New Safety & Health Challenges Confronting Global Workplace Take Center Stage at 17th World Congress on Safety and Health at Work, Sept. 18-22 in Orlando

News Advisory:

-- Labor Secretary Chao and NASA Deputy Administrator Frederick Gregory to Address First U.S. hosted World Congress

-- 16,000 international workplace experts gather to discuss the link of ongoing social and economic development to workplace safety and health

The impact of shifting demographics, a global economy, and new and emerging technology on worker safety and health on-and-off the job in U.S. and around the world will be the focus of the 17th World Congress on Health and Safety at Work being held for the first time in the U.S. in Orlando, Fla., Sept. 18-22. All events will be held at the Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive.

As the global economic and humanitarian consequences of workplace injuries and illness are being realized by nations across the world, more than 16,000 workplace health and safety experts from government, business, labor groups and academia will gather in Orlando to call for greater recognition of the role that workplace safety and health must play in sustaining international social and economic development in the changing 21st century workplace.

Each year, an estimated 270 million occupational accidents and 160 million work-related illnesses are reported around the world. In many developing nations, occupational safety remains largely reactive to injuries and illnesses sustained in the workplace. In developed countries, where decades of occupational safety programs focused on prevention have dramatically reduced workplace injuries, advances in technology, shifting demographics and a more multicultural workforce are presenting new challenges for workplace safety and health.

From establishing safe occupational health services in Kabul; to linking workplace stress to depression, anxiety, and heart disease in the U.K.; to dealing with needs of a growing diversified workforce, the need for improved safety and health is pervasive. The 600-plus research submissions are as diverse as the more than 50 countries from five continents they represent. Abstracts for all papers can be found at http://www.nsc.org/abstracts.xls. Among the key research topics are:

-- Stress pandemic: How countries are addressing the stress in the workplace that is leading to an increase in injuries and illness both on-and-off the job.

-- Aging workforce: Precautions workers are taking and provisions employers are making to prevent injuries and health risks related to an aging workforce.

-- Child labor: Impact of child labor on community health.

-- Immigrant populations: The land of opportunity becomes the land of death for many immigrants coming to the U.S. to work.

-- Emergency preparedness: Preparing for natural disasters and global terrorism.

A complete agenda is available at http://www.safety2005.org or call contacts.

Highlights include:

SUNDAY, SEPT. 18

4 p.m. -- Welcome Address: Alan C. McMillian, president and CEO of National Safety Council and secretariat for World Congress

Keynote Address: Frederick G. Gregory, deputy administrator, NASA

Topic: Human space flight safety and what lessons can be gleaned from NASA’s experience in a high margin safety environment.

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MONDAY, SEPT. 19

8:45 a.m. -- Status of Occupational Safety and Health Worldwide (New Report Released)

Jukka Takala, director of Safework, ILO

9 a.m. -- Impact of Globalization: Opportunities and Risks

Liang Jiakun, deputy administrator, State Administration of Work Safety, Beijing, China

Frank White, VP, Organization Resources Counselors

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TUESDAY, SEPT. 20

9 a.m. -- Leadership in Safety and Health

Jonathan Snare, acting assistant secretary of labor for OSHA

David Dye, acting assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health

Dr. John Howard, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

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WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21

9 a.m. -- National Safety Council’s 93rd Annual Congress and Expo Opening Session

Keynote: U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao

Announcement and Presentation of 2005 Robert W. Campbell Award, honors successful business models for upholding safety, health and environmental management as a key business value.

Announcement of 2006 Green Cross for Safety Medallion Recipient, recognizes organizations and their leaders for outstanding achievements in safety and health, community service and responsible citizenship.

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THURSDAY, SEPT. 22

9 a.m. -- Why is Prevention a Value?

Allan C. McMillan, president and CEO, National Safety Council

Thomas M. Connelly, senior VP and chief science and technology officer, Dupont

Jean-Luc Marie, director, INRS

Hans-Jorg Bullinger, president, Fraunhofer Society

10 a.m. -- Prevention is a Value in a Globalized World

Ellen J. Kullman, group VP, Dupont Safety and Protection Platform

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The National Safety Council, the United Nation’s International Labour Office (ILO), and the International Social Security Association (ISSA), jointly organize the 17th World Congress on Safety and Health at Work, the first to be held in the US. A full schedule of presenters, panel discussions and special events taking place is available at http://www.safety2005.org. DuPont, a global science company, is the premier sponsor.

Contact Information

David Roscow

Media Contact

National Safety Council

Contact via E-mail