UA to Host Conference Addressing Workplace Violence Issues Aug. 27-29

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama’s College of Continuing Studies’ Division of Environmental and Industrial Programs, in coordination with the Alabama Governor’s office, will host the Alabama Governor’s Safety and Health Conference Aug. 27-29 at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, Ala.

Dr. John D. Byrnes, president and founder of the Center for Aggression Management in Winter Park, Fla., will hold a breakout session addressing aggression in the workplace. Byrnes has developed a preventative method for identifying, measuring and managing aggression in people.

“Because we can measure aggression before it becomes conflict, we can now prevent aggression as opposed to reacting to it,” Byrnes said.

Terry Becker-Fritz, a clinical nurse specialist in mental health, will teach participants how to identify the warning signs of potential workplace violence among employees and visitors, and the verbal intervention strategies to diminish this situation.

This conference will be one of the first sites to offer detailed information about the new Occupational Safety and Health Administration Record Keeping Regulation, which seeks to improve how the government tracks occupational illnesses and injuries.

Bob Whitmore, who is in charge of occupational injury and illness record keeping activities in the national OSHA office, will speak during the breakout sessions. His presentation will highlight the major changes, including exemption changes, that should be considered prior to the new rule’s implementation in January 2002.

In addition to the general speakers, breakout sessions, covering occupational safety, health and environmental topics, will be offered.

Tiffany Blount, coordinator of public information for UA’s division of environmental and industrial programs, said the conference’s goal is to promote occupational safety and health in Alabama.

Continuing education units (CEUs) are available for those in the following organizations: Alabama Board of Nursing, Board of Certified Safety Professionals and the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (pending approval).

For more information, call 877/508-7246.