Happy New Year!  Welcome to the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP).  Although we are just over half-way through the calendar year, when the clock struck midnight on July 1st, ASSP began their new chapter year.

As we look back on the 2023-2024 chapter year, I would like to thank Ned Fitter, who served as chapter president for two consecutive years and guided us to ‘Platinum Status’ in both of those years.  I would also like to thank our membership who elected me to serve as your president.  I am honored and I hope that I can live up to the high standards that were set forth by Ned and the many other chapter presidents that have dedicated time to develop the Chesapeake Chapter into what it is today.

The Chesapeake Chapter is one of the most active chapters in ASSP.  We have monthly meetings, which are a combination of hybrid and in-person meetings.  These meetings are a blend of technical knowledge, tours of facilities, and social/networking meetings.  We also team up with the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s Chesapeake Section for a professional development conference.

All of this could not be accomplished without the hard work and dedication of the volunteer members of our executive committee (EC), which meets just once a month.  However, we need your help!  Currently, the EC is in need of members to fill some very important roles on our many committees.  Most of these roles only require a few hours of your time, each month.  If you are interested, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time.  All chapter members are welcome, and encouraged, to sit in on an EC meeting.

I hope to see you soon at an upcoming Chesapeake Chapter event.

Thank You,

James Woodward Sr.
ASSP Chesapeake Chapter President

As my term as President comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared over the past two years. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your President, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and support you have shown me throughout this time.

I want to take this opportunity to extend my sincerest thanks to each and every one of you. Your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to safety have been the driving force behind our chapter’s success. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, fostered meaningful connections, and made a positive impact on our profession and community.

I am continually inspired by the enthusiasm and professionalism displayed by our members. Whether through organizing events, participating in educational opportunities, or advocating for safety initiatives, you have consistently demonstrated your commitment to excellence. It is your hard work and dedication that make our chapter truly exceptional.

As I transition into a new role within the chapter, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have served alongside such a remarkable group of individuals. While my time as President may be coming to an end, my admiration and appreciation for each of you will endure indefinitely.

Thank you!

Ned Fitter
ASSP Chesapeake Chapter President

Thank you for taking time out of your day to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.  I hope that everyone had a great holiday and enjoyed some much-needed time with family and friends.  With the holidays behind us, it is a great time to ‘re-foucs.’

With all of the challenges and distractions that we face in today’s world, it is often difficult to be truly present in the moment. It is important to recognize, and adjust, when our minds are not fully focused or present on the task at hand. All too often, we are physically present somewhere, but our focus and attention are not. We have all been in this position.  For example, when driving, we may zone out for a few moments, only to realize that we have driven several miles, yet have no recollection of the drive. This kind of disconnect from the present moment can be extremely dangerous when at work or at home.  Consider the following tips to help you re-focus:

• Take note of how well you are focusing and where your mind is at. From there, make the conscious choice to improve your focus and attention, if needed.
• When you are part of a discussion or receiving directions, make sure you are actively listening to the person speaking.
• Eliminate distractions
  • Take a deep breath, before you
• Identify any personal concerns that are causing your mind to wander and not be fully present at work. If it is not possible to eliminate them, talk about them with your supervisor so they can help you address them accordingly.

It can be challenging to truly be present in the moment. Distractions such as; family obligations, politics, long hours, family, and overall stress may plague our ability to be fully engaged in the task at hand. Being present and focused is only possible when we take a step back and consider all of the steps necessary to complete that task. 

Also… every 30 minutes, take 30 seconds, and look 30 feet around you to improve your focus and situational awareness.

Lastly…

2024 elections will be taking place in the coming months and we are hoping to see some new names on the ballot!  Don’t let the many benefits that ASSP has to offer pass you by!  The Chesapeake Chapter is one of the most active chapters in the nation, with monthly chapter ‘hybrid’ lunch and learns and multiple social events that take place during the day and in the evenings.  In addition, we are actively recruiting members to serve on many committees.  Regardless of the commitment that you are able to make, your assistance is needed and appreciated.   If you are interested in being more active in the chapter, please reach out to me directly. Thank for taking the time to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.

Ned Fitter
ASSP Chesapeake Chapter President

Thank you for taking time out of your day to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.  I hope that everyone had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.  It is hard to believe that 2024 is right around the corner and the holiday season is upon us.

