Today’s Southwest Ohio ASSP meeting was the kind of conversation that reminds you why professional communities matter.

Led by the incredible Stephanie Flannery, we explored one of the biggest questions in safety today: What are we really measuring, and why? The discussion challenged us to rethink familiar metrics like TRIR and DART and consider whether they still reflect the realities of modern safety performance, or whether we’ve simply become used to relying on them.

One of the strongest takeaways was the shift from focusing mainly on how often incidents happen to understanding the severity of the risks behind them. That change in perspective has the potential to reshape how organizations prioritize prevention, resources, and decision-making.

What made the session stand out was how open and engaging the room felt. There were thoughtful questions, different viewpoints, and honest conversations throughout. Stephanie brought clarity to a topic that can easily become buried in statistics and compliance language, and she did it in a way that kept everyone involved.

To everyone who took time out of a busy day to attend, thank you. Your participation, insights, and willingness to challenge ideas are what make this chapter valuable.

And of course, a special thank you to Stephanie for leading such a meaningful discussion.

Looking ahead, don’t miss our June exclusive site visit and networking lunch at the Messer Construction project site at Xavier University. It will be a great opportunity to see safety practices in action and connect with fellow professionals in a different setting.

Register soon as spots are limited!

We are proud to announce the recipients of the Southwest Ohio ASSP Chapter’s 2026 scholarships. These awards recognize outstanding students and emerging professionals dedicated to advancing the field of environment, health, and safety.

Please join us in celebrating their hard work and commitment!

These scholars represent the future of our profession. We are grateful to our chapter members and sponsors whose generous support makes these awards possible.

Wishing each recipient continued success in their studies and careers. The EHS community is better for having you in it!

Yesterday’s Southwest Ohio ASSP social was exactly what it needed to be. Simple, genuine, and a good way to close out the month.

It was great reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting a few new ones. These moments matter more than we admit; they remind us that our work in safety is not done in isolation, but in community.

To everyone who showed up, thank you for bringing your time, your energy, and your conversations. It made the evening what it was. And to those who couldn’t make it, you were missed. Life gets busy, and we totally understand. The strength of this community isn’t just in who’s present, but in the shared commitment we all bring, whether we are in the room or not.

Looking forward to the next one!

Hurray!!!

The University of Cincinnati welcomed back its American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Student Chapter on March 24, 2026, with the chapter’s first meeting following a period of inactivity. The relaunch represents an encouraging development for the profession’s next generation in the region.

The student chapter revival is being led by Grace Adkins (the student chapter president), whose initiative is driving the effort and laying the groundwork for a sustainable, active organization. She is being supported by the faculty advisors, Prof. Thomas Houston and Prof Jing Shi.

Students at UC are strongly encouraged to get involved and help shape the chapter’s direction.

The meeting opened with introductions and an overview of ASSP’s mission, vision, and the purpose of the student chapter. Several executive board positions remain open, including Vice President, Secretary, Social Media Officer, Outreach Service Officer, and Outreach Experience Officer. Interested students are encouraged to contact Grace directly.

The meeting’s discussions centered on building a strong continuity plan to ensure the chapter’s long-term sustainability, alongside recruitment strategies including career fairs and peer outreach. Members also expressed interest in hosting a Southwest Ohio ASSP chapter meeting on campus, an initiative that would strengthen ties between the student chapter and the broader professional community.

Donna Mingerink, Vice President of the Southwest Ohio ASSP Chapter, attended the meeting in a show of support on behalf of the regional chapter.

The students have agreed to convene monthly going forward.

The ASSP Southwestern Ohio Chapter is now accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship cycle. This scholarship supports students pursuing education in occupational safety, health, and related fields.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026

[Download the scholarship application here]

Eligible students are encouraged to apply early and ensure all required materials are submitted by the deadline.

For questions regarding the application or submission of materials, please email steph.flannery@gmail.com