During its recent Safety 2012 conference in Denver, CO, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) officially approved a new chapter in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a new section in Mexico.

The UAE Chapter originated as part of ASSE’s Middle East Chapter, which covers territory in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the UAE. ASSE has more than 800 members in this region.

The ASSE said the UAE Chapter – in addition to separate chapters which have been established in Kuwait and Egypt – will give ASSE members in that part of the world increased opportunities to network, and help them share best practices on preventing work injuries and illnesses, develop professional knowledge and skill, and advance the profession in their countries.

“Establishment of the UAE Chapter comes at a pivotal time for the nation, which in recent years has seen its economy continue to diversify, and now includes oil and gas production, processing and shipping, port operations, manufacturing, nuclear energy and aviation,” said the ASSE.

The group also anticipates its Mexico section to have great influence in the advancement of occupational safety and give a strong voice to SH&E professionals in the region. The new section is expected to help grow a greater safety culture in Mexico’s major industries which include mining, oil and gas production, agriculture, machinery, agriculture, textiles and transportation.

The Mexico section joins an existing ASSE section in Ecuador. With its active members in ASSE’s Safety Professional and the Latino Workforce (SPALW) common interest group, the Society is currently exploring business opportunities and membership growth in other countries in the region including; Chile, Colombia, Peru, Panama, Costa Rica and Brazil.