Participants of the first CNMI Safety Conference pose for a photo on Aug. 21 at the Crowne Plaza Resort.
DAY one of the first annual CNMI Safety Conference began on Aug. 21 at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Garapan with the signing of an agreement between the Northern Marianas Technical Institute, the Occupational Safety and Health Agency Honolulu Area office, and the CNMI OSHA Onsite Consultation Program.
The agreement aims to “foster safety and health practices” on job sites around the CNMI, according to the document signed by the three entities.
The agreement also provides information on the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under OSHA regulations.
Under the agreement, the three entities will work together to share information on OSHA initiatives and campaigns; will develop information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards; and communicate such information to employers and workers in the industry.
Tim Asaivao, program manager for the CNMI OSHA on-site consultation program, said the agreement will help “foster a culture of safety and well-being in the Commonwealth.”
“It’s important for us to sign this because it’s a chance for us to combine resources and have a greater reach into the community in terms of safety,” he said.
Jodina Attao, NMTech chief executive officer, said the signing of the agreement is an opportunity to synergize with OSHA representatives from off island.
“We believe we are going to be leveraging each other’s perspectives on how we handle safety culture in any workplace,” Attao told reporters.
Asaivao said most skilled workers are from areas outside of OSHA’s jurisdiction. The agreement and the CNMI Safety Conference are needed to help workers follow safety best practices, he added.
“This conference reflects our commitment to not merely adhere to safety regulations, but to empower each individual with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent accidents,” Asaivao said.
During the two-day conference, attendees will learn about OSHA record-keeping; fall protection and confined spaces; trenching and excavation; construction safety; machine guarding; and general industry safety.
The instructors are experts from the University of California San Diego and the Guam Contractors Association.
