Page 17 - OHS, September 2024

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Keynote Speakers
With keynote sessions scheduled across three days, the event promises to inspire and challenge safety professionals with engaging presentations from compelling leaders and experts.
The opening session on Monday, Sept. 16, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., will feature Erik Weihenmayer, a blind adventurer known for his feats in the outdoors, such as summiting Mt. Everest and kayaking the Grand Can- yon. Weihenmayer will present “The ‘No Barriers’ Life,” sharing his insights on over- coming obstacles and developing what he calls the “No Barriers Mindset.” His presen- tation will challenge attendees to turn chal- lenges into opportunities and push beyond their perceived limits.
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the day will begin with “A Tale of Two Safeties: BBS and HOP” from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., featuring Tim Page-Bottorff and Corrie Pitzer. They will
explore two distinct safety models, Safety I and Safety II, and how integrating both ap- proaches can lead to better safety outcomes.
Following this, at 10 a.m., Scott Hoesman and Nakia Green from InQUEST Consulting will present “What Can We Agree On? Psychologically Safe Work- places,” addressing strategies to create psy- chologically safe environments that foster diversity, equity and inclusion.
Later that afternoon, at 2 p.m., Douglas L. Parker, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, will discuss “Safety as a Core Val- ue,” focusing on current safety challenges and opportunities to improve workplace safety in the United States.
The event will conclude on Wednesday, Sept. 18, with a thought-provoking keynote from Dr. Kate Darling, a leading expert in so- cial robotics and a research scientist at MIT. In her presentation, “The Future of Human- Robot Interaction,” Dr. Darling will explore how robots are entering shared human spac- es, raising ethical, legal, and social questions. She will delve into the opportunities and challenges posed by human-robot interac- tion and the broader implications for society as these machines become more advanced.
Conference Highlights
Traditionally, a key highlight of the NSC Safety Congress & Expo is the exclusive reveal of OSHA’s annual Top 10 Safety Violations, which provides critical insights into the most common and pressing safety concerns facing workplaces today. But the 2024 edition of the NSC’s signature event also features several other can’t-miss con- ference highlights.
A standout attraction at the event will be the 10th annual New Product Showcase, where attendees can explore cutting-edge safety products and solutions. Additionally, the First Look Exhibitor Pavilion introduces innovations from companies making their debut at the Congress & Expo, giving par- ticipants a look at the latest advancements.
The event will also place a strong em- phasis on the role of mental health in workplace safety. With more educational sessions dedicated to psychological risks than in previous years, the expo aims to help safety professionals gain a deeper un- derstanding of this critical area. And the redesigned Wellness Lounge offers a space for mindful reflection.
Networking remains a major component of the event, with the introduction of the
Safety Huddle area. ThThis new space will facil- itate direct discussions with industry leaders, while tailored networking sessions and on- site meetings organized by NSC Divisions cater to categories such as construction, young professionals and women in safety.
Networking Opportunities
This year’s event offers a wide range of net- working opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with safety professionals, learn from industry leaders and celebrate safety excellence.
The NSC Division/Section Meetings— which run from Sunday, Sept. 15, through Wednesday, Sept. 18—provide a forum for NSC member company employees to share best practices, discuss industry trends, receive regulatory updates and enhance safety leadership skills. Attendees not em- ployed by an NSC member company can join the meetings for an additional fee.
The meetings will cover topics such as emerging safety issues and regulatory changes, making them a prime opportu- nity for networking and professional de- velopment. The schedule for the meetings is available on the NSC Safety Congress & Expo website, congress.nsc.org.
One of the marquee events of the week is the Green Cross Celebration, presented by U.S. Steel, taking place on Monday, Sept. 16, at Walt Disney World’s Epcot. The event starts with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner, entertainment and the Green Cross for Safety awards presenta- tion. After dinner, attendees will enjoy a dessert reception and fireworks show. The celebration helps raise funds to support NSC’s safety advocacy work. This event requires separate registration, with tickets priced at $325 per person.
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the National Awards Celebration will be held at the Rosen Centre Hotel from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees can toast to the achievements of 2024’s NSC award winners while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. This event of- fers a chance to mingle with industry col- leagues and recognize safety leaders for their outstanding contributions. Pre-reg- istration is required, with tickets available for $85 per person, which includes hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets.
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the content editor of Oc- cupational Health & Safety. David Kopf is the publisher and executive editor of OH&S.
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SEPTEMBER 2024 | Occupational Health & Safety 15