Arkansas Workers' Safety Conference

Arkansas Workers and Industry Leaders Gather in Jacksonville for 2026 Workers’ Safety Conference

03/19/2026

Little Rock, Arkansas — Workers, employers, and safety leaders from across the state gathered today in Jacksonville for the 2026 Workers’ Safety Conference, hosted by the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing (ADLL) and sponsored by the Little Rock/Jacksonville Advisory Committee. The event brought together professionals from a broad range of industries with a shared purpose: strengthening workplace safety and fostering a culture that prioritizes the well-being of Arkansas workers.

Held at the Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Center, this year’s conference centered on the theme “Building Safety Forward.” Sessions emphasized the importance of identifying workplace hazards, empowering employees to take ownership of safety practices, and developing systems that reduce on-the-job injuries and illnesses.

The day opened with remarks from Sherree Bynum of the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority and Daryl Bassett, Secretary of the ADLL. Both welcomed attendees and underscored the critical role safety plays in protecting Arkansas’s workforce and supporting the state’s economy.

A key moment of the conference came when Secretary Bassett presented two safety awards to Entergy facilities. The Entergy Lake Catherine Power Station was recognized for seven years of safety excellence, while the Entergy Hot Spring Facility was honored for an extraordinary 23-year record of safety excellence.

Throughout the day, attendees participated in presentations and discussions led by safety experts and industry leaders. John Wolfe of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provided an overview of enforcement trends, highlighting the most frequently cited workplace violations in Arkansas, along with ongoing concerns such as fatalities and amputations.

Additional sessions focused on leadership and workforce engagement. Bryan Lamb of Bad Boy Mowers delivered a presentation titled “How to Lead When You Are Not in Charge,” encouraging frontline employees to take an active role in shaping safety culture. LaShunda Briggs of L’Oréal addressed effective onboarding strategies, emphasizing the need to reinforce safety training well beyond an employee’s first days on the job.

In the afternoon, Keneasha Scott of K Scott Consults, LLC led a session on “Hurry Syndrome,” examining how rushing increases workplace risk and offering practical strategies to slow processes and prevent injuries. The conference concluded with a panel discussion titled “Trust Before Rules,” moderated by Sherree Bynum, which explored how trust between workers and management strengthens compliance and leads to safer workplaces.

Interactive exercises throughout the day allowed participants to practice identifying hazards and working through real-world safety scenarios.

While the conference is designed primarily for hourly workers, it also welcomed supervisors, safety committee members, and managers who share responsibility for workplace safety. Healthcare professionals, including nursing home administrators and nurses, were able to apply the training toward continuing education requirements.

The Workers’ Safety Conference continues to serve as a vital forum for collaboration among employees, employers, and safety professionals across Arkansas. By sharing knowledge, best practices, and practical tools, the event aims to reduce workplace injuries and reinforce the importance of safety in every workplace.

For more information about safety training opportunities offered by the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, visit www.labor.arkansas.gov.

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