Building safer workplaces together: Join Guam's premier safety conference

BY FRANCINE TAITAGUE

For a quarter-century, the Guam Contractors Association has championed workplace safety through education, collaboration, and innovation. 

This year marks the 25th Annual Joseph Leasiolagi "Samoan Joe" Safety Conference — a milestone celebration that promises to be our most impactful yet. Whether you're a seasoned safety professional, business owner, or someone just beginning to understand the critical importance of workplace safety, this conference offers invaluable insights that could save lives and protect your organization.

In today's rapidly evolving workplace landscape, safety isn't just a regulatory requirement, it's a moral imperative and a business necessity. Every workplace injury represents not only human suffering but also significant financial costs, decreased productivity, and potential legal liabilities. According to national statistics, workplace injuries cost businesses billions of dollars annually in medical expenses, workers' compensation claims, and lost productivity.

But beyond the numbers lies a fundamental truth: every worker deserves to return home safely to their families each day. When we prioritize safety, we create environments where employees feel valued, productivity increases, and organizational culture thrives. 

Safety isn't just about compliance, it's about creating sustainable, successful businesses that put people first. Creating a culture of safety should be an organization’s first priority.

This year's conference brings together industry leaders, federal safety officials, and local experts who will share cutting-edge approaches to workplace safety across diverse sectors. From construction and tourism to retail, wholesale, and government operations, the principles of effective safety management cross industry boundaries.

This year’s conference features an impressive lineup of speakers discussing today's most pressing safety challenges.

Jesse Pangelinan from OSHA On-Site, will lead multiple sessions covering critical areas including warehousing pallet rack safety, fire and life safety protocols, electrical safety for general industry, and repair shop safety. His expertise in federal safety regulations and practical implementation strategies makes these sessions invaluable for any organization.

Larry Taitano will share insights on developing and maintaining successful safety programs, providing attendees with actionable frameworks they can immediately implement in their workplaces.

Jesrae Moylan from Tuma Guam, will address mental health awareness, a crucial component of comprehensive workplace safety that's often overlooked but increasingly recognized as essential for creating truly safe work environments.

Johnny Cruz from OICC Safety, will explore the evolution from Safety 1 to Safety 2 methodologies and provide essential guidance on hazard communication, helping organizations stay current with best practices and regulatory requirements.

The conference spans two full days -  Oct. 23 and Oct. 24 at the Hyatt Regency Guam. Day one runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by day two from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The conference concludes with a social mixer from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. This will be an excellent opportunity to continue conversations, build professional relationships, and share experiences with fellow safety advocates.

At $150 for one day or $200 for both days, this conference represents exceptional value for professional development. Your registration includes all sessions, breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, and beverages.

Attendees report year after year the networking opportunities and peer-to-peer learning are as valuable as the formal presentations. You'll leave with not only new knowledge but also a network of safety professionals you can consult throughout the year.

This conference is designed for anyone committed to improving workplace safety, including safety managers and coordinators, business owners and executives, human resources professionals, supervisors and team leaders, students pursuing safety-related careers and government officials.

Regardless of your industry or experience level, you'll find relevant, actionable content that can make an immediate difference in your workplace.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of Guam's premier safety conference. 

Register by contacting the Guam Contractors Association at (671) 647-4841 or email me, francine.taitague@guamcontractors.org, for details and to secure your spot.

Investing in safety education means investing in your organization's future success and, most importantly, in the wellbeing of every person who walks through your doors. Your commitment to safety can start here. mbj

— Francine Taitague is the education director of the Guam Contractors Association.