By engaging students during their school years, ASSE provides a framework to help them expand their knowledge, develop competencies and get a start on becoming valuable corporate contributors.
As we approach 2011, more organizations are developing safety teams and applying behavior management to ensure a safe work environment. People must take ownership of and personal accountability for safety and health at their worksites. They must understand that they contribute to safety challenges and, therefore, must be part of the solution. Continuously improving a safety program requires the study of behavior with emphasis on understanding organizational and safety culture.
The complexities of such efforts require that SH&E professionals today and in the future have knowledge beyond a high school diploma. The day has passed when someone can simply be assigned SH&E responsibilities without a degree and related competencies. According to ASSE’s online directory of colleges and universities, 191 schools have degree programs that promote in some way increased SH&E knowledge and overall professional competencies. These programs provide an excellent opportunity for young people interested in becoming SH&E professionals.
As companies recognize the critical nature of our profession, job opportunities will continue to increase. This trend is driving an increase in ASSE’s student membership, which grew 21% this past year. ASSE currently has more than 2,500 student members in 60 student sections. Several ongoing ASSE initiatives support this growth, including the Safety Suitcase program, teen safety awareness program and the annual NAOSH Week observance, as well as the ASSE Foundation scholarship programs and the efforts of our student section academic advisors. These activities help educate young people about our dynamic profession.
The Society values the opportunity to help students launch their careers. By engaging students during their school years, ASSE provides a framework to help them expand their knowledge, develop the competencies they need to thrive in the workplace and get a start on becoming valuable corporate contributors. Chapters and members also play a role in nurturing our student members. Mentoring and internships add value to the learning experience and provide future SH&E professionals and Society leaders opportunities to expand their networks.
Over the past few months, I’ve had several opportunities to interact with our student members. I visited North Carolina State A&T University and the joint Tulsa-Oklahoma City Chapter meeting. Attendees included students from Oklahoma State University, University of Central Oklahoma and Northeastern State University. I also participated in the National Future Safety Leaders Conference in Schaumburg, IL, which drew more than 120 students representing 24 colleges and universities, along with faculty advisors, ASSE leaders and members. Student participants learned, shared and networked with peers with whom they will develop long-term friendships as they prepare to enter the SH&E profession.
During these interactions, I’ve been impressed with the student’s overall knowledge and passion, as well as with their enthusiasm for SH&E. “I look forward to creating a safety culture employees want to participate in, not one they feel forced to participate in,” Julie Barbaro, Oakland University Student Section President, recently told me. “I want to positively influence people’s opinions about safe work practices. I hope my personable demeanor and passion for the safety field help to motivate others to be safe at work.” Alexa Celine Cherry, North Carolina A&T State University Student Section President, shared a similar vision. “I want to be the team player who helps solve problems with one common goal of a safe workplace. [I want] to make safety work at the workplace, through education, communication and listening.”
I urge all of you to support our student members. Make yourself available as a mentor, provide an internship opportunity and/or donate to the ASSE Foundation to support its scholarship programs. Today’s student members are tomorrow’s professional members. They will assume leadership positions throughout the business world and within ASSE. By actively engaging and supporting these young members we will advance our profession and the Society’s mission. Students are our future.
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
—William Butler Yeats
Connect with ASSE's 100th President Trish Ennis
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
The SH&E Body of Knowledge
This important effort to identify and share our profession’s body of knowledge can only truly succeed through the collective efforts of ASSE members and SH&E professionals worldwide.
I’d like you to think for a few moments about your personal body of knowledge. Consider the many things you’ve learned through education and experience. Now take a few moments to think about the SH&E profession’s body of knowledge—the complete set of concepts, terms and activities that define who we are and what we do. It’s a pretty broad collection of information and ideas, made more so by the fact that the SH&E profession draws from so many other practices.
That brings me to ASSE’s Body of Knowledge (BOK) initiative. This initiative is focused on creating a living reference that represents the collective knowledge of the SH&E profession—the competencies, standards and values that inform and guide the practice of safety. It is an effort that strongly supports ASSE’s strategic goals to define an accessible body of knowledge; reach out to the SH&E community on a global level; and improve the value of the safety profession.
Next year, ASSE will celebrate 100 years of knowledge creation. Within the next year, we will unveil the SH&E BOK website. It will provide a single point of entry to access information that can be used to advance the SH&E programs and processes needed to identify and control the hazards and exposures found in workplaces around the world. The BOK site will serve as a knowledge exchange platform for SH&E professionals, and it will be a comprehensive tool that supports ASSE members and SH&E professionals, and advances the practice of the profession.
