the new technology and not enough on the business case for its implementation.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson early in my career. I now approach investments in new programs, training, and technologies with a more balanced perspective, considering both safety and business needs. It’s a lesson I carry with me to this day.
Q: What are some of the biggest EHS issues at your organization? Are there any unique challenges (or benefits) compared to some other organizations?
The production of military aircraft comes with numerous challenges. One significant issue is that the build process remains very hands-on, leading to ergonomic difficulties for employees. In response, Boeing has invested millions in recent years to develop automation, collaborative robots (co-bots), and work assist devices, such as power feed drilling, to improve efficiency and comfort.
Another challenge is maintaining an exceptionally high standard of quality for our products. For instance, our fall protection program requires careful consideration, as typical off-the-shelf products can potentially damage our glass canopies. To address this, I partnered with a leading manufacturer to develop new technologies that ensure our products remain undamaged.
The United States military relies on the aircraft we produce for the defense of our nation and our allies. This responsibility instills a profound sense of pride in our work, motivating us to strive for excellence every day.
Q: What’s your favorite and least favorite part about working in the industry? Would you change anything?
While it may sound cliché, my favorite part of working in the industry is the relationships I build. I genuinely enjoy connecting with operations leaders, flight operation mechanics, technical engineers, and anyone who shares common goals.
These bonds are incredibly rewarding, as they allow me to make a positive impact in the lives of my colleagues. Collaborating with them to create a better future not only enhances our work environment but also drives us all toward success. The connections I forge are what truly make my experience in the industry fulfilling.
My least favorite part of working in the industry is dealing with the “red tape” that often complicates our processes. As the world becomes increasingly complex, I believe the industry needs to adapt by becoming more flexible and simplifying our workflows.
By reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, we can better position our teams for success and enable them to focus on what truly matters—delivering quality work and achieving our goals. Streamlining these processes would not only enhance efficiency but also improve job satisfaction for everyone involved.
Q: What are your thoughts on safety culture? How can company leaders make safety a value within their organization?
It’s well-known that organizational culture begins at the top, and leaders must recognize that change takes time. One of the most frustrating things I’ve observed is when leadership genuinely commits to change, but when results don’t materialize quickly, they shift their focus to the next priority.
The key to successful change is consistency. Leaders need to be patient and stay the course, understanding that lasting transformation requires sustained effort and commitment. By maintaining focus and consistency, they can foster a culture that truly reflects their vision and drives meaningful progress.
Q: What safety concerns or issues do you think need more prioritization in EHS programs?
I strongly believe in Human and Organizational Performance (HOP), which takes a proactive approach to safety by tackling human error at its core. HOP emphasizes the importance of smarter systems, improved communication, and effective design to reduce risks, enhance operational efficiency, and empower employees.
By understanding how humans perform work, HOP provides a framework for building more resilient organizations. For mature EHS programs, adopting HOP thinking can be a game-changer, revolutionizing the way organizations operate and prioritize safety. Embracing this approach not only improves outcomes but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and resilience.
Q: What will be the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles on the EHS industry?
As ESG principles gain traction, regulatory bodies are expected to introduce stricter environmental and safety regulations. This shift will require EHS professionals to ensure compliance with these evolving standards, resulting in a greater demand for robust EHS management systems.
ESG emphasizes sustainability, pushing organizations to adopt more environmentally friendly practices. A prime example of this is Boeing St. Louis, which will be powered entirely by 248,000 megawatt-hours of renewable electricity annually starting in January 2025.
This transition will necessitate that EHS professionals develop and implement strategies to minimize environmental impact, focusing on waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable resource management. As organizations embrace these changes, the role of EHS professionals will become increasingly vital in driving sustainability initiatives and ensuring compliance with new regulations.
Q: How will new safety technologies influence the work being done by EHS professionals?
New safety technologies are set to empower EHS professionals, enabling us to work more efficiently and effectively in monitoring, assessing, and improving workplace safety. By leveraging these innovations, we can create safer work environments and contribute to the overall success of our organization.
For instance, we are implementing new software solutions that automate compliance tracking and reporting, making it easier for our team to stay updated on regulations and standards. This automation reduces the administrative burden, allowing us to focus on strategic initiatives rather than getting bogged down in paperwork.
Additionally, we are utilizing virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to enhance our training programs. These tools provide immersive, hands-on experiences that simulate hazardous situations, helping employees better understand safety protocols and improve their responses to real-life scenarios.
We are also incorporating wearable technology to monitor worker behavior and environmental conditions. This data provides valuable insights into safety practices, enabling us to identify trends, reinforce safe behaviors, and develop targeted interventions to enhance our overall safety culture.
In summary, the integration of new safety technologies at Boeing is significantly influencing our work as EHS professionals, equipping us with the tools we need to foster a safer workplace and drive organizational success.
Q: What are you most proud of?
I take great pride in the small wins that occur every day. While they may seem insignificant at the moment, it’s remarkable to consider the larger impact they can have on people’s lives over time.
It’s easy to focus on the big wins and major projects, but I find fulfillment in the everyday moments where I can make a difference. Whether it’s helping a colleague solve a problem or providing support to someone in need, these small victories contribute to a positive work environment and foster a sense of community.
Living in the moment and recognizing the value of these daily interactions is what truly brings me pride in my work. Each small win adds up, creating a meaningful footprint in the lives of those around me.
Q: Do you have any advice for people entering the EHS profession?
My advice is simple: Take chances, embrace every opportunity, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Life is full of possibilities, and often the most rewarding experiences come from taking risks. By pushing yourself beyond familiar boundaries, you open the door to new learning experiences and personal growth. Whether it’s pursuing a new project at work, networking with new people, or trying something completely different, each step outside your comfort zone can lead to unexpected rewards.
So seize those opportunities and be willing to take that leap. You never know what amazing experiences await you on the other side.
Are you or a colleague an EHS professional interested in being profiled for the Faces of EHS series? Please contact Joe Bebon at JBebon@BLR.com.