Even as this is not about me, I understand that people might have questions about the man behind this research.
I am Bart Vanraes, freelance prevention advisor with extensive experience on how safety in a real world setting works, or doesn’t work. I worked for over 15 years as process operator in several Seveso companies in Antwerp, Belgium. As volunteer fireman in Sint-Niklaas, I also witnessed how things can go wrong and what we should do to restore safe environments in our workplaces.
Additionally, I have worked together with policy makers, and, apart from the experience in the workplace, gained insight in the other side of the organization. A particularly fascinating and instructive period. As very active member of the CPBW (Comité voor Preventie en Bescherming op het Werk, comite for prevention and protection at the workplace, a consultative body that every company with over 50 employees by Belgian law is required to set up), I ensure the necessary positive changes. My personal drive, the impact in that role and the positive reactions were the starting point to retrain myself in order to be able to commit myself 100% as prevention advisor.
- Critically and constructively, I work to help my environment grow.
- I love learning. At times from a theoretical/philosophical angle, and at other moments from a very practical ppoint of view.
- Creative thinker, out-of-box and aimed at impact.
My dissertation for my education as prevention advisor was about ‘not or poorly reported work accidents’, tippex accidents. Because this topic is so widely relevant, I did not let go of what I learned. And I am happy that it also appeals to you.
