Safety on the Edge: Redefining What a Safety Conference Can Be

On March 25–26, safety professionals from around the globe gathered at the historic Claremont Hotel in Berkeley, California, for Safety on the Edge—a groundbreaking conference that challenged conventional thinking and sparked meaningful dialogue about the future of workplace safety. Proudly co-sponsored by NASP, this two-day event stood out as a bold reimagining of what a safety conference can be.

Honoring Lifelong Impact

One of the most powerful moments came during the Lifetime Achievement Awards, presented by UC Berkeley’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, Benjamin E. Hermalin. The awards celebrated the remarkable contributions of Diane Vaughan, Carlene Roberts, David Woods, and Dr. James Reason (honored posthumously).

David Woods delivered a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Reason, reflecting on his enduring legacy and foundational impact on the field of safety science.
👉 [More on the honorees here.]

Celebrating Organizational Excellence

A core theme of Safety on the Edge was recognizing organizations that go above and beyond to create safer, more resilient workplaces. This year’s Company Excellence Awards highlighted outstanding efforts at both the site-specific and global levels.

Individual Site Safety Excellence Awards

• 💎 Diamond Award – L’Oréal
L’Oréal received the highest site-level honor for its outstanding safety performance. Their proactive mindset, best practice integration, and ongoing commitment to improvement set a benchmark for excellence.

• 🥈 Platinum Award – Ampelmann
Ampelmann, a leader in offshore access solutions, earned the Platinum for its innovative, tech-driven safety strategies. Their work demonstrates how cutting-edge engineering and a strong safety culture can thrive in even the most high-risk environments.

International Company Safety Excellence Awards

• 💎 Diamond Award – Southern Company
One of the largest energy providers in the U.S., Southern Company was honored for embedding safety into every level of its global operations—from executive leadership to fieldwork. Their forward-thinking strategies and cultural commitment stood out across the board.

• 🥈 Platinum Award – Pernod Ricard
Global spirits leader Pernod Ricard was recognized for making safety a pillar of its sustainability mission. Their people-first philosophy, backed by strong global standards and engagement initiatives, earned them the Platinum for international excellence. These awards aren’t just symbolic—they represent real progress, bold thinking, and a shared commitment to protecting workers everywhere.

Breakthrough Ideas & Inspiring Voices

The speaker lineup featured thought leaders and industry pioneers who challenged attendees to think differently about safety. Highlights included:

• Kim Greene (Georgia Power) – Executive leadership in safety
• Lorraine Martin (NSC) – Safety’s expanding role in society
• Todd Conklin – Human & Organizational Performance
• Rodney Rocha (NASA) – Risk mitigation under pressure
• Carole Smets (Pernod Ricard) – Driving safety through sustainability

With a strong focus on psychological health and safety, each session invited attendees to adopt a more human-centered approach to the profession.

More Than a Conference—A Community

From the opening night mixer to the group networking lunch, Safety on the Edge fostered a collaborative and energizing environment. Attendees walked away with new connections, fresh perspectives, and a renewed passion for their work.

Here’s what some had to say:

Ruairi Connor, Senior Director of EHS EMEA, Ball Corporation:
“This is a new and unique, premier event that brings together top safety professionals, industry experts, and thought leaders to explore cutting-edge strategies and solutions for creating safer, more resilient workplaces.”

Liz Horvath (April 2, 2025):
“Kim Greene’s opening presentation was a perfect segue into the conference. Her honesty about decision-making as a leader helped set the tone for many of the sessions—especially when asking: Are we measuring the right things and asking the right questions?”

Pam Walaski, CSP, FASSP (April 1, 2025):
“The talent here is astounding. I can’t wait to be a sponge and learn from so many professionals I’ve admired for so long.”

NASP is proud to have been a key sponsor of this remarkable event. Safety on the Edge wasn’t just about sharing knowledge—it was about shaping the future of the safety profession, together.