Safety engineer and ergonomics specialist takes the title this year
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has named a safety engineer and ergonomics specialist as the 2024 Safety Professional of the Year.
The organization awarded the title to Matthew F. Herron, lead safety engineer for the Mechanical Engineering Division at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, TX.
“Matt has been instrumental to the safety culture in our operating division of more than 300 employees,” said Shane Siebenaler, director of the Fluids Engineering Department at Southwest Research Institute. “Our environment presents hazards that range from explosives to high-pressure hydrogen to radioactive sources. Matt developed many of the safety procedures we use daily. His enthusiasm and diligence to safety is contagious and has a direct impact on our employees, clients and visitors.”
ASSP annually presents the award to one of its members who “demonstrates outstanding achievement in the occupational safety and health (OSH) field while also advancing the OSH profession overall.” it said.
Herron has created numerous division-wide operating procedures and processes, including a safety initiative called “Safety 360” that empowers workers to identify, correct and report unsafe acts and conditions.
He was also a 2022 recipient of the Society’s President’s Award and Charles V. Culbertson Outstanding Volunteer Service Award as well as the 2023 Council on Practices and Standards Safety Professional of the Year. He currently serves as vice president for Region III, deputy vice president for the Council on Region Affairs, standards chair for the Ergonomics Practice Specialty, social media chair for the Engineering Practice Specialty and member of ASSP’s Advisory Group.
“Matt’s leadership skills shine brightly and ensure that all Region III chapters are not only functioning, but thriving in challenging times,” said Andrea Ball, vice president of ASSP’s Council on Region Affairs. “He is always willing to volunteer for projects and spearhead valuable programs.”
Herron will receive a $2,000 honorarium and commemorative engraved award.
He will be honored at ASSP’s Safety 2024 Professional Development Conference and Exposition, held Aug. 7-9 in Denver.
