DeWayne's Guidance from 40+ years of Safety Management Experience
Dewayne Misner, Executive Vice President of Pharma-Safe Industrial Services, is a seasoned professional with over four decades of safety experience in the energy field. Throughout his career, DeWayne has been a driving force between safety initiatives across industries. His commitment to safety has made him a respected leader who provides valuable insight. In this interview, he explains his career journey and core philosophies.
“…Someone has to speak up, remove obstacles and support those people that are out there, doing their job and potentially exposed to inherent hazards...”
Professional Journey: Legacy of Safety Experience
Early Beginnings and Education
DeWayne was born and raised in Sapulpa (Tulsa), Oklahoma, and graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) with a bachelor’s degree of science in safety education. His career began while still attending high school in a glass manufacturing plant, where a tragic, preventable fatality ignited his passion for safety. The memory still impacts him today. With a newfound purpose, he pursued his university degree while continuing to work full time.
Climbing the Ladder in the Energy Sector
DeWayne’s career took to life when he joined an oil company while still in college. He used this opportunity to leverage his position to build valuable connections that would open doors in field operations. His journey included roles beginning as a safety technician in a Wyoming coal mine, subsequent promotions, and relocations to field operations in California, Oklahoma, Texas, and PSIS’s hometown, Lafayette, Louisiana. Over 40 years, Misner amassed experience in various energy industries, from chemical plants to hydrocarbon refineries and coal mines, specializing in production and drilling operations.
Expertise in Process Safety Management
Throughout his career, DeWayne focused on preventing catastrophic incidents, honing his specialty in Process Safety Management (PSM). He describes PSM as “a systematic approach to eliminating catastrophic failures,” encompassing human behavior, regulatory compliance, and emergency preparedness. His commitment to safety is further evidenced by his status as a Certified Safety Professional (retired) and his past participation in professional organizations, including:
- Environmental Chairperson and Safety Section Leader of the Gulf of Mexico Offshore Operators Committee
- Safety Committee Member of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Association
- Committee Member of the American Chemistry Council Responsible Care
Current Role and Responsibilities
DeWayne Misner, Executive Vice President brings more than 40 years of Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) experience to his role. DeWayne advises and directs Pharma-Safe Industrial Services (PSIS) to ensure programs and personnel perform to industry standards and company expectations. DeWayne also provides oversight, mentoring, and career development for HSE personnel.
With decades of experience and connections, he offers invaluable resources and insight to PSIS and its clients. He is available for consultation on behalf of Pharma-Safe to advise industry executives looking to improve HSE in their workplace.
Continuing the Legacy of Safety
Now working part-time, DeWayne reflects on a fulfilling career. He brings his vast breadth of knowledge of the industry and continues to provide Pharma-Safe with more opportunities to commit to its vision of expanding into more diverse industries.
It’s clear that the individual impact that Pharma-Safe can have on people and a strong sense of personal safety are the main motivators for DeWayne Misner, “…Someone has to speak up, remove obstacles and support those people that are out there, doing their job and potentially exposed to inherent hazards …”
He breaks down the core of his belief about his work, emphasizing that safe work benefits not just the employees, but also the company Pharma-Safe supports saying, “The last thing [a company wants] to do is to knock on [a family member’s] door and tell them that their [loved one] isn’t coming home.”
He shared that his key to personal success is a balance of both academic knowledge and jobsite experience. His advice to young professionals is to take an opportunity that no one else is willing to accept and to be open to relocation into a job if your situation allows.
Personal Life: Building Community
In his personal life, DeWayne is a husband, father of five children, and grandfather to nine grandchildren. He and his wife spend time in the community and embrace the culture that initially attracted them to Lafayette, LA. Together, the two go to many festivals and have made a habit of dancing twice a week. The two dance Country/Western and Zydeco together and invite others to join. It is his favorite way to build community and forge relationships on a personal level. Additionally, he aims to create relationships where each person knows he can be relied on for support, big or small.
A Lifetime Committed to Safety Excellence
DeWayne Misner’s 40-year career in HSE management is a testament to his unwavering commitment to workplace safety. His expertise, leadership, and passion for safety have made a lasting impact on Pharma-Safe Industrial Services and the industries he has served. DeWayne’s dedication to protecting lives and fostering a safe culture continues to inspire and influence future generations of HSE professionals.
