With the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) generating many questions, the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) will host a free coronavirus question-and-answer session for occupational safety and health professionals to learn more about responding to the pandemic. The live online event starts at noon CT/1 pm ET Wednesday, March 18, featuring expert advice from ASSP President-Elect Deborah Roy, M.P.H., RN, CSP, who has more than 35 years of experience in the safety and health industry, including being a certified occupational health nurse specialist.

During the one-hour session, participants will ask questions and get answers from Roy, who provides safety training and consulting for global clients as president of SafeTech Consultants Inc. She is a former corporate director of health, safety and wellness for L.L.Bean who was directly involved in responses to global pandemics.

Some questions Roy expects to address include:
1.    How would you describe the current hazard level at a typical workplace?
2.    How can occupational safety and health professionals identify COVID-19 risks and help their employers strategically manage this health issue?
3.    Can companies effectively implement coronavirus policies and enforcement protocols?
4.    How is this virus different than the seasonal flu and other global pandemics we’ve seen in recent years?
5.    Is personal protective equipment such as the N95 respirator a viable option to protect workers?
6.    For safety and health professionals with global responsibilities, what are your recommendations for managing worldwide coordination of activities?
7.    How do you protect workers who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 based on existing health conditions?

As an occupational safety and health leader that has stood for safety for more than 100 years, ASSP has a responsibility to its nearly 40,000 global members to provide the proper guidance that helps organizations resolve today’s workplace safety and health challenges. Safety professionals work diligently to protect workers and companies in all industries worldwide. ASSP provides its members and the safety community with the latest knowledge and best practices to reduce injuries, illnesses and fatalities at their own organizations.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, ASSP strongly recommends that everyone follow everyday guidelines from the World Health Organization that call on people to wash their hands frequently; practice good respiratory hygiene such as coughing into a bent elbow; maintain social distancing of at least 3 feet; avoid touching their face; and stay home when feeling ill.

To register for the free coronavirus Q&A session, safety and health professionals can visit the ASSP online store.

About ASSP – Working together for a safer, stronger future
For more than 100 years, the American Society of Safety Professionals has been at the forefront of helping occupational safety and health professionals protect people and property. The nonprofit society is based in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge. Its global membership of over 39,000 professionals covers every industry, developing safety and health management plans that prevent injuries, illnesses and deaths. ASSP advances its members and the safety profession through education, advocacy, standards and a professional community. Its flagship publication, Professional Safety, is a longtime leader in the field. Visit www.assp.org and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.