President

Michelle Hyatt, COSS (Certified Occupational Safety Specialist) is the HSE Specialist for IPEX USA LLC (P2) in Pineville, NC and has worked in the safety industry for over 11 years.  She has served on the Executive Committee for the Tarheel ASSP Chapter for the past 2 years.  She currently is responsible for the health, safety, and environmental activity programs for a thermoplastic pipe fittings manufacturer. The facility is scheduled to be fully automated by end of year 2024. Michelle has been involved in the designs and training regarding the implementation of the automated equipment. Michelle’s responsibility during this multi-million-dollar implementation, has been to ensure machines are designed with healthy ergonomics, safety features, and environmental considerations for the overall success of the facility.  Her previous experience also included HSE Consultant for KPA, and Safety Specialist for Wheel Pros (Hoonigan Industries).  Michelle has an extensive history of volunteer service to her community and to her church and is looking forward to continuing her support of the members and leadership of the Tarheel ASSP Chapter.

While drug testing is allowed in all 50 states, it’s important to consider several developments related to medical cannabis. While safety professionals don’t usually get involved in drug testing as a term of employment or random testing (that’s a job for HR), there are some ways that safety professionals may touch on the use of drug testing in their organizations through reasonable suspicion or a safety incident.

As medical cannabis use expands in states across the U.S., and signs point toward federal legalization in the future, safety professionals must know the implications for workplace safety.

Not only are more states legalizing medical cannabis, but more doctors are also prescribing it rather than heavy-duty pain-relief options like opiates. As adoption and use increases, more cases come up in the courts about how to address medical cannabis in the workplace, prompting many states to reevaluate their laws as the landscape evolves.

Tarheel Chapter Governmental Affairs Chair, Scott Baranowski awarded the 2022 Engineering Practice Specialty Safety Professional of the Year at the Safety 2022 PDC.

ASSP’s practice specialties and common interest groups recognized members for their ongoing efforts and contributions to the Society.

Congratulations Scott!

The 2023 Tarheel Chapter Safety Professional of the Year was awarded to LaQuandra Bass.

Please join us in congratulating LaQuandra on this well-deserved award!

Tarheel Chapter Nominations and Elections committee are pleased to announce the results of the election for the 2023–2024-chapter year.

President: Peter Boccardo

Vice President/President-Elect: Michelle Hyatt

Secretary: Cheryl Johnson

Treasurer: David Consider, CSP

Congratulations to our newly elected leadership team!

On behalf of the Nominations & Elections Committee, thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s election process.

The Tarheel Chapter would like to extend the invitation to our members to volunteer for the Secretary position.  This leadership opportunity is a great way to network with safety professionals in your area and help grow your local ASSP chapter.  This elected opportunity is a three-year pathway through the presidency. Attached is the Secretary position description and below are the key responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and retain all chapter files, including minutes and correspondence, according to the chapter document retention guidelines
• Ensure that members receive timely and effective notices of all chapter meetings and functions
• Attend chapter general membership and Executive Committee meetings
• Record and distribute minutes of all chapter and Executive Committee meetings to chapter members and officers
• Ensure consistent and appropriate messaging across chapter communication channels (website, social media accounts, newsletter and other publications) in partnership with chapter communications chair and/or other chapter volunteers as applicable
• Assist chapter president in completing reports
• Assume duties of chapter treasurer when necessary

If you have interest in volunteering for this position, please contact: 

Heather White, Tarheel Chapter Delegate and Nominations & Elections Lead, HStarr@ncsu.edu

Kara Van Blarcum, Tarheel Chapter Vice President, Presidentelect@tarheel.assp.org