Solutions in Construction Volunteers

Members of the Arizona Chapter helped out at the recent ASSE Solutions in Construction Safety Symposium in Scottsdale. If you missed the symposium and want to order audio recordings or for additional information click here: http://www.asse.org/education/construction/.

Pictured from right: ASSE Regional Vice President Jim Gallup, Nominations Chair Denis White, Past President Katherine Gosiger, Construction Section Vice-Chair Jeremy Bethancourt and ASSE Education and Program Development Manager Trudy Goldman.

Chapter Delegation Meets with OSHA

Advocating the use of conventional fall protection for all workers, an official delegation of the ASSE Arizona Chapter participated in residential fall protection work groups and meetings with business and federal OSHA officials on the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety & Health (ACCSH) in Washington D.C. on Sept. 11, 2008 and with the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) and CDC officials on Sept. 10.

ASSE Arizona Chapter members Jeremy Bethancourt and Toni Di Domenico of LeBlanc Building Co., Inc., and Toni D. & Associates respectively and ASSE Los Angeles Chapter member Dave Barber of Petersen Dean Roofing made up the delegation to the Capitol.

Of all the meetings the delegation participated in, the most notable was the meeting with the former Assistant Secretary of Labor Edwin Foulke and his staff including Deputy Assistant Secretary Donald Shalhoub, Director of the Directorate of Cooperate & State Programs Steven Witt, Acting Director of the Directorate of Construction Noah Connell, Director of the Office of Construction Standards & Guidance Bill Parsons, Deputy Director of Directorate of Cooperative & State Programs Lee Anne Gillings, and Director of the Office of State Programs Barbara Bryant.

The meetings went extremely well in garnering support in "our continuing efforts to further protect workers through conventional fall protection. Mr. Foulke expressed great interest in the information we relayed to him," Bethancourt said in a report to Arizona Chapter President Milli Lee.

The ACCSH Residential Fall Protection Work Group included (from l: Co-Chairs: Mike Thibodeaux & Tom Kavicky, AZ ASSE delegation Toni Di Domenico and Jeremy Bethancourt)

During one conversation, according to Bethancourt, an OSHA representative discussed the statutory difference between feasibility and practicality stating that the statutes are clear in requiring all employers to protect their workers if it is feasible to do so. In the end it was reaffirmed that employers must use conventional fall protection systems if it is feasible, he continued.

For more information contact Jeremy Bethancourt or visit the new Fall Protection Resource Center.

Fall Protection Training Called a Success

With nearly 100 builders, contractors, safety consultants and state and municipal employees in attendance, the four-hour comprehensive fall protection training sponsored by the Arizona Chapter of ASSE and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) was called a “resounding success” by its organizers.

The seminar, held at the Phoenix Convention Center on Sept. 26, 2008, was based on the English/Spanish NAHB-OSHA Fall Protection Handbook and Fall Protection Video. The seminar was also made possible by the OSHA Susan Harwood Training Grant Program.

All attendees were provided NAHB materials and presented with several free catalogs supporting the practicality and availability of conventional fall protection equipment and systems applicable to residential construction. The instructor demonstrated conventional fall protection systems, including guard rails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems and a wide array of approaches and methods for meeting the OSHA fall protection standards, according to Jeremy Bethancourt, Chapter Construction Section vice chair and training organizer.

Those unable to attend who would like free copies of training materials should contact the Chapter Construction Section leadership here.

For additional information on the NAHB and its available fall protection resources click here.


The reader board in front of the Phoenix Convention Center.	Arizona ASSE Chapter President Milli Lee kicks off the fall protection training with a welcome message.	Attendees at the fall protection training sponsored by the Arizona Chapter's Construction Section and the NAHB.

2008/09 Executive Board Receive Oath

The ASSE Chapter Executive Board members for 2008-2009 took the oath of service at the June 2 chapter meeting. They are from left: Milli Lee (President); David Bellmont (Treasurer); Carl Hamilton (President Elect); Tim Little (Vice president/PDC co-chair/COPs); Katherine Gosiger (Past-President/Delegate) and not pictured: Mary Bobbitt (Secretary).

For more information and contact information, see the 2008-2009 ASSE Arizona Chapter board members page.

Student Chapter Elects Officers

The Arizona Chapter Student Section has elected new officers for 2008/09 with Ryan T. Brown, from ASU's College of Technology and Innovation, named President of the section. Other officers include Mel Benash – Vice President and Eric Madsen – Secretary/Treasurer.

"I look forward to working to further develop the student organization’s visibility," said Brown, regarding his plans for the Student Section.

See our Student Section page for more info and meeting dates.

Construction Section Elects Officers

The members of the Arizona Chapter Construction Section have elected new officers for 2008/09 with Clint Bragg elected Chair; Jeremy Bethancourt - Vice Chair, and Toni DiDomenico - Secretary/Treasurer.

The selection of the new officers was announced August 18, 2008.

For information about future meeting dates and announcements check in from time to at the Construction Section Page.

