2026 Voluntary Protection Program Seminar:
Melvin E. James Honorary Lectures on Safety and Health
On March 18, 2026, the 13th annual seminar was held at L&I Headquarters in Tumwater, WA.
Sessions
Craig Blackwood, Assistant Director, L&I DOSH & Joel Sacks, Director, L&I
Welcome and opening remarks.
Leading Safety in the Age of AI
Molly Breysse Cox, PhD, Interim Director UW OSHCE (University of Washington Occupational Safety and Health Continuing Education)
In this keynote presentation, Molly Breysse Cox leads a discussion on AI and its place in workplace safety and health. AI is no longer a future concept. It is increasingly used in the workplace to detect hazards, analyze safety data and support risk-related decision-making. How leaders introduce, communicate about and govern these tools has important implications from worker trust, engagement and overall safety culture.
Be Proactive! L&I Consultations Help Reduce Workers Compensation Costs… and More
Erin Nutter, Risk Management Consultant, L&I DOSH
Risk Management Consultant, Erin Nutter shows how businesses can be proactive, with the help of L&I Consultation Services, in improving workplace safety and health. L&I Consultation provides assessments and insights into your business, and come with lots of information and resources, that ultimately make you more successful.