Annual event takes place next month in Orlando, Florida
The National Safety Council (NSC) is gearing up to host the 2024 NSC Safety Congress & Expo, the largest global gathering of safety professionals. Scheduled to take place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, from September 16-18, the event will bring together thousands of safety, health, and environmental professionals from around the world. This year’s event promises to be a compelling experience with a lineup of keynote presentations designed to inspire and equip attendees with the latest tools and insights for navigating the ever-evolving safety landscape.
The keynote presentations span a diverse range of topics, beginning with “The ‘No Barriers’ Life” by Erik Weihenmayer, a world-class blind adventurer, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. on Monday, September 16. Weihenmayer, who has faced and overcome significant challenges, will share his unique perspective on how to turn obstacles into opportunities. His session will guide attendees through the “No Barriers Mindset,” encouraging individuals, teams, and organizations to confront challenges head-on and transform them into pathways to success.
Later on Monday, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the “Driving Change: SIF Model in Action” session will delve into the Serious Incident and Fatality (SIF) prevention model, a cutting-edge approach developed by the NSC. This session is a part of the Campbell Institute Forum and aims to provide practical insights into strategic planning and execution. Attendees will learn how the SIF model has been successfully implemented in various organizations, including details on its development, impact measurement, and continuous improvement strategies.
On Tuesday, September 17, the focus shifts to safety theories with “A Tale of Two Safeties: BBS and HOP” from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m., featuring Tim Page-Bottorff, MS, CSP, CIT, and Corrie Pitzer, CEO of Safemap International. This session will explore the differences and debates between Safety I (Behavior-Based Safety) and Safety II (Human and Organizational Performance), two competing philosophies that address workplace safety from different perspectives.
The morning continues with “Psychologically Safe Workplaces: What Can We Agree On?” from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Scott Hoesman and Nakia J. Green from inQUEST Consulting will lead a discussion on building inclusive workplaces that prioritize psychological safety. The session will include a panel of NSC member employers sharing their experiences and strategies, followed by an interactive segment where participants can develop actionable steps to enhance psychological safety within their organizations.
A highlight of Tuesday’s agenda is the “Safety As A Core Value” session from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m., featuring Douglas L. Parker, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. Parker will discuss current safety challenges and opportunities in American workplaces, emphasizing the importance of integrating safety as a core business value. NSC President and CEO Lorraine Martin will join Parker for a fireside chat, including a Q&A segment with the audience.
Concluding the event on Wednesday, September 18, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m., Dr. Kate Darling, a leading expert in social robotics from the MIT Media Lab, will present “The Future of Human-Robot Interaction.” Dr. Darling’s keynote will examine society’s complex relationship with robotics, exploring why humans fear some robots and empathize with others, and what this could mean for future workplace dynamics and human relationships.
“As new safety challenges continue to redefine the ways in which we live and work, there’s no better place to make meaningful connections, discover the latest safety innovations, and be inspired by engaging presentations than the NSC Safety Congress & Expo,” says Lorraine Martin, President and CEO of the National Safety Council. “Together, we can make people safer, prevent injuries, and save lives from the workplace to anyplace. We look forward to welcoming thousands of professionals committed to doing just that to Orlando next month.”
The NSC Safety Congress & Expo has a rich history of offering industry-leading technology, education, and networking opportunities. This year’s event will feature over 25 professional development seminars, more than 125 targeted technical and educational sessions, and an expo floor showcasing more than 950 exhibitors. Participants will also have access to exclusive insights and awards presentations.
Professional development seminars are set to run from September 13-15 and September 18-19, while the main conference and expo will take place from September 16-18.
