National Poultry Safety Conference Highlights Current and Emerging Issues Facing Industry

The 2011 National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry was held June 1-3, at the Marriott Savannah Riverfront Hotel located in Savannah, Georgia. The conference attracted 62 total attendees and vendors representing 39 companies and organizations from 18 different states. Conference participants had the opportunity to listen and learn from a variety of speakers.

This year’s keynote address was given by Benjamin Ross, OSHA Assistant Regional Administrator for Enforcement Programs in Region IV, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Ross provided an update on current OSHA initiatives, including the new GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals) and safety incentive programs. 

The annual David Wylie Insight Lecture was delivered by James Wimberly of Wimberly, Lawson, Steckel, Schneider & Stine, P.C.  Wimberly highlighted trends in OSHA enforcement and penalty plans in the Obama administration. Other presentations covered topics ranging from OSHA recordkeeping inspections and fleet safety programs to effectively communicating health and safety value to management and methods to improve safety and employee morale to media management during a crisis and responding to a combustible dust emergency.

Participants also enjoyed a sponsor reception on June 1, featuring 6 sponsors showcasing the latest in worker/plant safety equipment and services. The annual conference is supported by the National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, Georgia Poultry Federation, and GTRI’s Agricultural Technology Research Program.