PARK RIDGE, Illinois — The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has created a new opportunity for emerging occupational safety and health professionals to advance their careers while getting involved in the world’s oldest professional safety organization. Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 Emerging Professional Award, which will recognize five next-generation safety leaders and place them into a yearlong professional development program.

Nominees must demonstrate leadership, volunteerism and a desire to widely impact workplace safety. Each person will be matched with a mentor who will lead them through the program and increase their ASSP involvement. Highlights include complimentary registration for the Society’s Professional Development Conference and Exposition in June and its Leadership Conference in October. There will be opportunities to engage with ASSP’s Board of Directors at networking events and participate on safety committees.

“Today’s emerging professionals are tomorrow’s leaders in occupational safety and health,” said ASSP President Diana Stegall, CSP, CFPS, ARM, SMS, CPCU. “We want to support their personal and professional growth so they are well-positioned to advance workplace safety and help strengthen our Society.”

Nominees for the Emerging Professional Award must be ASSP members who are under 40 years old or have fewer than five years of experience in the occupational safety and health profession. Nominate a safety colleague by Jan. 31 by completing an application package and emailing it to copa@assp.org. Applications will be reviewed by ASSP’s Technical and Professional Recognition Committee.

“We’re excited about enhancing the collective expertise of the ASSP community and creating a steady flow of highly skilled safety professionals moving through our volunteer leadership ranks,” Stegall said. “Dedicated professionals working together is the best way to reduce injuries and save lives in the workplace.”

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.