In a quick and energetic discussion Tuesday morning, Albert Roth of BSI EHS Services & Solutions offered tips on ergonomics programs. He discussed how to simplify ergonomic safety concepts, fun training techniques and problem solving. He stressed the idea of “keeping it simple.”

Today’s changing workforce and regulations involving temporary workers was the topic Melanie Nykamp, a senior risk management consultant, and Greg Clone, a supervisor of regional risk management. There are new and changing risks associated with the aging workforce, unskilled workers and issues such as opioid abuse and distracted driving, Nykamp said.

Speakers Carmen Julia Castellon of US Cellular and Jorge Otalora of Hoar Construction, LLC discussed Tuesday how storytelling can benefit safety training. Storytelling is a great way to get the attention of trainees while getting important safety information across, they said. This session discussed what makes good stories and how to use them to convey lessons learned.

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.

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.