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Science and Practice in Perfect Harmony – Summary of the 3rd Conference Edition in Ustroń
The 3rd edition of the “Aspects of Safety in Science and Practice” conference, held on 11–12 June 2026 in Ustroń at the Belweder Hotel, is now behind us, yet we can still feel the energy and inspiration that accompanied us throughout these two intensive days. The event brought together over 90 participants and a wide group of distinguished speakers, and its thematic structure — true to the idea of the conference — beautifully unfolded into a coherent whole: from theoretical considerations, through expert analyses, to practical solutions and hands‑on workshops. More than ever before, there was a visible thread of understanding connecting all participants — academia, practitioners, state institutions and industry partners.
The conference began with a ceremonial welcome delivered by Dr. habil. Eng. Małgorzata Wyganowska, Prof. SUT, Head of the Department of Safety Engineering, and MSc. Eng. Janusz Sobik, President of OSPS BHP, Katowice Industry–Mining Branch. The official opening was conducted by Dr. habil. Eng. Krzysztof Filipowicz, Prof. SUT, Dean of the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation at the Silesian University of Technology. The inaugural session also featured speeches by Paweł Kania, President of OSPS BHP Kraków Branch, Dr. Grzegorz Hudzik, Silesian State Provincial Sanitary Inspector and Director of WSSE Katowice, and Dr. Eng. Zbigniew Lubosik, Deputy Director for Geoengineering and Industrial Safety at GIG‑PIB and Director of the “Barbara” Experimental Mine.
The first scientific session included presentations by Alicja Stefaniak, Director of the Department of Working Conditions and Training at WUG, Piotr Kalbron, District Labour Inspector, Dr. Grzegorz Hudzik, Silesian State Provincial Sanitary Inspector and Director of WSSE Katowice, and Elżbieta Dobrowolska, Director of the Department of Prevention and Rehabilitation at ZUS. The next session featured contributions from Dr. Eng. Ewelina Włodarczyk of the Silesian University of Technology, Dr. Marta Frejowska‑Reniecka, Head of the Pulmonology, Lung Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis and Bronchoscopy Unit at Specialist Hospital No. 5 in Sosnowiec, Dr. Paweł Francuz, specialist in cardiology and internal medicine at the Silesian Center for Heart Diseases in Zabrze, Dr. Eng. Adam Duda of the Silesian University of Technology, and Dr. Eng. Robert Hildebrandt, Deputy Director of the “Barbara” Experimental Mine. Each lecture offered a new perspective, and together they formed a coherent picture of contemporary challenges and development directions in the field of safety.
The afternoon partner session — as always — delivered a wealth of practical inspiration. The first presentation was given by the conference’s platinum partner, Synercom Usługi Wspólne (Justyna Zawadzka and Marek Steczek), followed by Paweł Kluska from Dunlop Protective Footwear and Michał Kowalski from JSP Safety Poland. We also extend our thanks to the remaining partners: SI Zgoda, 3M, Awatar BHP, FASING Group, and EHS VR. Discussions and exchange of experiences continued until late in the evening, creating an exceptionally collaborative atmosphere.
The second day of the conference was dedicated to training. Participants attended a lecture by Dr. Maja Taraszkiewicz‑Łyda on CPR, followed by practical first‑aid workshops using manikins and VR technology, led by Dr. Eng. Ewelina Włodarczyk and Dr. Maja Taraszkiewicz‑Łyda. This part of the event proved extremely valuable, allowing participants to translate theory into real‑life action.
We would like to thank all participants for their presence, engagement and enthusiasm. Our sincere gratitude also goes to the institutions that granted the event their honorary patronage: the Marshal’s Office of the Silesian Voivodeship, the National Labour Inspectorate, the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), the Silesian University of Technology, the Higher Mining Office, the National Association of OSH Service Employees, and the Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute. Thanks to you, this conference has a real impact and contributes to the development of a strong safety culture in Poland.
These were two fascinating, knowledge‑filled and inspiring days. We invite you to explore the photo gallery from the event and we already look forward to welcoming you to the next edition on 10–11 June 2027.
