"Maintaining vigilance about safety during critical times tests an organization's true commitment to creating a safety culture. Valuing each life as precious and seeing every injury as avoidable is a clear beacon that can give us hope during difficult times," Kullman said during remarks to representatives of business, government, labor and academia during the two-day conference.
The aim of this year's summit is for stakeholders to identify specific goals for developing and advancing a national workplace safety agenda. Kullman said experience, knowledge and technology exist that can save lives and dramatically reduce injuries. She cited organizations that are building a safety culture and taking advantage of advanced materials technology to protect people and structures from man-made and natural disasters. Kullman challenged leaders at the summit and the Center for Business and Public Policy to generate change through actions.
"We need to take actions that are clear, visible and impactful," she urged. "We need to focus on action in addition to dialogue."
The summit is hosted by the Center for Business and Public Policy at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business. The Center for Business and Public Policy was formed as a result of interest following the first Workplace Safety Summit held in March 2001 at Georgetown University.