2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo Panel Explores Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
A roundtable discussion led to insights into diversity’s role in workplace safety.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Oct 24, 2023
The 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo has brought attendees much to absorb and consider. One panel discussion on "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in OSH" is perhaps among the most crucial.
The session—held on Tuesday, Oct. 24—emphasized the significance of integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) into safety and health planning. It underlined how diverse perspectives can provide critical insights into improving workplace safety.
Maj. General Jeannie M. Leavitt, the U.S. Air Force's first female fighter pilot, shared her unique perspective during the session. She reflected on her career journey and her challenges, shedding light on the importance of breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Moreover, Leavitt dove into how diversity and inclusion can directly impact workplace safety.
“When people feel like they’re a part of the team, they feel like their opinions matter. They are more vested in that organization. Inclusion gives people their voice, and it also helps keep diversity,” Leavitt said. “You don’t know where that next idea is coming from, that next great idea … You don’t know who’s going to see that dangerous situation, and you want them to feel empowered to speak up.”
The session also featured a roundtable discussion, moderated by NSC President/CEO Lorraine Martin, with distinguished safety and health leaders. Participants included NSC Board Members Nicole Piggott, COO of Women in Governance, and I. David Daniels, president and CEO of ID2 Solutions LLC as well as Cheyenne Lucero, safety coordinator at IBEW Local 302.
“I think people have to understand that there is definitely a correlation between socioeconomic issues and the groups of people who are being injured and killed in the workplace,” Piggott said. “So if were to address those things and make sure people feel secure in asking questions, secure in saying that something doesn’t fit… People need to recognize there are people who are very vulnerable in your workplace.”
The panel discussion recognized not only that marginalized communities often face significantly higher fatality and injury rates while on the job but also explored the underlying reasons and potential solutions. The session aimed to help safety professionals in attendance and beyond establish a strong connection between DE&I efforts and safety outcomes.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.