PARK RIDGE, Illinois — There are many reasons why the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) is considered a leader in occupational safety and health education. Here’s a new one: ASSP is taking live classroom training and adding virtual participants via two-way video projection, meaning that a safety professional from their home or office can get all the benefits of face-to-face instruction without the travel time or expense.

The new learning option – called Live Virtual Classroom – will enable virtual participants to ask the instructor questions in real time, interact with the entire class and even join the class when breaking into small groups for discussion. Virtual participants will see everyone in the classroom, and the class will see the virtual participant.

“We’re removing barriers and making it easier than ever to receive high-quality continuing education that can help advance your safety career,” said Chris Ballman, director of professional development. “It’s a next-generation approach to educating groups of safety professionals across the country and around the world, and we’re really excited about it.”

Virtual participants must have a computer equipped with a webcam and audio and have Internet access. On the day of the course, technical support will be available by phone to help participants get set up.

“ASSP is known for providing education that safety professionals can immediately put into practice to create safer work environments, and nothing makes that process faster than receiving the training without leaving your home base,” Ballman said.

Live Virtual Classroom will debut with five upcoming instructor-led safety courses held in Dallas:

• Advanced Safety Management Methods on Oct. 7-9. Whether the learner is a safety executive or emerging safety professional, the three-day course will help participants develop the knowledge and tools to improve safety performance in any organization. Strategies focus on risk, business and the reality of human performance.
• Influential Leadership Skills on Oct. 10-11. Today’s safety professional must influence executive management through effective guidance. The two-day course will help participants learn the principles of leadership, strategic thinking and planning while discussing techniques for influencing management.
• Math Review on Oct. 21. The course will provide an extensive overview of the math skills required on safety certification exams. Participants will practice solving challenging math questions.
• ASP Exam Prep Course on Oct. 22-24. Participants will engage in preparation for the associate safety professional (ASP) examination required for ASP certification. The course will involve lectures, sample problem-solving and a discussion of essential occupational safety and health topics.
• CSP Exam Prep Course on Oct. 22-24. Participants will engage in preparation for the certified safety professional (CSP) examination required for CSP certification. The course will involve lectures, sample problem-solving and a discussion of essential occupational safety and health topics.

To get more information on ASSP’s comprehensive education offerings, safety professionals can visit the Society online at https://www.assp.org/education.

About ASSP – Working together for a safer, stronger future
For more than 100 years, the American Society of Safety Professionals has been at the forefront of helping occupational safety and health professionals protect people and property. The nonprofit society is based in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge. Its global membership of over 39,000 professionals covers every industry, developing safety and health management plans that prevent injuries, illnesses and deaths. ASSP advances its members and the safety profession through education, advocacy, standards and a professional community. Its flagship publication, Professional Safety, is a longtime leader in the field. Visit www.assp.org and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.