INSHPO is the global voice for the profession and acts as a forum for international collaboration among professional organizations to improve workplace safety and health. ASSE is secretariat and a founding member of INSHPO, which was established in 2001 and represents 14 member and affiliate organizations worldwide.
The organization works to advance the profession through the development and promotion of professional competency-related standards and the exchange of evidence-based practices. Through its work with INSHPO, ASSE is working to improve the profession for its members by better defining it at the global level, recognizing that professionals and their work are increasingly global in scope. The framework ties into work ASSE has undertaken to update American standards pertaining to the profession. Another framework outlining the OHS vocational/practitioner role is expected in the coming year.
According to INSHPO President Vince McNeilly, “Better defining the OHS profession, locally and globally, is integral to the profession’s future health. Well-defined, highly recognized professions enjoy greater job growth, better promotions, higher compensation levels and greater upward mobility.”
INSHPO Vice President and 2010-11 ASSE President Terrie Norris adds, “Poorly defined professions are more vulnerable to competition from other professions in related fields and suffer from a lack of barriers to entry for the unqualified. This means that unqualified professionals and unaccredited certifications are allowed to enter the marketplace, confusing employers and damaging the profession’s reputation.”
Through the framework, INSHPO aims to improve the playing field for competent, qualified practitioners and professionals by helping define learning outcomes in baccalaureate programs and the standards underpinning certification and other qualification schemes.
For more information and to download the framework, visit the INSHPO website.