Dr. Robert Emery, DrPH, CHP, CIH, CSP, RBP, CHMM, CPP, ARM

 

Session Description:

In the post 9/11 world, the need to disseminate prompt, accurate safety and health information is acute. And like it or not, the primary source of information for the general public in times of emergencies is the mass media. In recognition of this, safety professionals need to become adept at managing their interactions with the media so that the right message is ultimately conveyed. Unfortunately, many safety professionals are untrained in media relations because their organizations maintain media relations or public affairs units that serve as the initial interface with the media. But when something goes wrong, inevitably the interview with the designated safety professional will occur. To be better prepared for this eventuality, this presentation will describe the various forms of mass media outlets and how they work. The instructor will share his “behind the scenes” media experiences by showing actual content of health and safety-related pieces in differing media formats. Attendees will also participate in mock media interviews and the results will be critiqued by the group. Ample time will be provided for questions and discussion.

 

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Robert Emery is the Assistant Vice President for Safety, Health, Environment & Risk Management for The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and Associate Professor of Occupational Health at the University of Texas School of Public Health. Bob has over 25 years of experience in health & safety and holds masters degrees in health physics and environmental sciences, and a doctorate in occupational health. Bob is unique in that he possesses national board certification and registration in all of the main areas of health & safety;

• health physics [Certified Health Physicist, CHP],
• occupational safety [Certified Safety Professional, CSP],
• industrial hygiene [Certified Industrial Hygienist, CIH],
• biological safety [Registered Biosafety Professional, RBP],
• hazardous materials management [Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, CHMM],
• security [Certified Protection Professional, CPP], 
• and risk management [Associate in Risk Management, ARM].

Bob is the author of many peer-reviewed articles on practical health and safety topics and makes frequent presentations on such issues at the local and national level.