The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) says its members are responding to the changing face of workplace safety
two years after the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. The organization
has released a new video featuring ASSE members and officials and emphasizing
the unique qualifications of safety and health professionals.
ASSE regional Vice President Sam Lybarger explains, "We're seeing a whole
different realm of safety problems from biochemical, to security, to employee
comfort that were never seen before. More people are going to start relying
heavily on safety professionals to give them comfort and reassurance that the
workplace is safe."
The video makes the point that, for maximum effectiveness, safety should be
integrated into planning, new product development, materials acquisition, equipment
design and modification, facility layouts, and process design. "Safety,
health, and environmental considerations must be a key component of every business
function and strategy."
A proactive approach can help a business in many ways. One significant accident
can negatively affect an employer "and literally shut a small business
down," notes another speaker. According to ASSE, the average direct and
indirect cost of risk to American companies is a minimum of 25 percent of their
net profits. ASSE member Jim Kriner states on the video, "The greatest benefit of being in
the safety profession that I can see is the sense of being able to help individuals
go home each night with their fingers and toes intact and live a healthy life,
to be able to spend time with their families, and enjoy life to its fullest."