Using the latest technology, the SH&E BOK will give us several platforms from which to network with others and share questions, ideas, opinions and answers. Knowledge exchange between members is how much of our BOK has emerged over the past century. This new platform will help organize that exchange and capture the creative power of ASSE members and the profession. It will provide a welcoming environment in which we will gain and share knowledge, which is an important component to a strong BOK.
The site will feature powerful search tools and filters to guide visitors to high-quality, vetted content, including articles, standards, white papers, webcasts, regulations, interpretations, conference proceedings, audio conference calls and other reference documents. When you access the BOK, it will be with the confidence that you are reviewing the best information from our profession each time you select a search term.
On a global stage, the SH&E BOK will bring together ASSE members and the profession to learn and share. It will enable us to define our competencies and explore our knowledge needs, and it will help us identify knowledge gaps along with the information needed to fill those gaps. By continuously capturing the vast knowledge of more than 32,000 members, we will increase the value of the SH&E professional while building awareness and understanding of the critical role we play in today’s work environments.
Think back, again, to your personal body of knowledge. You never really stop learning as each day brings new information and experience. The same is true for the SH&E profession. Our BOK expands each day, and you are the source of that continuous knowledge evolution. This important effort to identify and share information can only truly succeed through the collective efforts of ASSE members and SH&E professionals worldwide. The SH&E BOK requires strong member support. We need you to help build and endorse it, and we need you to identify, contribute and refine content. Start participating today by visiting http://www.asse.org/bok.
“None of us is as smart as all of us.”
—Ken Blanchard
I’d like you to think for a few moments about your personal body of knowledge. Consider the many things you’ve learned through education and experience. Now take a few moments to think about the SH&E profession’s body of knowledge—the complete set of concepts, terms and activities that define who we are and what we do. It’s a pretty broad collection of information and ideas, made more so by the fact that the SH&E profession draws from so many other practices.
That brings me to ASSE’s Body of Knowledge (BOK) initiative. This initiative is focused on creating a living reference that represents the collective knowledge of the SH&E profession—the competencies, standards and values that inform and guide the practice of safety. It is an effort that strongly supports ASSE’s strategic goals to define an accessible body of knowledge; reach out to the SH&E community on a global level; and improve the value of the safety profession.
Next year, ASSE will celebrate 100 years of knowledge creation. Within the next year, we will unveil the SH&E BOK website. It will provide a single point of entry to access information that can be used to advance the SH&E programs and processes needed to identify and control the hazards and exposures found in workplaces around the world. The BOK site will serve as a knowledge exchange platform for SH&E professionals, and it will be a comprehensive tool that supports ASSE members and SH&E professionals, and advances the practice of the profession.
Using the latest technology, the SH&E BOK will give us several platforms from which to network with others and share questions, ideas, opinions and answers. Knowledge exchange between members is how much of our BOK has emerged over the past century. This new platform will help organize that exchange and capture the creative power of ASSE members and the profession. It will provide a welcoming environment in which we will gain and share knowledge, which is an important component to a strong BOK.
The site will feature powerful search tools and filters to guide visitors to high-quality, vetted content, including articles, standards, white papers, webcasts, regulations, interpretations, conference proceedings, audio conference calls and other reference documents. When you access the BOK, it will be with the confidence that you are reviewing the best information from our profession each time you select a search term.
On a global stage, the SH&E BOK will bring together ASSE members and the profession to learn and share. It will enable us to define our competencies and explore our knowledge needs, and it will help us identify knowledge gaps along with the information needed to fill those gaps. By continuously capturing the vast knowledge of more than 32,000 members, we will increase the value of the SH&E professional while building awareness and understanding of the critical role we play in today’s work environments.
Think back, again, to your personal body of knowledge. You never really stop learning as each day brings new information and experience. The same is true for the SH&E profession. Our BOK expands each day, and you are the source of that continuous knowledge evolution. This important effort to identify and share information can only truly succeed through the collective efforts of ASSE members and SH&E professionals worldwide. The SH&E BOK requires strong member support. We need you to help build and endorse it, and we need you to identify, contribute and refine content. Start participating today by visiting http://www.asse.org/bok.
“None of us is as smart as all of us.”
—Ken Blanchard
Friday, October 1, 2010
100 Years: Celebrating ASSE
We each can be proud to be part of a profession that has contributed 100 years of dedicated service to protecting people, property and the environment.
