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2024 Speakers
Georgia Bryce-Hutchinson
Title
And What About Workplace Mental Health? Reframing the ‘Safety Culture’ Construct
Abstract
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Where injuries occurs, how the injuries are treated and result to the cost. To reduce risk of injury from knives in general, what are the Options? Right assessment. How to assess your workplace and apply the right tools for cutting and dangerous applications. Innovative Finger Friendly tools to reduce risk of injury.
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John Barnard
USI Insurance
Sr. Risk Control Consultant
Title
Hazardous Waste Regulations & Management
Abstract
TBD
Douglas Brown
Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers, LLP
Attorney
Title
Legal Tactics and Handling Tips to Help Move Difficult Claims Towards Resolution
Abstract
This presentation will be geared towards providing guidance on ways the workers' compensation legal system can be utilized in order to position difficult and lingering claims for closure and potential resolution. We also will explain various processes and tools to simplify complex issues within claims. Examples of difficult claims to be explored involve injuries to multiple body parts, psychiatric components, COVID-19, and remote employment circumstances. Furthermore, the workers' compensation procedures and processes we will discuss include, but are not limited to, using Form WC-104, the 240 Return to Work Process, Independent Medical Examinations, Surveillance, Medical Conferences, and Mediation strategies. We will make the forms and processes understandable and familiar. Through the implementation of these reasonable and available procedures, leverage can be attained to position complex claims for closure. By moving claims towards resolution, employers and insurers are able to lower the anticipated overall exposure. Posturing claims towards settlement allows employers to eliminate certain potential risks and exposure to resolve claims in a more reasonable manner. Finally, we will discuss negotiation and settlement tactics to be used both at State Board and private mediation settings.
Bruce Bugg
ABF Freight System, Inc
Senior Regional Manager - Safety & Security
Title
U.S. DOT Regulatory and Georgia Traffic Law Update
Abstract
This presentation will provide attendees with updates on recent and pending changes to Federal Motor Carrier Safety and Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations as well as highlighting changes to Georgia Traffic Law from the 2022 Legislative Session. This session is for anyone whose business includes operating commercial vehicles or who offers or transports hazardous materials.
Clayton Carroll
Safety 101: Proactive Safety Software
Sales and Marketing
Title
Let Technology Generate Your Leading Indicators
Abstract
This course will show you how to improve your safety outcomes by using technology to generate leading indicators. The course will focus on six leading indicators --- one for each element of OSHA’s Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs (OSHA 3885). These six leading indicators include: 1. Number of employee safety ideas and hazards submitted 2. Average time between worker report of a safety idea or hazard and management knowledge of the report 3. Percentage of incidents with root cause investigation completed 4. Percentage of hazards abated in same day, week or month the hazard was identified. 5. Number of safety inspections completed. 6. Training hours provided.
Subena Colligan
S. Colligan Coaching
Principal Coach
Title
Mindful Strategy: Energy Management
Abstract
As health and safety professionals, we are most responsible for protecting the health and safety of others, but who protects the professional? The charge of protecting the safety pro can seem impossible when there are many competing forces associated with living life. All of the expectations on professionals in the workplace result in a common truth--work/life balance and avoiding burnout is a challenge. There is not a one size fits all, but there are strategies to incorporate for yourself and considerations for your team to create a harmony that help detect and mitigate burnout in early stages. In this session, we will cover the following: An overview of burnout Personal Awareness to detect the signs of burnout and exhaustion Personal energy management, and Prevention of burnout to increase wellbeing
Stefanie Corbitt
SSI OSHA
President
Title
OSHA Injury and Illness Recordkeeping Case Studies
Abstract
This session will be a case study discussion. A very short review of the rule will be presented, but the majority of the class will be discussing the cases you, the audience, want to discuss.
Dr. Stephen Dawkins
Caduceus USA – Exams - TeleMed
Medical Director
Title
Telemedicine in Workers’ Compensation: What Works, What Doesn’t Work, What the Future Brings
Abstract
As telemedicine expands in workers compensation, some services work better than others. This session will explore the success and failures of telemedicine; including triage, office visits, and drug testing. It will also provide insight on future services, including IMEs, Case Management, and Return to Work evaluations.
