US Department of Labor's OSHA to co-sponsor Illinois workplace safety and health conference in Peoria on March 5, 2014

PEORIA, Ill. — Construction safety, combustible dust, fall protection, crane safety, organizational change management and developing a safety culture 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 5, at the Peoria Civic Center located at 201 Jefferson St. SW.

"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."

Sponsors for the 23rd annual DIOSH Day include the U.S. Department of Labor's Peoria Area Office of the 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, Division of Safety Inspection and Education; the AAIM Employers' Association; and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center.

Sessions on health hazards, video image fire detection, defining safety roles, community CPR, posture, roadway safety and global harmonization are designed to help employers keep their workers safe and healthy while improving the bottom line for their businesses. This DIOSH Day will also feature a health fair with free screenings provided by OSF Saint Francis Wellness Services and the Methodist Wellness Center.

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 3:45 p.m. Exhibit area hours will be from 7 a.m. until 2:35 p.m., and the health fair will be open from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

To register or obtain additional information, call 877-346-7432 toll-free 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 about the agency, visit http://www.osha.gov.