Her Story
About SUZANN
With more than 30 years of experience in occupational health and safety, Suzann Smaldone has built a career defined by leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting workers across warehousing, manufacturing, and construction environments.
As a seasoned Health and Safety Manager, Suzann brings deep expertise in regulatory compliance and risk mitigation, grounded in the standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. She holds OSHA 10, 30, 501, and 511 certifications, along with her Safety Management Professional (SMP) designation—credentials that reflect both technical knowledge and a dedication to continuous professional growth.
Throughout her career, Suzann has led organizations through complex compliance challenges, strengthened safety cultures, and implemented proactive programs that reduce injuries while improving operational performance. Her experience spans high-hazard and fast-paced industries where safety is not just a requirement—but a responsibility that demands strategic thinking and strong leadership.
Known for her ability to translate regulatory standards into practical, real-world solutions, Suzann specializes in hazard communication, ergonomics, warehouse safety, incident investigation, and workforce training. She is particularly passionate about empowering frontline employees and field teams with the knowledge and confidence to work safely, while guiding leadership teams in building accountability and sustainable safety systems.
Beyond compliance, Suzann views safety as a people-first mission. She believes that effective safety leadership is rooted in communication, consistency, and trust. Her influence extends beyond policy and procedures, she mentors emerging leaders, advocates for continuous improvement, and champions environments where every employee feels valued and protected.
As an influential woman in health and safety, Suzann Smaldone represents the strength, expertise, and resilience that continue to shape safer workplaces across multiple industries.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with SUZANN
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to accountability, I show up every day and care deeply about the work I do and the people it impacts. I do not let fear dictate my decisions; every challenge has been an opportunity to learn. I believe in listening, collaborating, and leading with integrity. Surrounding myself with people who challenge and support me has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I’ve never been afraid to ask questions, adapt, or show up even when things felt uncomfortable.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Someone once told me early on, “Act like a leader before you have the title.” That shifted my mindset completely. Taking ownership and showing initiative opened doors I didn’t even know existed.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learn the standards, trust your expertise, and don’t be afraid to speak up. Safety is about protecting people, and your voice matters. Stay curious, build credibility through knowledge, and remember that confidence grows every time you advocate for doing the right thing.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A few of the biggest challenges and opportunities is building a safety culture where everyone feels empowered to speak up. It’s not just about the rules and checklists, it’s about mindset. We are also at an exciting time where technology is transforming how we manage risk, from data analytics to wearable safety tech. The challenge is staying ahead and using these tools to enhance, not replace the human judgement that keeps people safe. And finding and developing the next generation of safety leaders is both a challenge and a huge opportunity. There is so much potential in young professionals who bring fresh ideas, we have a real chance to mentor them into impactful leaders.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is at the core of everything I do, both professionally and personally. I believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, and holding myself accountable to high standards. Family is also one of my greatest values, it keeps me grounded and reminds me why the work I do matters. The support, strength, and balance I gain from my family shape the way I lead, make decisions, and show up every day.
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