Award recognizes exceptional leadership in advancing workplace safety and health
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has named Dr. Steven Thygerson, a professor of environmental and occupational health at Brigham Young University, as its 2025 Safety Professional of the Year. The prestigious award recognizes Thygerson’s exceptional leadership in advancing workplace safety and health through education, research, and global collaboration.
A dedicated educator and mentor, Thygerson has played a key role in preparing the next generation of safety and health professionals. His teaching blends academic theory with practical application, and his efforts to lead international study abroad programs have provided students with hands-on safety experiences across the globe.
“Dr. Thygerson is a master educator who leverages a decade of industry experience to enrich his teaching,” said Joshua West, Ph.D., MPH, professor and chair of the Department of Public Health at Brigham Young University. “He consistently receives exceptional student evaluations, with feedback emphasizing his alignment with our mission of character building, intellectual growth and lifelong learning”.
Thygerson’s international impact includes collaborations with institutions in countries such as Nepal, Thailand, Peru, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Mozambique. He is particularly noted for his work to improve health standards for brick makers, a group frequently exposed to hazardous working conditions.
Beyond academia, Thygerson has a prolific record of scholarship and service. He has contributed to over 50 books, articles, and publications, and has presented at nearly 75 national and international safety conferences. His volunteer work includes positions with the Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Board, Utah County Trauma Executive Team, Workplace Health Without Borders, and the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health.
“You would have to look long and hard to find somebody who truly cares about the safety and welfare of people more than Steve,” said Douglas Handy, CSP (retired), former president of ASSP’s Utah Chapter. “He is willing to help anyone, and those around him feel his care and concern. He is a leader with integrity”.
Thygerson previously earned regional recognition as Safety Professional of the Year for both ASSP’s Utah Chapter and Region 2. He has also fostered collaboration among Utah’s major universities to bolster safety education and training.
He will be formally recognized at ASSP’s Safety 2025 Professional Development Conference and Exposition, taking place July 22–24 in Orlando. The international event gathers thousands of safety professionals to explore industry best practices, emerging trends, and innovative safety technologies.
The Safety Professional of the Year award is ASSP’s highest honor, given annually to an environmental, health, and safety professional who demonstrates outstanding achievement and makes significant contributions to the field.
