ISRI’s Safety and Environmental Conference Promises to Cover Gamut of Safety Topics

This week’s Industry Voices was written by Dr. Ryan Nolte, ISRI’s director of safety outreach.

ISRI’s Spring 2022 Safety and Environmental Conference (ISEC) will take place June 14-16 in St. Louis, Mo. ISRI’s safety team has identified the most critical current topics and expert speakers to engage attendees and offer forward real-world solutions to issues attendees may be facing.

A panel of industry experts will discuss Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) Prevention Programs in their respective organizations. Each will share specific information about what makes their program a success, how it was implemented, how to incorporate new employees into such a program, and takeaways for attendees who may not have a SIF prevention program that are interested in starting one.

David Wagger, ISRI’s chief scientist and director of environmental management, will provide an update on a PFAS regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that will affect ISRI members’ stormwater and air permits. There will also be a session on the handling and storage of lithium-ion batteries. An expert from Call2Recycle, a rechargeable battery and cellphone collection program, will present best practices for handling and storage, as well as potential recycling avenues for those who accumulate these types of batteries daily.

We will also have a presentation on mental health. The presentation will focus on how to manage your own mental health, and how to help others such as employees who may be struggling. This session will provide techniques on identifying potential issues, dealing with common issues, and how to provide support.

Attendees will not only leave the conference with ideas for improving workplace safety, but also with new connections to help toward their efforts. This conference is as much about making connections and discussing experiences as it is about impactful educational sessions. Having the opportunity to engage others in recycling to discuss common issues and potential opportunities for improvement is invaluable for attendees’ personal and professional development.

ISRI’s Safety and Environmental Conference is the most comprehensive source of up-to-date information and guidance concerning safe operations and environmental compliance in the recycling industry. Environment, health, and safety (EHS) and operations professionals from across the industry will share lessons learned, best practices, and much more. If you haven’t done so already, register here. We hope to see you next week in St. Louis!