Chapter Recognizes LeBlanc, Bethancourt for Residential Fall Protection Solution

Jeremy Bethancourt and Assistant Secretary of Labor Ed Foulke discuss residential fall protection methods.

Jeremy Bethancourt, Safety Director of LeBlanc Building Co., based in Scottsdale, addressed the Federal OSHA Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) on May 14 to promote the feasibility and practicality of conventional fall protection in residential construction.

Company President John LeBlanc specifically tasked Bethancourt with finding a fall protection solution to protect his workers from falls above 6 feet during residential or commercial construction activities although OSHA allows for the use of alternative fall protection plans in residential or residential-like construction.

Mr. LeBlanc also embraced Bethancourt’s suggestion to enter into official partnership with the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) to ensure compliance with all OSHA standards.

As a result, the Arizona ASSE Chapter recognized Mr. LeBlanc for his vision and commitment to safety by presenting him with the 2008 Executive of the Year safety award at the June 6, 2008 Chapter meeting.

John LeBlanc, of LeBlanc Building Co., receives the Arizona ASSE 2008 Executive of the Year Award from Chapter President Katherine Gosiger at the June 6, 2008 Chapter Luncheon Meeting.

With Mr. LeBlanc’s commitment, Bethancourt put his energy into devising a feasible and practical solution for conventional fall protection for residential “type” construction work using any of the thousands of readily available systems from distributers around the country, Bethancourt said.

An ASSE member, Bethancourt received the full support and endorsement of the Arizona Chapter executive board. He also garnered the “guarded” support of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), ADOSH, the Society, and other construction industry officials, he said.

Bethancourt has called upon Chapter members and the public to write letters in support of Assistant Secretary of Labor Ed Foulke, and the rescinding of STD 3-0.1A as a result of the ACCSH meeting.

ACCSH Actions:

Passed -- ACCSH voted to recommend to OSHA to rescind the STD 3-0.1A and return to using Subpart M as intended, which would require employers demonstrate (not just claim) infeasibility or greater hazard. If they cannot demonstrate, then they must use conventional fall protection for employees.
Failed -- ACCSH voted to amend the recommendation to rescind the STD 3-0.1A to exempt the roofing industry so it can continue using the interim guidelines and alternative Plans without requiring roofing companies to prove infeasibility or a greater hazard.
Passed -- ACCSH voted to continue the sub-committee on residential fall protection to work toward review of best practices and training for conventional fall protection.
Passed -- ACCSH voted to admit the sub-committee on residential fall protection minutes to OSHA.

Click here to read an article on Bethancourt and LeBlanc's efforts in residential fall protection.

Don't Miss This!
AZ Chapter, NAHB Sponsor Residential Fall Protection Course

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Arizona Chapter of ASSE will sponsor a comprehensive fall protection training seminar from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, 2008 with registration starting at 7:30 a.m.

Date: Friday, Sept. 26, 2008 - 8:00am
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Cost: $10.00

The 4-hour seminar will focus on identifying fall hazards in "residential" construction with a detailed examination of the OSHA fall protection regulations and safe work practices to prevent fall-related injuries and deaths. The seminar will provide a comprehensive look at safe work practices necessary to minimize the risk of falls during home construction operations and of the factors that contribute to fall-related accidents along with the development of a written fall protection plan.

Attendees will also learn to:

Protect stairways, leading edges, window/wall openings and floor holes
Use a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)
Safely construct rafters, install roof trusses and sheeting
Provide protection from falling objects.

The content is based on the English/Spanish NAHB-OSHA Fall Protection Handbook and Fall Protection Video, which are straightforward guides for builders, remodelers, and trade contractors. They have been designed to show you how to eliminate fall hazards found on home building jobsites and to provide you what you need to comply with OSHA fall protection regulations. All participants will be encouraged to ask questions and provide examples of their own personal safety experiences on the jobsite.

Chapter, Board Meeting Moves to Arizona Country Club

The next Arizona Chapter lunch meeting on June 6 as well as the September though December meetings will be conducted at the Arizona Country Club - 5668 East Orange Blossom Lane - Phoenix, 85018.

The Chapter Board meeting immediately preceding the Chapter lunch meeting at 9 a.m. will also be held at the Arizona Country Club starting in June.

The move is expected to be temporary until the January 2009 Chapter lunch meeting. The Chapter meeting will continue to be held on the first Friday of each month, September through June at 11:30 a.m. There are no Chapter lunch meetings in July and August.

See our Chapter Meetings page for more information.

White Elected Region II Treasurer

Former Arizona Chapter President Denis White, CSP, CPCU, was voted Region II Treasurer at the Region Operating Committee (ROC) meeting held March 14-15 in Denver. White was president of the Chapter in 2005/06.

For more information on Region II activities check out the Region II Newsletter Archive.

Bellmont Named Safety Professional of the Year (SPY)

David Bellmont, Chapter Treasurer, accepts the 2008 ASSE Arizona Chapter SPY Award from Harold Gribow, Chapter Past-President.

David Bellmont has been named the 2008 ASSE, Arizona Chapter Safety Professional of the Year (SPY) and received the award before a packed house at the Chapter Meeting on May 2, 2008.

