Page 22 - Occupational Health & Safety, June 2019

SAFETY 2019
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Safety Knowledge and Networking in New Orleans
One of the highlights is a June 12 panel discussion on how increased use and legalization of marijuana affect companies’ efforts to maintain drug-free workplaces. BY JESSICA DAVIS
The Safety 2019 Professional Development Conference & Exposition takes place this month in New Orleans. The conference, which is sponsored by the American Society of Safety Professionals, will take place June 10-12, with post-conference courses scheduled for June 12-15. The conference and exposition will take place at the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center, located in the city’s Arts/Warehouse District.
New Orleans Attractions
New Orleans is the most populous city in Louisiana. The aver- age temperatures for June are a low of 74 and a high of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so the thousands of professionals coming for the event should be ready for warm and humid weather.
The “Big Easy” is well known for its cuisine and culture, partic- ularly the celebration of Mardi Gras. While Safety 2019 takes place months after the Mardi Gras parades, there is still plenty to do in the city. The French Quarter, often called the Crown Jewel of New Orleans, is one of the city’s most famous neighborhoods, encom- passing arts, culture, cuisine, and the infamous Bourbon Street.
The Convention Center is located in the Arts/Warehouse Dis- trict, which is also home to the National World War II Museum. The museum, which includes a reproduction of the Higgins boat that carried Allied soldiers to the beaches of Normandy on D- Day, has been designated by Congress as the country’s official WWII museum.
There are a variety of ways to get around New Orleans, accord- ing to NewOrleans.com. The streetcar system has four distinct lines, each originating in downtown, and a three-day pass can be pur- chased for $9. Visitors also can rent a bike, take a pedicab, or use a cab or rideshare service.
Workplace violence appears to be a particular focus this year, with at least three sessions covering the topic.
Safety 2019 Educational Program Highlights,
ISFP Symposium
The conference’s educational program is divided into 24 tracks that include safety management, construction, fire protection, oil gas/ mining & mineral resources, human behavior, and international is- sues. Workplace violence appears to be a particular focus this year, with at least three sessions covering the topic, including “The Safety Professional and Active Shooter Planning” (June 10, 10:45-11:45 a.m.), “Lessons Learned from the Hesston, Kansas, Workplace Shooting” (June 11, 10:30-11:45 a.m.), and “Active Shooter Sur- vival” (June 11, 4:15-5:15 p.m.).
Other noteworthy sessions in the concurrent educational pro- gram are “Silica in Construction: No More Bumps in Our Road” (June 10, 9:15-10:30 a.m.), “Using Risk Assessment to Prevent Heat Illnesses” (June 12, 10:45 a.m.-noon), “Suicide Prevention: The Next Frontier in Workplace Safety” (June 10, 2-3 p.m.), and “Industrial Hygiene in the Oil and Gas Industry” (June 11, 10:30- 11:45 a.m.).
The brochure for Safety 2019 highlights keynotes by speakers that include Nicole Malachowski (Opening General Session, “The Power of Challenging Assumptions,” starting at 7:30 a.m. on June 10), Peter Ricchiuti (General Session, “Uncertainty Brings Op- portunity,” starting at 7:30 a.m. on June 11), Keni Thomas (BCSP Awards of Excellence Ceremony & Luncheon Presentation, “Get It On! What It Means to Lead the Way,” starting at noon on June 12), and Scott Hamilton (Closing General Session, “Unquenchable,” starting at 2 p.m. on June 12).
This year’s agenda includes a General Session Panel on June 12 titled “Marijuana: How State Legalization and Medical Use Affects How We Approach Safety.”
This year’s agenda includes a General Session Panel on June 12 (9:15-10:30 a.m.) titled “Marijuana: How State Legalization and Medical Use Affects How We Approach Safety.” The panel discussion will cover the ways that increased use and legaliza- tion of marijuana affect safety professionals’ efforts to maintain drug-free workplaces. The panel members will include experts on safety and law.
The June 11 Plenary Session (1-2 p.m.) is structured as a town hall panel. “Where Do You Draw the Line? Navigating the Expand-
22 Occupational Health & Safety | JUNE 2019
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ERNEST N. MORIAL NEW ORLEANS CONVENTION CENTER