Page 20 - OHS, July/August 2024

ASSP SAFETY 2024
American Society of Safety Professionals’ Safety 2024 Congress & Expo Heads to Denver in August
ASSP’s annual event unites safety professionals from across the world.
BY DAVID KOPF AND ROBERT YANIZ JR
They say two heads are better than one. To that end, imagine the potential workplace health and safety professionals have when they unite and exchange ideas. That’s the premise be- hind the industry’s most anticipated events, one of which is the American Society of Safety Professionals’ (ASSP) Safety 2024 Professional Development Conference and Exposition.
Celebrating its 63rd year, the event brings together safety experts and exhibitors from around the world to engage in educational and networking opportunities. Safety 2024 takes place from August 7 to 9, 2024, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. But in the lead-up to this annual event, let’s take a closer look at the sessions, expo highlights and networking opportunities attendees can expect.
Educational Sessions at Safety 2024
Featuring over 200 continuing education sessions, Safety 2024 highlights best practices, industry trends and the latest innovations in safety products. The heart of the conference lies in its continuing education sessions, designed to provide safety and health profes- sionals with practical, actionable information they can immedi- ately apply within their organizations. These one-hour sessions are led by safety experts who bring real-world experience to the table, ensuring the content is relevant and impactful.
Participants can look forward to a wide range of sessions, with topics including risk management, workplace violence, artificial intelligence, safety and health management systems, infectious disease exposure, heat stress, ergonomic assessments, emergency preparedness, prevention through design, fall protection and the safety aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion. This diversity of subjects ensures that every attendee can find sessions that meet their specific needs and interests.
ASSP’s annual conference attracts thousands of safety and health professionals from around the globe. These professionals at- tend not only to advance their careers through knowledge acquisi- tion but also to leverage the networking opportunities that can sig- nificantly enhance safety practices at their companies. Though the event offers educational sessions, expert insights and networking opportunities galore, the sessions are particularly popular, offering inspiration, entertainment and valuable insights.
Moreover, attendees of Safety 2024 can earn 1.5 continuing education units (CEUs), contributing to their professional devel- opment and career advancement. This opportunity to gain CEUs underscores the conference’s commitment to fostering continuous improvement and excellence in the field of occupational safety and health. Safety 2024 promises to be a key opportunity for safety pro- fessionals looking to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Safety 2024’s Opening Session
Safety 2024 kicks off with an impactful opening session de-
signed to inspire and energize attendees. Taking place on Wednes- day, August 7, at 8 a.m. in the Mile High Ballroom, “Empower Your Teams With Positive Accountability,” will set the tone for the three-day conference ahead, fostering a spirit of learning, shar- ing and connection among safety professionals gathered from around the world.
In the session, Dr. Jessica Kriegel—the chief scientist of work- place culture at Culture Partners—will unveil four data-driven steps designed to enhance personal and professional accountabil- ity within organizations. By empowering teams to take ownership of their actions and the organization’s overall success, Dr. Kriegel believes businesses can foster a culture of shared ownership and purpose.
Dr. Kriegel is renowned for her innovative approach to work- place culture and accountability. With a background in data sci- ence and a mission to “quantify culture,” she brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to her role. Her doctoral re- search and subsequent consulting work have culminated in the Culture Equation, a model that combines strategy with culture to deliver consistent results.
Participants will learn how to activate their teams by adopt- ing powerful habits based on proven accountability methods. Dr. Kriegel’s two-part strategy focuses on fostering shared ownership, infusing daily work with purpose and meaning. This approach helps individuals recognize their contributions to achieving busi- ness goals while encouraging them to take an active role in the organization’s impact.
Attendees of this session can expect to leave empowered with a toolkit of practical tools and actionable insights. By implement- ing these strategies, safety professionals can improve team morale, enhance performance and meet their organization’s financial goals. The opening general session is, of course, just the beginning of a packed agenda at Safety 2024, which offers extensive educational opportunities.
Safety 2024 Expo Hall
The Safety 2024 expo features more than 550 exhibitors spanning various fields, including safety and risk management, engineering, fire protection, industrial hygiene, construction and training. At- tendees can discover the latest advancements, meet with compa- nies and attend educational sessions on the show floor. Planning and utilizing the designated “expo only” times will help maximize the expo experience. Expo hours are Wednesday, August 7 from 11:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday, August 8 from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Friday, August 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
The expo also offers a number of special features and activities:
The ASSP Marketplace and ASSP Foundation Booth lets at- tendees browse the latest titles from ASSP technical publications
18 Occupational Health & Safety | JULY/AUGUST 2024
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