The selection was made by the Chapter Awards and Nominations Committee consisting of Harold Gribow, Larry Tinker and Wayne Ziemann, Committee chair.
Mr. Bellmont, CSP, ARM, CPCU, has been the primary driver towards the creation of the Arizona Safety Education Center (ASEC) and has been the coordinator of safety training courses presented in Phoenix by the Region IX OSHA Training Institute.

Mr. Bellmont works as a safety consultant. For more than 20 years, he provided health and safety services to SCF Arizona customers in loss control and risk management.

He proudly serves the Arizona Chapter as the Treasurer, a position of trust that he has held for more than 10 years, in which he has led the way in securing the financial stability of the chapter. The Arizona Chapter is widely known nationwide throughout the Society as one of the best managed and financially sound Chapters. It is entirely through David’s efforts that the Arizona Chapter has been able to endow two $1,000 annual student scholarships through the ASSE Foundation and to begin the endowment process for a third. The Chapter also annually awards two $500 scholarships locally.

Although not specifically defined in his duties as treasurer, David has arranged, organized, set up and monitored every OSHA Training Institute course hosted by the Arizona Chapter since he was first elected treasurer. The annual number of courses presented has increased dramatically every year. For 2008 there will be 38 presentations, each lasting three or four days. David arranges the room, distributes the materials, and makes sure that the class runs well. Before the past few years, David also managed the registration system, which has since been taken over by the OSHA Training Institute.

Recipients of the Chapter SPY must be members who have demonstrated technical expertise in the field of safety and a thorough knowledge of its operational aspects and made professional contributions to advance the safety profession and the Chapter’s position as the safety and health authority within the borders of the Chapter’s area.

Nanotechnology Discussed at June Meeting

Robert M. Ott, CIH, CSP, delivered an informative presentation on nanotechnology regarding safety and industrial hygiene concerns on behalf of Clark A. Miller, Ph.d., the Associate Director for Education and Outreach at the ASU Center for Nanotechnology in Society. Dr. Miller and was unable to attend and was replaced by Ott, who is the Assistant Director Occupational Health & Safety at ASU. Click to view Dr. Miller's presentation titled Nanotechnology: Environment, Health and Safety for more information.

AZ Chapter, SCF Deliver Safety Works Expo 2008

The Arizona ASSE Chapter membership again stepped up to serve as co-sponsor of SCF Arizona’s Safety Works Expo 2008 with many Chapter members presenting safety classes, assisting with courses and working as volunteers to help provide important safety information to Arizona professionals and others responsible for workplace safety.

The two-day conference, held May 5-6 at the Black Canyon Conference Center in Phoenix, featured OSHA Safety & Health training, seminars addressing important safety issues, hundreds of exhibits of the latest safety products and services and, of course, plenty of networking opportunities for safety professionals.

Scenes from Safety Expo 2008
Photos courtesy of Mary Bobbitt, Katherine Gosiger, and Sylvia Bates of SCF Arizona.

ASSE, Chapter Announce Scholarship Winners

The Scholarship Committee selected Bobby Thompson and Chase Gibbons as this year's Chapter scholarship winners for the Fall 2007/08 semester and awarded both men $500 each at a recent Chapter Meeting.

Thompson and Gibbons both have 4.0 grade-point averages and have completed at least 15 semester hours at the Gateway Community College safety program. They are both continuing on in their safety educations.

In other Chapter scholarship news, Steven Black was named the 2007 winner of the William C. Ray, CIH, CSP Arizona Chapter Scholarship. Mr. Black, who is pursuing an Industrial Hygiene degree at the University of Arizona, expressed his gratitude for the honor in a letter read at the May 2 Chapter Executive Board meeting.

The William C. Ray Arizona Chapter Scholarship is named in honor of William Ray who was Chapter President in 1986/87 and a leading advocate of industrial hygiene and safety in Arizona for many years.

Chase Gibbons receives a handshake and Chapter scholarship check for $500 from Chapter President Katherine Gosiger at a recent Chapter Meeting.

Delegates Vote Down Dues Increase

The House of Delegates voted to disapprove a motion by the Board of Directors for a membership dues increase from $120 to $149. The official vote, which took place from April 1 through May 16, 2008 was 97 for the increase with 105 votes against it.

Of the total delegates of record and eligible to vote a further review indicated:

43 percent voted for the motion
46 percent voted against the motion
11 percent of delegates did not vote

"Non-dues revenue will continue to be emphasized," ASSE President Michael W. Thompson, CSP, said in a letter to the delegates. "Current services and products will be reviewed and prioritized. New and proposed services and products and expansion of existing programs will be scrutinized in light of this vote outcome.

Arizona Chapter Makes Recruiting Honor Roll

ASSE National recently recognized members throughout the nation for their recruiting efforts including several Arizona Chapter members who have led the way in new member recruiting. Congratulations to David Bellmont, Jitendra Patel, Edgar Atzin and James Rice.

