Last week, Certainty Software had the privilege of sponsoring and exhibiting at the 2023 Safety Connect Virtual Conference & Expo hosted by Safeopedia. This marked another year of our participation in this remarkable event, and as always, it was an enlightening experience. While we set out to help conference attendees gain a deeper understanding of technology’s role in safety, we, in turn, found ourselves with some amazing takeaways that we’re excited to share with you.
What is the Safety Connect Virtual Conference and Expo?
For those who aren’t familiar, the Safety Connect Virtual Conference and Expo is an annual gathering of corporate safety leaders. It serves as an opportunity for these experts to discuss novel methods, cutting-edge tools, new products, and calculated strategies to improve workplace safety. We also can’t forget about the awesome rewards. This year, the conference’s spotlight was on three crucial safety themes: People and Community, Mental Health, and Leadership.
Here’s our very own Hewitt Roberts taking part in the panel discussion “How to Leverage Technology to Super Charge Our Safety Initiatives”. This discussion dove into helping attendees better visualize how technology and safety mesh together to prevent and eliminate workplace hazards.
Our 4 Takeaways
It’s hard to summarize such a great event, but here are the top four takeaways during our time at the Safety Connect Virtual Conference:
1. The Safety Community is a fantastic group to be a part of
The sense of community in the safety sector was one of the conference’s most remarkable highlights. Throughout the 29 events we attended and participated in, we consistently felt the buzz and eagerness each time. From thought-provoking Q&A sessions to the chat feeds filled with positivity, support, and inquisitiveness, attendees and hosts from different industries, backgrounds, and levels of experience all came together with one common goal: to make workplaces safer.
Sharing personal experiences, best practices, and even the occasional challenge underscored the collaborative nature of this field. We were reminded that safety isn’t just a set of regulations or compliance requirements; it’s a shared mission that draws people together to foster safer, more secure work environments.
We realized that in the end, the Safety Connect Virtual Conference wasn’t just an event; it was a reaffirmation of the sense of purpose that unites safety professionals. It was a reminder that we are not alone in our pursuit of safer workplaces and that the challenges and triumphs we experience are shared by many others.
2. Safety improvement never stops
In the diverse mix of conference attendees, it was striking to see how this shared commitment to safety transcended organization size and industry. Whether it was a multinational corporation, a regional manufacturer, or a small family-owned business, everyone was there to learn, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for enhancing safety in their workplaces.
This common enthusiasm for safety speaks to a deeper understanding of its value. We recognized that prioritizing safety is not just a regulatory requirement but a strategic investment in the long-term success of their organizations. Regardless of an organization’s size, we are all driven by the belief that a safe workplace not only protects employees but also leads to improved productivity, lower turnover, and a stronger reputation.
3. Costs are still a major challenge in improving workplace safety
One of the recurring challenges that emerged in discussions throughout the conference was the financial aspect of safety improvements. While there was a resounding consensus on the importance of safety, many organizations grappled with the practicalities of funding safety initiatives. Balancing the need for safety with budget constraints continues to be a significant hurdle.
This challenge reinforces the importance of cost-effective safety solutions. Attendees discussed strategies for optimizing safety investments, such as implementing technology solutions that provide a high return on investment or making incremental improvements that fit within limited budgets. It was clear that organizations are seeking innovative and efficient ways to enhance safety without incurring exorbitant costs.
It’s apparent that organizations need to be educated, made aware of, and committed to the long-term advantages of safety investments. It’s not just about immediate costs but about the enduring value of a safer workplace in terms of employee well-being, reduced incidents, and ultimately, a more resilient and successful organization.
4. AI is here and the safety community is ready
A notable addition to this year’s conference was the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) as a prominent theme. From panel discussions to Q&As, AI had an underlying tone in many of the conference events. And this is good! From predictive analytics to automated incident reporting, it was clear that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present reality.
The adoption of AI is transforming the safety landscape, offering new tools and methodologies to prevent incidents, enhance risk management, and streamline safety processes. Safety professionals are increasingly turning to AI-powered solutions to bolster their safety initiatives and achieve a higher level of precision in identifying potential hazards and mitigating risks.
Overall, the 2023 Safety Connect Conference provided new takeaways for everyone from attendees to sponsors. We not only reaffirmed our commitment to serving the safety community but also gained a deeper appreciation for the shared values that bind us together, the universal pursuit of safety excellence, the ongoing challenge of making safety improvements within budget constraints, and getting ready for what AI will have in store for the future.
See you at the next Conference,
The Certainty Team.
