UVI Safety In Paradise

For Immediate Release
October 12, 2025
Contact: Dr. Gregory Guannel
Director
Office: (340) 693-1158
[email protected]
https://cgtc-usvi.org

UVI Caribbean Green Technology Center to Host Heat Summit 2025 on 17 October 2025

U.S. Virgin Islands – The Caribbean Green Technology Center (CGTC) of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is hosting Heat Summit 2025 to be held simultaneously on the UVI St. Thomas, Orville E. Kean, and St. Croix, Albert A. Sheen, campuses on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 9AM to 4PM AST. Come out and learn how extreme heat is affecting you and what you can do to mitigate its impacts.

“Summers used to be nice and warm. Now, they’re hot, sometimes too hot. So now, the question is how to keep enjoying summer life when it’s hot all the time,” said Dr. Gregory Guannel, Director, Caribbean Green Technology Center.” He continued, “the Heat Summit focuses on practical, everyday solutions that help people stay healthy, comfortable, and connected to the outdoors, even as our summers are hotter.”

The event is a bi-Campus, hybrid event. You can join us in person or online:
In-Person
• St. Thomas:
o UVI Elridge Blake Sports & Fitness Center | Room 210

• St. Croix:
o UVI RTPark 64 West Center | Large Conference Center

• Register: http://bit.ly/477S1bQ

Virtual
• Zoom:
o http://bit.ly/47atpiB

• YouTube:
o https://www.youtube.com//streams

A light lunch will be served. Registration is strongly encouraged as spaces are limited.

The event is being presented in partnership with the University of the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean Collaborative Adaptation Network, UVI Safety in Paradise, the Virgin Islands Department of Planning & Natural Resources, and the US Virgin Islands Department of Health.

We very much hope that you can attend this event. For more information contact [email protected] or (340) 693-1158.

# # #

UVI Safety in Paradise to Host Free Susan Harwood Young Worker Safety & Health Trainings September 9th & 10th

U.S. Virgin Islands – UVI Caribbean Green Technology Center Safety in Paradise is very excited to invite you to participate in free safety trainings for Young Worker Safety & Health to be held on the UVI St. Thomas campus on September 9th and St. Croix campus on September 10th.

Facilitated by Safety Consultant, Terrell Colvin and Industrial Hygienist, Brandon Philpot of Georgia Tech Safety, Health & Environmental Services (SHES) and funded by a Susan Harwood Grant, these free 1.5 hours-long training sessions will focus on Safety and Health in the workplace for Young Workers and those who support them.
The Young Worker Safety and Health Training program is structured into two targeted sessions to address the unique needs of both young workers and those who support them.

Session One: For Young Workers (Under 25)

This session is designed specifically for workers under the age of 25 and is divided into four focused modules:
1. Understanding Injury and Illness Risks – Identifying common risks young workers face on the job.
2. Recognizing Workplace Hazards – Learning how to spot potential dangers in various work environments.
3. Preventing Injuries and Illnesses – Exploring strategies to reduce the likelihood of harm.
4. Knowing Your Rights and Responsibilities – Empowering young workers with knowledge of their legal protections and duties.

Session Two: For Mentors, Teachers, and Trainers

This session supports those who guide and educate young workers. It includes two modules:
1. Bridging the Generational Gap in Safety Training – Techniques for effectively communicating safety practices across age groups.
2. Understanding Worker Rights and Responsibilities – Ensuring mentors can accurately convey essential worker rights and protections for trainees.

Training sessions will be in person. Training materials and course content will be offered at no cost to interested participants.

