A Very Brief History The National Safety Management Society (NSMS), an organization dating back to 1966, has been a strong proponent of the role of safety and the safety manager in the work environment, since its inception. It recognized that most safety professionals would not come from the engineering world and that there was a significant need for managers to be competent regarding safety systems and management systems. As a continuing effort to set measurable standards by which safety managers could be measured, NSMS initiated activities designed to develop a meaningful certification that would reflect more management principles and less engineering principles when dealing with safety and health issues in the work environment. Last August, that effort culminated in the first meeting of the Institute for Safety and Health Management (ISHM) Board, and marked the end of a direct association between NSMS and ISHM. The separation of the two groups became necessary if accreditation of ISHM was to be achieved. The Board Since the first meeting of the Board, in August of 2002, a lot has happened. The Board elected its two primary officers, Jan Rosenberg, Vice Chair and myself as Chair. It initiated activities to bring ISHM to accreditation. It initiated activities to assure the financial viability of the Institute. Finally, it initiated activities so that the first formal examination for the Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM) could be offered this Fall. These activities have resulted in several meetings, the next of which will be held in March in Chicago. The principle purpose of the next meeting is to finalize by-laws and other associated materials so that the Institute can be accredited by August of 2003. The Board is strongly committed to providing a certification process and distinction that all recipients can be proud of. To this end, we will be making a number of important adjustments that will strengthen the integrity of the Institute, its certifications, and its members. To the extent, we can serve our constituents, I strongly encourage you to support your Board and keep in touch. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at, vanfleee -at- gvsu.edu. u Dr. Eric Van Fleet Chair, Board of Directors Quarterly ISHM UPDATE April 2003