President's Council:

David Bellmont, CSP, ARM, CPCU - 89 members
Jitendra Patel, CPEA - 70 members

The President's Council honors members who have sponsored 30 to 99 new, full members since May 1, 1981.

President's Circle:

David Bellmont, CSP, ARM, CPCU - 16 members

The President's Circle honors members who have sponsored 4 or more new, full members since April 1, 2007.

President's Club:

Edgar A Atzin - 2 members
James L Rice CUSA, OHST - 2 members

The President's Club honors members who have sponsored 2 or 3 new, full members since April 1, 2007.

Chapter Leaders Elected Region II VP, Area Director

The ASSE Society 2008 election results are in and it's official -- two former Arizona Chapter presidents have been elected to Regional Vice President and Area Director with the ASSE Society and will serve two-year terms starting July 1, according to verified results reported by the ASSE Society Nominations and Elections Committee.

James G. Gallup, P.E., CSP, was elected Vice President for Region II, and Harold L. Gribow, M.S., CSP, ARM, was elected Area Director for Region II, Area A, in the annual ASSE Society election completed on March 31. Gallup served as Arizona Chapter President in 2003, and Gribow was Chapter President in 2006.

Gallup has 33 years experience in fire protection as a senior fire protection engineer for Rolf Jensen & Associates in Phoenix with eight of those years in loss control. His responsibilities include fire protection code consulting, fire protection system design, teaching, and litigation support. He has a B.S. in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and is a registered engineer in four states including Arizona. He has served on several committees for the NFPA and in several leadership roles with the AZ ASSE Chapter.

As the Regional Vice President (RVP) for Region II, Gallup's overall duties are to assist with the management and advancement of the Society and will serve as the representative of the 2,000 member of Region II to the ASSE Society Board of Directors, assist Chapter presidents, and Chair the Regional Operating Committee (ROC). He will also serve on the Council on Member and Regional Affairs and is a voting member of the House of Delegates. Along with the Area Directors, he will visit each of the 14 Region II Chapters once during his term.

Gallup said his goals are to work through the ROC to advance membership services with an emphasis on assisting the smaller Chapters in service delivery and on helping individual members in delivery of professional services through interaction with the Council on Practices and Standards (CoPS). "Much of the direction for the next two years will be determined at the ROC in Salt Lake City in August," Gallup said.

Gribow is a 27-year member of ASSE and has served in many leadership roles for the Arizona Chapter. He is currently a Chapter delegate to the ASSE House of Delegates.

Gribow began his safety career in 1975 while working for a construction company specializing in residential insulation before setting out to further his career by earning a master's degree in Industrial Technology with an emphasis in Industrial Safety from Northern Illinois University in 1979. Upon graduation, he worked in loss control and risk management with the Arizona State Compensation Fund (now SCF Arizona), retiring as the Loss Control Risk Manager in 2006. He is currently the Safety Program Consultant for the Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) in Phoenix and works as an independent consultant and trainer.

Gribow said his duties as Area Director are to maintain relationships with the area Chapters, provide a link to the ROC and the Regional Vice President, and assist the area Chapters. "My main focus will be to help problem solve and assist Chapters to be even more successful," he said.

ASSE Recommends Dues Increase to $149

The ASSE Board of Directors has unanimously recommended a $29 dues increase effective July 1, 2008 resulting in Society membership dues of $149 per member if approved by chapter delegates through a special ballot vote due by May 16.

Members interested in providing feedback to Arizona Chapter delegates Katherine Gosiger and Harold Gribow should e-mail them at gosiger.katherine@dol.gov or haroldgribow@qwest.net.

The House of Delegates last approved a dues increase in 1999 when dues went from $105 to $120. Previously, a $20 increase was approved in 1995.

Society said dues have not kept pace with inflation, which increased 20 percent since the last dues increase in 1994. The Society Finance Committee estimated that current dues rate would be $160, if matched to the Consumer Price Index.

ASSE recently become financially vulnerable and dependent upon PDC registrations with 2007 showing a decrease in PDC registrants over 2006. This made 2007 a particularly challenging year financially, an ASSE spokesperson commented.

For more information, see the attached White Paper from ASSE.

Dues Increase White Paper (doc)

ADOSH Director Addresses Chapter

Darin Perkins, director of ADOSH, discussed workplace safety and OSHA activities at the Chapter Meeting.

Darin Perkins, director of the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH), addressed a near-capacity crowd at the ASSE Arizona Chapter luncheon meeting on April 4. Mr. Perkins discussed ADOSH findings for Arizona workplace fatalities with falls as the leading cause of death in fatalities investigated by ADOSH in 2007.

During the presentation, he also highlighted other ADOSH activities and discussed changes and proposed reforms in OSHA requirements including possible new regulations. Mr. Perkins closed the presentation with questions from the audience.

Download a copy of Mr. Perkins' presentation below to review.

