ASSE Name Change: American Society of Safety Professionals

On March 25, 1911, 146 garment workers were killed in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City—one of the deadliest industrial disasters in the United States. On October 14, 1911, the United Association of Casualty Inspectors was established with 62 founding members. As a part of its goal to improve worker safety, the organization changed its name to the American Society of Safety Engineers in 1914 and established its headquarters in New York City.

Today, ASSE has chapters and members in over 80 countries around the globe and is responsible for more than 100 occupational safety and health standards through ANSI committees. ASSE has played an important role in advancing workplace safety and health interests and continues to work to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities.

In the decades since it was created, ASSE has grown to include members in a broad range of professional disciplines. In August 2017, the change to the American Society of Safety Professionals was approved by 74 percent of voting members. The ASSE logo will also undergo a small change by replacing the “E” in the organization’s acronym with a “P.”

The name and logo changes are scheduled to go into effect in June 2018 with the release of a new website. The changes are intended to show the greater diversity of the current membership and who can become a member in the future. Although the membership was made up of engineers when the organization was created, occupational safety, health, and environmental professions exist throughout all industries.

Since its foundation, ASSE has been committed to improving workplace safety and standards while protecting workers in every field. By providing its members with the resources they need, ASSE raises awareness of safety issues, educates safety professionals, develops safety standards, and implements safety and health programs that protect people and property.

ASSE has remained a leader in safety engineering, management, and education. Its members have been a crucial part of the development of national standards through federal committees, legislation, and technical publications, and their work has protected workers and saved lives in every industry.

ASSE’s change to the American Society of Safety Professionals reflects the organization’s continuing commitment to improving workplace safety. As ASSE has expanded, it has attracted members from every industry and established safety standards for every profession. ASSP will continue to grow and strive to eliminate hazards and injuries until every worker goes home safe.