We have made some changes to our bylaws, the rules that govern how the chapter operates. The current bylaws can be viewed here. We have made 2 changes. First, any requirement within the by-laws that required a member to be a Professional Member was changed to standard Member. Second, we reduced the positions on the Executive Board from 9 to 7. The Bylaws chair was removed as an executive board position and the Awards & Honors and Nominations and Elections positions were combined into the Awards, Honors, Nominations, and Elections Chair. You can view the revised bylaws here. The revised changes have been approved by chapter leadership. We will be voting on these changes to the bylaws at our October Technical meeting. The bylaws state any changes must be presented to membership for 30 days prior to the vote. If we do not have the required number of members to approve a vote, we will be sending an electronic vote. If you have any additional questions, please contact president@az.assp.org or bylaws@az.assp.org.

Hello! We were hoping to start in-person meetings this upcoming September, but due to the recent rise in COVID infections, hospitalizations, and deaths we have decided, as an organization of Safety Professionals, to hold our first 3 meetings this chapter year virtually using our GoToMeeting platform. This will utilize the same system as last year. When you register for a technical meeting, your registration approval email will contain a link for the GoToMeeting.

We are hoping that improved vaccination rates, use of masks, and adherence to public health guidance will lower infection rates and we will be able to meet in person starting in December with a big Christmas meeting. We will keep you updated on meeting status here on the website and in upcoming newsletters. Thank you for your understanding and patience. We miss seeing everyone in person just as much as you do!

The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule to rescind an earlier rule, “Joint Employer Status under the Fair Labor Standards Act” that took effect in March 2020. By rescinding that rule, the Department will ensure more workers receive minimum wage and overtime protections of the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

The rescinded rule included a description of joint employment contrary to statutory language and Congressional intent. The rule also failed to take into account the department’s prior joint employment guidance. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York vacated most of the rule in 2020. Under the FLSA, an employee can have more than one employer for the work they perform. Joint employment applies when – for the purposes of minimum wage and overtime requirements – the department considers two separate companies to be a worker’s employer for the same work. For example, a joint employer relationship could occur where a hotel contracts with a staffing agency to provide cleaning staff, which the hotel directly controls. If the agency and the hotel are joint employers, they are both responsible for worker protections. A strong joint employer standard is critical because FLSA responsibilities and liability for worker protections do not apply to a business that does not meet the definition of employer. The final rule becomes effective September 28, 2021. For more information about the FLSA or other laws it enforces, visit the Wage and Hour Division, or call toll-free 1-866-4US-WAGE.

Examination Reimbursement for Recent Certification Completion

Our newly approved reimbursement program is intended to promote an education path that will lead to, or support, employment in the fields of environmental, safety, occupational health, risk management, or industrial hygiene. 

Instructions: Download the application and return to the Awards and Honors Chair by May 1, 2021 to be considered for reimbursement. Due to the budget constraints, the AZ ASSP Chapter reserves to the right to limit the number of reimbursements.

Contact: Michael Bryant if you have questions.

Hello! We have recently switched virtual meeting software from WebEx to GoToMeeting. When you register for one of our monthly technical meetings, you are sent a registration confirmation email. In that email is the link for the GoToMeeting login. Please view this reference guide on which link to add the event to your calendar and which link to join the meeting. We look forward to seeing you at our next technical meeting!