Most scientists who have organizational responsibilities in safety areas have them as a part time or temporary assignment. There are very few chemists who have permanent safety assignments that are a significant part of their position description. Many active members in the ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety are experienced chemists and engineers who realize the importance of this area. The practical knowledge that is so helpful in chemical health and safety concerns is best developed with years of experience. If we want chemists who are interested, experienced, and knowledgeable in chemical safety, then we must encourage individuals to specialize in chemical health and safety as a subdiscipline of chemistry.
The OSHA Laboratory Standard requires research laboratories to have a Chemical Hygiene Officer or committee; this requirement provides organizations with the opportunity to establish career positions in this area. Compensation and career development potential must be equivalent to other professional positions. Colleges and universities should offer an elective course in chemical health and safety to both undergraduate and graduate students. Major research universities should appoint tenure-track faculty in this area, analogous to positions that currently exist in chemical education.