Industry representatives will join elected officials, emergency responders and communication experts at a workshop to discuss improving safety and environmental performance Thursday, October 27.
Enhancing Chemical Safety and Environmental Performance: A Workshop Designed to Meet the Needs of Today, Tomorrow and the Future presents an opportunity to educate chemical manufacturers and distributors about the best practices for operating in today’s world. The event will bring together nationally-recognized experts to discuss topics including the most effective safety practices, crisis communication, and response management. The program will begin promptly at noon Thursday at the Embassy Suites in Charleston, W.Va.
Hosted by the West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA) in conjunction with the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD), the workshop provides small- to medium-sized chemical companies the chance to gain valuable insight from ACC’s Responsible Care® and NACD Responsible Distribution®.
“Safe operations and environmental protection are critical to the industry’s longevity in West Virginia and retaining its place as a key economic driver,” said Rebecca McPhail, president of WVMA.
The state’s chemical manufacturing sector provides 9,000 high-paying jobs and an additional 15,000 related jobs, making it the largest manufacturing segment in West Virginia. Additionally, chemical distributors in West Virginia generate more than $100 million in economic output for the state, pay nearly $25 million in state and local taxes, and provide $35 million in employee wages.
“The chemical industry brings enormous value to West Virginia and an understanding that we must do everything possible to operate safely and to be good stewards of the environment,” McPhail added. “This workshop brings proven best practices to the table to allow industry representatives to learn from each other.”
In addition to best practices for safe manufacturing, handling and distribution of chemicals, participants will explore methods to improve communications. This portion of the workshop will bring together emergency response officials and experts in stakeholder relations to lead a discussion about coordination and communication before and during incidents.
Vanessa Allen Sutherland, Chairperson of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazards Board, will share information about her organization and its role in investigating industrial chemical incidents. Joining Sutherland to speak about industry and the importance of safety and environmental protection will be U.S. Senator Joe Manchin; Cal Dooley, CEO and President of the ACC; and Eric Byer, President of the NACD.
