QSSP IS A MARK OF PROFESSIONALISM AND COMPETENCE

If nothing else, this blog has consistently talked about the importance of QUALITY in every aspect of PPE. We’ve done posts on PPE design, material, workmanship and performance quality. We’ve talked about only dealing with quality manufacturers and suppliers; we’ve stated the need for quality support materials and training. Now, we would like to talk about the quality of the sales and customer service people customers come in contact with as they move through the PPE buying and after sale process.

Safety in general and PPE specifically are complex disciplines with a lot of moving parts. Safety sales, marketing and customer service personnel need a high level of technical and regulatory expertise to establish credibility in helping customers make the best possible buying decision.

But how do customers distinguish a true safety equipment professional from general industrial sales representatives? Trial and error can be a long and costly process. They need something to give them an early indication of the qualifications and skill set of sales people they engage with before the sales cycle gets too far along. There is a way to help with the sorting out process.

PPE products that meet a certain standard contain an ANSI designation; manufacturers that go the extra mile to assure their quality earn an SEI designation; and supplier sales, customer service and marketing people who take an intensive training course designed to enhance participant expertise and knowledge in critical technical and regulatory areas of occupational health & safety, pass a comprehensive Competency Exam, and have at least two years experience, are certified as Qualified Safety Sales Professionals and can use the designation QSSP.

The course, taught by an experienced faculty of safety professionals, covers core elements of occupational health and safety including industrial hygiene in one intensive, week-long session. Participants gain proficiency in fundamentals of occupational health and safety; industrial hygiene, risk management, safety engineering, health and safety regulations, workers comp, the full range of safety equipment and how to integrate it all into their customers' needs.

Today, more than1000 sales and marketing representatives in the safety equipment industry are Qualified Safety Sales Professionals. They represent the quality segment of their profession. When evaluating potential suppliers, the presence of QSSP certified contact people should go on the plus side of the ledger. This is not to imply that only QSSP sales and service reps are competent to satisfy a customer’s PPE needs. There are many top notch, highly professional and competent sales and customer service reps in the industry with years of experience and tons of expertise. But if you want to be sure you are dealing with a “pro”, the QSSP designation is a good place to start. A Directory of QSSP Graduates is available at:
http://www.qssp.org/search.htm