Chapter 1 Careers in Industrial Maintenance 17 Negotiation Sometimes employees and employers must negotiate on a task or work-related issue. Negotiation is the process of reaching an agreement that requires all parties to give and take. Th e goal is a “win-win” solution in which both parties get some or all of what they are seeking. Negotiation begins with trying to understand the other party’s interests. Possible solutions that meet the concerns of both sides can be developed. Often the best solution becomes clear when both parties have ample time to explain what they are trying to accomplish. 1.5.11 Staying Safety Conscious Safety on the job is everyone’s responsibility. Many workplace accidents occur because of careless behavior. Often poor attitudes can cause unsafe behavior, too. Common causes of accidents include the following: ■ Taking chances. ■ Showing off . ■ Forgetting safety details. ■ Disobeying company rules. ■ Daydreaming. ■ Losing your temper. ■ Falling asleep. Practicing good safety habits is essential for preventing accidents and injuries on the job. A healthy worker is more alert and less likely to make mistakes. Knowing how to use machines and tools properly is the responsibility of both the employer and employees. Wearing protective clothing and using safety equipment correctly helps keep workers safe. Your employer will emphasize the safety practices that employees must follow in your workplace. Th e government agency that promotes safety in the workplace is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You will be required to fol- low the specifi c OSHA regulations that apply to your workplace. S A F E T Y N O T E Follow the CFR Knowingly violating a safety code may not only get you fi red from a job, but also personally fi ned by OSHA. Leaving a machine guard off after maintenance is completed is one instance you know is wrong and against the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). 1.6 CERTIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALING Industry-recognized credentials and certifi cations are an important part of any technical fi eld. Credentialing refers to establishing and documenting a specifi c set of qualifi cations, competencies, or skill standards. Certifi cations are one kind of credential. Having industry- recognized certifi cations shows potential employers that you are serious about your job performance, knowledge, and skills and that you meet accepted industry standards. All certifi cations require testing most require both a written test and a performance or skills check. Successful completion of performance checks and written exams allows you to receive a certifi cation and become creden- tialed. Possessing relevant credentials will improve your employability. You can obtain some certifi cations through local educational institutions, and others you can pursue on your own. Some certifi cations are more universally accepted by employers than others. Certifi cations range from extremely expensive to very reasonable. Th e best certifi cations are those that are widely accepted and rec- ognized, result in a tangible benefi t (such as a higher wage), and are sought after. If you are not sure about which certifi cation is best, ask your instructor or profes- sor what most employers in the area value. T E C H T I P The Right Certifi cation If an employer does not recognize or value a particular certifi cation, then you may want to consider a different, more applicable certifi cation. Do some research to determine the best certifi ca- tion for your needs. 1.6.1 NIMS Th e National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) was started in 1995 to set industry skill standards, cer- tify individual skills against those standards, and accredit training programs that meet NIMS quality require- ments. Standards cover a wide range of advanced manu- facturing occupations, from machining to maintenance, and include both theory and hands-on skills. Partnering with industry leaders, NIMS follows a rigorous process to develop and update standards and assessment tools. NIMS off ers more than 60 portable credentials in specifi c technical areas to certify individuals’ skills against industry standards in three levels (Levels I, II, Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.