Recognizing the importance of the safety and health of West Virginia’s workforce, West Virginia University Extension Service Safety and Health Extension and Fire Service Extension have partnered with the Governor of West Virginia to bring you the West Virginia Governor’s Safety Conference.
The conference will be held April 28-29, 2020 at the Embassy Suites in Charleston, West Virginia, and will offer 12 sessions centered around two hot topics in the industry: drug management in the workplace and transportation safety.
“Construction workers and individuals working in the mining and oil and gas fields are six times more likely to die of an opioid overdose than workers in other professions. In addition, between 2011 and 2015, 609 transportation workers lost their lives in work zones,” Mark Fullen, program leader of WVU Extension Service Safety and Health Extension said. “And, that is why it is important to have these discussions through educational and awareness events, such as the West Virginia Governor’s Safety Conference, which will allow leaders in the safety and health industry to work toward making the well-being of their workers a priority.”
In an effort to keep the safety and health of West Virginia workers at the forefront of industry leaders’ concerns, the event will offer professional development opportunities for companies, safety professionals and workers with supervisory safety and health duties and responsibilities.
Attendees will hear from a variety of industry experts that will help them learn how to adapt their safety practices to ensure the protection of their workers. Individuals also will have the opportunity to earn one continuing education unit for attending the conference.
In addition, companies or organizations that are exceeding industry standards in safety and health workplace conditions will be recognized during the West Virginia Governor’s Safety Conference awards banquet. To nominate an individual or organization for an award, visit https://extension.wvu.edu/conferences/wv-governors-safety-conference/wvgc-awards-nominations. Nominations are due by March 15.
“WVU Extension Service is pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the Governor’s office to increase awareness and promote safety and health in the workplace,” Tony Michael, program director of WVU Extension Service Family and Community Development unit said. “In addition to protecting individual well-being, safety is important to maintaining workforce participation, which in turn, helps our state and local economies.”
The cost to attend is $125.00 per person, and registration can be found at wvsafetyconference.org. Advanced registration is required.
For questions or for more information, visit wvsafetyconference.org, email wvushe@mail.wvu.edu or call 304-293-3096. For information on sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, contact WVU Extension Service Director of Development Lauren Seiler at 304-293-5692 or Lauren.Seiler@mail.wvu.edu.
For more information about WVU Extension Service visit extension.wvu.edu, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
-WVU-
lw/2/18/20
CONTACT:
Lindsay Wiles
Communications
Specialist, Sr.
WVU
Extension Service
304-293-9490;
lindsay.wiles@mail.wvu.edu