News

Wednesday June 6, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas “Safety 2018” concluded another successful year with record setting turn out of attendees and exhibitors, for the 57th year the Society has hosted this annual Conference & Exposition.  The big news this year was the final transition of the name change that was voted on, and approved at last year’s House of Delegates meeting, in June 2017.  The once American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) has now officially been changed to, and shall now be known by, the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP).

Not to be left out, Women in Safety Engineers (WISE), also changed their name to Women in Safety Excellence (WISE).  “Safety 2018” kicked off with the WISE one-day retreat, which is open to men and women.  Attendees received a gift bag with the new WISE name and logo embroidered on the side filled with WISE goodies and gifts from sponsors.

The meeting started off with a hot breakfast and a welcome from Chairperson Kelly Bernish.  Next, during attendee introductions each attendee was challenged to use one initial of their name to add an adjective to describe themselves.  For example, Kelly was kind.  Other attendees were jovial, knowledgeable, enthusiastic or learners.  There was a variety of speakers to fill the day and a yummy luncheon with time for networking.  We were informed of the week’s upcoming events and had a chance to meet the current and newly installed WISE officers.  Opportunities to select a mentor were also provided.

During the next few days of “Safety 2018” everyone from the WISE retreat had a group of new friends to enjoy the Conference and Exposition with.  Once “Safety 2018” was underway, members or visitors could stop in at the WISE lounge to recharge their phones and themselves by networking, having refreshments, or obtain reading material at the book swap.  The lounge had a number of events scheduled for the week including ever popular WISE personal protective equipment (PPE) fashion show.  A picture of a previous WISE fashion show even ended up on the cover of a new safety book in the ASSP book shop.

WISE held an evening event at Howl at the Moon and featured singalongs and dancing.  WISE members also wore special t-shirts and participated in the 5K walk/race. During “Safety 2018” many WISE members presented at sessions and acted as Ambassadors to guide attendees throughout the convention center.

WISE members are already excited for “Safety 2019”, scheduled to be hosted in New Orleans, Louisiana.  To join WISE or learn about upcoming events contact your chapter’s WISE representative or checkout the WISE website https://www.assp.org/membership/communities/common-interest-groups/women-in-safety-excellence . You can also follow WISE on social media to stay up to date!

Keene State College proudly announces that the OSHA Training Institute Education Center (OTIEC), Region 1 is reauthorized by the Directorate of Training and Education OSHA to serve workers, employers and our safety community October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2022. Established 1994 as the premier OSHA Training and Education provider for New England and beyond. Learn more about OTIEC and the resources they provide by clicking on the logo below.

*Also, Keene State College OSHA Training Institute Education Center, Region 1 has signed on to be the first GOLD Sponsor for the 2018 New England Area PDC.