Department of Safety Engineering

We are proud and delighted to announce that the second edition of the "Aspects of Safety in Science and Practice" conference has gone down in history as an exceptional event that once again brought together specialists, practitioners, researchers, and enthusiasts of safety-related topics. Over the course of two days, we created a space for exchanging knowledge, reflections, and building relationships—not only professional but also interpersonal.

The conference became a platform for real impact on skill development and fostering a unified approach to safety issues. We sincerely thank all speakers, partners, and participants for their contributions and active engagement!

Preparations for the next edition, which will take place in a year, are already underway. See you there—better prepared, with new topics and even greater motivation!

Conference Highlights & Photo Coverage

The conference was officially opened by dr hab.inż. Małgorzata Wyganowska, Professor at the Silesian University of Technology and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation, together with Mr. Janusz Sobik, President of the Polish Association of Occupational Health and Safety Service in Katowice (OSPS BHP o.Katowice Przemysł-Górnictwo).

Participants were welcomed by the Dean of the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation, dr hab.inż. Krzysztof Filipowicz, Professor at the Silesian University of Technology, followed by remarks from the honorary guest — dr inż. Piotr Litwa, President of the State Mining Authority. Speeches were also delivered by Mr. Paweł Kania, Vice President of the OSPS BHP Management Board and Director of the "Barbara" Experimental Mine, and dr inż. Zbigniew Lubosik, President of the Association of Mining Engineers and Technicians (SITG).

The event was further honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including: – Ms. Anna Sójka, Deputy Director of the Department of Prevention and Rehabilitation at the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) – Ms. Agnieszka Szczygielska, Director of the Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute – Ms. Alicja Stefaniak, Director of the Department of Working Conditions and Training at the State Mining Authority (WUG) – dr hab. inż. Zbigniew Burtan, Professor at the AGH University of Science and Technology and Vice-Dean for Development – dr hab. inż. Alicja Krzemień, Professor at the Central Mining Institute – National Research Institute (GIG-PIB), Head of the Industrial Risk and Safety Assessment Unit, and President of EURACOAL – Mr. Adam Chyliński, Director of the Occupational Health and Safety and Occupational Risk Department at KGHM S.A. – Mr. Grzegorz Ochman, Director of the Occupational Health and Safety Office at PGG S.A.

The conference was held under the honorary patronage of Wojciech Saługa (Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship), the President of the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), Prof. Marek Pawełczyk (Rector of the Silesian University of Technology), Józef Witczak (President of OSPS BHP), and the Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB), emphasizing its importance for the scientific community and the BHP sector.

The conference featured inspiring scientific and practical sessions, with speakers addressing key workplace safety topics. Among them:

🔹 Anna Sójka – Development of a Safety Culture: How the Social Insurance Institution Supports Occupational Health and Safety.

🔹 Angelina Rajda-Tasior – Different, Yet Equal: Hidden Challenges of the OSH Profession.

🔹 Alicja Krzemień – Priority Technologies for the Raw Materials Industry Based on the Silesian Voivodeship Technology Foresight.

Participants also had the opportunity to attend a specialized training session led by Mariusz Nowak, Director of the Burn Treatment Center in Siemianowice Śląskie, focusing on first aid for thermal, chemical, and electrical burns, as well as carbon monoxide poisoning.

The afternoon session focused on practical aspects, opened by Marek Sidełko, Judge of the District Court in Katowice, who shared valuable insights into the legal position of OSH professionals in terms of civil liability for workplace accidents. This was followed by presentations from conference sponsors and partners, including Spółdzielnia Inwalidów "ZGODA," Faraone, Iturri, Milwaukee, TOI TOI Polska, Fasing S.A., as well as Awatar and 3M.

The evening concluded with a gala dinner accompanied by traditional highlander music.

Day two featured presentations from:

🔹 Agnieszka Szczygielska – Health and Well-Being of Older Workers in the Context of a Changing Labor Market.

🔹 Janusz Sobik and Andrzej Pakura – Contemporary Challenges and Directions for OSH Professionals in the Assessment of OSPS BHP Katowice Industrial-Mining Branch Members.

🔹 Paweł Wolny – Field Studies on the Effectiveness of Evacuation Measures in Buildings During a Fire.

After the final session, the conference was officially closed with acknowledgments to all participants.