Feb. 4, 2009 — In an attempt to increase safety and health standard awareness in the workplace and across the territory, the 4th Annual Governor's Safety and Health Conference will take place Feb. 18-20 on St. Croix at the Carambola Beach Resort and Feb. 23-25 on St. Thomas at the Marriott Frenchman's Reef.
"I am pleased to congratulate UVICELL and the Department of Labor's Division of Occupational Safety and Health on hosting this important conference — a unique opportunity to hear from leaders in the field, especially regarding steps being taken to engage and protect young workers, as well as managers, on safety and health in the workplace," said Gov. John deJongh Jr., according to a Government House news release. "I expect the panel discussions to be candid, insightful, and informative."
The conference provides an opportunity for private and public sectors to come together and learn about developing effective programs to prevent workplace injury and illness, as well as keeping secure borders across the territory, according to organizers.
The University of the Virgin Islands' Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (UVICELL) Center will host the conference in collaboration with the V.I. Department of Labor's Division of Occupational Safety and Health (VI-DOSH) and the V.I. Office of Homeland Security.
This is the second time it will take place on St. Croix, and the fourth for St. Thomas. This year's theme is "Keeping Paradise Safe and Secure: Together We Can … Together We Will."
Roughly 250 people attended last year's event, according to Caroline Simon, UVICELL marketing manager. The event caters to large entities, including such government agencies as the V.I. Water and Power Authority and the Department of Natural Resources, and smaller ones such as private construction and plumbing companies.
The conference informs businesses how to meet and track OSHA standards, not only to maintain health and safety standards but also to avoid getting unnecessary fines, Simon said.
This year's program lineup will also include interactive sessions conducted by the University of California at Berkeley, with the focus on organizations that employ youth in the workforce and how to engage workers of all ages in safety programs.
David Silverberg, a respected Washington writer and editor with experience in defense, technology, congressional affairs and publication management, will present the keynote address.
Registration is required to attend the conference and space is limited. The cost is $75 per day, or $200 for a three-day pass. It is too late to buy a discounted three-day pass for St. Croix, but $150 three-day passes will be available until Monday for the St. Thomas session.
For more information or to register, call the UVICELL Center at (340) 693-1100.
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