Professor, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University
Former US Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Dr David Michaels is an epidemiologist and professor at George Washington University. He served as Assistant Secretary of Labor for the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) from 2009 to 2017 and was the longest serving administrator in the agency's history. Previously, he was the chief safety officer of the U.S. nuclear weapons complex and served on President Biden's COVID-19 Transition Advisory Board.
Keynote Address:
In the Conference keynote, Dr David Michaels will share how implementing robust collaborative workplace safety management practices can significantly improve productivity and business value. By mastering risk identification and mitigation, companies enhance their operational processes, which in turn boosts productivity. Furthermore, a strong commitment to safety supports employees’ well-being, fostering a culture of trust. This increased trust and well-being among employees lead to higher motivation and, consequently, greater productivity. Additionally, maintaining a safe workplace environment reduces the frequency and severity of injuries, minimising downtime, and associated costs. Beyond these financial gains, prioritising safety also demonstrates corporate responsibility, which enhances the company's brand reputation.