Former firefighter Joseph Martinek believes that a “culture of safety” is the best way to prevent accidents and that Attitude, Awareness and Action represent the essence of safety.
Martinek was a firefighter for more than 20 years; serving as a Lieutenant and Training Officer for the La Grange Fire Department. Martinek also served as the Training/Safety Director for the Pleasantview Fire Protection District. He has a bachelors degree in Fire Science Services and a masters degree in Management and Development of Human Resources. Martinek is a polished, professional speaker and trainer. Martinek has earned the title of "Distinguished Toastmaster" of Toastmasters International, a worldwide educational organization that offers programs and leadership projects designed to help people learn the arts of speaking, listening, and thinking. He has served as the president of the Bridge Builders Toastmasters Club and the Joliet Jesters Toastmasters Club. He is also a former member of the American Society for Training & Development. Martinek feels that everyone must take the responsibility to be safe in both their personal and professional lives, and that an accident may take only a few seconds to occur, but healing may take more than a lifetime. Employers and workplace supervisors must take special responsibility because of their role as leaders. “True leaders prevent accidents by believing in safety, acting safely and expecting their workers to do the same,” stressed Martinek. |