News and Articles

Jim Smith, president of the American Society of Safety Engineers, made a statement regarding the nomination of Scott Mugno as head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Human capital metrics, including occupational safety and health data, frequently are collected by a majority of global companies, yet many of these firms are not publicly reporting the information, according to a study released today by the Harvard Law School Labor and Worklife Program in conjunction with CSHS.

The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) – representing more than 37,000 occupational safety and health professionals across the globe – supports the mission of the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) and is deeply troubled that the CSB is targeted for elimination in President Trump’s budget blueprint for 2018.

Thanks to a growing group of generous donors, the ASSE Foundation is celebrating a record year by awarding more than $303,000 in scholarships and grants to 116 students and society members. The Foundation announces its annual recipients every April in support of the occupational safety and health profession nationwide.

ASSE has been reaccredited by IACET for another five years, reinforcing its position as a leading source for education for occupational safety and health professionals. Earning reaccreditation enables ASSE to continue its practice of issuing CEUs for completion of its webinars, online courses and in-person classes and training.

Online courses are an avenue through which OSH professionals can complete the Society’s formal courses via a completely online experience. Participants receive the same level of course content and educational engagement, but can learn at their own pace anywhere an Internet connection is available.

Many occupational safety and health professionals take significant steps in their careers year after year because of a unique education event called SeminarFest that empowers them to dig deeper. ASSE is now taking registrations for the Feb. 1-8 immersive learning experience at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

A significant step toward safer and healthier workplaces was taken Sept. 3 when ASSE joined more than 40 organizations from around the world in the landmark signing of the Singapore Accord, which presents a global capability framework for the occupational health and safety professional. It was spearheaded by INSHPO.

CSHS is encouraging safety and health professionals around the world to let their voices be heard on a key international standard connected to corporate sustainability. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) seeks feedback on proposed updates to GRI 403: Occupational Health and Safety. The comment period is open through Oct. 9.

The world’s oldest professional safety society will adopt a new name following a historic membership vote that was overwhelmingly in favor of the change. ASSE will become the American Society of Safety Professionals next year when it unveils a redesigned website in conjunction with Safety 2018 in San Antonio.

NIOSH has released National Occupational Research Agenda: Second Decade in Review | 2006-2016, a new publication that highlights ten years of OSH research and accesses its impact.

CSHS issued a report on its second analysis of how recognized “sustainable” companies report occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities. It's a step forward in showing how global initiatives that index corporate sustainability can include companies’ commitment to safe and healthy workers.

The final numbers are in, and ASSE has officially held its biggest safety conference and exposition in the event’s 56-year history. Safety 2017 in Denver attracted 5,244 attendees and 640 exhibitors, easily surpassing its previous highs. Attendance was up 23 percent from last year’s event. Nearly one-fourth of the crowd was non-members.

Consensus standards provide invaluable guidance resources for OSH professionals to apply in their roles to protect people, property and the environment. ASSP has increased its presence in the standards-development arena to become a leader in the evolution of voluntary OSH standards.

A significant step was taken toward a new name for ASSE when its House of Delegates voted in favor of a title that better reflects its diverse membership. The proposed new name is the American Society of Safety Professionals, which now heads to an electronic membership vote that spans 45 days.

More than two weeks before Safety 2017 in Denver, ASSE already knows this year’s turnout will rank No. 1 in the event’s 56-year history. Registrations have climbed to 4,730, and the event has a chance to exceed 5,000 attendees. ASSE’s previous record crowd occurred at Safety 2011 in Chicago, which attracted 4,535 participants.

ASSE is bestowing the honor of Fellow on two longtime members who have made significant contributions to the occupational safety and health profession. Fay Feeney and C. Gary Lopez are the 2017 recipients of the Society’s highest honor. "Fay and Gary are highly deserving of this special designation," said President Tom Cecich.

A new behavior-based safety guidebook published by ASSE is now available on the Society’s website. "Actively Caring for People's Safety: How to Cultivate a Brother's/Sister's Keeper Work Culture" features lessons on the fundamental principles for cultivating an actively caring culture in any organization.

ASSE has crafted an “OSHA Reform Blueprint” that details its priorities and vision for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in a time of political change. The eight-page proposal calls for reforms to emphasize the management of risk, sharpen the agency’s focus on productive policies, and fill legislative and regulatory gaps.

ASSE is busy preparing for its biggest event of the year, and it may turn out to be the Society’s most-attended event in its 106-year history. Registration is on a record-setting pace for the Safety 2017 Professional Development Conference & Exposition in Denver. Attendance has topped 4,200 and will continue to rise.