New Wisconsin Law Protects IHMM Certification Titles and Prevents Consumer Fraud
ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed Senate Bill 132 into law yesterday at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison. Unless a person is certified by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM), the law prohibits that person from using the title of Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (CDGP®), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM®), or Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP®). "We applaud Governor Scott for taking this important step toward safeguarding EHS professional credentials," said Allison King, CHMM, IHMM Chair.
The new law also prohibits a business from representing that services provided are furnished by one of these certified professionals unless those services are provided by a certified person. A person is also prohibited from misleading or deceiving another person by the unauthorized use of a certification mark awarded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. A person who violates these prohibitions is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined up to $1,000.
The Wisconsin law also provides that a violation of these prohibitions is an unfair method of competition in business or an unfair trade practice, and allows a person who suffers a monetary loss because of a violation to sue for twice the amount of the monetary loss and reasonable attorney fees. The law allows the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to bring a court action for an injunction to restrain a violation of these prohibitions.
"The careful management of hazardous materials and dangerous goods by properly certified professionals is essential for public health and safety. The people of Wisconsin are well served by the passage of SB 132," said Matthew Redmann, CHMM, Environmental Manager at Harley-Davidson Motor Company in Menomonee Falls, WI. Redmann, IHMM's Vice Chair, was among a group of Wisconsin industry volunteer leaders who spearheaded the effort to protect certification titles. "This work would not have been possible without support from the American Society of Safety Engineers and the Federation of Environmental Technologists, Inc.," added Robert West, CHMM, chair of IHMM's Public Outreach Committee.
The new Wisconsin law also provides protections for those certified by the American Board of Health Physics, the American Board of Industrial Hygiene, the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, and the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists.
For more information about IHMM and its certification programs, visit www.ihmm.org.
About the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management
The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM), a not-for-profit organization founded in 1984, protects the environment and the public's health, safety, and security through the administration of credentials recognizing professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, expertise, and excellence in the management of hazardous materials and dangerous goods transport. Over 16,000 homeland security, environmental protection, engineering, health sciences, transportation, and public safety professionals have earned IHMM's accredited Certified Hazardous Materials Manager credential. IHMM also administers the Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner, the Certified Dangerous Goods Professional, and the Certified Dangerous Goods Trainer credentials.
SOURCE Institute of Hazardous Materials Management
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