For the seventh straight year, the Louisiana Governor’s Safety & Health Conference was once again the place to find reliable, local resources and updates to accelerate the skills of those involved in the many facets of safety.
The conference took place Sept. 28-29 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Several hundred safety professionals were in attendance and over 50 exhibitors showcased their products and services.
Breakout sessions focus on industry hot topics
With 30 sessions to choose from, conference attendees had an opportunity to explore topics that are crucial to assuring a safe workplace while satisfying some of their continuing education requirements and earning continuing education units (CEUs). Topics included complacency, hazard management and recognition, JSAs, basic ergonomic principles, wellness, communication strategies, violence, recordkeeping, leadership and drugs in the workplace.
The annual event attracted professionals from a variety of industry sectors: chemical, construction, emergency and environmental management, fire, health care, industrial hygiene, security, utilities, and municipalities and public employers. Sessions were geared toward those who have been in the health and safety field for years, as well as those who are just beginning their careers. Regardless of experience levels, attendees left each session with a sample plan or specific knowledge that could be applied directly to their jobs.
Conference speakers offer best practices, pertinent insight
The conference kicked off on Monday with remarks from Dale Lesinski, vice president of sales and training for DiVal Safety Equipment. Lesinski encouraged attendees to remember the “why” behind the work. A task is not simply a task. It is work that must be completed safely in order for return home to family, friends, children and grandchildren. That is the ultimate goal, and it is a universal one.
Tuesday’s “BEST Talks” presentation provided best practices and pertinent insight regarding business, economy, safety and technology. Featured experts included LCA/LCIA’s Dan Borne', Alliance Safety Council’s Kathy Trahan and wellness expert Dr. David Barczyk. Borne' emphasized the power of simplicity and how one person can create real change, while Trahan discussed the Internet of Things (IoT) – a network of objects embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity – which will enable industry to make money, save money and stay compliant now and into the future. Dr. Barczyk shared his belief that safety and wellness are not separate because both can be controlled and made better through an individual’s effort and attitude.
Dorinda Folse, OSHA area director for Baton Rouge, also provided an OSHA update with timely information to help organizations avoid costly citations and incidents that take an even more costly human toll. Folse provided the top 10 most cited standards. Nationally, falls topped the list. However, eye and face protection was most cited in the Baton Rouge area.
This year, a new conference app allowed attendees to plan their sessions, stay up-to-date with topics discussed and complete conference surveys. Additionally, users were able to interact with other attendees, take photos and comment on sessions through a feature called GAMEDAY.
Join us next September for another informative event. Stay tuned for additional information at www.thesafetyexpo.com.