Almost 100 years ago in New York City, a small group of individuals with a vision founded the United Society of Casualty Inspectors, which later became the American Society of Safety Engineers. This is an exciting time as we approach the 100th anniversary of ASSE in 2011.
The Society was formed in the wake of tragic events, including the March 1911 fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City, in which 146 young girls and women lost their lives. This tragedy drew public attention to the need for workplace safeguards and regulations.
ASSE’s founding coincided with what many view as the birth of the modern safety movement. Our history as an organization has presided over a century of safety improvements in the workplace. Our nearly 33,000 members constitute the world’s oldest and one of the largest professional safety organizations. In the coming year, we each can be proud to be part of a profession that has contributed 100 years of dedicated service to protecting people, property and the environment.
ASSE members make a difference each day and serve the public as dedicated, skilled professionals. Think where the workplace might be without SH&E professionals. ASSE existed long before most of the organizations that now address workplace safety and health, including OSHA. Your commitment to this profession and to this organization is what makes ASSE a leading voice in the SH&E community.
In past messages, I have emphasized the importance of our connection to the business community. This centennial year represents an extraordinary opportunity to deliver our message about the critical importance of safeguarding employee safety and health and nurturing positive, safe work environments.
During our anniversary year, we will celebrate the accomplishments and professionalism of our members, build on the Society’s leadership in the SH&E community and launch our vision for the future of the safety profession. These efforts will reflect our theme for the year: “Your safety is our business. Your future is our mission.” This theme directs us outward, globally, to people and organizations across a wide spectrum of industries. In addition, ASSE has planned a host of events as part of the celebration, including:
•anniversary celebration kickoff at the 2010 Leadership Conference in Chicago (October 2010);
•North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (May 2011);
•special 100th anniversary professional development conference in Chicago (June 2011);
•closing celebration at the 2011 Leadership Conference.
Safety 2011 will be the centerpiece of our anniversary celebration. It will feature our most dynamic and substantive program ever, as well as recognition of member achievements and exciting events to highlight our passion and enthusiasm for what we do. We will also launch the Society’s new strategic vision during Safety 2011. This vision will be the culmination of our strategic planning efforts this year.
I encourage each of you to participate in making 2011 a special year for all SH&E professionals. In particular, I urge all chapters to take this opportunity to reach out to their local communities to actively communicate our safety message and demonstrate our commitment to employers and employees, governments and fellow citizens.
As you think ahead to 2011, please take a few moments to reflect on the SH&E profession and recommit yourself to the ideals that brought you to it. We can and should be proud of the significant progress we have made in increasing workplace safety and health around the world. Our achievements are many and are certain to continue well into ASSE’s next 100 years.
“It’s when ordinary people rise above the expectations and seize the opportunity that milestones truly are reached.”
—Mike Huckabee
Almost 100 years ago in New York City, a small group of individuals with a vision founded the United Society of Casualty Inspectors, which later became the American Society of Safety Engineers. This is an exciting time as we approach the 100th anniversary of ASSE in 2011.
The Society was formed in the wake of tragic events, including the March 1911 fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City, in which 146 young girls and women lost their lives. This tragedy drew public attention to the need for workplace safeguards and regulations.
ASSE’s founding coincided with what many view as the birth of the modern safety movement. Our history as an organization has presided over a century of safety improvements in the workplace. Our nearly 33,000 members constitute the world’s oldest and one of the largest professional safety organizations. In the coming year, we each can be proud to be part of a profession that has contributed 100 years of dedicated service to protecting people, property and the environment.
ASSE members make a difference each day and serve the public as dedicated, skilled professionals. Think where the workplace might be without SH&E professionals. ASSE existed long before most of the organizations that now address workplace safety and health, including OSHA. Your commitment to this profession and to this organization is what makes ASSE a leading voice in the SH&E community.
In past messages, I have emphasized the importance of our connection to the business community. This centennial year represents an extraordinary opportunity to deliver our message about the critical importance of safeguarding employee safety and health and nurturing positive, safe work environments.
During our anniversary year, we will celebrate the accomplishments and professionalism of our members, build on the Society’s leadership in the SH&E community and launch our vision for the future of the safety profession. These efforts will reflect our theme for the year: “Your safety is our business. Your future is our mission.” This theme directs us outward, globally, to people and organizations across a wide spectrum of industries. In addition, ASSE has planned a host of events as part of the celebration, including:
•anniversary celebration kickoff at the 2010 Leadership Conference in Chicago (October 2010);
•North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (May 2011);
•special 100th anniversary professional development conference in Chicago (June 2011);
•closing celebration at the 2011 Leadership Conference.