If you celebrate the Holidays, there are some unique hazards in your home that you may not have considered… These hazards include:

• A giant tree in the middle of your living room
• Tiny lights plugged in throughout the inside and outside of your home
• Lit candles in your home for eight consecutive nights
• A dozen or more family members gathered in your kitchen singing carols, arguing about politics, and/or eating way too much
• The potential for a fat man in a red suit to slide down your chimney to bring your children presents

With that in mind, consider the following tips:

• Be sure to inspect your lights and look for frayed wires or other damage to cords
• Be sure to check the filter on your furnace and replace regularly
• Keep outdoor lights off of the ground and away from metal rain gutters
• When you prepare your Holiday Dinner, ensure that the food is thoroughly cooked
• Store leftovers in sealed plastic containers and heat them to their required temperatures
• If you have a fresh cut Christmas tree, be sure to water it routinely and keep it away from open flames such as candles or fireplaces
  • A tree that is not properly watered is at greater risk of catching fire, which can result in an entire house becoming engulfed in a matter of minutes

The official start of winter is on the horizon.  Before you know it, the holiday season will have come and gone.  Don’t let the many benefits that ASSP has to offer pass you by!  Regardless of the industry that you work in, ASSP has something for you.  In addition, we are looking for assistance on one of our many committees.  While many of our volunteers spend 8 or more hours per month, in their volunteer roles, many others spend less than 2 hours.  Regardless of the commitment that you are able to make, your assistance is needed and appreciated.   If you are interested in being more active in the chapter, please reach out to me directly. Thank for taking the time to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.

Ned Fitter
ASSP Chesapeake Chapter President

Thank you for taking time out of your day to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.  Now that Halloween is in the rear-view mirror, many Americans are planning for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Whether you enjoy a large family dinner, sitting on the sofa watching football all day, or scouring the aisles for those black Friday deals… most of us will likely have to travel at some point.  In fact, the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving sees more motorists on the roadways than any other day.  With that said, here are some tips to keep you safe while traveling:

• Perform a vehicle maintenance check
• Pack a winter safety kit
• Avoid driving during peak times
• Make routine pit stops
• Get plenty of rest, prior to driving
• Allow ample time to reach your destination
• Have entertainment available to keep children occupied

In addition to high traffic on the roadways, Sunday after Thanksgiving is typically the busiest day at airports.  Here are some air travel tips:

• Arrive at the airport at least 1.5 hours prior to domestic flights and 2 hours prior to international flights
• Travel on the day of the holiday to save a few bucks getting to your destination
• Consider an extended stay and travel back the Tuesday or Wednesday after the holiday to save even more
• Pack enough… but not too much
• Consider shipping holiday gifts, rather than packing them
• Be aware of the TSA requirements
• Register with TSA pre-check to save time at the terminal

The official start of winter is on the horizon.  Before you know it, the holiday season will have come and gone.  Don’t let the many benefits that ASSP has to offer pass you by!  Regardless of the industry that you work in, ASSP has something for you.  In addition, we are looking for assistance on one of our many committees.  While many of our volunteers spend 8 or more hours per month, in their volunteer roles, many others spend less than 2 hours.  Regardless of the commitment that you are able to make, your assistance is needed and appreciated.   If you are interested in being more active in the chapter, please reach out to me directly. Thank for taking the time to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.

Ned Fitter
ASSP Chesapeake Chapter President

Happy Fall.  The start of the fall season has a different meaning for many of us.  For many chapter members, the Region VI Professional Development Conference symbolizes the end of summer, and it was a pleasure to interact with many of you who were in attendance, in Myrtle Beach.  Many Americans consider the Labor Day holiday to be the end of season, while the official conclusion is September 22, with the autumnal equinox. 

Regardless of how you mark the end of summer and the beginning of fall, the kids are back at school, the leaves are changing, and pumpkin spice… well… everything is on the store shelves.  As the season changes from summer to fall, there are some additional precautions that you can take to keep you and the community safe, while on the roadways:

• Be on the lookout for school zone signals and ALWAYS obey the speed limits.
• When entering a school zone, be sure to slow down and obey all traffic laws.
• Always stop for school busses that are loading or unloading children.
• Watch out for school crossing guards and obey their signals.
• Be aware of and watch out for children near schools, bus stops, sidewalks, in the streets, in school parking lots, etc.
• Never pass other vehicles, change lanes, make u-turns, or text while driving in a school zone.
• Avoid using a cell phone, unless it is completely hands-free, while driving in a school zone.
• Unless licensed to do so, never use handicap or emergency vehicle lanes or spaces to drop off or pick up children at school.

The summer months passed us by very quickly and there is no doubt that we will be talking about winter weather safety before we know it.  Don’t let the many benefits that ASSP has to offer pass you by!  Regardless of the industry that you work in, ASSP has something for you.  In addition, we are looking for assistance on one of our many committees.  While many of our volunteers spend 8 or more hours per month, in their volunteer roles, many others spend less than 2 hours.  Regardless of the commitment that you are able to make, your assistance is needed and appreciated.   If you are interested in being more active in the chapter, please reach out to me directly. Thank for taking the time to visit the website for the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.

Ned Fitter
ASSP Chesapeake Chapter President