TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies is sponsoring the 17th Annual Alabama Governor’s Safety and Health Conference Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach. This year’s conference theme is “Safety and Health -- Make a Commitment.”

Dr. William Weems, director for UA’s division of environmental and industrial programs, said the conference’s goal is to promote occupational safety and health in Alabama. This conference is the largest of its type in Alabama and the Gulf Coast region.

James M. Walker Jr., Alabama’s director of Homeland Security, will open the conference with welcoming remarks; headlining the morning event will be Atlanta attorney Pat Tyson and Robert Menard, motivational business humorist. The Wednesday morning general session motivational speaker is Randy Snow, a three game medalist in the Paralympic Games who was recently inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

In addition to the general speakers, breakout sessions covering occupational safety, health and environmental topics will be offered including “Buried Alive – Worker-Rescuer-Victim,” Christopher Caito’s personal experience of being buried in a trench cave-in. Brian Peters from Alabama SKYWARN Foundation Inc. will present “Severe Weather and the Workplace.”

Go to the conference Web site www.algovshc.ccs.ua.edu for a detailed list of all the topics at the meeting.

People who are involved with safety and health programs in the workplace should attend this conference, including: safety and health professionals, plant superintendents, human resource managers, compliance managers, loss control specialists, building superintendents, safety training supervisors, state agencies, environmental professionals, occupational health nurses, case managers, and worker’s compensation managers. Interested attendees should check on continuing education credits.

“The annual Alabama Governor’s Safety and Health Conference consistently provides quality technical information on issues that affect all safety and health professionals throughout the state,” said Scott Herndon, regional safety manager with Boral Industries in Bessemer. “The networking opportunities have fostered the development of professional relationships that have served as key resources in compliance with and practical application of standards.”

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

The College of Continuing Studies offers the resources of The University of Alabama to meet the diverse academic needs of non-traditional students throughout Alabama and around the world. The College offers a comprehensive, quality program of both on-campus and off-campus credit opportunities at the bachelor's and master's degree levels for adults who are employed full-time or otherwise unable to attend classes on campus during traditional day hours. The College also offers a variety of non-credit courses, workshops and seminars in business, industry, healthcare and government for professional updating and career enhancement.