Safety 2011 will be the centerpiece of our anniversary celebration. It will feature our most dynamic and substantive program ever, as well as recognition of member achievements and exciting events to highlight our passion and enthusiasm for what we do. We will also launch the Society’s new strategic vision during Safety 2011. This vision will be the culmination of our strategic planning efforts this year.
I encourage each of you to participate in making 2011 a special year for all SH&E professionals. In particular, I urge all chapters to take this opportunity to reach out to their local communities to actively communicate our safety message and demonstrate our commitment to employers and employees, governments and fellow citizens.
As you think ahead to 2011, please take a few moments to reflect on the SH&E profession and recommit yourself to the ideals that brought you to it. We can and should be proud of the significant progress we have made in increasing workplace safety and health around the world. Our achievements are many and are certain to continue well into ASSE’s next 100 years.
“It’s when ordinary people rise above the expectations and seize the opportunity that milestones truly are reached.”
—Mike Huckabee
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Global Plan: Looking to the Future
Through its global expansion plan, ASSE is expanding its influence in the international community, enhancing the overall value of the Society and growing our membership.
Globalization is a term we hear constantly, often in reference to the economy, business operations and communications. I’ve heard many different definitions for the term, but one that strikes a chord with me comes from James Mittelman, a professor of international affairs at American University and the author of several books on globalization. He defines globalization as “an increase in interconnections, or interdependence, a rise in international flows . . . such that the world is, in some respects, becoming a single place.”
Consider for just a moment what that definition means to you as an SH&E professional. Global companies are changing rapidly through acquisitions, organic growth and divestiture. The global economy and related trends are transforming how SH&E professionals must prepare, whether we are employed by large corporations, work for smaller companies or are self-employed. We must develop new competencies and we must seek these new interconnections in order to exceed expectations in managing safety and health risks for global organizations.
As many of you know, ASSE’s vision is to “be a global champion of the SH&E professional, a global leader of the profession and a premier resource for those engaged in protecting people, property and the environment.” This strategic vision demonstrates the Society’s commitment to playing a vital role in the international SH&E community.
As part of that vision, ASSE has developed a global strategic initiative. Originally known as the global growth plan, this initiative is now often referred to as the global expansion plan. We believe this name better reflects our primary objective, namely to expand ASSE’s influence as a global leader in the SH&E profession. Under this initiative, ASSE has established several key objectives:
•Provide educational and networking opportunities to improve the professional proficiency for those engaged globally in protecting people, property and the environment.
•Provide new and improved products and increase informational resources to support the knowledge and professional efforts for those engaged globally in the SH&E function.
•Advance the reputation of ASSE as a global leader and resource for SH&E professionals.
•Increase the development of partnerships with organizations outside the U.S. that have a similar interest in the SH&E profession to help advance the Society’s goals.
•Increase ASSE membership by expanding our resources and opportunities to position the Society as a trusted leader of the profession.
Through this initiative, ASSE is expanding its influence in the international SH&E community, increasing the use of ASSE products and services around the world, enhancing the overall value of the Society and, ultimately, growing our membership across the globe. Currently, ASSE has five chapters organized outside the U.S. and more than 1,700 members residing outside the U.S. representing 65 countries. By understanding the needs of our global customers and potential customers, and with proper planning and execution, ASSE has a tremendous opportunity to grow these numbers.
ASSE is actively pursuing several activities to support the global expansion plan, including the People to People delegation to China later this year. Members of this delegation will seek to develop professional relationships that will help improve workplace processes and reduce the number of injuries, illnesses and fatalities in both countries.
This global initiative meshes well with ASSE’s current strategic goals and will help the Society continue to develop and deliver high-quality services and benefits to all members and customers. In conjunction with the value of profession and body of knowledge initiatives and with support from each ASSE council, this initiative will add to our body of knowledge and bring new perspectives to our vision.
I want to hear your thoughts on the global expansion plan. Please post your comments on my President’s Blog at www.asse.org/connect. Thanks for your active engagement in ASSE and for your many efforts to advance the SH&E profession.
