The formation of the current Acadiana Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) began with a half dozen men that all worked in the safety profession in the Lafayette, Louisiana area. They would meet weekly for fellowship and dominos. It was discovered that many were members of the ASSE and the question was posed why there was not a chapter in Lafayette. Lafayette parish at that time was part of the ARK-LA-TEX Chapter in Shreveport, which is the oldest chapter in Louisiana, and it was a 4+ hour drive to attend meetings. The formation of a section was researched and it was formed using parishes in southwest Louisiana. The Acadiana Chapter received its charter on October 24, 1980 becoming the 104th Chapter of the ASSE with 52 founding members. A chapter charter presentation was held on January 13, 1981 with comedian and safety professional Justin Wilson as the keynote speaker.

Since the founding of the chapter, membership has grown to over 175 personnel in the health, safety and environmental field. A student section was formed in 1991 with 19 founding members at the University of Southwest Louisiana now University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The chapter has produced a National ASSE President, a top membership recruiter, a 2007 Shooting Star designation, a 2008 Shooting Star designation and a 2009 Bright Star designation. It has once again become a key organization for safety professionals in southwest Louisiana. The chapter held a 30 year anniversary reunion in 2010 which included the founding President and almost a dozen past presidents.