Promoting Mental Health

Welcome to October! October is National Depression and Mental Awareness month. I would, therefore, like to remind us briefly of the need to be a part of this awareness, as well as integrate mental health into the fabric of our programs.

As safety professionals, our influence in the workplace goes beyond the bounds of the technical programs we manage or whatever best practice we implement, but much more in the positive relationship we build with the people we work with in ensuring they feel happy and are mentally stable each workday.

As organizations continue to face labor shortages and adapt to the changing world of work, it is important that we continue to play a critical role in helping workers feel seen, heard and understood. We should make deliberate effort, if not already doing so, to introduce programs to help reduce employee stress, which can improve their health, morale and productivity.  

When we deeply understand how people feel by asking the right questions and listening to their concerns, we are able to build trust, which in turn promotes an inclusive safety culture within our organizations. Naturally, people are more connected to an organization’s goals and vision when they feel valued and are offered some level of flexibility that promotes job satisfaction, better health, increased work-life balance and less stress. Our roles are critical in bridging this gap in whatever environment we belong. I really can’t appreciate you all enough for all you do in advocating not only for workers’ physical health and safety, but also their mental health.

On the other side of October are the upcoming events that we have lined up for you – our most esteemed members! First, is this month’s Technical Meeting. This meeting, which is being held jointly with the Western Carolina Chapter, will feature Trish Ennis, who served as Society’s 100^th President (in 2015). Trish will discuss the Role of Safety in Reputation Risk Management. You definitely don’t want to miss this one – see the NC ASSP events page for more information or follow the link: https://nc.assp.org/events/october-technical-meeting-the-role-of-safety-in-reputation-risk-management/?. But in case you can’t make this, be sure to check out our YouTube page where we have most of our presentations archived.

Advisory Group – One of the highpoints of this month’s technical meeting is to formally take a vote to amend the Chapter’s bylaws to reflect the new Advisory Group. At last month’s meeting, the Executive Committee proposed an amendment to the bylaws to replace the House of Delegates with the new Advisory Group per Society’s new governance change initiative.

Last but not the least is the Virtual Leadership Conference which will be held next week Thursday and Friday (October 20-21, 2022). The conference is free and open to all chapters, common interest groups, practice specialty leaders and other ASSP leaders. 

As always, we would love to hear from you on ways we can make your experience better as a member of the NC Chapter. We are open to working together and finding new ways to collaborate with you, all in the interest of creating a safer future for our workers, and building a stronger future for our organization.

Ogaga Tebehaevu, MS, CIH, CSP

Working together for a safer, and stronger future.

As my term as president of the North Carolina ASSP Chapter progresses, I am excited at the opportunity to work with our members and other stakeholders within and outside our local geographical area. I, and the other members of the Executive Committee, are honored to represent you while continuing to make improvements to meet your professional needs.

I cannot think of a better phrase that describes our roles as safety professionals in the current climate than the very motto of ASSP – “Working together for a safer, and stronger future.”

From navigating through the pandemic to dealing with new challenges arising from an evolving work environment, our responsibilities are becoming increasingly demanding. But realizing that what we do contributes to building a safer and stronger future, we continue to do our best in making a difference each day.

As your local chapter, we want to make sure we are providing the needed resources to help you successfully navigate through these challenging times. One of our goals this year is to increase member engagement as much as we can. Consequently, the Executive Committee (EC) is administering a member survey this quarter to hear from you on ways to better serve you. A link to this short, four-minute survey, is included in this newsletter.

https://updates0698.survey.fm/member-engagement-survey-assp-nc

We also want to encourage you to take advantage of the chapter’s monthly technical meetings. We strive to make the meetings as interactive as possible, reflecting on contemporary OSH issues while also satisfying your technical needs. If you missed our August meeting on Office Ergonomics and the Hybrid Work Environments, be sure to check out the chapter’s website for an archived recording. For October’s technical meeting, Trish Ennis, ASSP past president, will talk on “The Role of Safety in Reputation Risk Management.”

Thank you for being an integral part of our community and for all you do in advancing the health and safety of workers.

The Executive Committee looks forward to working with you. When we come together, work together and support one another, we can achieve many great things, including making the world of work safer for all.

Ogaga Tebehaevu, MS, CIH, CSP