The UWUA National Safety Committee had a significant presence at the National Safety Council (NSC) Fall Expo and Labor Division Conference, held September 16–18, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. This event provided UWUA with an opportunity to advance its safety initiatives and reaffirm its leadership in advocating for utility worker safety. Participating committee members included Jayson Ayala (Local 1-2), Ronnie Brooks (Local 393), Mike Esposito (Local 423), Erin Fitch (Local 223), Brian Hannon (Local 369), Mercurio Moore (Local 132), Heather Novak (Local 648), and Dean Wymer (Local 335).
This dedicated team engaged in critical sessions and the Labor Division meeting, reflecting UWUA’s proactive commitment to safety and to staying current with industry standards. The NSC Expo featured workshops and sessions on the latest in safety technology and best practices for high-risk utility environments. Members gained exposure to advanced risk assessment tools and enhanced emergency response protocols aimed at addressing the distinct safety challenges utility workers face.
Collaborative discussions on worker safety standards and policy updates were central to the event. UWUA representatives participated in dialogues with safety professionals nationwide, sharing insights and exploring new strategies to improve worker safety. These interactions allowed UWUA’s Safety Committee to exchange successful initiatives and learn from alternative approaches, building connections that will strengthen future safety efforts.
The knowledge gained from the NSC Expo will shape UWUA’s policies and practices, with committee members returning with actionable strategies for enhancing safety measures. These insights are expected to improve risk assessment, emergency response, and preventive safety practices across union operations. The event also underscored UWUA’s commitment to continuous education and training, essential to protecting members’ well-being and maintaining high safety standards in the utility sector.
UWUA’s regular participation in NSC events underscores our dedication to workplace safety. By implementing the latest innovations and strengthening policies, UWUA leads by example, championing the safety of utility workers and reinforcing its role as a trusted leader in safety advocacy.