American Society of Safety Engineers

American Society of Safety Engineers. The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting Occupational safety and health and Environmental health practices, with roots dating back to the early 20th century, similar to the National Safety Council and the International Labour Organization. Founded in 1911, ASSE has grown to become one of the largest and most respected organizations of its kind, with members from various industries, including Construction industry, Manufacturing, and Healthcare industry, working together with organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). ASSE's mission is to advance the profession of Safety engineering and promote the safety and health of people, property, and the environment, in line with the principles of the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Health Organization.

● History

The history of ASSE dates back to 1911, when a group of Safety professionals from the United States and Canada came together to form the organization, with the goal of promoting Workplace safety and reducing Work-related injuries and Occupational diseases, similar to the efforts of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Over the years, ASSE has grown and evolved, with significant milestones including the establishment of the ASSE Foundation in 1990, which provides Scholarships and Grants to students and professionals in the field of Safety science, and the development of the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification program, recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. ASSE has also collaborated with other organizations, such as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the United Steelworkers, to promote Worker safety and Health promotion.

● Organization

ASSE is a Non-profit organization with a Board of directors composed of Safety professionals from various industries, including Aerospace industry, Chemical industry, and Energy industry, who work together with organizations like the American Petroleum Institute and the National Fire Protection Association. The organization has a Headquarters in Park Ridge, Illinois, and operates through a network of Chapters and Sections across the United States and Internationally, with partnerships with organizations like the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. ASSE also has a number of Councils and Committees that focus on specific areas, such as Construction safety, Environmental health, and Emergency management, working closely with organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

● Membership

ASSE has a diverse membership of over 37,000 Safety professionals from around the world, including Engineers, Managers, and Consultants from industries like Automotive industry, Food industry, and Pharmaceutical industry, who work together with organizations like the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Institute of Food Technologists. Members have access to a range of benefits, including Professional development opportunities, Networking events, and Publications like the Professional Safety journal, which is recognized by the Library of Congress and the National Library of Medicine. ASSE also offers a number of Awards and Scholarships to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of Safety science, similar to the National Safety Council's Robert W. Campbell Award and the American Industrial Hygiene Association's Alice Hamilton Award.

● Certification

ASSE offers a number of Certification programs for Safety professionals, including the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and the Certified Hazard Control Manager (CHCM) designations, recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. These programs are designed to demonstrate an individual's expertise and knowledge in Safety science and Risk management, and are recognized by organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. ASSE also offers a number of Specialized certifications in areas like Construction safety and Environmental health, similar to the Board of Certified Safety Professionals' Certified Environmental, Health and Safety Technician (CEHST) certification.

● Professional Development

ASSE offers a range of Professional development opportunities for its members, including Conferences, Seminars, and Workshops on topics like Safety management, Risk assessment, and Emergency response, similar to the National Safety Council's Congress & Expo and the American Industrial Hygiene Association's Annual Conference & Exposition. The organization also provides access to Online courses and Webinars on topics like OSHA regulations and Environmental regulations, recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency. ASSE's Professional Safety journal and Safety Management magazine are also valuable resources for Safety professionals looking to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field, similar to the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the Journal of Safety Research.

● Industry Impact

ASSE has a significant impact on the Safety industry and beyond, with its members working to promote Workplace safety and reduce Work-related injuries and Occupational diseases in industries like Manufacturing, Construction industry, and Healthcare industry, similar to the efforts of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The organization's Certification programs and Professional development opportunities help to ensure that Safety professionals have the knowledge and skills they need to perform their jobs effectively, and its Advocacy efforts help to shape Public policy and Regulations related to Occupational safety and health, working closely with organizations like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the National Fire Protection Association. ASSE's work has a positive impact on Workers, Employers, and the Environment, and helps to promote a culture of Safety and Health in industries and communities around the world, similar to the efforts of the World Health Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme.