ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Friday, over 200 workers attended the 22nd Upper Michigan Safety Conference at Bay College in Escanaba.
More than 30 exhibitors set up displays of the latest safety products and resources for various industries. Attendees had the opportunity to network with employers, learn about new developments in workplace safety, and purchase new gear to keep themselves safe on the job.
MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman opened the conference by reading the names of the 34 Michigan workers who died on the job last year. Keynote speaker Keith Jenks then told his story of surviving a 480-volt electrical explosion, demonstrating how complacency and “cutting corners” can cause near-fatal or fatal accidents.
“Safety is 24/7,” said Bay College Workforce Training & Business Development Manager Renée Lundberg. “It’s really important for Bay College to share in the training and awareness aspect. It’s one of our premiere programs. We do this event to ensure that our workforce locally can get up-to-date, relevant safety information.”
Lundberg says the Upper Michigan Safety Conference is a great refresher for local employees ahead of Workers’ Memorial Day on Sunday.