Thomas Dean
Georgia Tech
Senior Research Scientist/Safety Consultant
Title
Electrical Safety-Solving the Puzzle
Abstract
Exactly how does electrical safety apply to the fundamentals of effective safety and health management? Implementing an effective electrical safety program reduces workplace injuries. The goal is to ensure workers are protected from unanticipated energization of electrical equipment and exposure to live components of a circuit. Does electrical safety seem puzzling to you? The most effective way to ensure the appropriate design and implementation involves both the electrical safety experts and safety professionals that are aware of safety and health management systems. Here is your chance to see how the pieces come to together and fit into a safety and health management system that addresses the major areas of electrical safety. In this session, we will discuss how the major elements of electrical safety program fit into areas of a safety and health management system. We will analyze the elements of an effective safety and health management system to determine how best to integrate electrical safety to provide for the best practices to protect employees. The elements to be considered are: management leadership, worker involvement, worksite hazard analysis, hazard prevention and control, program evaluation, and communication and coordination. In addition, we will review the fundamentals of an electrical safety program that include the following: training, audits, electrical safe work practices, appropriate engineering controls, personal protective equipment and much more. Join Thomas Dean, Safety Consultant and GA TECH faculty member that directs as well as teaches the electrical safety courses and safety and health management courses. Thomas has over 21 years of experience in the identification and abatement of electrical hazards. He has also managed and taught as part of an electrical safety grant from OSHA. After attending the session, the attendee will be able to: describe the 7 key areas of an effective safety; discuss the two major accomplishments or goals of an electrical safety program; and be able to note how electrical safety can be integrated into the key areas of a safety and health management system. Learn the fundamentals of electrical safety and where best to make it an effective part of your safety and health management system to reduce the risk of electrical injuries at your facility. Gain ideas to implement your electrical safety program.,
Don Doster
GoPivot
CEO
Title
Emotional Wellbeing! Learn About the SMILE Wellbeing Assessment and How Adjust To Our Nation's Mental Health Crisis!
Abstract
Come to this session and learn a practical efficient way that companies can begin addressing the Mental Health Crisis that we are in experiencing. In this session, attendees will learn about five key elements to measure a person's emotional wellbeing: Emotional, Relational, Occupational, Experiential and Sleep. And for each category, attendees will learn practrical tips on how to improve each area to improve a person's overall emotional wellbeing!
Stan Dysart, MD
Pacira BioScience LLC
Vice President Medical Affairs Orthopaedics for Pacira Biosciences
Title
The New Era of Non-Opioid Pain Management After Surgery
Abstract
Surgery is often the first exposure to opioids, leading to side effects and risk of dependence. As high as 99% of patients receive opioids to manage postsurgical pain. Opioids add risk, impact recovery and impose clinical and financial burden on employers. EXPAREL® is a non-opioid option for postsurgical pain management and plays an important role in faster recovery for employees. EXPAREL® is a non-opioid option for postsurgical pain management and is an important component of multimodal pain management and ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols. Expected learning for this presentation include: • Risk of opioids • Benefits of EXPAREL as non-opioid alternative for surgical procedures
Emily Elrod
Workzbe
Title
The Unexpected Truths of Safety
Abstract
What happens in theory doesn't always happen in reality. In this session, we take on some of the most common slogans of safety and explore the unexpected truths of them. Attendees will walk away with inspiration, increased critical thinking skills and more knowledge on human design.
Ed Foulke
Fisher & Phillips LLP
Title
OSHA Update
Abstract
TBD
Scott Gaddis
Intelex Technologies
VP, Safety and Health
Title
Micro-Learning: Leveraging Better Safety Performance
Abstract
Technological advancements have improved the way organizations provide training content to their workers. But organizations still struggle to achieve the full benefits of safety and health learning if they don't tailor programs to meet the diverse needs of their workforce. The average employee has 24 minutes in a week, or 1 percent of a total workweek, to learn. This means workplaces that usually deliver standard one-hour to two-hour lectures can quickly lose employee attention and engagement. Lengthy training sessions can wear on employees, and the results can be costly. Distracted or inattentive trainees may miss critical information about proper health and safety procedures. Their failure to retain information can lead to fines, injuries, and high turnover rates. This is where microlearning comes in. Microlearning is a way of training in small steps. For example, an in-classroom crash-course approach to safety topics with many regulations, such as energy isolation, often leaves workers overwhelmed and EHS managers frustrated with the results In a microlearning environment, workers follow a journey beginning with the first step they must know to perform a job function properly, oftentimes through the use of bulletins, short videos, and infographics. Microlearning is a tool that is a valuable part of an overall learning and development system rather than a replacement for traditional approaches. Highly technical or complex training subjects may still require a classroom setting, especially in areas that require more in-depth knowledge, but ensuring knowledge transfer of concise and critical information chunks of information is highly desirable in maintaining the safety of the workforce. In addition, and as we enter into a new decade, we see a more technologically complex work environment. Research shows that Millennials and Gen Z learners like having more control over what they learn and how they learn it. While some safety and health subject areas won't excite many in your organization, a good part of your organization's demographic has adopted learning through bite-size chunks, such as through social platforms like Twitter or Instagram. With some freedom to choose how they learn, they will probably accept an approach if it affords a design that delivers concise and actionable content. With a significant number of employees already attached to a mobile device, delivering bite-size chunks of instructional data that support your more formal training plan will solidify critical points, reiterate value for the subject, and increase deeper learning. Microlearning can be an effective strategy to help learners make the most of their time.
