The Bakersfield ASSP Chapter’s May 2026 newsletter is here! Be sure to check out all the news, updates, and links inside the issue. The newsletter is attached for your viewing. All newsletter are made available on our Chapter’s website library.

Safety 2026 – Anaheim!

Registration for Safety 2026, hosted in Anaheim California, is now open! Discount registration rate ends May 14, so register as soon as possible for this incredible event.

Annual Safety Poster Contest

The Bakersfield ASSP Chapter is once again hosting a safety poster contest for kids – Safe Kids Safe Future. Kids from three different age groups are eligible to submit with a chance to win an art basket to continue exploring their creativity over the summer break. Details in the newsletter.

May 6, 2026 – Chapter Meeting

The meeting will feature Dan Hopwood, CSP, SMP, CPCU, ARM, FASSP, the President of the Board of Certified Safety Professionals for 2026. Mr. Hopwood will be presenting on Disruption in Safety – A Critical Dimension to Our Success. Though being disruptive is often considered in a negative light, there is a positive side to being a disruptor, or being disruptive. In fact, thinking in terms of disruption is more essential now than ever for safety professionals.

June 3, 2026 – Chapter Meeting

The meeting featured James Boretti, President & CEO of Boretti, Inc. Mr. Boretti is presenting on Influencing to get buy-in from the C-Suite Safety. Safety professionals often struggle with the perception of safety as a “cost center” rather than a driver of business value. To gain executive buy-in, you must bridge the communication gap between technical safety requirements and the strategic priorities of the C-Suite.

Bakersfield Chapter WISE Group

WISE (Women in Safety Excellence) is conducting its annual Heat Illness Prevention Initiative to reach out to street vendors and other outdoor workers to protect themselves against the heat. Consider donating cases of water, electrolyte packets, sunscreen, lip balm, fans, or wide-brimmed hats.

Members Update

This month, we welcome four new members, celebrate two individuals for their professional development, and congratulate six members on new job opportunities.

New, Information, and Resources

This month, we are featuring four ASSP items – 1) What OSHA’s Updated Heat Emphasis Program Means for Employers; 2) ASSP Names 2026-27 Board of Directors; and 3) ASSP Supports Federal Investment in Worker Safety Through OSHA and NIOSH.

2026-2027 Nominees

The Nominations Committee proudly announces the nominees for election to the 2026-2027 Chapter Executive Committee. Chapter elections will take place at the monthly Chapter meeting on May 6, 2026. Nominees presented in the newsletter.

For comments or suggestions on ways we can improve this newsletter as a service to you – our members – please contact Dave Lee.

Read The Newsletter

The Bakersfield Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) is hosting a Safety Poster Contest for kids! Three lucky winners will receive an Art Basket to explore their creativity over the summer.

ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY: MAY 27, 2026
Get creative and share your vision of safety in the community!

Contest Rules:

• Eligibility: Open to children ages 5-13 who are associated with ASSP members or meeting guests. One entry per child.
• Submission Requirements: Submit an 8.5” x 11” poster promoting safety in the community, featuring key safety tips and visuals.
• How to Submit: Entries must be submitted via the linked Google Form (CLICK HERE) or by scanning the QR Code in the poster.
• In-Person Submissions: Entries may also be dropped off at 4250 ASHE RD, Bakersfield, CA 93313 (Health, Safety and Wellness Office) between 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Mon.- Fri., through May 27, 2026.
• Entry Information: All entries must include the adult’s name, phone number, child’s name, and age category.

A panel of independent judges will select the three winners based on creativity in
illustrating the theme, “Safety in the Community.” Once the winners are announced, selected entries may be shared on the ASSP’s social media channels, newsletter, and/or website. The winners will be officially announced at the Bakersfield Chapter ASSP meeting on June 3, 2026, in celebration of Safety Month.

AGE GROUP PRIZES:

• 5-7 YEARS OLD
• 8-10 YEARS OLD
• 11-13 YEARS OLD

Enter Here

The Bakersfield ASSP Chapter’s March 2026 newsletter is here! Be sure to check out all the news, updates, and links inside the issue. The newsletter is attached for your viewing. All newsletter are made available on our Chapter’s website library.

ASSP Membership

Use the coupon code 2512BAKERSFIELD and the $25 application fee is waived! ASSP Membership is incredibly valuable!

2026 Bakersfield Symposium

We are just a few weeks away from the Bakersfield ASSP Professional Development Symposium, and we hope you’ll join us for a day focused on strengthening safety leadership and professional development in our region. Wednesday March 18th, 2026 @ Dignity Health Convention Center, Bakersfield, CA. Register today – 2026 Bakersfield ASSP Symposium.

2026-2027 Nominees

The Nominations Committee proudly announces the nominees for election to the 2026-2027 Chapter Executive Committee. Chapter elections will take place at the monthly Chapter meeting on May 6, 2026. Nominees presented in the newsletter.

March 4, 2026 – Chapter Meeting

The meeting featured Louis Jameson, Deputy District Attorney Kern County Deputy District Attorney’s Office. Mr. Jameson presenting on Fraud! Workers’ Compensation, Auto, Disability, and Healthcare. In the presentation, he discussed workers’ compensation fraud, auto fraud, disability fraud, and healthcare fraud.

April 1, 2026 – Chapter Meeting

The meeting will feature David Ungar, Attorney with The Zenith Insurance. Mr. Ungar will be presenting on Navigating the Maze: Cumulative Trauma & The “Capper” Conundrum. In the presentation, he will discuss why cumulative trauma claims are among the most complex and costly challenges in the workers’ compensation system. Mr. Ungar will break down the legal anatomy of CT cases. Attendees will learn high-level strategies to identify red flags early, mitigate exposure, and implement best practices to protect their organization from predatory litigation tactics.

OSHA CARES Posters

The OSHA Job Safety and Health Workplace Poster tells workers their rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. This poster is free from OSHA and can be downloading on OSHA’s website. Link in the newsletter.

OSHA’s Safety Champions Program

The Safety Champions Program is a new program for employers to develop and implement an effective safety and health program. The main goal of safety and health programs is to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths. Learn more about OSHA’s new Safety Champions Program with links to their webpage and a short video.

New, Information, and Resources

This month, we are featuring four ASSP items – 1) What is the ASSP Membership  Advantage; 2) The Safety-Buy In Blueprint; 3) Government Affairs; and 4) Alliances & Affiliations.

For comments or suggestions on ways we can improve this newsletter as a service to you – our members – please contact Dave Lee.

Each peer-reviewed issue of Professional Safety offers practical guidance, techniques and solutions to help occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals identify hazards, protect people, prevent injuries, improve work environments and educate management that investing in safety is a sound business strategy. Annual subscription is included with your membership.