Historic Milestone Announcement
I am honored to share a historic milestone for the Acadiana Chapter of ASSP.
Since our founding in 1981, the Acadiana Chapter has served the safety profession throughout our region with dedication, leadership, and commitment. This year, for the first time in our chapter’s history, we have officially achieved Platinum Chapter status. 🏆 👏 👏
This is a major accomplishment, but it is not the work of one person, one board, or one year. We stand on the shoulders of giants. Our past presidents, officers, delegates, volunteers, and faithful members built the foundation that made this achievement possible. In many ways, Acadiana has always been a Platinum chapter because we have always had Platinum people.
We also dedicate this milestone to the memory of 🙏 Gene Barfield 🙏 , one of the founding officers of the Acadiana Chapter, who later served as ASSP National President from 2004 to 2005. Gene was a respected leader in the safety profession and industry, and his legacy continues through the work being carried forward today.
Congratulations to the members, officers, volunteers, and supporters of the Acadiana Chapter. This is a proud moment in our chapter’s history, and I am grateful to serve alongside such outstanding safety professionals.
Jason Hazelton,
Acadiana Chapter President
Officer’s Swearing In Ceremony

ASSP Acadiana Chapter officers being sworn in at our meeting in July 2026.
Join Us at Our Next Meeting
You’re invited to join us at our next ASSP Acadiana Chapter meeting to connect, learn, and exchange ideas with fellow professionals who share a passion for safety. Whether you’re a long-time member, a new professional, or a student beginning your journey in occupational safety, your participation truly makes a difference.
Our meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Petroleum Club of Lafayette, located at 111 Heymann Blvd, Lafayette, LA 70503. Networking begins at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 11:30 a.m., followed by the main meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The member meeting fee is $5.00, and for those who wish to enjoy the club’s excellent buffet lunch, the cost is an additional $20.00.
Our meetings provide valuable networking opportunities, engaging discussions, and meaningful collaboration — all in support of ASSP’s vision that “safety, health, and well-being are inherent rights of every worker.”
If you’re not yet a member, we’d love for you to join us! Visit www.assp.org to learn more about membership and select Acadiana Chapter as your local home. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions about becoming a member of the Acadiana Chapter, or concerning ASSP as a whole. If you are interested in presenting at one of our chapter meetings, please contact us and one of our officers will be happy to discuss.
Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing the safety profession in Louisiana. Together, we’ll continue to make Acadiana a leader in workplace safety and professional excellence.
Warm regards,
Jason Hazelton, CSP
President, Acadiana Chapter, ASSP
president@acadiana.assp.org
Professional Safety Journal

Each peer-reviewed issue of Professional Safety offers practical guidance, techniques and solutions to help occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals identify hazards, protect people, prevent injuries, improve work environments and educate management that investing in safety is a sound business strategy. Annual subscription is included with your membership.