Globalization is a term we hear constantly, often in reference to the economy, business operations and communications. I’ve heard many different definitions for the term, but one that strikes a chord with me comes from James Mittelman, a professor of international affairs at American University and the author of several books on globalization. He defines globalization as “an increase in interconnections, or interdependence, a rise in international flows . . . such that the world is, in some respects, becoming a single place.”
Consider for just a moment what that definition means to you as an SH&E professional. Global companies are changing rapidly through acquisitions, organic growth and divestiture. The global economy and related trends are transforming how SH&E professionals must prepare, whether we are employed by large corporations, work for smaller companies or are self-employed. We must develop new competencies and we must seek these new interconnections in order to exceed expectations in managing safety and health risks for global organizations.
As many of you know, ASSE’s vision is to “be a global champion of the SH&E professional, a global leader of the profession and a premier resource for those engaged in protecting people, property and the environment.” This strategic vision demonstrates the Society’s commitment to playing a vital role in the international SH&E community.
As part of that vision, ASSE has developed a global strategic initiative. Originally known as the global growth plan, this initiative is now often referred to as the global expansion plan. We believe this name better reflects our primary objective, namely to expand ASSE’s influence as a global leader in the SH&E profession. Under this initiative, ASSE has established several key objectives:
•Provide educational and networking opportunities to improve the professional proficiency for those engaged globally in protecting people, property and the environment.
•Provide new and improved products and increase informational resources to support the knowledge and professional efforts for those engaged globally in the SH&E function.
•Advance the reputation of ASSE as a global leader and resource for SH&E professionals.
•Increase the development of partnerships with organizations outside the U.S. that have a similar interest in the SH&E profession to help advance the Society’s goals.
•Increase ASSE membership by expanding our resources and opportunities to position the Society as a trusted leader of the profession.
Through this initiative, ASSE is expanding its influence in the international SH&E community, increasing the use of ASSE products and services around the world, enhancing the overall value of the Society and, ultimately, growing our membership across the globe. Currently, ASSE has five chapters organized outside the U.S. and more than 1,700 members residing outside the U.S. representing 65 countries. By understanding the needs of our global customers and potential customers, and with proper planning and execution, ASSE has a tremendous opportunity to grow these numbers.
ASSE is actively pursuing several activities to support the global expansion plan, including the People to People delegation to China later this year. Members of this delegation will seek to develop professional relationships that will help improve workplace processes and reduce the number of injuries, illnesses and fatalities in both countries.
This global initiative meshes well with ASSE’s current strategic goals and will help the Society continue to develop and deliver high-quality services and benefits to all members and customers. In conjunction with the value of profession and body of knowledge initiatives and with support from each ASSE council, this initiative will add to our body of knowledge and bring new perspectives to our vision.
I want to hear your thoughts on the global expansion plan. Please post your comments on my President’s Blog at www.asse.org/connect. Thanks for your active engagement in ASSE and for your many efforts to advance the SH&E profession.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Demonstrating Value
One of our key responsibilities as SH&E professionals is to deliver the safety message, emphasizing the benefits delivered and value added, in a concise, convincing manner. We must find ways to speak often with senior executives and seek their views on the role of SH&E professionals. The Executive Summit, held each year during ASSE’s conference, is one way that the Society helps members engage in this important activity. The summit is an excellent opportunity for the SH&E profession to connect with the business community.
These conversations and connections are even more important as the dynamics of business continue to change in response to trends such as globalization, workforce reductions and a shift to a more service-oriented economy. As SH&E professionals, we are being asked to assume additional and varied responsibilities that often extend well beyond our traditionally defined roles. In this changing business landscape, employers want versatile workers. The value proposition model is shifting from “Do you have the technical skills required to do the job?” to “How do your skills add value to the organization?”
ASSE is taking the lead in guiding its 32,000 members and the SH&E profession through this transition. The Society is working hard to ensure that the value proposition for SH&E professionals is understood by employers/customers, and we are striving to make sure ASSE members have the knowledge, skills and competencies to compete and prosper in the changing workplace environment.
One element of these efforts is the value of the safety professional study. This study aims to 1) reposition the SH&E profession; 2) reposition the SH&E professional; and 3) prepare safety professionals to become value-add employees. As Tom Cecich, ASSE’s Vice President, Council on Professional Affairs (COPA), says, “A rising tide raises all ships.” If we elevate the safety profession, we will ultimately raise the value of those who practice safety. If we elevate SH&E professionals, we will elevate the safety profession.
