Local organization wants to help you prevent injuries and save lives

This article was written for our sponsor Whitley Law Firm

North Carolina native, Matthew D. Thompson, spent years working in construction and witnessed firsthand how the lack of safety guidelines and adequate training led directly to debilitating injuries. Furthermore, Thompson tragically lost family members in driving accidents. These lived experiences make it clear why he has dedicated his professional life to providing safety training and information to all North Carolinians.

As president of the Safety and Health Council of North Carolina, Thompson oversees and implements the organization’s mission to “prevent injuries and fatalities on the road, on the job and in the home through education and training.”

“We interact with the community through training classes, conferences, speaking to community groups and working directly with businesses to increase employee safety,” Thompson said.

According to the website, safetync.org, the organization was founded initially in 1960 as the Citizen’s Safety Association of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Inc. While the current incarnation does not bear much resemblance to the organization today, it is important to note that the roots remain the same in that the desire and goal is to keep residents safe. In 1988, the organization changed its name to the current Safety and Health Council of North Carolina and expanded its reach to serve all of North Carolina.

The Board of Directors represent industry, individuals and government. They work together to determine policies and procedures which are implemented by 12 full-time employees, part-time staff and part-time instructors.

In the workplace, the Safety and Health Council of North Carolina provides vital training in OSHA, workplace safety and emergency preparedness, among other things. Additionally their defensive driving courses are growing in popularity and importance. When drivers receive traffic tickets, they often face court appearances, expensive fines and increased insurance costs. Defensive driving training may alleviate these burdens for some drivers, while helping them learn how to stay safe on the roads.

This aspect is especially important to Thompson. “The most inspiring thing I have seen while working with the Council is the difference that safety awareness and training has made in people’s lives and careers. Helping people keep safe reaffirms the value of human life. Plus, we have had people whom we have trained help save lives on their jobs.”

While the results are clear, human nature can be hard to sway. “I always tell people who are dismissive of our mission that an emphasis on safety is an indication of the value of human health and life. What we keep safe in life is what we value,” Thompson said.

For this reason, Thompson hopes that people begin to be more proactive. For example, to learn defensive driving skills prior to receiving a ticket and to enact workplace safety before there is an accident or tragedy. He is grateful that companies like Whitley Law Firm want to highlight and support the work they are doing.

“Companies like Whitley Law Firm do a great service, not only to our organization, but to the communities and businesses across the state by providing greater awareness of the need for people to work together to value safety,” Thompson said.

Ben Whitley of Whitley Law Firm agreed, noting that the work the Council does is vital to North Carolina. “The work and dedication Matthew has demonstrated to educate North Carolinians on how to live safer and ultimately happier lives is remarkable,” said Ben Whitley, of Whitley Law Firm. “Every day we help people through difficult situations that could have been avoided if they were practicing what Matthew and his Council are teaching in our communities. We hope more people continue to engage with the Council’s resources and information to help keep themselves and others safe.”

Regardless of whether companies choose to partner directly with the Safety and Health Council of North Carolina, Thompson’s message remains the same. “I hope people remember that their lives and the lives of their families and co-workers matter. And that each of us can make a difference by caring for the safety of others.”

For more information on workplace safety, defensive driving or any of the training and information that the Council can provide, visit www.safetync.org.

In the meantime, Thompson asks that everyone follow one simple rule. “One safety tip we use in all our classes is: stay aware and alert to your surroundings at all times.”

This article was written for our sponsor Whitley Law Firm