April 4, 2008 Meeting Presentation (ppt)

Chapter Training Facility Opens

The Arizona Safety Education Center, Inc., working in close partnership with the ASSE Arizona Chapter opened March 17, 2008 and hosted an OSHA 500 Construction class. The training facility, located a t 201 E. Southern Avenue, Suite #204 in Tempe, AZ 85282-5178, is the new home for Chapter-sponsored training including OSHA Outreach and other safety classes. This milestone was made possible because of the vision of Chapter leadership including Harold Gribow, David Bellmont, Mike Cook, Vicki Allen-Buglisi, Katherine Gosiger and many present and past Chapter board members.

Click here to see additional photos of the ASEC Training Facility

Chapter Recognizes Years of Service

At the March 7 lunch meeting, the Arizona Chapter recognized valued years of service in the safety community and to ASSE and its members.

Click the thumbnails for a closer look.


(L to R) Wayne Ziemann, Chapter Awards and Honor chair; Douglas C Hardy, CSP - 25 years; Arizona Chapter President Katherine Gosiger; Jitu C. Patel, CPEA - 25 years; and William E. Mills, P.E., - 50 years of service.		(L to R) David M. Hawkins, CSP, receives a service award recognizing his contribution of 25 years to ASSE and the field of safety from Chapter Awards and Honor Chair Wayne Ziemann on behalf of ASSE and the Arizona Chapter.

Chapter Officers, Candidates Set for 2008-09

The 2008/09 Arizona Chapter officers for next year include the following members, who automatically take their positions on July 1.

President: Milli Lee
President-Elect: Carl Hamilton
Delegate (Past President): Katherine Gosiger

The following candidates are running unopposed:

Vice President: Tim Little, CSP

Timothy F. Little, CSP, has been the Safety Administrator for the city of Surprise since July, 2006 and worked before that as a city of Phoenix safety analyst. Before coming to Arizona, he was the city safety and training coordinator for Bloomington, MN and also served in the volunteer fire service, retiring as a captain and hazardous materials specialist.

Outside of work, Tim also serves as the director of Global Success, a national network of speakers, instructors, facilitators and trainers, and he is an adjunct professor at Concordia University in St. Paul, MN and Gateway Community College in Phoenix.

His education includes a master’s degree in Organizational Management and he will complete his doctorate studies in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska in August.

Tim currently serves on the ASSE Executive Board as Bylaws Chair and oversees Chapter participation in the ASSE Education Foundation.

Secretary: Mary Bobbitt, CSP

Mary Bobbitt, CSP, has been a member of ASSE since 1991, earning her CSP in 2003. She has served with distinction as the Chapter secretary and is running unopposed.

She has worked in the insurance industry a senior risk control consultant and has recently rejoined the commercial insurance industry with AIG as a senior consultant. Previously, she was the loss prevention manager for DriveTime.

Treasurer: David Bellmont, CSP

David Bellmont, CSP, has been a member of ASSE and the Chapter treasurer for several years. He recently retired after more than 20 years with SCF Arizona where he worked in loss control and risk management and was a Field Services supervisor.

Safety Expo Volunteers Needed

SCF Arizona is looking for ASSE Chapter members to serve as back up presenters and class moderators at the Safety Works 2008 Expo, May 6-7, 2008 at the Black Canyon Conference Center in Phoenix.

Back up presenters would agree to present in the event of a cancellation. SCF is looking for 2-3 presenters who could be ready to go at the last minute with a safety presentation of their own choosing on a disk or flash drive. Back up presenters will be able to attend the Expo for free. For more information or to volunteer contact Julie Rogers.

Moderators for the classes would arrive early to the session, introduce the speaker (a script will be provided), provide class enrollees with handouts, address any disturbances or problems during the presentation, and make sure any papers or cups are cleared off the tables for the next session. Attached is the moderator duty list. Moderators can pick which session they wish to moderate on a first-come first-served basis. Moderators must already be attending the Expo and will not receive free admission to the Expo. For more information or to volunteer contact Julie Rogers or Carl Hamilton.

• Moderator Instructions (doc)

Seeking SPY, Executive of the Year Nominations

We are seeking candidates for the Safety Professional of the Year
(SPY) award, open to all ASSE members who have not won a SPY in the past five years. We are also looking for candidates for Executive of the Year award. Executive of the Year nominees do not have to be safety professionals, but will have demonstrated exemplary support of their company safety efforts.

For additional information contact Awards and Honors Chair Wayne Ziemann.

Board Approves New Chapter Bylaws

Chapter bylaw revisions have been approved by the Chapter Board and forwarded for the approval of the Area Director. The latest revision is attached in the pdf file.

The proposed changes were posted for a 30-day period of review and comment period for all members of the Arizona ASSE Chapter on this homepage. The amended document was then reposted for pubic review for an additional 30 days before action was taken by the Chapter Executive board.

For additional information regarding the bylaws and the approval process e-mail Tim Little, CSP at timothy.little@surpriseaz.com.

• Proposed Bylaws (pdf)

Christmas Meeting Draws Members

Julie Pace, Phoenix immigration attorney, spoke on Arizona's new immigration law.

Arizona ASSE Chapter members packed the house at the Dec. 7 luncheon meeting to hear employment law expert and Attorney Julie Pace as well as to support the Chapter Christmas toy drive for Banner Children's Hospital.

