April 7, 2003—The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) recently announced the establishment of a Manufacturing Branch, a new best practices group for members with manufacturing responsibilities. Thirty percent of ASSE’s members work in the manufacturing industry, which is the single largest group in the Society.
ASSE’s Council on Practices and Standards approved the establishment of the Manufacturing Branch on March 11, 2003. The branch will look at industry-specific issues, which includes but is not limited to topics such as metalworking, chemical and petroleum processing, printing and publishing, timber and lumber working, food processing, and rubber and plastics, in addition to new concepts such as nanotechnology.
To be eligible for membership in the Manufacturing Branch, individuals must be an ASSE member in either the Management or Engineering Practice Specialties, which are cosponsoring the branch. The intent is to grow the branch with the idea of eventually spinning it off as its own individual Practice Specialty.
Through its 13 Practice Specialties, ASSE offers professional development opportunities and technical assistance to members and non-members. The Practice Specialties include: Academics, Construction, Consultants, Engineering, Environmental, Healthcare, Industrial Hygiene, International, Management, Mining, Public Sector, Risk Management/Insurance and Transportation.
These Practice Specialties serve as a forum for discussion of best practice strategies and research; influence relevant programs for professional certification, ASSE chapter-based programs and ASSE technical standards development; and support advocacy efforts for occupational safety, health and environmental leadership.
For more information, contact ASSE.
