Scheduled for March 4 at the Peoria Civic Center, the 18th annual Downstate Illinois Occupational Safety and Health (DIOSH) Day will focus on workplace safety and health issues and provide information on these topics to employers, employees and the general public, according to a recent press release.

The conference is being jointly sponsored by OSHA’s Peoria Area Office; the American Society of Safety Engineers Central Illinois Chapter; the American Industrial Hygiene Association, Prairie Section; the Greater Peoria Contractors and Suppliers Association Inc.; the Illinois Department of Labor; the Employers’ Association; and the Tri-County Construction Labor-Management Council.

Breakout sessions will address: overlooked construction hazards; asbestos, lead and silica; combustible dust; heavy equipment and cranes; machine safeguarding and several other topics. A mini health fair will feature blood pressure, heart rate and glucose level testing, as well as other valuable health screening services.

“Numerous exhibitors will join governmental and nonprofit organizations in demonstrating useful and innovative products and services designed to meet workplace safety and health goals,” said Nick Walters, director of OSHA’s area office in Peoria. “The conference will offer safety professionals in downstate Illinois the chance to network with hundreds of their peers and to learn about resources available to businesses and employers.”

The daylong event will open for registration at 7 a.m. CST and continue with workshops and breakout sessions until 4 p.m. Exhibit area hours will be from 7 a.m. until 3:10 p.m. CST.

Registration and additional information may be obtained by calling 877-DIOSH-DAY (346-7432) or visiting the Web site atwww.DIOSHDay.com.