American Society of Safety Engineers
Founded in 1911, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is the oldest safety society and is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. Its more than 33,000 occupational safety, health and environmental (SH&E) professional members manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and the environment in all industries, government and education. (www.asse.org)
A 501 (c) (6) non-profit organization, ASSE was created following the tragic March 25, 1911, Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City. Due to the lack of safety measures, this fire killed 146 workers who could not escape the burning building, or died from jumping out of the windows and down the elevator shaft. Originally called the United Association of Casualty Inspectors, ASSE was formed to increase workplace safety. In 2011, the Society celebrated 100 years of protecting people, property and the environment. To view its ‘Celebrating a Century of Safety’ video, please go to www.asse.org/assecenturyofsafety.
ASSE offers its members many opportunities for networking, professional development, global media outreach, government affairs programs, standards development, publications and other resources.
In addition to the many activities ASSE and its members participate in to raise awareness about occupational safety and health, each year the Society sponsors North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) week (www.asse.org/naosh) in May, which includes Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day on the Wednesday of that week. A major part of ASSE’s involvement in NAOSH Week is the popular ASSE kids' 'safety-on-the-job' poster contest for children ages 5-14. This growing contest supports Society members and educates children on the importance of workplace safety. To enter the contest, a child must be sponsored by an ASSE member. The poster contest winners are chosen based on who can best illustrate the importance of being safe on the job. The five first place posters in each age group are featured on the annual NAOSH poster distributed to thousands of businesses and people worldwide each spring. The 20 winners receive savings bonds and are recognized along with other contest participants at the annual NAOSH kickoff events in May at the U.S. Capitol, the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian Institute. ASSE chapters, schools, and local city councils also recognize their local winners with special events. Go to www.asse.org/newsroom/naosh/index.php for more information.
ASSE has 16 practice specialties, or groups that focus on a particular industry or field of safety. Practice specialties consist of academics, construction, consulting, engineering, environmental, ergonomics, fire protection, healthcare, industrial hygiene, international management, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, public sector, risk management, insurance and transportation.
Among the practice specialties are seven branches: agriculture, human resources, legal services, military service, training and communications, and utilities.
ASSE also serves as a secretariat for various voluntary consensus standards that include fall protection and construction.
