NSC 2024 Safety Congress & Expo Lines Up Dynamic Keynotes on Safety, Innovation, and Human-Robot Interaction
Three days of Keynote speakers will cover safety models, innovation, and human-robot interaction
- By David Kopf
- Sep 09, 2024
The National Safety Council (NSC) is preparing for its 2024 Safety Congress & Expo, taking place from Sept. 13-19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. With keynote sessions scheduled across three days, the event promises to inspire and challenge safety professionals with engaging presentations from compelling leaders and experts.
The opening session on Monday, Sept. 16, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., will feature Erik Weihenmayer, a blind adventurer known for his feats in the outdoors, such as summiting Mt. Everest and kayaking the Grand Canyon. Weihenmayer will present “The ‘No Barriers’ Life,” sharing his insights on overcoming obstacles and developing what he calls the “No Barriers Mindset.” His presentation will challenge attendees to turn challenges into opportunities and push beyond their perceived limits.
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the day will begin with “A Tale of Two Safeties: BBS and HOP” from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., featuring Tim Page-Bottorff and Corrie Pitzer. They will explore two distinct safety models, Safety I and Safety II, and how integrating both approaches can lead to better safety outcomes.
Following this, at 10 a.m., Scott Hoesman and Nakia Green from InQUEST Consulting will present “What Can We Agree On? Psychologically Safe Workplaces,” addressing strategies to create psychologically safe environments that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Later that afternoon, at 2 p.m., Douglas L. Parker, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, will discuss “Safety as a Core Value,” focusing on current safety challenges and opportunities to improve workplace safety in the United States.
The event will conclude on Wednesday, Sept. 18, with a thought-provoking keynote from Dr. Kate Darling, a leading expert in social robotics and a research scientist at MIT. In her presentation, “The Future of Human-Robot Interaction,” Dr. Darling will explore how robots are entering shared human spaces, raising ethical, legal, and social questions. She will delve into the opportunities and challenges posed by human-robot interaction and the broader implications for society as these machines become more advanced.
In addition to the keynote sessions, attendees will have access to over 100 educational and technical sessions, 20 Professional Development Seminars, and an expansive expo floor showcasing the latest in safety technology and solutions.
About the Author
David Kopf is the publisher and executive editor of Occupational Health & Safety magazine.