Two safety-focused organizations are coming together to advance workplace initiatives.
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) have agreed on a three-year memorandum to continue collaborative efforts to advance workplace safety and health. The professional organizations have working with each other for more than two decades.
“We have a common mission to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities, so we share best practices and work together where possible to advance legislation and improve occupational safety and health practices and outcomes,” said ASSP President Deborah Roy commented in a statement. “Our mutual interests in improving the well-being of workers in every industry worldwide create many opportunities for collaboration.”
Part of the agreement includes a resource sharing focused on COVID-19 content and best practices. Other initiatives on which the organizations will collaborate leading those through the Center for Safety and Health Sustainability; determining criteria for academic program accreditation related to environment, health and safety; coordinating government affairs activities; developing training and continuing education programs; revising voluntary national consensus standards; and exploring regulatory and legislative issues of common interest.
AIHA President Lindsay Cook applauded the move, saying, "We welcome this important agreement which continues and strengthens the existing relationship between AIHA and ASSP. We look forward to continuing our work together in enhancing safety and health in the workplace.”
Many occupational safety and health professionals are members of both organizations. ASSP and AIHA routinely distribute each other’s safety and health information to members and social media followers, drawing attention to key issues and helpful resources. Both organizations provide the other with opportunities to speak at stakeholder meetings and safety education events throughout the year.