Research conducted by the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) over the past year with its members, customers and stakeholders indicated that an updated brand with a clearer vision would better reflect the organization’s current membership and position it for growth.

“A successful professional organization needs to evolve with changing times to best support its members and maintain an inclusive environment capable of strong growth,” said the ASSE in a statement, about its proposal to change the association’s name and logo after more than 100 years. If approved by members, the new name will be the American Society of Safety Professionals. It will be introduced on the website, and in emails, presentations, brochures and the journal, Professional Safety in the first quarter of 2018.

“When we began, engineers made up our entire membership,” said ASSE President Tom Cecich, CSP, CIH. “Today, the occupational safety and health profession encompasses many disciplines. Our name should reflect the diverse makeup of our membership.”

A new name also would help eliminate confusion about who could join the society. ASSE is a vibrant global community of more than 37,000 professionals who develop and implement safety and health programs in the workplace, protecting people and property while improving business outcomes.

“Workplace safety is constantly evolving, and so must we,” Cecich said. “Our profession includes more occupations and industries than ever before. Our members are knowledgeable about everything from risk assessment and hazard control to workers’ compensation and organizational management, not to mention the more traditional aspects of safety management and engineering.”

ASSE advances its members and the safety profession through education, advocacy, standards development and a professional community. Its members take advantage of a variety of programs and networking opportunities.