Holidays, Traditions and COVID-19

We have learned to rethink our approach to everyday activities, but with the holidays around the corner modifying traditions can be hard to do. The CDC provides detailed guidelines for safe holiday party planning during COVID including a list of risk factors to consider beforehand:

• Location and duration of the gathering

• Number and crowding of people

• Behaviors of people

• Traveling to see family

For many of us who have families overseas or across the country, the last risk factor of traveling to spend the holidays with your family can be an overwhelming decision these days. Holiday traditions are certainly difficult to manage during COVID times, but for now, a Zoom holiday party will be the safest choice. 

Let's be grateful for what we have this year, cheers to 2020, and “Salud” for a safer and better 2021!

• Christopher Rojas - Lemont, IL
• Dave Cooper - Gary, IN
• Frank Merlock - Waukegan, IL
• Afolabi Olomookugbe - Chicago, IL

Angela Chiappone, MPH

CHAPTER SECRETARY

 

• How did you get involved in the safety field and what drives your involvement?

When I reflect on how I got involved in the safety field I often think it was largely an accident but the more I reflect the more I realize that it was a series of events that lead me to where I am today. From shadowing an Occupational Therapist and noticing that so many of the individuals they worked with had been hurt at work. To volunteering at a high school where I heard countless stories of parents' work situations from their kids. I found a public health program that focused on safety in the workplace, and I knew it was where I was supposed to be. I got involved in ASSP because of the support system they provide when I was a student and I stay involved because of the support system that continues to push me and my learning. They encourage me to be my best.

• What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to spend time with my parents, siblings, nephews and nieces, and my dog Maggie. I enjoy exploring the city and traveling during non-COVID time. 

A very special CONGRATULATIONS to 2020 graduates! We are here for you and support you in your professional endeavors.  

You have embraced change and contributed to studies behind and development of our new normal in the workplace. THANK YOU for your commitment to OSH!

ASSP’s Future Safety Leaders Virtual Programming kicked off in November and registration is now open for January 2021 events. ASSP student and emerging professional members need to register for each individual event that they are interested in attending. For registration info contact student services at StudentServices@assp.org.

CALL FOR ACTION: Current students – have your OSH student peers registered as ASSP Greater Chicago Chapter Student Members for 2021? Recruit your peers to register, then attend a webinar or event together and let us know what you think! We look forward to furthering our relationship with current students and developing programs that appeal to your interests. Please contact Sal Cali (scali@uic.edu) with questions, comments, and feedback. 

• Protecting Yourself from COVID-19 in the Workplace: Essential and Returning Workers English, Spanish, Arabic, Polish and Chinese -FREE-     https://lwsc.org/classes/protecting-yourself-covid-19-workplace-essential-and-returning-workers-english-spanish