SR0037 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0037 LRB097 07135 GRL 47236 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is the oldest and largest professional safety society; ASSE was founded in 1911 in response to the tragic New York City Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire; this Illinois non-profit, which is based in Des Plaines, has a global influence; and

WHEREAS, ASSE has been dedicated for 100 years to the advancement of safety, health, and environmental professionals through education and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, ASSE has over 32,000 members located in all 50 states, and in 75 other countries; and

WHEREAS, 4,340 workers lost their lives in 2009 due to fatal occupational injuries; 158 of those deaths were in Illinois, representing the 6th highest number of workplace fatalities in the nation; and

WHEREAS, 3.2 million workers suffered from non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses in 2009, with 165,500 of those cases in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Businesses spend billions of dollars every year on costs associated with occupational injuries and illnesses, while the intangible costs of losing a coworker, friend, or family member go beyond a price tag; and

WHEREAS, ASSE promotes community safety and health through initiatives that raise awareness and improve prevention of injury and illness, such as safety checklists for emergency relief efforts, pandemic preparation tips, kids poster contests, and a website with free safety tips at www.asse.org; and

WHEREAS, ASSE joined with the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering and U.S. federal agencies to sponsor North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week each year in May, when industry, trade organizations, and corporations throughout the continent host activities that increase awareness of the importance of workplace safety and health; and

WHEREAS, ASSE recognizes safety and health professionals on Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day that falls on the Wednesday of NAOSH Week each year; and

WHEREAS, ASSE established the ASSE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity, to generate funds and provide resources for scholarships, applied research, academic accreditation, and related initiatives to advance the safety, health, and environmental profession; and

WHEREAS, ASSE advances opportunities in occupational safety and health education by helping set educational standards and increasing the number of safety programs at the undergraduate and graduate college levels; and

WHEREAS, ASSE proactively works with legislators and regulators to ensure that government decisions that impact the safety, health, and environment of the workplace are based on good science and sound technology; and

WHEREAS, ASSE members use principles from many different disciplines to improve working conditions in all walks of life, including manufacturing, transportation, chemicals, mining, utilities, construction, insurance, education, healthcare, and government; and

WHEREAS, ASSE members work with employers every day to help them wisely invest in safety, health, and environmental programs, so that millions of employees go to and leave from work injury-free; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we applaud and honor the members of the American Society of Safety Engineers for 100 years of dedicated service to occupational safety, health, and environmental professionals; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend safety, health, and environmental practitioners for their ongoing commitment to protecting people, property, and the environment; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend those businesses that incorporate safety, health, and environmental initiatives into their strategies, even during times of hardship; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage all industries, organizations, community leaders, employers, and employees to support activities aimed at increasing awareness of preventing illness, injury, and death in the workplace; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge employers not to reduce their efforts to improve workplace safety, health, and environmental protection during economic downturns, as it will cost more in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage employees to be safe at work; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Governor and the Director of the Illinois Department of Labor, as well as the members of the American Society of Safety Engineers during the ASSE's Professional Development Conference at McCormick Place from June 12-15, 2011 as a symbol of our respect and esteem for the organization and its membership.