NASA Safety Initiative Applauded By ASSE

Aug. 25, 2000
NASA has\r\ninstituted new guidelines that focus on occupational safety,\r\nhealth and the environmental management in the agency's contracting\r\nand procurement operations.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has instituted new guidelines that focus on occupational safety, health and the environmental management in the agency''s contracting and procurement operations.

The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) commended NASA for focusing on the need to recognize that professional and technical knowledge is required to effectively manage occupational safety and health issues.

"There is a strong need for NASA to take proactive steps to support safety and health programs based on good science, sound technology, and recognized professional practices," ASSE President Samuel Gualardo, said in a letter to NASA''s James H. Dolvin of the Office of Procurement Contract Management.

"It is this type of initiative that enhances occupational safety and health professional practices throughout the United States, and will be of significant assistance in fostering the space program."

ASSE''s comments are directed towards NASA''s June Federal Register announcement, "Enhancements to Safety and Risk Management," an interim rule change which impacts safety, security, health, export control, and damage to the environment, within the acquisition process.

"We know from 90 years of experience that safety pays. Safety should be an integrated component of all business plans and operations," said Gualardo. "This is an excellent example of how NASA requires that safety be part of day-to-day operations."

Specifically, ASSE is supportive of NASA''s policy which fosters proactive communication between NASA, its contractors and its stakeholders.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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