US Labor Department’s OSHA to Co-Sponsor Downstate Illinois Workplace Health & Safety Conference on March 2, 2011

Region 5 News Release: 11-195-CHI
Feb. 16, 2011
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976 312-353-4807
E-mail: allen.scott burke.rhonda

US Labor Department’s OSHA to co-sponsor downstate Illinois
workplace safety and health conference in Peoria on March 2
Annual ‘DIOSH Day’ will offer new approaches to protecting workers

PEORIA, Ill. – Construction safety, personal protective equipment, green building and a look at the new Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Administration program will be featured topics at the workshops and breakout sessions of this year’s Downstate Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Day. The event will be held Wednesday, March 2, at the Peoria Civic Center located at 201 Jefferson Ave. SW.

DIOSH Day sponsors include the Peoria Area Office of the U.S. Department of Labor‘s Occupational Safety and Health Administration; the American Society of Safety Engineers, Central Illinois Chapter; the American Industrial Hygiene Association, Prairie Section; the Greater Peoria Contractors and Suppliers Association Inc.; the Illinois Department of Labor; the AAIM Employers’ Association; and the Tri-County Construction Labor-Management Council.

Sessions on lead abatement, fall protection, office safety and confined space training, among others, are designed to help employers keep their workers safe and healthy while improving the bottom line for their businesses. This DIOSH Day also will feature a mini-health fair with free screenings provided by the American Red Cross, OSF HealthCare and the Methodist Wellness Center.

“The conference will offer safety professionals in downstate Illinois the chance to gain important information, learn about valuable resources and network with hundreds of their peers,” said Thomas Bielema, director of OSHA’s Peoria office. “Numerous exhibitors will join governmental and nonprofit organizations in demonstrating products designed to make the workplace safe and healthful.”

Early registration is encouraged, but on-site registration will be available beginning at 7 a.m. CST. The workshops and breakout sessions will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exhibit area hours will be from 7 a.m. until 3:10 p.m., and the health fair will be open from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For registration and additional information, call 877-DIOSH-DAY (346-7432) or visit http://www.DIOSHDay.com.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.