Welcome!

Welcome to the webpage of the Alabama Chapter, American Society of Safety Engineers. Inquiries regarding information contained within the web site should be directed to Chapter Secretary Kurt Friend at kmfriend@southernco.com or by calling (205) 992-7644.

Message from the President - August 2010

The ASSE was founded out of the tragedy of the horrific Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 in New York City. The 146 workers whose lives were lost on March 25, 1911 led the safety leaders of that day to come together and commit themselves to work toward prevention of death and injuries in the workplace. Their spirit of selflessness and caring has been passed down to present day as modern safety and health professionals continue to pledge themselves to these principles. As the American Society of Safety Engineers approaches its 100th Anniversary it is befitting to promote these ideals to serve others. Accordingly, our Chapter has a volunteer campaign this year to donate at least 100 hours of community service by our members. Program Chair Lee Ann Hjetland will be heading up this effort and she asks that our Chapter Members give whatever time you can to a charity of your choice. We will keep track of these hours and I believe that the 200 member strong Alabama Chapter can easily surpass the 100 hours! Check the Chapter newsletter for more details. If each of us only gave a little what an impact that we can make on our communities.

In 2010-2011, your Executive Committee is working hard to present a great program for all members and friends of the Alabama Chapter of ASSE. Please step up and take an active role in the Chapter and do your part to improve our great Chapter. We want to double our meeting attendance and with your help we can do it!

Thanks!

Bob Fitzgerald, CSP, CHST
President, Alabama Chapter ASSE

Take Part in Auburn University Study on GHS Format Product Labels

Graduate students in the Department of Industrial Engineering at Auburn University would like to invite you to participate in their research study to evaluate the effect of the use of symbols on GHS format product labels. You may participate if you are age 18 and older and by education, training, or work experience would have a high awareness of hazard communication.

As a participant, you will be asked to respond to an electronic survey. It should take one hour to complete the entire process.

Take the Online Survey!

If you would like to know more information about this study, an information letter can be obtained by sending an e-mail to boelhej@auburn.edu. If you decide to participate after reading the letter, you may use the link above to link to the survey.

Auburn University Students Place 2nd in Student Design Competition

L to R: Sean Salvas, Sura Toptanci, Angela Setera, Dr. Sesek, Celal Gungor, & Brad Townson

Students from Auburn University’s Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) Department placed 2nd in a nationwide student design competition. The TigerNomics team placed 2nd at the 3rd Annual Ergonomics Design Competition. Auburn University was among 6 finalist teams that qualified by completing all aspects of the Design Competition that was held between September 7th and November 10th. Final judging was announced February 26th. The event was sponsored by Auburn Engineers (an Ergonomic Consultancy not affiliated with Auburn University). The team was composed of graduate students in the Industrial Engineering Department’s Occupational Safety and Ergonomics (OSE) program. Each student won $200 and the team was presented a plaque recognizing their efforts. The students included Brad Townson (team captain), Angela Setera, Sura Toptanci, Celal Gungor, and Sean Salvas. The team’s faculty advisor was Dr. Richard Sesek.

OSE students are currently organizing an ASSE student chapter. This effort is led by Angela Setera (ISE Masters student). Dr. Sesek will act as faculty advisor to the student chapter. The Occupational Safety and Ergonomics program is part of the Deep South Center for Occupational Safety and Health which is a NIOSH Education and Research Center (ERC). The Deep South Center is a joint effort of Auburn University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Other recent OSE accolades include: Tami Blackwell won a $500 scholarship from the Alabama ASSE Chapter and recent graduates Shaman Ahuja (MS, ISE) and Adam Piper (Ph.D., ISE) earned Certified Safety Professional (CSP) status. Dr. Piper is currently serving as a visiting Assistant Professor at Auburn University.

University of Alabama OSHA Training Institute Education Center

The UA OTIEC is part of the Department of Environmental and Industrial Programs through the College of Continuing Studies. We have been conducting environmental, safety and health courses, conferences, and training since 1976. To see all our training opportunities visit www.uasafetyhealth.ccs.ua.edu or call toll-free (877) 508-7246.

Update Your Information with ASSE!

If you have a change of address, e-mail or telephone number and you want your ASSE friends to find you, please call the National office of ASSE at 847-699-2929 or e-mail them at customerservice@asse.org.

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