Based on the findings of the value study, we have developed a multifaceted action plan. COPA is identifying high-value activities, such as risk assessment, that SH&E professionals are uniquely qualified to perform. The Society is also working to better understand how risk assessment techniques are used globally to identify and manage workplace risks and ultimately enhance workplace safety. Compliance will always be one of our responsibilities. But in today’s organizations, we deliver the greatest value through our ability to assess workplace risks and implement cost-effective solutions.
ASSE is promoting the value of the safety profession in other ways as well. For example, to counteract the influx of unaccredited safety-related certifications, COPA is working to educate employers on what competencies and credentials to look for when hiring SH&E professionals. This will help employers understand the skill sets an SH&E professional should possess.
In addition, we are promoting safety management as an integral component of corporate sustainability. The Sustainability Task Force has developed a safety and health sustainability index that defines socially responsible companies and is preparing to promote this index globally.
The strategic vision driving all of these efforts is that SH&E professionals will be viewed as value-added business leaders who can hold the highest positions in organizations and who have the competencies needed to manage a wide range of risks. The business community and the public must view the SH&E profession as a key component of good corporate governance, and its practitioners as employees who bring value to their respective organizations.
“You don't get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour.”
—Jim Rohn
These conversations and connections are even more important as the dynamics of business continue to change in response to trends such as globalization, workforce reductions and a shift to a more service-oriented economy. As SH&E professionals, we are being asked to assume additional and varied responsibilities that often extend well beyond our traditionally defined roles. In this changing business landscape, employers want versatile workers. The value proposition model is shifting from “Do you have the technical skills required to do the job?” to “How do your skills add value to the organization?”
ASSE is taking the lead in guiding its 32,000 members and the SH&E profession through this transition. The Society is working hard to ensure that the value proposition for SH&E professionals is understood by employers/customers, and we are striving to make sure ASSE members have the knowledge, skills and competencies to compete and prosper in the changing workplace environment.
One element of these efforts is the value of the safety professional study. This study aims to 1) reposition the SH&E profession; 2) reposition the SH&E professional; and 3) prepare safety professionals to become value-add employees. As Tom Cecich, ASSE’s Vice President, Council on Professional Affairs (COPA), says, “A rising tide raises all ships.” If we elevate the safety profession, we will ultimately raise the value of those who practice safety. If we elevate SH&E professionals, we will elevate the safety profession.
Based on the findings of the value study, we have developed a multifaceted action plan. COPA is identifying high-value activities, such as risk assessment, that SH&E professionals are uniquely qualified to perform. The Society is also working to better understand how risk assessment techniques are used globally to identify and manage workplace risks and ultimately enhance workplace safety. Compliance will always be one of our responsibilities. But in today’s organizations, we deliver the greatest value through our ability to assess workplace risks and implement cost-effective solutions.
ASSE is promoting the value of the safety profession in other ways as well. For example, to counteract the influx of unaccredited safety-related certifications, COPA is working to educate employers on what competencies and credentials to look for when hiring SH&E professionals. This will help employers understand the skill sets an SH&E professional should possess.
In addition, we are promoting safety management as an integral component of corporate sustainability. The Sustainability Task Force has developed a safety and health sustainability index that defines socially responsible companies and is preparing to promote this index globally.
The strategic vision driving all of these efforts is that SH&E professionals will be viewed as value-added business leaders who can hold the highest positions in organizations and who have the competencies needed to manage a wide range of risks. The business community and the public must view the SH&E profession as a key component of good corporate governance, and its practitioners as employees who bring value to their respective organizations.
“You don't get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour.”
—Jim Rohn
Thursday, July 1, 2010
ASSE: The Vision & Strategy
Having a vision and strategy are essential during these difficult economic times. Even more vital is executing the strategic plan and continuing to offer valuable products and services to our members. As ASSE approaches its 100th anniversary, major strides have been taken to realize our vision as the global champion of the SH&E professional, a global leader of the profession, and a premier resource for those engaged in protecting people, property and the environment. Furthermore, ASSE has a tremendous opportunity to increase its influence as a world-renowned leader in SH&E.
To clarify our strategic plan in order to better serve members and advance the profession, the Board of Directors participated in a strategic planning workshop earlier this year. We also engaged the House of Delegates to provide input on the Society’s vision, mission, values and goals. This important dialogue ensures that we have a shared vision and strategy as we proceed into the future. Strategic plan discussion will continue during the upcoming Society year.
ASSE’s strategic plan is based on the following eight goals:
1) Develop and promote standards relating to the scope and function of the safety profession, including academic, ethical and certification standards.
