With a small membership but a large geographical responsibility, Alaska’s Midnight Sun chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is dedicated and active -- even when winter temperatures in the area dip well below -30.

The chapter's efforts to promote workplace safety, professional development, communication and service to safety, health and environmental (SH&E) professionals and ASSE members has won it the prestigious Small Chapter of the Year Award from ASSE.

The chapter was a co-winner with Region VII’s Kitty Hawk Chapter in Ohio.

The Midnight Sun Chapter, which is part of ASSE’s Region I, was established as a formal ASSE chapter in 1996. It represents the North Pole, AK, and Fairbanks, the state’s second largest city. Geographically, the chapter covers 7,361 square miles and a population of 97,000.

With 58 members, the Midnight Sun Chapter is one of ASSE’s five smallest chapters. "However, the dedication of its members has made them stand out as leaders amongst ASSE’s 150 chapters around the globe," according to the ASSE.

Since 1991, the Midnight Sun Chapter has hosted an annual Professional Development Conference (PDC) for SH&E practitioners, for its membership and for local communities. These PDCs have become the backbone of safety training for many contractors, governmental agencies and private industry.

In addition, the chapter has partnered with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Alaska General Contractors and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to advocate for safety both on the job and in the community.

Even during the frigid winter months the Midnight Sun Chapter’s members continue to participate in many chapter programs including Safety in the Schools and student mentorship through area technical college programs.