During a flash session Monday on the expo floor at Safety 2019, Don Leonard of the MARCOM Group discussed microlearning and how it can be used for training, using mobile devices, how it can improve productivity and how to involve employees in content creation. Microlearning can be described at three- to five-minute online courses that are video-based with a test and are aimed at smartphone users.

Total Worker Health is an area of emerging importance for safety professionals in which ASSP has designated a task force. When done right, the benefits to business and to employees include lower risk, collaborative employee-employer engagements and fewer injuries, ASSP says. In short, TWH can lead to a more sustainable workforce.

One year after adopting a new organization name as part of a larger rebranding strategy, the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has introduced a new name – Safety Focus – for its annual immersive, week-long education event. The announcement was made Monday by ASSP President Rixio Medina, CSP, CPP, at the Safety 2019 Professional Development Conference and Exhibition. “We are aligning all of our events to the new brand,” Medina said.

What is keeping you from speaking up? Phillip Ragain of the RAD Group asked that very question Monday at Safety 2019. He said a surprising number of forces inhibit us when we should speak up to stop an unsafe activity. Ragain discussed the various factors that suppress safety interventions and detailed the steps for overcoming these inhibitors.

The general session speakers over three days at Safety 2019 aim to motivate attendees to look beyond assumptions and seize opportunities. The first on Monday morning is Nicole Malachowski speaking on “The Power of Challenging Assumptions.” She believes the best organizations and leaders create cultures that engage and harness the diverse ideas, talents and abilities of every person, and in which challenging assumptions and the status quo drives extraordinary success.

While educational is a must, making connections is often the most valuable aspect of attending Safety 2019. The conference is expected to draw 5,000 OSH professionals, each bringing unique experiences and expertise to the conference. This is a great opportunity to meet and converse with like-minded safety professionals, look for potential employers and employees, and expand your knowledge.

Think Tanks will take place in various locations around the Exposition at Safety 2019. These discussions encourage participation by taking a deeper dive into a problem or situation faced by OHS professionals. Everyone will be asking questions, discussing possible solutions or sharing what’s worked and what hasn’t. Topics include engaging young professionals, safety guardrails, temporary workers, workplace harassment, confined space safety, among many others.

Violence in the workplace and best practices surrounding marijuana use are sure to be the most talked about educational sessions at Safety 2019. With violence seemingly on the rise, more employers are hoping to reduce the risk of a dangerous event at their workplaces. Several courses will equip safety professionals to reduce risk at their workplaces, including “The Safety Professional and Active Shooter Planning” (S5027) at 10:45 am Monday in Room 220.

Cascade Safety and Security, the international leader in coiled wire fabric systems for new and retrofit industrial machinery and equipment, will be exhibiting at ASSP’s annual conference—Safety 2019—at the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center, June 9-12. The Cascade team will be located at Booth #1748.