In his session, “Safety Management System Implementation and Leadership,” part of the Construction Track for the 2017 Safety Leadership Conference in Atlanta on Sept. 11-13, Jim Howry will examine “how developing and implementing a safety management system can benefit a company and its bottom line.”Howry, principle research associate at one of the four original OSHA Training Institute Education Centers at Georgia Tech, offer us some insight into his presentation.EHS Today: Can you offer us a description of your presentation and how it relates to safety leadership?Jim Howry: We will look at how developing and implementing a safety management system can benefit a company and their bottom line.Register for the 2017 Safety Leadership Conference today so you don't miss this presentation!EHS Today: Why is the topic of your presentation of interest to you and why is it important to SLC attendees?Jim Howry: I have seen individuals and companies work hard and not succeed because they don’t have a plan.  Your Safety Management System is your blueprint to success.EHS Today: What are the takeaways you hope to leave with attendees?   Jim Howry: The value proposition in safety.EHS Today: What do you think are some of the most pressing EHS and risk management issues facing corporate leaders and safety professionals in 2017 and beyond?Jim Howry: It doesn’t change. It’s the ever present trade-off of risk versus reward. Risk tolerance is rewarded in every aspect of business except ours. Changing that mind set is difficult.  EHS Today: How will this session help attendees be a better resource for their employees and company?Jim Howry: I hope attendees will walk away with a better understanding of the potential positive impacts on their company and their employees through the implementation of a safety management system.(EHS Today's 2017 Safety Leadership Conference and America’s Safest Companies Award Program will take place Sept. 11-13 in Atlanta, GA at the Hilton Atlanta. This event is designed to share best leadership, risk management, compliance and safety practices with EHS professionals hoping to achieve world-class safety at their companies. The conference features 28 sessions across four performance tracks; Safety & Risk Management, Compliance, Construction Safety and Safety Technology.)