At recent industrial hygiene and safety association meetings we have talked about the graying of our profession. As we plan for future events, we challenge ourselves to mentor and enlist others. A phone call or personal conversation can do a lot to encourage someone to try something new and assure them that this is not a closed club!
So…what’s up for 2014? Planning for the 2015 Oregon Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health Conference, for one. Planning for the 2014 Northwest Occupational Health Conference, for another. Both planning committees are committed to bring in new and fresh faces, as we move ahead in safety, health and wellness.
What can you do?
- If you are a member of any Oregon Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) – personally invite someone newer in the profession to an upcoming meeting.
- If you have been an industrial hygienist more years than you can count – personally invite someone newer in the profession to share a cup of coffee or a telephone call about educational and leadership opportunities in our local arena.
- If you supervise a safety and health professional new to the area or the profession – encourage them to attend a local meeting or participate in conference planning as part of their career growth and development. Give them names of others in the field to share ideas and advice.
- If you come to safety and health from a research perspective – make a commitment to attend a local ASSE or industrial hygiene meeting to learn more about what’s happening on the ground, and make connections in the field.
- Remind younger people looking for career advice that the fields of safety and industrial hygiene are smart, fulfilling choices.
Motivated yet? Join the planning team of GOSH 2015! Our first meeting is scheduled for January 8, 2014 from noon to 3pm in Wilsonville. This is a great opportunity to give back to the profession, network and make new friends. Contact us to learn more.
What are you doing to add to the growth, diversification and success of our profession?