More than 110 chapter members were in attendance for Ms. Pace’s lively presentation on Arizona’s new immigration law set to take effect Jan. 1. 2008. The meeting also afforded members the opportunity to receive a free lunch with a new toy donation. The Chapter exceeded past results with more than 50 shiny, new toys going to sick and injured boys and girls at Banner Children’s Hospital in Phoenix.

During Ms. Pace’s remarks, she explained how the new immigration law will require employers to verify that workers are in the country legally. Knowing an employee is in the country illegally, or intentionally failing to check, could trigger a suspension of the employer’s business license; a second offense could result in permanent revocation.

She also provided details on the provisions of the law, its possible effects on Arizona employers and argued against its constitutionality based on the 14th Amendment’s due process provision and the commerce clause of the Constitution.

The law will result in discriminatory actions and cause Arizona employers difficulties in using the federal E-Verify system and tracking down database discrepancies, Ms. Pace said. She detailed several problems with relying on the E-Verify systems.

Ms. Pace is part of a group seeking a judgment to block implementation of the new law on behalf of several business associations and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce.

Larry Gibason, Chapter Association Interface, appreciates the number of toys donated from Chapter members at the Christmas luncheon to the Banner Children's Hospital.

From left: Chapter Vice President Milli Lee; Guest Speaker, Julie Pace; and Chapter Officers Katherine Gosiger, President; Mary Bobbitt, Secretary; and Julie Rodgers, New Member Coordinator.

Gallup Wins SPY Award

Jim Gallup, Area Director and former Arizona Chapter President (2003-04), receives the regional Edgar Monsanto Queeny Safety Professional of the Year Award (SPY) from Trish Ennis, Region 2 vice president, at the ROC meeting in Grand Junction, Colo., on Aug. 24, 2007.

The SPY award recognizes Gallup's many contributions and activities over the past five years in helping advance the safety profession in Arizona and the U.S. by fostering professional development, public/community service, involvement in codes and legislation and in effective and dynamic leadership at the executive level for ASSE.

In recognition, Gallup will receive a $1,000 honorarium and an engraved statue at the ASSE annual professional development conference in Las Vegas in June, 2008.

The SPY award is named in honor of the Monsanto company president and son of the founder, who in 1947 saw first-hand the tragedy resulting from the destruction of Monsanto's Texas City plant, killing 512 persons including 145 Monsanto employees. The workplace tragedy moved Queeny to commit his company to achieving strong measures of protection and safety for employees in the energy and refinery fields.

2007/08 Executive Board Recieve Oath

Membership Chair Vicki Allen-Buglisi administers the oath of service with past president Bob Day as a to the 2007/08 Arizona Chapter Board Executives. From left: Katherine Gosiger (President); Milli Lee (President-Elect); Carl Hamilton (Vice President); Mary Bobbitt (Secretary); David Bellmont (Treasurer) and Harold Gribow (Delegate).

Chapter Presidents Are Recognized

Past Chapter Presidents at the June 1 Chapter lunch meeting (from left) Bob Day (1992-93); Vicki Allen-Buglisi (1993-94); Mike Cook (2004-05); Dennis White (2005-06); Mike Briggs (1998-99); Jim Anderson (1994-95) and Harold Gribow (2006-07) were recognized for their service and helped to install new chapter executive board members for 2007/08.

President's Message - June 2007

Hello Arizona Chapter Members,

This is my final President’s message of the 2006-2007 Chapter year, and before I recognize my GREAT Chapter Board, I would like to bring to your attention a very important issue that we are pursuing through the summer break and into our next Chapter year.

As you may have heard, the Arizona Chapter is examining the possibility of creating a Training Center for our Chapter. We have had a wonderful relationship with SCF Arizona, over the past many years, whereby SCF has allowed our Chapter to present our OSHA training classes free of charge in their training rooms. Our offerings have increased to the point where we are likely to require a new location for the classes. We will host 12 OSHA 500-series classes by the end of 2007 and we have 14 scheduled for 2008. Each class runs four days, so we would need to use the SCF rooms for 14 weeks next year. This is a problem for SCF in that they need the rooms for meetings and classes for their business.

To attempt to alleviate this problem, the Chapter Officers met after the June 1st Chapter meeting to appoint a committee to look for a place for the Chapter to rent on a longer term lease, but for a reasonable price. I will quote the minutes of this Executive Session below:

Meeting held: Phoenix Country Club, June 1, 2007.

Meeting was called to order at 1:23 pm by Harold Gribow, President.

Attendees: Harold Gribow, Katherine Gosiger, Milli Lee, Mary Bobbitt, David Bellmont, Denis White, Donna Seniuk, Mike Cook, Carl Hamilton, Vicki Allen-Buglisi, Mike Briggs, Jitu Patel

The purpose of this meeting was to discuss establishing the safety training center by the Arizona Chapter.

A five member panel was established to finalize research for the center: David Bellmont, Harold Gribow, Katherine Gosiger, Mike Cook, and Vicki Allen-Buglisi.

