American Society of Safety Engineers

Founded in 1911, ASSE is the world's oldest and largest professional safety organization. Its 33,000 members manage, supervise and consult on safety, health and environmental issues in industry, insurance, government and education. ASSE has 12 divisions and 148 chapters in the United States and abroad.

For more information on the National Organization go to www.ASSE.org

A Brief History of the Greater Tidewater Chapter

During the first few months of 1959, several local Safety Professionals, led by Alvin Blum, Safety Director for the U.S. Naval Station’s Public Works Center, joined together to form the Tidewater Safety Association.  Alvin Blum was elected the first President.

About two years later, Alvin Blum and Robert Gallagher of the Liberty Mutual Insurance Company concluded that the Tidewater Safety Association should be affiliated with either a State or National organization.  Therefore, both gentlemen pursued additional interest from not only local industry, but also from other Safety Professionals in Williamsburg and from the southwestern part of North Carolina.

Sometime later, a meeting was held in the conference room of Building L-29, which housed the Public Works Center’s Safety Office of the U.S. Naval Station in Norfolk.  It was decided during this meeting that they “go for it,” and contact the American Society of Safety Engineers.

An agreement was reached between the two organizations, and a local chapter of the American Society of Safety engineers was founded.  Regular monthly dinner meetings began, rotating locations within the city of Norfolk,  The newly formed chapter even held meetings in such places as the Eastern Shore of Virginia as well as Murfreesboro, North Carolina. 

The official affiliation with the National Organization became reality when the American Society of Safety  Engineers charted the Greater Tidewater Chapter on  October 14, 1961.

During the past thirty-five years, members of this chapter have dedicated themselves to leadership in Safety Engineering and Management and in service to the Community.  The recent accomplishments listed below serve as a testimonials to the Chapter’s continued support of such initiatives:

·        Continues to conduct and sponsor seminars on current safety and health topics

·        Provides professional guidance and liaison with other safety and health related organizations.

·        Maintains member involvement and leadership in many related organizations such as Veterans of Safety, Local Safety Councils, American Industrial Hygiene Association, Human Factors Society, and many others.

·        Continues to educate the community in safety and health issues through community projects and financial support of community safety programs.

Stronger Greater Tidewater Chapter traditions, which were sown and cultivated by pioneers who had foresight, interest and energy, are now deeply rooted, health and blossoming.