ASSP NM Chapter Technical Meeting

Topic NASCAR: The Fastest Safety Shift

In 2001, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) experienced a profound tragedy during the final lap of a high-speed 500-mile race. In response, NASCAR has shifted safety into 5th gear. Over the past 25 years, NASCAR has implemented numerous safety improvements largely in response to serious accidents and evolving safety standards. These improvements, driven by tragic events and technological advancements, have made NASCAR significantly safer for drivers, crews, and fans. Improvements to vehicle engineering, track design, and driver personal protective equipment have collectively made NASCAR races safer. Even with NASCAR’s contemporary approach to safety, there are still plenty of accidents hitting the wall, but drivers are consistently walking away from these events. This education session will discuss the “top six” improvements NASCAR has implemented to drive a positive safety culture into the checkered flag and across the finish line.

This unorthodox session focuses on lessons learned and positive shifts NASCAR to the safety culture based on the outcome of a tragic accident. This multi-level session is geared towards intermediate-career professionals, however is appropriate for all career stages; beginner, intermediate, advanced, and executive. Each carrier group will have different take-aways based on their own experiences.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify safety issues contributing to the 2021 Daytona 500 NASCAR accident
2. Discuss “top six” safety improvements implemented by NASCAR as a result of a tragic accident
3.  Gain context to the emphasis on NASCAR’s positive Safety Culture

Speakers

Kelsey Forde, CIH, CSP, CHMM

Ms. Kelsey Forde is a Certified Industrial Hygienist, Certified Safety Professional, Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, Laser Safety Officer, Owner/President and Principal Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Professional and System Safety Engineer for Parvati Consulting LLC & Parvati Government Services Inc., home-based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Kelsey earned a Master of Science degree in Environment, Health, and Safety and a Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular Biology (with Chemistry and Pre-Pharmacy Minor) from the University of Minnesota and has 20-years of experience as an EHS professional including performing and guiding hazards analyses that adhere to the principles in the “Redbook” – Guidelines for Hazard Evaluation Procedures, 3rd Ed (CCPS 2008).

Ms. Forde’s primary responsibilities and areas of expertise are centered around the identification of workplace hazards and development of consequence analysis associated with hazard analysis, safety assessments, primary hazard screens, readiness reviews, and compliance auditing techniques for a variety of clients including the Department of Energy (DOE), commercial, industrial, and private clients. Additionally, Kelsey was a notable major contributor to the update of DOE-HDBK-1163-
2020, Integration of Hazard Analyses, and 2022 Energy Facilities Contractor Group (EFCOG) Teamwork Award recipient for these efforts.

Ms. Forde was National Director, 2023/2024 for the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP) and was a member of the inaugural class of Distinguished Lecturers (2022); Chair for the Energy Facilities Contractors Group (EFCOG) Safety Basis Task Group; Past Vice-Chair/Secretary for the Energy Facilities Contractors Group (EFCOG) Hazard Analysis Task Group; Past-President and Delegate/Advisor for the New Mexico Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP); Past-President and Director at Large for the New Mexico Society of Hazardous Materials Managers (NMSHMM; an AHMP Chapter); President for the New Mexico Chapter of the International System Safety Society (ISSS). Kelsey is a long-time supporter, sponsor, and presenter for the International System Safety Society (ISSS), Semiconductor Environment Safety and Health Association (SESHA), American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), and Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP). Ms. Forde historically served two consecutive Mayoral Appointed terms on the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Joint Air Quality Control Board (ABQ Air Board).

In 2022, Kelsey was bestowed the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Safety Professional of the Year (SPY) Award by the New Mexico Chapter. Kelsey is also the most recent 2025 recipient of the AHMP Pete Cooke Founder’s Award for outstanding accomplishments and long-term service while prompting the AHMP Strategic Plan.

Timothy Stirrup, CSP, CHMM, REM

Mr. Timothy Stirrup is a Certified Safety Professional, Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, Registered Environmental Manager, Industrial Hygienist, Laser Safety Officer, Partner and Principal Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Professional and System Safety Engineer with Parvati Consulting LLC & Parvati Government Services Inc., home-based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Tim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Bachelor of Science degree Chemistry from the New
Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NM Tech) and has over 35-years of experience as an EHS professional, including performing and guiding hazards analyses that adhere to the principles in the “Redbook” – Guidelines for Hazard Evaluation Procedures, 3rd Ed (CCPS 2008). Mr. Stirrup’s primary responsibilities and areas of expertise are centered around establishing the framework for clients in Hazard Analysis within a diverse set of industrial facilities including nuclear facilities, accelerators, semiconductor facilities, R&D laboratories, and dynamic energetic materials testing facilities. Mr. Stirrup provides direct input to Line/Executive Management and Regulators to ensure solutions for continued organizational success. Tim is respected for his ability to work with highly functional teams and solve diverse, complex problems.

Mr. Stirrup currently serves as President for the New Mexico Society for Hazardous Materials Managers (NMSHMM); Past-President and Delegate/Advisor for the New Mexico Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP); Past-President for the International System Safety Society (ISSS) Virtual Chapter; Vice President for the New Mexico Chapter of the International System Safety Society (ISSS); Communications & Social Media Operating Vice-President (OVP) for the International System Safety Society (ISSS). Timothy has served on numerous professional committees and boards throughout his tenure [such as Energy Facilities
Contractors Group (EFCOG); Accelerator Safety Work-group (ASW); Air and Waste Management Association (AWMA)] and has much experience in leading teams. Mr. Stirrup is an AHMP Distinguished Lecturer and is continually asked by clients, peers, and professionals in the EHS community to present at both local and national EHS, Industrial Hygiene, and Occupational Safety conferences.