It has been advised by the Society, that the Chapter can sponsor the training center, but the name and ASSE logo can not be used. The Chapter can financially support the training center as needed with no restrictions.

There are enough classes through UCSD to pay the rent each month over the course of a year. UCSD has expressed interest in working closely with the Chapter, as we have been very successful with them in the past. It is anticipated that the Abacus building will not be available for much longer. In the 2007 year to date, we have had to move 2 classes. The classes are on the 2008 calendar, but due to changes at SCF who owns the Abacus, we may be required to move more classes. With a separate training center sponsored by the Chapter, we can hold up to three times as many classes with UCSD and other companies needing space for training. UCSD courses have prerequisites for more classes, so would provide additional courses and sources of financial support for the training center.

The location would need a minimum of 50 parking spaces. One location was found that may be suitable, but the terms of the lease were for five years. Discussion among the Board, determined that a three year lease would be more appropriate. The committee will contact the landlord to discuss this option.

The committee will provide a copy of the business plan and other research results to the Board at the July planning meeting.

Motion was made by Mike Cook to spend up to $10,000 to do the following:

Consult with an attorney to determine what type of non-profit organization needs to be established, i.e., LLC or sub-chapter S, and determine if we can bond the lease expenses.
Determine a name for the training center and have the name researched.
Develop a business plan for the training center outlining the expenses and objectives.
Determine a location.
Determine if a corporate sponsor is viable.

Second was provided by Mike Briggs.

This was passed unanimously by the Board.

Discussion was held regarding the Foundation scholarship fund and whether to continue with the program. At this time, we need to continue with the $5000 annually to remain on schedule with the Chapter’s Long Term Plan. As the training center is still in the planning stages, we agreed that the scholarship fund with the Foundation is necessary. There is a previous commitment from the Chapter to provide the scholarship.

Motion was made by Vicki Allen-Buglisi to fund the Foundation scholarship with an additional $5000 this year. Second was provided by Donna Seniuk.

The vote was unanimous in favor.

Motion to adjourn was made by Vicki Allen-Buglisi, and second by Donna Seniuk.

Meeting adjourned at 2:35 pm.
We will continue these efforts to try and get our Arizona Training Center established by the end of 2007.

Now, about my Chapter Board….

Denis White, Past President and Delegate. Denis gave me inspiration and direction in keeping the Chapter Presidency moving toward making the Arizona Chapter the best in ASSE.

Katherine Gosiger, President-Elect. Katherine arranged all our luncheons and made sure we had high quality and interesting speakers at each meeting.

Milli Lee, Vice-President. Milli had the tough job of finding and arranging the speakers for our Professional Development Conference – the ASSE/SCF Safety Works Expo in March of 2007. Milli also made all the arrangements for the meeting of the Regional Operating Committee that our Chapter hosted this past winter.

Mary Bobbitt, Secretary. Mary made sure we had minutes for every Board meeting and provided them to us for review quickly after each meeting.

David Bellmont, Treasurer. David made sure we didn’t spend any money foolishly, worked tirelessly to keep our OSHA classes going, and worked closely with our Membership Chair to send letters and ASSE applications to many of the businesses in our Chapter area, soliciting more members for our Chapter. He also won second prize in the Society’s Membership drive. David has been busy all year searching for a location for our Training Center, and working toward its establishment.

Vicki Allen-Buglisi, Membership Chair. Vicki worked with David to get the membership solicitation out, kept track of all our new members and created the PowerPoint slide show that the membership enjoyed at the beginning of each luncheon. Vicki is also one of our Officers who is working toward improving the availability of safety and health education in our area. Our Chapter currently serves 475 members.

Larry Gast, Newsletter Editor and Webmaster. Larry was instrumental in the redesign of our website, moving it to the ASSE host site and making sure that all the information was up to date and interesting.

Donna Seniuk, Job Bank and Long Range Plan Chair. If you have looked at our job band, you know that currently there are 104 jobs available for safety professionals in Arizona, and nationwide. No other Chapter has such an extensive job bank. This is a big job that requires constant monitoring.

Mike Cook, Awards and Honors. Mike coordinated our Safety Professional of the Year and Executive of the Year awards. He also is a prime motivator in our drive to establish our Training Center.

Mike Briggs, Nominations Chair. Mike made sure that we had a complete slate of candidates for our election that was held late this year. He also is a dedicated driver of our education efforts.

Steve Davis, Association Interface. Steve contacted the many other safety and health associations in Phoenix to invite them to our annual Joint Meeting which included our toy drive just before the holidays. Steve also delivered a truckload of toys to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Carl Hamilton, By-Laws and COPS Chair. Carl made sure we did not violate any by-laws, kept in contact with the Council on Practices and Standards, and succeeded in the Vice Presidential election. Carl also was the inside person at SCF for the Safety Works Expo and worked tirelessly to make it a success.

Heath Bradley, Government Affairs. Heath kept us informed of new developments in rules and regulations for safety and health, and was the Co-Chair, with Tim Page-Bottorff, of our Annual Golf Tournament that raised about $1,000 for the ASSE Foundation. He also was the treasurer of our Construction Section.

