May 2025 Meeting – The Annual Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Update

Speakers:  Charles L. Stiff and Jeffrey J. Cabral

Topics of Discussion: 

• Legislative/Initiatives Updates
• Funding concerns/cuts vis-a-vie federal cuts (i.e., NIOSH)
• Fatalities/severe injury case study/summaries/lessons learned
• VOSH VPP STAR

Bios: 

Charles L. Stiff:  Deputy Commissioner Stiff brings over four decades of experience in occupational safety and health, beginning his career with the Virginia Department of Transportation in 1984. In 1989, he joined the Virginia Department of Labor & Industry, where he led the VOSH program for the Richmond region and later served as Regional Director, overseeing key programs including VOSH, Labor and Employment Law, Boiler and Pressure Vessels, and Registered Apprenticeship. In 1996, Mr. Stiff transitioned to the private sector, taking on leadership roles with a major manufacturer and advancing to corporate leadership of safety, health, environmental, workers’ compensation, and medical programs. Today, as Deputy Commissioner, he leads the agency’s full spectrum of regulatory operations and stakeholder engagement initiatives, continuing his long-standing commitment to workplace safety and public service. His depth of experience across both public and private sectors provides him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing safety professionals today.

Jeffrey J. Cabral:  With a professional career that spans more than 20 years, Jeff has been instrumental in advancing both pipeline and occupational safety across multiple enterprises. Jeff has held roles in Operations, Construction, Compliance, Training and most recently as Safety Program Director at the Department of Labor & Industry. As a professional, Jeff has led many initiatives, provided subject matter expertise, and worked directly with key internal and external stakeholders. In every role Jeff has held during his tenure, he has used his knowledge to elevate the culture of Safety and accountability. He has extensive experience in operating and implementing a “SMS” Safety Management System regarding API RP 1173, holds multiple FEMA ICS and OSHA certifications. Jeff holds a Business Administration degree with a focus in Organizational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University and is set to graduate this June with his Master’s in safety, Security, Emergency Response and Safety Leadership from Eastern Kentucky University.