In a significant recognition of his contributions to environmental health and safety, Georgi Popov was awarded the 2025 Thomas F. Bresnahan Standards Medal by the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). This accolade highlights Popov's pivotal role in transforming voluntary national consensus standards through innovative risk management techniques. Originally from Bulgaria, Popov transitioned from military service to academia in the U.S., where he now serves as a professor at the University of Central Missouri. His work focuses on integrating safety considerations into design processes, thereby reducing operational risks significantly.
From Military Officer to Renowned Academic: The Journey of Georgi Popov
In the heart of Missouri, a distinguished academic named Georgi Popov has made remarkable strides in the field of occupational safety. Hailing originally from Bulgaria, Popov served as an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) officer for a United Nations mission in Cambodia before relocating to the United States in 2000. There, he joined Kingston Environmental Services in Kansas City. Today, as a professor at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Popov champions prevention through design—a concept aimed at embedding safety measures during the initial stages of project planning. This approach has been instrumental in shaping ASSP’s voluntary standards since its inception in 2011.
Popov's journey began with military experience handling various EHS issues. Transitioning into civilian life, he expanded his expertise to include asbestos, lead-based paint, and mold management. Encouraged by professional organizations like the American Industrial Hygiene Association and later the ASSP, Popov developed comprehensive courses that integrate environmental, safety, and industrial hygiene practices. His efforts culminated in establishing a technical advisory group focused on refining risk management methodologies. By advocating for early involvement in design phases, Popov seeks to minimize what he terms "embedded risks" during operations, thus reducing costs and enhancing overall safety.
Over two decades, the evolution of safety approaches has shifted dramatically—from compliance-based strategies to risk-based models. Popov attributes this transformation to the integration of safety within enterprise risk management frameworks. He emphasizes that injuries and illnesses not only delay operations but also result in financial losses and reputational damage. Consequently, engaging safety professionals earlier in design processes proves more cost-effective and efficient.
Despite occasional resistance from designers and engineers who prefer independent decision-making, Popov advocates for collaborative risk assessments using shared methodologies such as failure mode and effect analysis. His observations indicate a gradual improvement in pre-operational risk assessment participation, shifting from a historical 10% to approximately 20% today. Popov envisions a future where safety managers are involved in nearly 90% of design phases, drastically reducing operational hazards.
The ASSP honored Popov on May 17, acknowledging his dedication to advancing safety standards through pioneering concepts like prevention through design. His work exemplifies how proactive measures can revolutionize occupational health and safety protocols.
As a journalist reflecting on Popov's achievements, it becomes evident that integrating safety considerations early in project lifecycles yields substantial benefits. By fostering collaboration between designers and safety professionals, industries can mitigate risks effectively, ensuring safer environments and reduced operational costs. Popov's vision underscores the importance of adapting traditional safety paradigms to meet modern demands, ultimately protecting both workers and organizations alike.