health & Safety plan

We are all looking forward to gathering in person this year for the 97th Annual Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health Conference. To do that as safely as possible, the GOSH Conference Advisory Committee has implemented the protocols described below for attendance at the conference.

Upon arrival at the GOSH Conference, and prior to picking up your badge, there will be a health screening station. Please start your registration process at this station.

Please note that attending an in-person event presents an inherent risk of exposure to communicable disease. By attending this event, you voluntarily accept all risks related to exposure from communicable disease and agree to not hold GOSH or its representatives liable for any illness or injury. You agree to follow all safety protocols issued by GOSH. GOSH is not responsible for any potential costs that may be associated with testing or vaccinations.

Download a PDF of the Health & Safety Plan

What safety and health protocols will be in place to protect people who attend the conference?

First and foremost, if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, or do not feel well, please do not travel.

The GOSH Conference safety plan includes protective measures adopted to safeguard the health and safety of all conference attendees, exhibitors, speakers, volunteers, and staff. All individuals who attend the in-person conference will be required to follow established safety and health protocols.

To ensure a safe event for all, our plan includes the following:

What We Expect of Attendees

Attendees need to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to badge pick up. You will need to provide this information to pick up your badge.
Attendees need to wear a face mask when attending conference events, except when drinking and eating. Face masks shall cover the nose, mouth, and chin. Avoid bandanas, gaiters, and masks with exhalation valves. Face masks can be obtained at the GOSH registration desk if needed.
Attendees’ temperatures will be screened upon initial arrival at the conference. Attendees with a temperature reading of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will not be allowed to attend the conference.
Attendees are asked to follow good hygiene practices, including washing hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, and maintaining physical distancing when possible.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, or do not feel well, please stay home.

What Attendees Can Expect from GOSH

GOSH will provide minimal contact registration and badge pick up.
GOSH will work with Hershey Lodge staff to ensure that regular cleaning protocols are followed throughout the event.
Each meeting room for the GOSH Conference has capacity limits, and seating is based on a first come, first-seated basis.
The GOSH Conference Safety Taskforce will continue to evaluate these and additional protocols, as well as CDC recommendations, to mitigate risk of infection during the in-person event so you can have a safe, enjoyable conference experience.
GOSH will continue to provide any additional updates on the PA Safety Conference website.

Please note that attending an in-person event presents an inherent risk of exposure to communicable disease. By attending this event, you voluntarily accept all risks related to exposure from communicable disease and agree to not hold GOSH or its representatives liable for any illness or injury. You agree to follow all safety protocols issued by GOSH. GOSH is not responsible for any potential costs that may be associated with testing or vaccinations.

Plan to Pick Up Your Badge on Sunday, October 24

Avoid long lines and delays on Monday morning and pick up your badge on Sunday, October 24 between 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Please do not wait until Monday morning to pick up your badge unless absolutely necessary.

To Retrieve Your Badge

Before you enter the Hershey Lodge, please put on your face mask.
Proceed to the Convention Center entrance and the Great American Lobby. A GOSH staff member or volunteer will guide you to the health screening station.
You will need to provide proof of full vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of your arrival at the Lodge, and pass a temperature screening in order to receive your badge.
After validation of your full vaccine status or negative COVID-19 test, and showing a temperature less than 100.4, you will then proceed to pick up your badge.
Your badge must be worn at all times when attending the event as it is your proof of registration. If you lose or damage your badge, please visit the GOSH Conference registration desk for assistance.
Attendees may not pick up a badge for another attendee, exhibitor or speaker.

Your Proof of Full COVID-19 Vaccination OR Negative Test Results Within 72 Hours of Arrival Is Required for Entry

Acceptable negative COVID test results must include the following:

Can be a paper or electronic copy
Specimen collection date. A negative test result must show the specimen was collected within the 72 hours before your arrival at the Hershey Lodge.
Entity issuing the result (e.g., laboratory, healthcare entity, telehealth service)
Information that identifies the person (full name plus at least one other identifier such as date of birth or passport number)
Test Result – which may indicate “Negative” or “Undetected”

Options for vaccine verification:

Show your original physical copy of your vaccination record
Show a legible photo on your phone of your vaccination record

To be considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19:

2 weeks after your second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines; or
2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

If you do not meet these requirements, you are not fully vaccinated.

Map of PA COVID Testing Sites - Map or www.15toknow.com

COVID-19 Testing – Department of Health Website

Face Masks Are Needed at All Times Indoors

Attendees need to wear a face mask when attending conference events, except when drinking and eating.

Face mask guidelines:

People must wear masks that completely cover the mouth and nose.
Masks should fit snugly against the sides of the face.
Avoid bandanas, gaiters, and masks with exhalation valves.

Is there a maximum number of people allowed to attend a session?

Yes. Each meeting room for the GOSH Conference has capacity limits, and seating is based on a first come, first-seated basis.

Please note that attending an in-person event presents an inherent risk of exposure to communicable disease. By attending this event, you voluntarily accept all risks related to exposure from communicable disease and agree to not hold GOSH or its representatives liable for any illness or injury. You agree to follow all safety protocols issued by GOSH. GOSH is not responsible for any potential costs that may be associated with testing or vaccinations.