Allergan plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a global pharmaceutical company. ISHN asked David Eherts, PhD, CIH, Vice President Global EHS, based in Madison, NJ, to explain how the company is implementing the “New View” of safety.

Personal safety remains a constant challenge that employees face primarily on their own. How each perceives and responds to workplace exposures, ultimately determines their likelihood of being injured.

We are taught to describe ourselves: “I’m an ‘Introvert’ which explains my discomfort working in big teams,” or “My co-worker is a ‘Judger’ which explains why she is so critical.” We have the impression that if we just “know” ourselves and others better our work together will be more collaborative and productive.

In management literature, empowerment refers to delegating authority or responsibility. In other words, when a supervisor says, "I empower you," s/he means, "Get 'er done ASAP."

What are boundaries? A practical definition is “the lines or limits that are not to be crossed,” such as not passing a school bus when its red lights are flashing and one doughnut per week. We all create boundaries, some less rigid than others, but they’re meant to benefit and protect us without getting in the way of what we want to accomplish.