ASSE Fact Sheet

About The American Society of Safety Engineers

Founded in 1911, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is the oldest and largest professional safety society and is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. Based in Des Plaines, Illinois, ASSE has more than 32,000 occupational safety, health and environmental (SH&E) professional members who manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and the environment in all industries, government, labor and education. ASSE is a 501 (c) (6) nonprofit organization.

ASSE was founded in October in New York City after the March 25, 1911, Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York City. This fire resulted in the deaths of 146 garment workers – some caught in the factory and others who jumped from the ninth floor to
their deaths. The factory fire exit doors were locked and reportedly, the only safety measures available for the workers were 25 buckets of water. This workplace tragedy led to legislation requiring improved factory safety standards and the development of several workplace safety initiatives.

Today, ASSE is a full-service organization for its members and the public, providing key information and action on occupational safety, health and environmental issues and practices. ASSE members work to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, to create safer work and leisure environments and to develop safer products, enhancing the
quality of life.

These efforts lead to positive bottom line results for businesses as they realize a reduced rate of injuries and illnesses leading to a reduction in lost work time, absen-
teeism, workers compensation costs, health care costs, and lower employee turnover rates. They also experience increased production rates, increased employee morale and a positive corporate reputation.

Membership

ASSE has over 32,000 members located in 151 Chapters, 31 Sections and 38 Student Sections across the globe. Chapters and sections provide local professional development and networking. ASSE members are in 75 countries, including chapters in the Middle East, Kuwait, Nigeria, Papua and Western Australia, with sections in Egypt and Ecuador.

ASSE members can join in multiple categories of membership including professional, member, international member, associate and student. The Society currently recognizes members with a BS degree and one of the following certifications or designations to be a Professional Member: P.E., CSP, CIH, CHMM, CHP, CPEA, CFPS,
CRSP, CMIOSH, and CFIOSH.

NAOSH

ASSE, along with the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) and U.S. federal agencies, sponsors North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH) each year in May. ASSE members and nonmembers, industry, trade organizations and
corporations throughout the continent are host to community workplace safety and health activities during NAOSH Week. The ASSE board recently approved the creation of Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day that falls on the Wednesday of NAOSH Week each year (NAOSH, www.asse.org/NAOSH).

Setting the Standard for Safety

ASSE is responsible for several American National Standards Institute (ANSI) committees and projects. ASSE organizes the committees that develop and maintain the standard(s), ensures that the revision process is timely and in accordance with ANSI procedures and publishes the final product of the consensus process. ASSE serves as Secretariat for the following committees:

  • Safety Requirements for Construction and Demolition Operations, A10 – 48 standards
    and projects that relate to the protection of employees and the public from hazards arising out of, or associated with, construction and demolition operations
  • Protection of Floor and Wall Openings, A1264
  • Motor Vehicle Safety Operations, Z15
  • Confined Spaces, Z117
  • Lockout/Tagout and Alternative Methods, Z244
  • Fall Protection, Z359
  • Criteria for Accepted Practices in Safety, Health and Environmental Training, Z490
  • Accepted Practices for Hydrogen Sulfide Training Programs, Z390
  • Competence and Certification in the Safety Profession, Z590
  • Guidelines for Mold and Fungi Control and Remediation for Worker Protection in Indoor Work Environments, Z690

ASSE is the Administrator for the U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) on fall protection, risk
management and road safety. ASSE members serve on 40+ safety and health standards committees.

 

 

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF SAFETY ENGINEERS
1800 EAST OAKTON STREET ● DES PLAINES, IL 60018-2187 ● 847-699-2929 ● WWW.ASSE.ORG