UACCH hosting worker safety conference

HOPE – The University of Arkansas at Hope will host a Workers’ Safety Conference on October 18 at Hempstead Hall from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

The conference is presented by the Arkansas Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Labor. The registration fee of $25 covers lunch and conference materials. Pre-registration is encouraged, as this allows the event organizers to plan accordingly. Cancellations will be accepted until two days prior to the conference and substitutions are permitted. All major credit cards are accepted. To register online, go to www.labor.arkansas.gov/online-services.

Whether you are employed by a private company, a business owner, or work for a public agency, you and your co-workers can benefit greatly from attending this safety conference. The purpose of this event is to enhance workplace hazard recognition and strengthen a culture of workplace safety, thereby reducing employee injuries and illnesses. While these conferences are intended for hourly employees, we encourage all companies also to send members of their safety committees, supervisors or managers with safety responsibilities, and any others who might benefit from basic safety training. Nursing home administrators and nurses may also use this training for continuing education purposes.

Agenda:

7:30 am: Registration

7:50 am: Opening Remarks: Mayor Steve Montgomery, Todd Franks, Corporate Standards Manager, Siplast, Chancellor Chris Thomason, UACCH, and Leon Jones, Jr., Director, Arkansas Department of Labor

8:15 am: Introduction of Exhibitors

8:25 am: OSHA Update: Carlos Reynolds, Area Director, U.S. Department of Labor ~ This presentation will highlight fatalities, penalties, and the top ten most cited hazards in general industries in Arkansas, as well as the local, regional, and national emphasis program.

9:00 am: Break

9:10 am: Positive and Negative Attitudes and Their Impact on Safety: Ralph T. Hudson, Deputy Director, Arkansas Department of Labor ~ This topic will address specific attitudes and their potential consequences in the workplace. You will also learn how to encourage positive attitudes and eliminate the negative.

10:00 am: Break

10:10 am: Recognizing and Defusing Violence in the Workplace: TBA ~ Attendees will learn soft skills to avoid and prevent workplace violence.

11:00 am: Lunch

11:45 am: Adam Graves and Hazard Recognition

12:45 pm: Break

1:00 pm: Cell Phones and Social Media in the Workplace: Panel discussion by different companies that will address the pros and cons of phones and social media in the workplace.

1:45 pm: Break

1:55 pm: Characteristics of a Great Employee: Terry Bryant, SEA

2:45 pm: Adjourn

For more information, contact Nita Matlock at 501-682-9092 or nita.matlock@arkansas.gov.