The event, hosted by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation's (BWC) Division of Safety & Hygiene, is expected to draw more than 5,000 safety and health professionals.
"BWC's Safety Congress is the most comprehensive source of occupational health and safety in the Midwest," said BWC Administrator/CEO James Conrad. "Both employers and employees benefit from safer working environments. It's an opportunity that can't be missed."
Attendees will learn the most current workplace safety and health information in more than 150 educational sessions and more than 225 exhibits.
Diverse sessions will address issues such as ergonomics, construction, violence in the workplace, agriculture, excavation, healthcare, highway safety, public schools and rehabilitation.
The opening general session begins on Tuesday morning at 8:30 with presenter Charlie Morecraft. Morecraft, who worked as an Exxon refinery worker and manager of safety, was critically injured in an explosion that burned more than 45 percent of his body. As he recounts his own personal tragedy, Morecraft will stress the importance of safety as everyone's responsibility.
The Ohio Forklift Rodeo Championship will begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning. Powered truck teams from various Ohio businesses will compete against each other and the clock as they travel obstacle courses that challenge their driving skill, safety and equipment knowledge.
"The Role of Demonstrations in Chemical Education and Safety Training," "Crisis Communication: What Works; What Doesn't," and "Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Upper Extremities" are among the general sessions offered throughout Wednesday.
Thursday general sessions focus on such topics as industrial hygiene, metal fabrication, construction and health-care facilities.
The event is free and registration can be obtained at the conference. For more information call (800) 644-6292 or visit BWC's Web site at www.ohiobwc.com.