DeBobes recognized for decades of service to advance workplace safety standards
PARK RIDGE, Illinois, April 23, 2026 — The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) today named Leo J. DeBobes, M.A., CSP, CIT, CPEA, as the recipient of its Thomas F. Bresnahan Standards Medal, recognizing his leadership in developing voluntary national consensus standards that advance the environmental health and safety (EHS) profession.
DeBobes has contributed to standards development across academic, research, hospital, healthcare, construction and manufacturing settings. A member of ASSP for more than 40 years, he has served on numerous standards committees, including the ASSP Standards Development Committee from 2018 through 2024, where he held roles as vice chair and chair. He also participated on committees for A1264 on workplace walking/working surfaces and Z590.3 on prevention through design, among others. DeBobes represents ASSP on the National Fire Protection Association Technical Committee on Hazardous Materials Response Personnel.
“I thank Leo for his many contributions to developing and refining national consensus standards that improve workplace safety,” says Linda Tapp, CSP, ALCM, CPTD, president, ASSP. “His active participation on numerous ASSP standards committees has had a lasting impact across areas such as prevention through design, personal protective equipment, walking/working surfaces and more. These standards have helped prevent injuries and fatalities — and ultimately save lives.”
Outside of ASSP, DeBobes is active with the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Standards Advisory Panel and the AIHA Safety Committee. He is currently president of the Board of Directors for the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (JOEH LLC) and is a frequent author on topics such as hazardous materials awareness and loss prevention engineering.
DeBobes most recently served as assistant administrator for Emergency Management and Regulatory Compliance at Stony Brook University Hospital/Stony Brook Medicine, New York. He also served as a clinical assistant professor and EHS concentration advisor at Stony Brook University, as well as an associate professor and fire protection technology program coordinator at Suffolk County Community College, New York.
Named after Thomas F. Bresnahan — an ASSP staff member and Society fellow who reinvigorated the Society’s standards development program — the annual award honors an ASSP member who has made significant contributions to advancing worker safety through standards.
DeBobes will be recognized at ASSP’s Safety 2026 conference on June 14 in Anaheim, California.
To learn more about the Standards Medal, visit the ASSP website.
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Since 1911, the American Society of Safety Professionals has helped occupational safety and health professionals protect people, property and the environment. The nonprofit society is based in Chicago’s suburbs. Its global membership of over 35,000 professionals develops safety and health management systems that prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities. ASSP advances its members and the safety profession by providing member communities, serving as a trusted advisor, and elevating safety through workforce development. Its flagship journal, Professional Safety, is a longtime leader in the field. Visit www.assp.org and find us on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Media contact:
Katie Bronk
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847-768-3416