2025 ASSP Safety Conference & Expo – NYECA Overview

The NYECA Office attended the 2025 ASSP Safety Conference & Expo, the leading meeting for occupational safety and health professionals. The event provided a variety of learning opportunities on evolving regulatory standards, industry best practices, mental health, and technological advancements in workplace safety. The electrical industry was represented well by National NECA’s CEO David Long and Executive Director of Safety Wes Wheeler. While the conference featured an expansive agenda with numerous breakout sessions, NYECA participated in a selection of key sessions that directly impacted the electrical industry.

Session Summaries & Key Takeaways

General Session – Workplace Connection & Safety

      • Workplaces with strong social connection see 40% fewer incidents.
      • Loneliness poses serious health risks—comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes daily.
      • Job satisfaction is highest when employees have close workplace relationships.
      • Encouraged fostering connection through positivity, consistency, and vulnerability.

 

Managing Contractor Safety Performance & Liability Management

      • Third-party workers face up to 72% higher injury rates.
      • Employers must avoid assuming liability for contractors’ negligence.
      • Strong documentation and inclusion of subcontractors in safety programs are essential.
      • Recommendations: Keep everything in writing, limit contract customization, establish clear oversight roles

 

Legal & Regulatory Update: OSHA’s Direction

      • Leadership transitions are ongoing; key appointments remain unconfirmed.
      • OSHA is reinstating opinion letters to clarify regulations and improve compliance.

 

Near-Miss Reporting – Addressing Hidden Barriers

      • Barriers include fear, complexity, and lack of feedback.
      • Key Solutions: Redefine near misses as ‘Opportunities for Improvement,’ simplify reporting forms, integrate near-miss reporting into onboarding, weekly reviews and recognition

 

New “Focus Four” Hazards: Suicide, Opioids, Motor Vehicles, Falls

      • Mental health-related deaths (suicide, opioids) now surpass many traditional jobsite hazards.
      • Suicide is 5x more likely among construction workers.
      • Recommended interventions: Culture of care, Narcan in first aid kits, regular training and mental health resources
      • For motor vehicles and falls, emphasize proper training, monitoring, and safe design.

 

Lifting & Ergonomics Training through Technology

      • Musculoskeletal injuries cost $1.6B/day in lost time.
      • Traditional lifting training is largely ineffective.
      • Use of wearable ergonomic sensors and microlearning provides real-time feedback.
      • Programs must be designed for learning, not discipline, and sponsored from the top down.

 

Mental Health as a Critical Safety Concern

      • Psychological distress increases injury risk by 2.6 times.
      • Construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates.
      • Promote: Psychological safety, work-life balance, mental health toolbox talks, early identification, EAPs
      • Hazard Recognition Training
      • Workers cannot mitigate what they don’t recognize.
      • Emphasis on: Situational awareness, effective communication, hazard-specific training, stop-work authority
      • Programs must be worker-oriented, systematic, and culturally aligned.

 

Technology for Worker Engagement

      • Use technology to enhance communication, not distract.
      • Promote employee-created safety content and apps.
      • Recommended Practices: Streamline reporting systems, include employees in development, pilot with small groups.
 

NYECA’s participation in the 2025 ASSP Safety Conference reinforced the importance of integrating mental health, technology, and cultural engagement into core safety practices. A few actionable recommendations for internal application include:



      • Expand mental health and suicide prevention initiatives
      • Review and update third-party safety oversight protocols
      • Implement ergonomic wearable technology on pilot projects
      • Redesign near-miss reporting systems to improve participation
      • Increase focus on hazard recognition and safety communication training
 

If you are interested in joining the NYECA Safety Committee, please contact the Association office. Our next meeting is Tuesday, August 26 at 3:00 p.m.