Blue Ridge Safety Association Announces Annual Safety Conference

The Blue Ridge Safety Association is pleased to announce the line up of speakers for their Annual Safety Conference, Friday, September 25th from 9-3:30 on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College in the Plecker Workforce Center.  A dynamic and engaging group of presenters will inspire and re-invigorate participants as they focus on creating safe and healthy workplaces. 

Nick Hulse with Fisher Phillips will provide a Virginia & Federal OSHA update focused on enforcement and regulatory priorities.  He will share recent citation trends and areas receiving increased scrutiny.  In addition, he plans to highlight some unusual citations he's noted that may not be on the radar, even for an organization striving to remain in compliance.

Keynote speaker Lee Watson with the Chesapeake Region Safety Council will present on his work with NASCAR after four drivers died within a 9 month period during competitions. Lee developed NASCAR's award-winning Track Services Training Program during his tenure and continues to work extensively in motorsports.  Lee will also lead a second session that will open up a thought provoking discussion of the nature and role of safety training in today's world. Exploring training as a "check-in-the-box" compliance or if it can serve a higher purpose.

Bert Eades with GENEDGE will present on “Leadership for World Class Safety.” Bert will focus on the connection between effective safety programs and reduced downtime, fewer claims and high productivity. Attendees will gain practical insights into how an organization can turn safety into a competitive advantage. GENEDGE leverages federal and state funding to provide a wealth of expertise and resources to Virginia manufacturers, businesses, and other organizations.

David Shofstahl, Dean of Workforce Solutions at Blue Ridge Community College and a PhD candidate researching person-environment fit in the trades, uses that reality to build regional workforce strategies, partnering with industry to create custom solutions and registered apprenticeships for a stronger, safer and more committed workforce. David's session on "Beyond Safety Culture" will focus on the friction between an organization's safety expectations and the physical reality of the job site which can often create a disconnect that drives up both injury rates and turnover. 

The BRSA is excited and grateful to all of these speakers willing to share their knowledge and vast experiences with participants during this year's Annual Safety Conference.  

Learn more and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brsa-2026-safety-conference-tickets-1993626859604