George Yogurtian, Public and Community Relations. George arranged for our Chapter to work at two charitable events, the Channel 8 Pledge Drive and the West of Western Culinary Festival. He left us toward the end of the year and we miss his help and smiling face.

Tim Little, Foundation. Tim coordinated the raffles that we held at every Chapter luncheon and will serve as Denis White’s proxy at the annual ASSE House of Delegates meeting in Orlando this month.

Larry Tinker, New Member Coordinator. Larry was the greeter at each meeting, helping to make new members feel comfortable with our Chapter. Larry also reminded me, for quite a few meetings, to say the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each luncheon.

Jitu Patel, Senior Board Advisor. Jitu gave us great advice regarding our Chapter affairs and was honored as our Chapter’s Safety Professional of the Year.

Clint Bragg, Construction Section Chair. Clint arranged monthly meetings for the Construction Section.

Linda Howard, Student Section Chair. Linda worked with our student members to keep them informed and offered counseling to those that had issues with the educational opportunities in our area.

Jim Gallup, Area A Director of Region II of ASSE. We were fortunate to have Jim represent the Region at our meetings. He is likely to be the Region II Vice President next year.

I’m sure I am leaving something out of this narrative, and I can’t begin to thank all the members who worked with the Board on many of our events. This Board made my Presidency successful. I was really only the “talking head” at the luncheons and the Board Meetings. The Board deserves ALL the credit for the work that went on and the many achievements of our Chapter.

As the old song goes, “See you in September.” Our next meeting is Sept. 7, 2007 at the Phoenix Country Club, and your President for next year is Katherine Gosiger.

Now all I have left to do is the Chapter STARS report. Anyone want to help?

Harold Gribow, MS, CSP, ARM
Arizona Chapter President

American Express Director Named 2007 Executive of the Year

Samuel J. Brick receives the Arizona ASSE 2007 Executive of the Year Award from outgoing Chapter President Harold Gribow at the Chapter luncheon on June 1. He was honored by the Chapter for outstanding safety leadership at the executive level in both the community and at American Express where he is the Director of Technologies.

"Sam Brick played a key role in obtaining and maintaining ISO 9001-2000 certification for the data centers in Phoenix and Minneapolis," according to award nomination documents. He is responsible for ensuring ISO Certification is maintained for both of those facilities.

Through his leadership, he has been responsible for many innovative safety solutions, procedures and bringing on-line safety training to employees at American Express.

Mr. Brick's commitment to safety also extends to support for American Express employee Donna P Seniuk's involvement with the Chapter as the Job Bank Coordinator and the Long Range Planning chair person.

Jitu C. Patel Receives Safety Professional of the Year Award

Arizona ASSE Chapter President Harold Gribow presented Jitu C. Patel the 2007 Chapter Safety Professional of the Year (SPY) Award before a packed house at the May 4, 2007 chapter meeting.

Mr. Patel, CPEA, is an international safety consultant who for 21 years has provided health and safety services to Aramco, the oil and gas producing and processing corporation in Saudi Arabia. He has also provided technical training and research on the topics of fires, explosions, and health and environmental safety issues in heavy chemical manufacturing and developed and conducted fire and safety seminars for Safety & Fire Prevention engineers throughout the world.

He proudly serves the Arizona Chapter as the Senior Board Adviser as well as on the Steering Committee for the 5th and 6th Professional Development Conferences organized by the ASSE Middle East Chapter; the International Advisory Committee of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy 20th Anniversary Process Safety Conference organized by the Indian Institute of Technology. In addition to volunteering for many ASSE functions, Mr. Patel was a speaker and member of the Conference Organizing Committee of the 7th PDC of the ASSE-MEC, in March 2006 in Bahrain and at the ASSE/SCF Safety Expo in March 2007 Mesa, AZ.

To read some of Mr. Patel's work, two of his safety articles on risk management and loss prevention are available here: http://az.asse.org/articles.php

AZ Chapter, SCF Deliver Safety Expo 2007

The Arizona Chapter, ASSE and SCF Arizona Safety Works Expo 2007 on March 13 & 14 was an unqualified success, according to the more than 400 attendees. The two-day event afforded the Arizona safety community an inspiring keynote address from noted safety behavioral research and instructor, Scott Geller, Ph.D.

Members of the Arizona Chapter provided assistance and in many cases conducted the training of the more than 25 safety courses offered during the event. Chapter members attended in strong numbers and actively supported the Expo, which covered topics from heat stress and behavior-based safety to fall protection and HAZCOM as well as an OSHA 10-hour construction class.

Online Occupational Safety Program Launched

Eastern Kentucky University is offering an online Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management program starting April 5.

Safety professionals including many ASSE members determined that it was necessary to focus the program’s curriculum around safety and emergency management topics.

EKU has also developed an Occupational Safety concentration within the degree program as well as an Occupational Safety certificate course for safety professionals to further their education and careers while maintaining their current professional responsibilities.

For more information contact Page Boudreau at EKU by emailing pboudreau@safetymanagement.eku.edu or through the program website at www.safetymanagement.eku.