Valentyn Ishchenko: Safety Protocols Know No Borders

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,283 fatal workplace injuries reported in the United States in 2023 – a 3.7% decrease compared to 2022. However, the fatal injury rate remains high, averaging 3.5 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. Experts note that the majority of incidents are related to falls from height, exposure to harmful substances, and violations of safety protocols. These figures highlight how crucial a systematic approach to workplace safety and employee training remains today.

At the intersection of theory and practice, the experience of professionals who design and implement safety protocols is particularly valuable. One of them is Valentyn Ishchenko, a specialist with more than 18 years of experience in rescue operations and industrial safety. His story demonstrates how knowledge and discipline can reduce risks where mistakes are too costly.

Valentyn Ishchenko is an expert with over 18 years of experience in operational management, emergency response, and industrial safety. He rose through the ranks from firefighter-rescuer to fire crew commander (captain) within the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, while also developing as a project leader in industrial rope access. His unique profile combines hands-on leadership in rescue operations – including work in confined spaces – with organizing safety measures for high-altitude operations on telecommunications infrastructure. Valentyn is the author of scientific papers and methodological guidelines in fire safety, underlining his strong theoretical foundation and commitment to systematizing and sharing knowledge. Today, he is focused on applying his versatile expertise to raise safety standards in an international context.

Valentyn Ishchenko was officially awarded the “For Courage in Emergency Situations” distinction. The award was granted by order No. 317 of the Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine on June 20, 2017.

This medal is a departmental state award given for personal bravery, a high level of professional training, and dedication to duty while performing tasks in difficult and dangerous conditions related to emergency response.

You held leadership positions in the State Emergency Service for more than 11 years, directing fire and emergency operations. How has that experience of decision-making under extreme conditions shaped your approach to risk management?  

My 11+ years of leadership experience in the SES taught me to make decisions under uncertainty and high risk. The main principle I follow is prioritizing the preservation of life and the safety of both the response team and the victims.

In extreme situations, I learned to quickly analyze the situation, evaluate possible scenarios, and choose the optimal solution with minimal risks. Clear and precise communication with the team, proper task distribution, and constant readiness to adapt to changing circumstances all play a crucial role.

This experience formed a systematic and balanced approach to risk management – one that can be effectively applied beyond the firefighting and rescue service.

What motivates you, as an expert with such experience, to seek new challenges in the United States? How do you plan to adapt your knowledge from the Ukrainian systems to the American context?  

I am motivated by new professional challenges and the opportunity to work on projects with more complex technical and organizational structures. I see the United States as a place where I can exchange experience, introduce best practices in rope access and height safety, and grow in an international environment.

Regarding knowledge adaptation: my experience taught me to apply safety protocols and team training approaches flexibly. In the U.S., I plan to study OSHA regulations and industry standards, combining them with proven methods that helped me successfully manage projects and ensure the safety of hundreds of high-altitude operations. My experience working with diverse teams and complex sites allows me to quickly find a balance between efficiency and strict compliance, regardless of the country or system.

Your ability to work with regulatory bodies is a huge advantage. How do you see your role in building dialogue between companies and regulators in a new country for you? 

My experience in the SES and on large industrial projects taught me how to engage effectively with regulatory bodies, building dialogue based on trust and transparency. In a new country, I see my role as a “bridge” between the company and regulators: explaining internal processes, demonstrating compliance with safety standards, and helping the team quickly adapt to local legal requirements.

I am confident that open communication and a proactive approach not only reduce the risk of fines and delays but also strengthen a company’s reputation as a reliable and responsible partner.

My experience shows that such an approach increases overall team efficiency and facilitates the introduction of new safety standards on sites.

Your profile is unique: operational management, scientific research, and industrial rope access. Which niche in the U.S. safety sector do you see as most promising for applying your specific skill set?  

My unique background combines operational management, a scientific approach to risk analysis, and practical rope access expertise. In the United States, I see the greatest potential in sectors that require a comprehensive approach to high-altitude and industrial safety – for example, energy, infrastructure projects, and the maintenance of towers and masts.

My skill set allows me not only to design effective protocols but also to train teams, manage high-risk projects, liaise with regulators, and implement innovative solutions on sites where mistakes are costly. Such an integrated approach is especially valuable in cases where standard safety methods are insufficient, and a fusion of international best practices with local requirements is needed.

Working under stress requires a special level of psychological resilience. How do you personally recover after difficult operations and keep your motivation high?  

After demanding and stressful tasks, it is important for me to switch gears and restore energy. I usually do this in the following ways:

• Physical activity – sports or even a simple walk help relieve tension and “reset” the mind.
• Communication with family and colleagues – their support gives me energy and confidence.
• Proper rest – I make sure to prioritize quality sleep and relaxation to maintain performance.
• Work reflection – recognizing that I overcame challenges and achieved results gives me additional motivation.
• Learning and development – I constantly strive to improve my skills, which helps me feel more confident when facing future stressful situations.

For me, high-stress tasks are a challenge, and the opportunity to overcome them and emerge stronger further fuels my motivation.

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