May 7 Marks Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day

The American Society of Safety Engineers’ (ASSE) board of directors approved the creation of OSHP Day in 2006 to recognize the important work these professionals perform. The day also serves to raise awareness and pride in this growing and challenging career field.

According to ASSE, approximately 100,000 occupational safety, health and environmental practitioners currently work in the United States. These professionals identify hazards and develop appropriate controls to prevent occupational injury, illness and property damage. They follow a Code of Professional Conduct and offer technical knowledge, skill and expertise along with management abilities developed through years of continued education and practical experience.

“They are the ones that make sure you go to and come home from work safely and without injury every day,” said Michael Thompson, ASSE president.

ASSE notes that millions of people go to work and return home safely every day due, in part, to the work of these occupational safety, health and environmental professionals.

“We take time this May 7th to say thanks to those men and women who every day work to make your workplace safer and healthier,” Thompson said. “It doesn’t happen often, but when a call is made to a family member that their loved one has been injured or killed on the job several lives change forever. Let’s continue to work with occupational safety and health professionals to make sure you and your family never receives that call.

OSHP Day Held During NAOSH Week

OSHP Day falls on the Wednesday of North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH), which this year runs from May 4-10, as designated by Illinois Senator Richard Durbin in a Congressional resolution. Durbin sponsored the resolution with Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and Barack Obama, D-Ill.

“The Senate commends occupational safety, health, and environmental practitioners for their ongoing commitment to protecting people, property, and the environment; and commends those businesses that encourage a strong safety culture and incorporate occupational safety and health into their business strategies,” the resolution read.

Throughout NAOSH, ASSE members, OSHA, the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) - Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Belt Partnership, the American Red Cross, 72 corporations and associations representing all industries will provide tools, best practices and solutions on how to increase workplace safety.