December 29, 2010—In 2011, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), with more than 32,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members located worldwide, will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. ASSE was formed in October of 1911 in the wake of one of the worst workplace tragedies in modern history, the March 25, 1911, Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City.
ASSE plans numerous activities to celebrate its centennial. The organization will debut a documentary on the history of safety and ASSE, and its updated Professional Safety journal will have interactive features and programs aimed at increasing the positive experience for the reader. Additionally, ASSE is preparing for its “supersized” Professional Development Conference and Exposition, Safety 2011, to be held in Chicago at the McCormick Place Convention Center June 12-15, 2011.
ASSE will also commemorate the victims of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire at events in New York City March 24 and 25, 2011, and in Chicago. ASSE chapters and student members will visit local schools and other community groups with information on how to be safe at work. ASSE will also hold kick-off events in Washington, D.C. for the North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week planned for May 1-7, 2011. In addition, the organization is holding a poster contest, a $1,500 essay contest and a $1,000 video contest.
