NMTech, CNMI OSHA to host 2nd Annual Safety Conference

The Northern Marianas Technical Institute, in partnership with CNMI OSHA, is set to host the 2nd Annual Safety Conference on Aug. 19-20, 2024.

This event, scheduled to take place at the Pacific Islands Club Saipan from 7:30am to 4:30pm, brings together industry professionals and safety experts from across the region to provide invaluable training and education on critical safety issues.

The two-day conference is a collaboration between NMTech, CNMI OSHA, the Guam Contractors Association, and the University of California, San Diego and promises a comprehensive lineup of safety-focused classes.

Monday’s sessions will cover vital topics such as Fall Protection, Scaffolding, Heat Illness, Focus 4 Hazards, and Health Hazards. On Tuesday, participants will dive into Lock Out Tag Out procedures, Noise Pollution, and further discussions on Focus 4 Hazards and Heat Illness. Each class will be accompanied by a certificate from UCSD OSHA, adding a layer of formal recognition to the attendees’ newfound knowledge.

Jodina Attao, CEO of NMTech, expressed enthusiasm for the conference, highlighting the institute’s commitment to fostering safer working conditions across the CNMI, particularly in the trades. “One of NMTech’s goals is to promote and improve safety working conditions for everyone in the CNMI, especially in jobs in the trades. Together with our partners, we host this conference for the second year in a row to educate and increase best practices on our islands,” Attao said. She extended an invitation to the community to participate in the event, emphasizing the value of learning from industry professionals arriving from San Diego and Guam. “A huge thank you to everyone on our team for making this event possible!”

Timothy Asaivao, project manager for CNMI-OSHA Consultation, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of safety education for the CNMI workforce.

“As the safety conference continues for a second year, we are very grateful to our partners, NMTECH, GCA, MSHA, and UCSD. Attending these trainings is a great investment for our workers here in the CNMI. Keeping our workers safe begins with education. These workers are the bloodline of our community. They fix our roads, build our schools, and bring power to our houses. The goal is to always have workers return to their families in the same condition they left in—safe and healthy.”

The conference is a significant opportunity for local workers and employers to gain critical insights into safety protocols and best practices, helping to ensure that the CNMI’s workforce remains protected and well-informed. As workplace safety continues to be a pressing issue, events like this one are crucial in maintaining and improving safety standards across the islands. NMTech and CNMI OSHA extend a warm invitation to community members to participate in the event.

For those interested in attending, further details and registration information can be obtained by contacting project coordinator Aaron Tomokane at aaron.tomokane@nmtechcnmi.org. Payments must be made at Northern Marianas Technical Institute. Additional information is also available on the NMTech website at www.nmtechcnmi.org.