Celebrating Paul Zak: UF TREEO Instructor Becomes a Certified Safety Professional®
We are thrilled to announce that Paul Zak, a dedicated instructor at UF TREEO, has recently achieved the prestigious Certified Safety Professional® (CSP) certification through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). This significant accomplishment underscores his commitment to advancing safety practices and educating future safety professionals.
A Commitment to Excellence in Safety Education
Paul Zak’s expertise is well-known among his students and colleagues. He currently teaches both the initial and refresher courses for various AHERA Asbestos disciplines, including contractor/supervisor, inspector, management planner, and project designer. With over 23 years of experience in the asbestos industry, Zak brings a wealth of real-world knowledge to his teaching. When asked about his favorite course to teach, he enthusiastically shared:
“I’ve been involved in the asbestos industry for over 23 years, and enjoy sharing my real-world experience in all of the disciplines. If I had to choose just one, it would be the asbestos inspector course with the hands-on demonstrations. There is a lot of practical knowledge that can be shared in these group activities.”
Becoming a Certified Safety Professional is no small feat. The certification process ensures that professionals remain current with the latest safety practices, regulations, and technologies. This achievement highlights Zak’s dedication to continuous learning and professional development.
When asked what motivated him to pursue this certification, Zak said:
“Obtaining the Certified Safety Professional certification has been a career goal of mine. Becoming a CSP complements my role as a Certified Industrial Hygienist in the Health and Safety field, adding different facets of management and risk control, as well as other subjects, to help protect the health and safety of workers and the general public.”
Enhancing Teaching and Professional Practice
Zak believes that his new certification will significantly impact his teaching approach. He explains:
“Obtaining the CSP certification has already led to evaluating hazards with a more well-rounded approach. It will be great to share with others potential risks that may be encountered in the asbestos industry besides asbestos itself.”
This broader perspective will undoubtedly enrich the learning experience for his students, providing them with a more comprehensive understanding of occupational safety and health.
Zak is particularly excited about the new opportunities this certification opens up. He notes:
“Adding the CSP certification will help with evaluating potential exposures and risks from a different perspective […] Overall, I believe that adding the CSP will help provide students with different perspectives on hazards, which will ideally increase the safety and health of workers and the public in our society.”
Mr. Zak has been a key figure in the environmental consulting field since 1999. His extensive knowledge of regulations and projects spans industrial hygiene, safety, asbestos, lead, PCB’s, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), mold, and OSHA compliance. He has worked with a wide variety of public, private, and industrial clients, including numerous architectural, construction, and engineering firms across the country.
The Importance of CSP Certification
The Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification represents the gold standard in safety certification. It is internationally accredited and recognized as the industry’s most prestigious credential. CSP instructors bring extensive knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom, blending theoretical and practical education. They offer insights into current industry practices, regulatory requirements, and emerging trends, preparing students to excel in occupational safety and health. Their expertise and leadership significantly enhance the development of future safety professionals.
To learn more about becoming a Certified Safety Professional, visit the Board of Certified Safety Professionals website.
Congratulations to Paul Zak on this remarkable achievement. We look forward to seeing the positive impact his enhanced expertise will bring to his students and the broader safety community.