Kansas Occupational Health Forum: On Demand

Safety in Our Workplaces

4 Min Read

Nov 13, 2025

By

Kaci Cink, M.P.H.

How can we strengthen occupational health across Kansas industries and communities?   

On Nov. 13, 2025, the Kansas Health Institute hosted a hybrid forum, Kansas Occupational Health Forum: Safety in Our Workplaces, that examined the current landscape of occupational health in Kansas. Drawing on key data from KHI’s brief, Understanding Occupational Fatalities and Injuries in Kansas: Data and Insights, the event highlighted how Kansas consistently faces higher rates of workplace fatalities and injuries than the national average, even as the state improved slightly from 2023. 

Through presentations and interactive discussions, participants explored on-the-ground experiences that revealed obstacles and pathways to improve. They examined what’s working, identified opportunities for improvement and discussed strategies to strengthen workplace safety. These efforts aim to directly support public health outcomes, recognizing that healthier workplaces contribute to healthier communities across Kansas. 

Event recording posted below.

This video contains graphic descriptions of fatal incidents. Viewer discretion is advised.

Event Highlights 

  • Data-Driven Insights: Participants examined occupational health trends, disparities and priority areas for action in Kansas. 
  • Expert Perspectives: Employers, industry experts, public health officials and policy leaders shared successes, challenges and lessons learned. 
  • Practical Takeaways: Participants discovered resources, tools and promising practices while networking with peers to foster collaboration across sectors. 

Speakers 

  • Serita Blankenship, Member Services Manager – Health & Safety Programs, Kansas Farm Bureau
  • Tawnie Larson, Program Manager, Kansas Agriculture and Safety Program, Kansas State University
  • Allen Vinyard, C.S.P., Director of Industrial Safety and Health, Kansas Department of Labor

About Kansas Health Institute

The Kansas Health Institute supports effective policymaking through nonpartisan research, education and engagement. KHI believes evidence-based information, objective analysis and civil dialogue enable policy leaders to be champions for a healthier Kansas. Established in 1995 with a multiyear grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, KHI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization based in Topeka.

Learn More About KHI