Thank you for taking time out of your day to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals. In the early morning hours of the second Sunday in March, we moved the clocks ahead an hour in recognition of daylight savings time. For many, this is the unofficial start of spring. A few weeks later, when the sun’s rays shine onto the equator, while the Earth sat with its axis tilted neither toward nor away from the sun. For those of you who are familiar with astronomy… this marked the spring equinox, which is the official start of the spring season. Regardless of how you define the change of seasons, we can confidently state that Spring is in the air!
With the change in season comes some unique hazards that may affect workers in all employment settings. While it is estimated that about 25% of Americans are still working remotely, at least for a portion of their work week, there are still a large percentage of the workforce who commute on a daily basis. With the time change comes an increase in auto accidents, heart attacks, and strokes. In addition, there is an increase in fatigue, lack of focus, and complacency. Please be sure to take the time necessary to allow your body to adjust to the time change.
The spring season also means that it is election season for the Chesapeake Chapter of ASSP! All chapter members will receive an email regarding the upcoming chapter elections. Elected officers include; President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director. Each position requires the officer to volunteer between 2 and 10 hours per month, and all elected officers serve one year terms. In addition, the elected President appoints a chair for the following committees; Chapter Professional Development Conference, Programs, Membership, Nominations and Elections, Awards and Scholarships, Communications, Government Affairs, Professional Organizations, and WISE (Women in Safety Excellence). The appointed committee chairs then add volunteers to their respective committee.
Regardless of the commitment that you are able to make, your assistance is needed and appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals. I hope to hear from you soon.
James A. Woodward Sr.
ASSP Chesapeake Chapter President