A major session at the NSC was introduced by OSHA chief Doug Parker, moderated by NIOSH director Dr John Howard, and had six panelists. The subject? Diversity, equity and inclusion, better known these days as DEI.

Critics argue diversity, equity and inclusion and associated values and programs are simply superficial, trendy attempts to look good. Nothing more than social issues greenwashing. But the more I researched into diversity in the business world, the more I realized there’s nothing trendy or new about it.

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the world’s oldest professional safety organization founded in 1911, is taking steps to improve diversity, equity and inclusion within the Society and throughout the occupational safety and health profession.