ITC Business Council – Ralph Furlong

Ralph Furlong – Member of the Business Council for Sustainability and Environment

 

Ralph Furlong is the Safety Director at SafetySolutionspro, where he leads initiatives in safety consultation for both construction and general industry. As a distinguished member of the International Trade Council’s Business Council on Sustainability and Environment, Ralph brings extensive expertise in safety management and compliance.

 

With a career rooted in construction project management, Ralph transitioned into safety consultation, leveraging his background to address critical safety concerns across various sectors. He is a World Safety Organization Registered Safety Director (WSO, RSD) with 14 years of experience and serves as an Outreach OSHA Instructor and Global OSHA Instructor, showcasing his commitment to advancing safety standards.

 

Ralph has managed significant projects, including the installation of 16 lock gates for the expansion of the Panama Canal, as well as the construction of 15 skyscrapers, 4 general hospitals, and 14 hemodialysis centers. His leadership in these projects highlights his ability to manage complex safety operations and ensure compliance with international standards.

 

Over the years, Ralph has observed the safety industry’s evolution towards enhanced compliance and training awareness. He identifies proper training and language barriers as current challenges and anticipates that advancements in AI and new training methods will drive improvements in the industry over the next decade.

 

Ralph is particularly excited about technological advancements, such as smart applications and advanced training methods, which promise to revolutionize safety practices. For newcomers to the industry, he advises studying current factors and developing a plan for effective training and compliance.

 

In handling setbacks, Ralph focuses on overcoming challenges related to training, knowledge, and education through the use of innovative apps and technological programs. His role models include his father, who was also a prominent figure in the safety field.

 

Outside of his professional life, Ralph enjoys golf, fishing, surfing, softball, outdoor activities, and traveling. His diverse interests reflect his dynamic approach to both work and personal life.