St. Thomas
• Young Worker Session:
o September 9, 2025 – UVI 13D Research & Strategy Innovation Center | 10 AM-11:30 AM
o Register: http://bit.ly/4mJe9js

• Young Mentor Session:
o September 9, 2025 – UVI 13D Research & Strategy Innovation Center | 1 PM-2:30 PM
o Register: http://bit.ly/41rtRHe

St. Croix
• Young Worker Session:
o September 10, 2025 – UVI Medical Simulation Center | 10 AM-11:30 AM
o Register: http://bit.ly/4mWbPWt

• Young Mentor Session:
o September 10, 2025 – UVI Medical Simulation Center | 1 PM-2:30 PM
o Register: http://bit.ly/45WR718

Please note that individual registration is required for all personnel who plan to be in attendance by Monday 8 September 2025, as spaces are limited.

We very much hope that you can attend this event. For further details please visit https://www.facebook.com/uvi.safetyinparadise or contact us at [email protected] or call 340-693-1158.

# # #

UVI Safety in Paradise to Host Free Susan Harwood Young Worker Safety & Health Trainings September 9th & 10th

U.S. Virgin Islands – UVI Caribbean Green Technology Center Safety in Paradise is very excited to invite you to participate in free safety trainings for Young Worker Safety & Health to be held on the UVI St. Thomas campus on September 9th and St. Croix campus on September 10th.

Facilitated by Safety Consultant, Terrell Colvin and Industrial Hygienist, Brandon Philpot of Georgia Tech Safety, Health & Environmental Services (SHES) and funded by a Susan Harwood Grant, these free 1.5 hours-long training sessions will focus on Safety and Health in the workplace for Young Workers and those who support them.
The Young Worker Safety and Health Training program is structured into two targeted sessions to address the unique needs of both young workers and those who support them.

Session One: For Young Workers (Under 25)

This session is designed specifically for workers under the age of 25 and is divided into four focused modules:
1. Understanding Injury and Illness Risks – Identifying common risks young workers face on the job.
2. Recognizing Workplace Hazards – Learning how to spot potential dangers in various work environments.
3. Preventing Injuries and Illnesses – Exploring strategies to reduce the likelihood of harm.
4. Knowing Your Rights and Responsibilities – Empowering young workers with knowledge of their legal protections and duties.

Session Two: For Mentors, Teachers, and Trainers

This session supports those who guide and educate young workers. It includes two modules:
1. Bridging the Generational Gap in Safety Training – Techniques for effectively communicating safety practices across age groups.
2. Understanding Worker Rights and Responsibilities – Ensuring mentors can accurately convey essential worker rights and protections for trainees.

Training sessions will be in person. Training materials and course content will be offered at no cost to interested participants.
St. Thomas
• Young Worker Session:
o September 9, 2025 – UVI 13D Research & Strategy Innovation Center | 10 AM-11:30 AM
o Register: http://bit.ly/4mJe9js

• Young Mentor Session:
o September 9, 2025 – UVI 13D Research & Strategy Innovation Center | 1 PM-2:30 PM
o Register: http://bit.ly/41rtRHe

St. Croix
• Young Worker Session:
o September 10, 2025 – UVI Medical Simulation Center | 10 AM-11:30 AM
o Register: http://bit.ly/4mWbPWt

• Young Mentor Session:
o September 10, 2025 – UVI Medical Simulation Center | 1 PM-2:30 PM
o Register: http://bit.ly/45WR718

Please note that individual registration is required for all personnel who plan to be in attendance by Monday 8 September 2025, as spaces are limited.

We very much hope that you can attend this event. For further details please visit https://www.facebook.com/uvi.safetyinparadise or contact us at [email protected] or call 340-693-1158.

# # #

SAVE THE DATE!

HEAT SUMMIT 2025
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025

Learn how heat is affecting the Territory & what you can do to mitigate its impacts.