2) Influence regulations and legislation that affect the practice of the profession or the activities of the Society.
3) Promote SH&E issues, the SH&E profession and its positive effects.
4) Establish and maintain an effective and efficient organization for the advancement of the Society’s mission.
5) Gather, encourage and participate in development of the body of knowledge relevant to the profession.
6) Develop and maintain mechanisms to recruit, retain and nurture the membership.
7) Deliver the highest quality professional development opportunities to enhance competence and position practitioners for success by understanding the needs of the profession, deliver the highest quality programs that meet those needs and recognizing the achievement of participants in the programs.
8) Establish and maintain a structured program to recruit, retain and nurture student members.
In addition, three strategic initiatives that align with these goals have been identified:
1) value of the profession; 2) body of knowledge; and 3) global growth. I will address each of these initiatives in a future message.
In the article, “Time to Transform? Assessing the Future of the SH&E Profession” (PS, November 2002; reprinted December 2006), I expressed the need for our profession to speak the language of business and incorporate financial principles and related terminology into our everyday vocabulary. Strategically, we must work with business leaders, our members’ customers, to demonstrate the value that SH&E professionals provide to the business community. We must demonstrate to company leaders that safety and health is a vital link in competing in today’s global marketplace.
ASSE is the preeminent safety society in the world. Furthermore, we are in an exciting period in our organization’s history. But resting on our laurels will not provide the blueprint to future prosperity. Great thought, insight, creativity, commitment and energy must be the pillars to build upon our current foundation and ensure continued success. Also, the Board of Directors is committed to making knowledge- and fact-based decisions that have strategic implications.
To reach our vision and secure future prosperity, we ask and seek your active participation. I hope each member can play a role during the upcoming year and help ASSE advance the Society’s vision and mission. Society leaders will continue to listen to members and external customers in order to offer the highest levels of service and benefits. Let’s work and have fun together and make this a productive year as we journey together toward ASSE’s 100th anniversary.
To clarify our strategic plan in order to better serve members and advance the profession, the Board of Directors participated in a strategic planning workshop earlier this year. We also engaged the House of Delegates to provide input on the Society’s vision, mission, values and goals. This important dialogue ensures that we have a shared vision and strategy as we proceed into the future. Strategic plan discussion will continue during the upcoming Society year.
ASSE’s strategic plan is based on the following eight goals:
1) Develop and promote standards relating to the scope and function of the safety profession, including academic, ethical and certification standards.
2) Influence regulations and legislation that affect the practice of the profession or the activities of the Society.
3) Promote SH&E issues, the SH&E profession and its positive effects.
4) Establish and maintain an effective and efficient organization for the advancement of the Society’s mission.
5) Gather, encourage and participate in development of the body of knowledge relevant to the profession.
6) Develop and maintain mechanisms to recruit, retain and nurture the membership.
7) Deliver the highest quality professional development opportunities to enhance competence and position practitioners for success by understanding the needs of the profession, deliver the highest quality programs that meet those needs and recognizing the achievement of participants in the programs.
8) Establish and maintain a structured program to recruit, retain and nurture student members.
In addition, three strategic initiatives that align with these goals have been identified:
1) value of the profession; 2) body of knowledge; and 3) global growth. I will address each of these initiatives in a future message.
In the article, “Time to Transform? Assessing the Future of the SH&E Profession” (PS, November 2002; reprinted December 2006), I expressed the need for our profession to speak the language of business and incorporate financial principles and related terminology into our everyday vocabulary. Strategically, we must work with business leaders, our members’ customers, to demonstrate the value that SH&E professionals provide to the business community. We must demonstrate to company leaders that safety and health is a vital link in competing in today’s global marketplace.
ASSE is the preeminent safety society in the world. Furthermore, we are in an exciting period in our organization’s history. But resting on our laurels will not provide the blueprint to future prosperity. Great thought, insight, creativity, commitment and energy must be the pillars to build upon our current foundation and ensure continued success. Also, the Board of Directors is committed to making knowledge- and fact-based decisions that have strategic implications.
