2025 Voluntary Protection Program Seminar:
Melvin E. James Honorary Lectures on Safety and Health

On March 18, 2025, the 12th annual seminar was held at L&I Headquarters in Tumwater, WA. 

Sessions

Introduction

Craig Blackwood, Assistant Director, L&I DOSH & Joel Sacks, Director, L&I

Welcome and opening remarks.

Authentic Leadership

Amy Leneker, Founder & CEO, The Leneker Team

This keynote presentation provides insights on achieving authentic leadership in workplace safety and health. Attendees learned the 4 things that people want most from leaders, 3 things that get in the way, 2 challenges, and 1 word to remember.

Bring In The Experts: Involving Employees in Your Ergonomics Program

Rick Goggins, Ergonomist, L&I DOSH

Attendees learned the benefits of involving employees in workplace ergonomics programs. No one knows the job more than the people who do it every day. A number of participatory activities and online tools were shown that can aid in creating a safer workplace.

The Benefits of DOSH Consultation

Dave Conley, Region 1 Consultation Manager, L&I DOSH

Attendees learned how DOSH consultation services and risk management can assist in preventing workplace injuries. Emphasis is placed on the importance of shifting the focus from simply complying with the codes to being proactive when it comes to worker safety.

Bird Flu: A One-Health Approach for Safer Workplaces

Bradley Farrar, Multicultural and Web Services Manager, L&I DOSH

Attendees learned about the emergence of bird flu and how we must all work together to combat this new infectious disease. One way to achieve this is through the One-Health approach: an integrated unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.