Lora Cavuoto receives William E. Tarrants Outstanding Safety Educator award from ASSP

by the American Society of Safety Professionals

The prestigious award is presented annually to educators who demonstrate the highest level of achievement in occupational safety and health (OSH) teaching, scholarship and professional service. The award is named after Dr. William E. Tarrants, a pioneer in safety education, a Society Fellow and a past Society president.

Cavuoto is an associate professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) at the University at Buffalo, and serves as the director of the occupational health and safety training program since 2017.

Cavuoto has written nearly 70 journal articles, more than 30 conference proceedings, and many technical reports, in addition to delivering technical presentations at national and international conferences. Her research promotes healthier and more productive work environments by integrating human factors and ergonomics principles.

Cavuoto joined UB in 2012 to strengthen its ergonomics research to prevent occupational injury and illness, and to teach courses in human factors engineering. In 2020, she received the school’s highest award for undergraduate teaching and mentorship.

“Lora not only embodies scientific excellence, creativity and a commitment to education – she is also a leader and collaborator,” said Ann Bisantz, dean of undergraduate education at UB and a professor of ISE. “Her student evaluations are typically among the highest in the department, and among the best at the university overall.”

Each of Cavuoto’s industry-funded research projects over the last five years have involved students, providing them with practical experience and exposure to the challenges faced in industries worldwide.

“Lora is one of the most impactful occupational safety and health scholars of her generation,” said Victor Paquet, professor and chair of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. “She has made significant educational and research contributions in ergonomics and biomechanics, assessment of work-related injury risk, use of wearable technologies to prevent injuries, and the improvement of patient safety through robotics and surgery design.”

Cavuoto has mentored more than 40 students on senior capstone projects and dissertations aimed at solving occupational safety and health engineering challenges and better protecting workers on the job.

“She instills an enthusiasm for student learning by carefully guiding students toward the right answers to complex problems,” Paquet said. “She strongly believes that being approachable and accessible are vital components of a successful learning environment. The way that Lora operationalizes her teaching philosophies and dedication to her students has enabled her to become the exceptional teacher and mentor that she is today.”

Cavuoto will be honored at ASSP’s Safety 2022 Professional Development Conference and Exposition, held June 27-29 in Chicago. The global event will bring together thousands of safety professionals to learn about best practices, industry trends and the latest product innovations in the occupational safety and health field.

For more than 100 years, the American Society of Safety Professionals has been at the forefront of helping occupational safety and health professionals protect people and property.

The nonprofit society is based in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge. Its global membership of 36,000 professionals covers all industries, developing safety and health management plans that prevent injuries, illnesses and deaths.

ASSP advances its members and the safety profession through education, advocacy, standards and a professional community. Its flagship publication, Professional Safety, is a longtime leader in the field.