DES PLAINES, IL (January 9, 2012) – Realizing the importance of safety in the workplace, India’s growing community of occupational safety professionals today announce the planned launch of the India Chapter of American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) to occur in March, 2012. With close to 70 occupational safety, health and environmental (SH&E) professionals currently a part of the proposed new chapter in India, and many more expressing interest, ASSE’s India Chapter organizers expect the number of new members to grow quickly as news of its formation continues to spread. “The formation of the India Chapter advances our goal to increase awareness of safety around the world,” stated ASSE president Terrie S. Norris. “It allows us to engage more people in our efforts to reduce the loss of life and property, and sustain the environment. While tools, traditions and regulations may differ, our desire to promote and advance safety is the same in any language.” Intended as a way to bring together India’s growing population of SH&E professionals, and hundreds of students currently enrolled in the country’s SH&E university programs, ASSE’s India Chapter will provide members of the safety community with opportunities to network, share best practices, develop professional knowledge and skills and advance the profession while protecting people, property and the environment. “Affiliation and networking within ASSE, the oldest safety organization will be mutually beneficial for all of its members around the world,” explained Jitendra (Jitu) Patel, CPEA, emeritus member of ASSE, and recipient of the 2011 Society Fellow, the highest honor granted by ASSE, and one of the active leaders and founders of its India Chapter. Over the years the business market in India has been a destination for commercial endeavors and investments, and it has experienced high technological and economic growth. According to the Indian government, the country’s economy is expected to grow at approximately 7.5 to 8.5 percent in 2012. With this growth comes greater SH&E need in the country’s many expanding industries including; oil and gas, automobile manufacturing and maintenance, electricity, nuclear energy, construction, information technology, agriculture and traffic safety. Among India’s greatest occupational safety challenges is convincing corporate management about the value of a safe workplace, and that safety translates into profitability. “Management needs to introduce a greater culture of safety into business,” said Patel. “We must convince management of how valuable safety is and of its key role in their success.” The announcement of ASSE’s India Chapter further expands the Society’s mission to lead the charge of advancing the profession and enhancing safety around the world. Those in the SH&E profession who initially join ASSE’s India Chapter will also have the unique distinction of being a ‘Founding Member,’ assisting in the launch of this important organization.