The 29th annual Northwest Safety & Health Summit, aimed at spreading best practices in job site safety across various industries, will take place May 13-15 at the Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront. This event is not exclusive to those in the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), though it heavily promotes its principles of exceeding mere compliance for worker protection.
The program was announced on Friday by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, detailing a range of workshops and keynote speeches, including one from Russ and Laurel Youngstrom on May 14. Their talk, "It Won’t Happen to Me," will focus on personal responsibility and the latent impact of neglecting safety measures. A sentiment reflected in the speakers' advocacy for moving safety from a concept that lives in employees' minds to one that resonates with their hearts.
Training sessions cover an array of relevant topics such as silica hazards, hand safety programs, the latest in personal protective equipment (PPE), driver engagement for better safety, and strategies to combat workplace injuries like sprains and strains. These key issues reflect a broader concern for anticipating the needs of a workplace continuously confronting new challenges like adjusting to increasingly harsh climate conditions that can lead to heat stress and the effects of wildfire smoke.
With fees ranging from $200 to $250 for full-day workshops and $375 for conference registration ($400 for nonmembers), the event is positioning itself as an investment in comprehensive workplace safety training. The conference also includes a chance to learn about the application process for VPP recognition, underscoring the event's emphasis on extending safety standards beyond just the basic requirements. Registration can be done online, while additional event details are available through Oregon OSHA's Conference Section via phone or email.
