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The Safety+ Symposium 2025 proved to be an outstanding success. From August 11-14, 1,300 people enjoyed the symposium in St. Louis, MO. Participants included event attendees, sponsors, and vendors. The conference halls were filled with collaborative energy, with vendors showcasing the latest innovations in workplace safety, eager attendees, and wonderful sponsors who made the event possible.

Throughout the four days, there was opportunity for learning and growth for everyone. Keynote speakers brought with them engaging, thought-provoking stories and information relating to workplace safety. Awards ceremonies were held to recognize outstanding individuals throughout the safety industry. In addition, attendees heard firsthand the exciting announcements from both OSHA and VPPPA, making Safety+ one of the industry’s most informative and impactful gatherings.

“Events such as Safety+ are quite impactful,” Tim Page-Bottorf, senior advisor with SafeStart said. “VPP certification creates incentive for businesses and sites to step their game up. VPPPA is crucial to helping them get that certification, and Safety+ is a fantastic way to showcase that.”

Keynote Mark Denton delivered a powerful presentation at the beginning of the week, relating his experience leading a yacht race around the world to the safety industry. By sticking to his team’s principles of being safe, happy, and fast as they raced, he described how he learned proper communication skills with his team on the spot. The interactive keynote encouraged the audience to rate his skill as a leader throughout the presentation, making it an effective way to connect with attendees. The presentation was fondly talked about among attendees for the rest of the symposium.

2025 Awards

Scholarship Winners

June Brothers Scholarship Recipient–
Hannah Escalante

Sergeant Safety Scholarship Recipient–
Jillian Ortiz

Stephen Brown Scholarship Recipient–
Garrett Wagner

William Sullivan Scholarship Recipient–
Holly Wyatt

Emerging Safety Leader Excellence Award

Michelle Tatosian

Austin Craig

Kristen Viernes

2025 Award Winners

VPPPA Mentor of the Year Award–
Erik Romo

VPP Innovation Award–
United Cleanup Oak Ridge, LLC (UCOR)

Safety and Health Outreach Award–
Olin Texas Operations Freeport Site

One prominent highlight of Safety+ 2025 included an announcement from Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, Amanda Wood Laihow. Speaking at the opening general session, Laihow announced OSHA’s new Pathways to Safety and Health Performance Program. This program is intended to modernize how OSHA works with employers, allowing for recognition of the incremental steps along the way to achieving full VPP status.

“It’s not one size fits all,” said Laihow. “If we can meet employers where they are to see what tools they need, see what information they need, and see what education they need, we can help businesses come into compliance and get there in a faster, better way to keep people safe every day.”

Pathways to Safety and Health Performance Program encourages progress at sites through acknowledgement of milestones reached, not just dividing sites based on whether or not they have achieved VPP status. It not only encourages growth, it provides a roadmap for achievement.

OSHA aims to assist these employers by expanding their resources and opportunities to help. The Safety Champions program is meant to be the starting point in achieving VPP status, marking the official starting point for organizations beginning their journey to VPP. It creates a supportive framework that celebrates each step.

Laihow also shared how one key to success is the use of Special Government Employees (SGE).

SGEs volunteer their time, help sites review annual self-evaluations, assist with VPP applications, mentor other sites, and share their unique expertise. The involvement of SGEs is a powerful demonstration of how collaboration across the industry contributes to long-term safety culture changes.

Another exciting announcement came directly from VPPPA, launching the Journey to Safety Excellence Program. Through this program, VPPPA offers a structured five-level process designed to help employers reach higher levels of safety and health excellence. Through analysis, mentoring, and direct hands-on support, VPPPA is committed to ensuring no employer lacks the resources they need to improve.

The five levels include:

Though education and emerging safety industry news were at the forefront, Safety+ 2025 also made sure that there was a strong emphasis on forming genuine bonds and encouraging community. On the opening day, a friendly golf tournament set the tone with lighthearted competition, providing an opportunity to bond outside of the formal conference setting. The following evening, participants gathered for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball game. This included a lively tailgate beforehand. Though the cardinals did not secure the win, the event was a perfect backdrop to foster lasting connections and to create meaningful memories.

“It is always appreciated to have opportunities for a more relaxed space to network in,” Dan Snyder, CEO of Safety Mentor said. “I am a big believer in leisure being a crucial aspect to productivity. Knowing colleagues outside of work helps foster lasting relationships. VPPPA really put together an incredible week of events.”

On the final day of the symposium, the closing keynote was delivered by astronaut Mike Massimino. He described his journey to becoming an astronaut and his experience working as one. “Reach out to your mission control when you need help,” Massimino said. “And be mission control for others.” He spoke about the importance of trusting your gear, trusting your training, and trusting your team. It was an impactful and effective closing keynote. The combination of meaningful professional development and social activities created an inspirational, energizing environment for attendees. At the close of Safety+ 2025, there had been valuable knowledge shared amongst attendees and a strengthened sense of unity. The symposium highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and recognition of progress. Everyone shared knowledge to arrive at the same ultimate goal: ensuring each and every worker returns home safe and healthy.