For more information contact [email protected] or (340) 693-1158

Friday, September 20, 2024 - Reporting Ag Injuries
1 PM - 2 PM CDT Using a Novel App Prototype to Assess Heat Stress Risk Among Outdoor Workers

Using a Novel App Prototype to Assess Heat Stress Risk Among Outdoor Workers: Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index is the preferred environmental heat metric for heat-related illness (HRI) prevention in the workplace and is typically measured using a heat stress monitor. Measuring the on-site WBGT with a heat stress monitor provides the most accurate localized assessment of a worker’s environmental heat exposure. However, WBGT data may not always be easily accessible for worksite heat stress evaluation. This course intends to explain the findings of a research study that assessed the reliability of a WBGT app prototype in providing accurate heat stress risk information for outdoor workers in eastern North Carolina.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-farm-safety-and-health-week-tickets-909891188037?aff=oddtdtcreator

Friday, September 20, 2024 - Reporting Ag Injuries
11 AM - 12 PM CDT It Pays to Talk Safety in Ag

A recent publication has estimated that agricultural injuries are underreported by an astonishing 70%. This webinar will discuss the challenges, barriers, and unintended consequences for suppressing injury reporting in the agricultural workforce. We will also take a look at “good” and “bad” safety incentive programs and how to encourage the workforce to talk about incidents, fostering a positive safety culture.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-farm-safety-and-health-week-tickets-909891188037?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thursday, September 19, 2024 - Confined Spaces
1 PM - 2 PM CDT Grain Related Entrapment: Are We Focusing on the Right Problem?

A review of the literature related to the problem of grain related entrapments and engulfments clearly suggests that the most effective response is to focus on rescuing workers once entrapped. The evidence shows that this approach is both inconsistent with the data and has generated little progress in reducing the frequency and severity of these incidents. After summarizing over 1,200 of these incidents, of which approximately 60% resulted in fatalities, the findings clearly show that the problem is not entrapment due to the flowing grain, but rather the documented presence of out-of-condition or spoiled grain that becomes a barrier to removal of grain from storage. Though not as popular as conducting a grain rescue class for emergency first responders, enhancing the knowledge and skills of grain producers to maintain high quality grain will not only reduce entrapment incidents, but will improve profitability for the producer.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-farm-safety-and-health-week-tickets-909891188037?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thursday, September 19, 2024 - Confined Spaces
11 AM - 12 PM CDT Causes of Oxygen Deficiency, Confined Space, and Toxic Fumes

The webinar titled "Causes of Oxygen Deficiency, Confined Space, and Toxic Fumes Identified in the OSHA Accident Database" presents an in-depth analysis of records from the OSHA Accident Database, focusing on incidents coded as "Oxygen Deficiency," "Confined Space," and "Toxic Fume" from January 1, 2014, to May 23, 2024. The presentation will identify trends, common causes, and effective preventive measures for these hazardous conditions. Through a detailed examination of these records, the webinar provides critical insights into the factors contributing to oxygen deficiency, dangers within confined spaces, and the presence of toxic fumes in workplaces. The findings highlight the importance of targeted safety interventions to protect workers' health and enhance workplace safety. Key trends and preventive strategies will be discussed to help industries implement effective measures against these hazards.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-farm-safety-and-health-week-tickets-909891188037?aff=oddtdtcreator

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - Generations of Farming
3 PM - 4 PM CDT Train the Trainer – No Safe Way to V**e

This Train the Trainer webinar is designed for teachers, extension staff, 4-H and FFA leaders, and others who work with young adults in agriculture. This session aims to provide attendees the tools necessary to equip their students with a comprehensive understanding of the health risks associated with va**ng, debunk common myths, and foster critical thinking and informed decision-making skills. Through detailed exploration of va**ng's short-term and long-term effects, interactive discussions, and evidence-based counterarguments, attendees will learn a variety of methods to communicate how to critically analyze misinformation to their students.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-farm-safety-and-health-week-tickets-909891188037?aff=oddtdtcreator

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - Generations of Farming
1 PM - 2 PM CDT Training Future Generations of Farmers through Registered Apprenticeship

Training Future Generations of Farmers through Registered Apprenticeship: The agriculture industry faces a shortage of skilled farmers with many experienced farmers nearing retirement age. We will highlight how farmers can utilize Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) to train the next generation of farmers, combining classroom and online learning with hands-on experience on working farms.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-farm-safety-and-health-week-tickets-909891188037?aff=oddtdtcreator