ASSE Positioned to Cultivate Safety Industry Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational safety and health practitioners is expected to increase nine percent during the 2006-2016 decade. Recently, the University of California San Diego Extension listed the SH&E profession as among a "dozen hot careers for college graduates." The 98 year-old American Society of Safety Engineers, with more than 32,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members located worldwide, provides many tools for those considering a career in the growing SH&E profession, including its annual expo and conference currently taking place.
The conference not only offers more than 225 educational sessions, but has featured many key speakers including Labor Secretary Hilda Solis.
At Safety 2009, ASSE also is providing the ASSE NexSteps Career Center, which will be open through tomorrow, and other networking opportunities. To see the SH&E jobs now available go to www.nexsteps.org. Employers can post their career opportunities for free and job seekers can review and apply for jobs.
Another tool ASSE is providing is a free brochure titled "Your Guide to a Career in the Occupational Safety, Health and Environmental Profession," which provides an overview of the profession, safety science, responsibilities, education needs, resources, and more.
"Smart businesses today employ SH&E professionals and continue to update and implement effective work safety programs companywide because they know if they don't do so they not only run the risk of having an employee hurt, but can lose their competitive advantage in today's worldwide marketplace," said Greg Smith, CSP, ASSE Region III vice president.
Safety professionals' salaries range from about $30,000 for safety inspectors to $150,000+ for highly qualified individuals. Safety professionals are knowledgeable in "Safety Science," a 21st century term for everything that goes into the prevention of incidents, illnesses, and other events that harm people, property, and the environment. Key knowledge areas include chemistry and biology, physics, ergonomics, environmental sciences, psychology, physiology, biomechanics and medicine, engineering, business management, economics, sociology, and geology.
In addition, ASSE provides resources for those considering this career, not only through its more than 150 chapters located worldwide, but also through its several student chapters.
"We encourage folks to attend a local ASSE chapter or student chapter meeting. You can go to the ASSE Web site to find local chapters," Smith said. "We always help those seeking to enter the profession. That's one of the greatest values from an ASSE membership is the ability to network and learn from those that have been in the business a long time or even just a few years."
The UC-San Diego "hot career options" list for college graduates was developed by the continuing education academic directors based on enrollment trends, an analysis of national employment statistics and discussions with the school extension's more than 750 business, community, and professional association curriculum advisors.
For a free, downloadable copy of "Your Guide to a Career in the Occupational Safety, Health and Environmental Profession," go to www.asse.org/newsroom/presskit.