A packed assembly room at the AIHce was treated to a conversation between OSHA boss Dr. David Michaels and a former OSHA chief, John Henshaw, who headed OSHA during the Bush II administration. Here are some takeaways from Dr. Michaels’ comments:

Occupational exposures facing modern workers are more challenging than ever before – and require more from safety professionals.That point was made by L. Casey Chosewood, MD, of NIOSH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the third day General Session at AIHce 2013.

Dr. L. Casey Chooswood, MD’s presentation at the Wednesday morning kick off session was an introduction to one of NIOSH’s prized projects, in line with NIOSH boss Dr. John Howard’s vision for the future, namely Total Worker Health™. What is it?

Monday afternoon AIHA Director of Government Affair Aaron Trippler gave an informal assessment of the political side of occupational safety and health, circa 2013. The reason nothing is getting done in DC is both parties have lost control of their members, said Trippler.

Here is a meeting idea for you to maybe try out. “The UnSession” will be present for two hours this morning at the AIHce in Montreal. UnSessions started in the high-tech industry. They are not for those who like a more passive learning experience with a traditional lecture approach.

Good morning from cloudy and cool Montreal, site of the 2014 AIHce. The confab got underway yesterday (Monday) morning bright and early at 8 am. The opening session was pretty much SRO. In the darkened hall I couldn’t help but notice I was surrounded by smartphone gazers.

Consultants Tom Rancour and Bradford Russell offered these takeaways in a session yesterday afternoon: Some companies implement and dedicate time to management systems, but the guiding principle, the safety and health policy, is buried in some labor manual.

AIHA and ACGIH do much to recognize and encourage the careers of young professionals. But when it comes to traveling to conventions, seniority often rules and so it was yesterday I heard several Baby Boomer EHS pros gabbing on the exhibit floor.

5,000+ professionals from the occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) world convene in Montreal starting today (Monday, May 20) for 74th annual American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition (AIHce). The conference and trade show takes place at the Montreal Convention Center until Thursday, May 23.