To reach our vision and secure future prosperity, we ask and seek your active participation. I hope each member can play a role during the upcoming year and help ASSE advance the Society’s vision and mission. Society leaders will continue to listen to members and external customers in order to offer the highest levels of service and benefits. Let’s work and have fun together and make this a productive year as we journey together toward ASSE’s 100th anniversary.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
To All of You, I Say Thanks
This month marks the end of the Society year. In July, a new slate of officers will step in to lead this organization. At Safety 2009 last June in San Antonio, TX, I shared with you my vision for this year. I told you that our first priority would be efficient execution of ASSE’s strategic plan. The Board of Directors spent much time the past 2 years reengaging in the strategic planning process and ensuring that the Society’s strategic plan is focused and provides clear direction for advancing our vision and mission.
I also noted that I would focus on four key areas:
1) Utilize technology to add value for ASSE membership.
2) Raise awareness about the value of SH&E professionals.
3) Leverage our influence by partnering with other organizations to achieve outcomes of mutual interest.
4) Execute and refine the new strategic planning process in which the Board of Directors has engaged.
I am happy to report that the staff and volunteer leaders have far exceeded my expectations in each of these areas. We are more active in social media than ever before and are using it in new ways. It has even provided a tool for us to turn webinars into virtual symposia, which provide tremendous opportunities for networking while learning. We are reaching more of our members in ways that are more cost-effective for them and for the Society.
We continue to communicate the findings from the value of the profession study. Our goal is to help our member SH&E professionals better understand what they need to know in order to effectively demonstrate the value they bring to their organizations.
We have developed closer ties with other SH&E organizations as well. This year, ASSE assumed an international leadership role by becoming the secretariat for the International Network of Safety and Health Practitioner Organizations. We have also improved communication among the informal network of SH&E organizations in the U.S.
And, as noted, the Board of Directors has spent considerable time engaged in strategic planning. We remodeled ASSE’s strategic planning process last year and continue to refine that process. Society leaders will engage the House of Delegates to help us ensure we have a strong strategic plan that supports ASSE’s vision and mission.
This is my last president’s message as my term ends June 30. Serving as ASSE president is the greatest professional honor I could imagine. I have benefited professionally and personally from the opportunity to serve all of you. On a personal note, I have recently started a wonderful new job. I can honestly say that were it not for the leadership experiences I gained through my participation in ASSE, I would not be where I am today.
The success of this great organization is due to the hard work and commitment of many people, from ASSE’s dedicated staff who operate the Society on a day-to-day basis to the hundreds of volunteers who administer our chapters, practice specialties, committees and task forces, groups that are the heart of all the great things we see coming out of ASSE, to the volunteer leaders on the Board of Directors, who are all so passionate about ASSE’s success. To all of you, and to the entire ASSE membership, I say thanks.
I also noted that I would focus on four key areas:
1) Utilize technology to add value for ASSE membership.
2) Raise awareness about the value of SH&E professionals.
3) Leverage our influence by partnering with other organizations to achieve outcomes of mutual interest.
4) Execute and refine the new strategic planning process in which the Board of Directors has engaged.
I am happy to report that the staff and volunteer leaders have far exceeded my expectations in each of these areas. We are more active in social media than ever before and are using it in new ways. It has even provided a tool for us to turn webinars into virtual symposia, which provide tremendous opportunities for networking while learning. We are reaching more of our members in ways that are more cost-effective for them and for the Society.
We continue to communicate the findings from the value of the profession study. Our goal is to help our member SH&E professionals better understand what they need to know in order to effectively demonstrate the value they bring to their organizations.
We have developed closer ties with other SH&E organizations as well. This year, ASSE assumed an international leadership role by becoming the secretariat for the International Network of Safety and Health Practitioner Organizations. We have also improved communication among the informal network of SH&E organizations in the U.S.
And, as noted, the Board of Directors has spent considerable time engaged in strategic planning. We remodeled ASSE’s strategic planning process last year and continue to refine that process. Society leaders will engage the House of Delegates to help us ensure we have a strong strategic plan that supports ASSE’s vision and mission.
This is my last president’s message as my term ends June 30. Serving as ASSE president is the greatest professional honor I could imagine. I have benefited professionally and personally from the opportunity to serve all of you. On a personal note, I have recently started a wonderful new job. I can honestly say that were it not for the leadership experiences I gained through my participation in ASSE, I would not be where I am today.
The success of this great organization is due to the hard work and commitment of many people, from ASSE’s dedicated staff who operate the Society on a day-to-day basis to the hundreds of volunteers who administer our chapters, practice specialties, committees and task forces, groups that are the heart of all the great things we see coming out of ASSE, to the volunteer leaders on the Board of Directors, who are all so passionate about ASSE’s success. To all of you, and to the entire ASSE membership, I say thanks.
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