From Safety 2015: ASSE President Ennis Urges Attendees to Challenge Status Quo, Elevate Their Practice

During today's opening general session in Dallas, TX, ASSE President Trish Ennis said that the OSH profession has accomplished many great things, but must continue to do more to improve the lives of workers around the world, especially in light of the fact that more than 4,000 people have died on the job in the U.S. in each of the past 5 years.

"Clearly we must do more to convince our senior leaders, policy makers and other key stakeholders to take the urgent action needed to create safe and healthy workplaces," she said. "We must do more to reduce the lasting consequences produced by these statistics. This means we must make every effort to ensure that our counsel is not only heard, but also acted upon."

Ennis also urged attendees to remain forward-focused on elevating the OSH profession. "We must challenge the profession’s status quo and develop a common understanding of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform OSH roles effectively." She also reminded attendees to interact with as many attendees as possible: "There are an amazing number of difference makers at this conference, from respected sages like Fred Manuele to leading thinkers such as Darryl Hill and Joel Haight, and  future leaders like Jayme Hobson and Ricky Sanders," she said. "I urge you to take advantage of these great opportunities to learn all that you can so that you will elevate your practice and make a difference for this profession."

From Safety 2015: ASSE Holds Annual House of Delegates Meeting in Dallas, TX

Safety 2015 opened today, as ASSE held its annual House of Delegates (HOD) and Membership meetings. During the meeting, ASSE President Trish Ennis shared notable accomplishments from the past year, including the Society's global growth in countries such as India and China; its continued efforts in standards development, particularly the proposed ISO 45001 international safety management standard; the launch of Learn@ASSE; continued efforts to nurture strong relationships with agencies such as NIOSH, OSHA and NTSB; and ASSE's efforts to elevate the profession through various initiatives. Ennis noted that the Society's accomplishments would not be possible without member support. "Thank you for your contributions to this Society and its wide-ranging initiatives," Ennis said. "It is with you and because of you that ASSE is achieving the many positive outcomes that I have shared here today."

The HOD meeting also featured a report on the Society's finances, an update from the ASSE Foundation and the installation of ASSE's 2015-16 Board of Directors. In accepting the presidential medallion, 2015-16 President Mike Belcher remarked, "What an exciting time to become president of ASSE, later adding, "I look forward to working with you and on your behalf over the coming year. I welcome your continued contributions and I thank you for your commitment."

In closing her tenure as president, Ennis again thanked ASSE members for their support and dedication to the Society. "Ultimately, each one of us is essential to those achievements and ongoing efforts because it is members who give ASSE the voice it carries forward."

CPSC Campaign to Prevent Furniture & TV Tip-Over Deaths & Injuries

U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) launched Anchor It!, a national public education campaign to prevent furniture and TV tip-overs that can kill or seriously injure children. According to CPSC, unsecured TVs and large pieces of furniture kill a child every 2 weeks (on average) in tip-over incidents. In addition, 38,000 Americans go to the emergency room each year because of these tip-over incidents, and two-thirds of these injuries involve children under the age of 5. The agency says these incidents are preventable, and its new campaign hopes to reduce these numbers.

The Anchor It! campaign includes broadcast and print public service announcements that illustrate hazards in the home that might be unknown to parents. The campaign also has a website (www.AnchorIt.gov) that provides resources such as cards and posters that describe hidden dangers of tip-overs and steps to eliminate these dangers. Some of these tips include:

• Store heavier items on lower shelves or drawers.
• Buy and install low-cost anchoring devices to prevent furniture and TVs from tipping.
• Place TVs on a sturdy, low base and push them as far back as possible, if anchoring is not possible.
• Avoid leaving items such as toys or remote controls in places where kids might be tempted to climb up to reach for them.

Safety Lately 6/5/15

Safety Lately is a look at the past week in the world of OSH. This show covers drones in disasters, CVS convincing employees to quit smoking and standing more at work. We also talk with Dan McNeill about the ANSI/ASSE Z490.1 standard.


You can download the podcast here.

Like what you heard? Look for more podcasts at our multimedia page. You can also connect with ASSE on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

OSHA Publishes Best Practice Guide for Restroom Access for Transgender Workers

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OSHA published a Guide to Restroom Access for Transgender Workers to provide employers with guidance regarding restroom access for all employees. The guide, which was developed by request of the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE), explains gender identity, the importance of restroom access, OSHA’s sanitation standard and best practices for providing restroom access to transgender employees.

Under OSHA's sanitation standard, all employers must provide employees with sanitary and available toilet facilities. Neglecting to do so could lead to adverse health effects including urinary tract infections and bowel and bladder problems. The publication includes best practices in addition to other federal, state and local laws that reaffirm the core principle of providing employees with access to restroom facilities based on gender identification.

According to the agency, many companies have already implemented written policies to ensure that all employees–including transgender employees–have prompt access to appropriate sanitary facilities. The core belief underlying these policies is that all employees should be permitted to use the facilities that correspond with their gender identity.

OSHA formed an alliance with the NCTE earlier this year to develop new resources to educate employers and protect transgender workers.