Safety+ 2025 Kicks Off in St. Louis with a Focus on People, Progress, and Prevention
VPPPA’s annual symposium blends deep-dive training, real-world tech, and human-centered strategies to shape the next era of workplace safety.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Aug 04, 2025
The Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association (VPPPA) hosts its annual Safety+ Symposium in downtown St. Louis from August 11–14 with a clear message: safety is evolving, and so must the people responsible for it.
With more than a hundred sessions scheduled across four days—from AI-driven ergonomics to electrical safety, heat stress, mental health, and incident prevention—this year’s event brings together regulators, vendors, and front-line leaders to share, learn, and collaborate on the challenges reshaping modern safety programs.
Monday: Momentum Through Deep Dives and Dialogue
The week begins with a fun run, scholarship golf tournament, and deep dive workshops, giving early arrivals a chance to connect before the Annual Meeting of the Membership and the grand opening reception in the exhibit hall.
Tuesday: Workshops Spark Practical Problem-Solving
The first full day of workshops reflects the broad scope of this year’s program.
“Small Steps to Big Gains” explores how microlearning transforms safety training through bite-sized, spaced-repetition video content, creating long-term behavior change.
“Functional Movement Screening Using Motion Analysis” demonstrates how new technologies help wellness programs proactively identify injury risks before they become problems.
“Are Your PDAs Driving Profits?” reframes Physical Demands Analyses as a tool for boosting ROI through better hiring, injury prevention, and return-to-work planning.
Another highlight, “From Data to Prevention,” illustrates how wearable safety tech generates real-time leading indicators to combat musculoskeletal disorders, heat illness, and forklift-pedestrian hazards—without violating worker privacy.
General Session and More Learning Tracks
After the Opening General Session and Keynote, sessions continue with discussions such as:
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“RCA + HOP: Better Together,” combining root cause analysis with human and organizational performance principles
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“New-Hire Safety Orientation,” offering strategies to make onboarding more engaging and effective
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“Electrical Safety: The Enigma of EHS,” which addresses widespread knowledge gaps in electrical hazards
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“The Homefield Disadvantage,” a creative look at how complacency undermines even seasoned safety programs
The day concludes with tailgating and baseball at Busch Stadium—an event that celebrates connection, camaraderie, and Total Worker Health principles.
Wednesday: Culture, Innovation, and the Role of AI
Workshops feature cutting-edge content, including:
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“Utilizing AI to Mitigate Injury Risks,” showcasing real-time video analysis and ergonomic dashboards
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“Culture Catalysts,” a session on six success factors that improve safety climate
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“Revolutionizing Scaffolding,” with data and best practices from the petrochemical and refining industry
Afternoon tracks continue with sessions such as “Risk-Informed AI for EHS Management,” “CLEAR Digital VPP Audits,” and “Beginner’s Guide to Emergency Response Plans.”
Evening programming includes site tours, award receptions, and further workshops covering topics like blame-free accountability and combustible dust hazards.
Thursday: Bringing It Home
The final day starts with regional meetings and wraps with workshops focused on:
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Chemical assessments and hierarchy of controls
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NFPA 70E updates and PPE best practices
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Cultural shifts to reduce serious injuries and fatalities
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Communicating change and improving trench safety
The symposium concludes with a keynote and final deep-dive sessions—offering attendees one last opportunity to build relationships and refine strategies before heading home.
For the full agenda and event resources, visit: safety.vpppa.org