Jenna Gardner-Morgan
Cora Physical Therapy
Regional Worker's Compensation Specialist, Physical Therapist
Title
Essential Job Demands - Why They Should Be Included in All Job Descriptions Job Demands - Why They Should Be Included in All Job Descriptions
Abstract
Essential Job Demands are crucial components of any Job Analysis or Job Description that should be included to 1) provide an accurate and all inclusive reflection of the specific demands of the job itself, 2) to ensure an applicant is physically capable of performing the job including all of its essential demands, 3) to protect the company from allegations/false claims/etc. This is a powerpoint presentation that will walk attendees through knowing what an actual essential job demand is and how to differentiate it from a marginal job demand, the importance of including essential job demands in any job description, learn common mistakes incorporated in writing a job description and how they can improve this, and how a Job Analysis performed by qualified professionals can identify and implement essential job demands into a Job Description.
Cory Gentile
BIOKINETIX
Lead Program Implementor, Business Development Manager
Title
Leverage Wearable Tech to Drive Actionable Injury Reduction
Abstract
Wearable technology: a powerful tool companies can wield to identify, analyze, and mitigate musculoskeletal injury risk with a higher degree of precision. The data captured by these devices enable safety professionals to zero in on risks associated with specific movements and behavior, then proactively direct attention to high-priority areas, such as departmental trends and high-risk individuals. Occupational sports medicine professional Cory Gentile will be sharing successful strategies for incorporating wearables to augment your existing injury prevention initiatives and leveraging data analysis for “3E” mitigation through hierarchical Engineering, Ergonomics, and Exercise interventions.
Chris Giusto
Hallam-ICS
Regional Manager, South Atlantic & Director of Combustible Dust Safety
Title
Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) – Why, When, How, and How Much?
Abstract
In this presentation, Chris Giusto, Director of Combustible Dust Safety at Hallam-ICS will cover the most common questions facility owners and operators have about conducting a Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA). Why should we conduct a DHA? When should we conduct a DHA? How do we go about it? How much does it cost? While DHAs are required by NFPA and the International Fire Code, this presentation will demonstrate the value of completing a DHA beyond just compliance. Learn how a DHA provides the basis for a comprehensive dust safety program that will improve safety and reduce risk. Many already know that the deadlines have passed for existing facilities to complete a DHA, but when should you conduct one for a new process or facility? The presentation will next focus on the seven steps to complete a thorough and effective DHA, whether doing so internally or working with a consultant. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of the costs associated with DHAs, and the benefits that a facility can expect to receive in return for that investment.
James Grant
Dekra
Vice President, Organizational Safety and Reliability
Title
Safety Starts at the Top
Abstract
Safety Culture only changes one way at a company, and that is by the leadership. One challenge companies face is that often, leaders don’t know how to “lead with safety” nor how to be an effective catalyst for true change. Many Safety Managers and Directors, while they have great technical skills, may not have the skills and knowledge on how to help coach and lead the senior leaders through the safety journey. This session will discuss successful approaches on how to influence senior leaders to be willing to develop their safety leadership capabilities and how Safety professionals can best support their safety leadership growth both in the short and long term to ensure that it becomes part of the culture of the organization.
Philip Greisen
PROSAFE Solutions, Inc.
Vice President
Title
Leading Human Performance in Construction
Abstract
Applying human performance concepts in the construction industry can be challenging. Sometimes we can change the system, sometimes we can't. What we can do is continually develop the influence ability and self-awareness of our leaders along with formal implementation of learning teams. Many who understand the theory of human performance struggle with how to make it part of their safety culture. The most critical components of human performance are influential leadership skills and formalized learning teams. Intentional efforts toward these two areas are guaranteed to produce meaningful change.
Millard Griffin
Environmental Resources Management
Regional Health and Safety Director
Title
Integrating Stakeholders for Post incident Success
Abstract
Most organizations have a well-established process for injury management, including the establishment of pre-planning – preparing for potential injury in the workplace – and time of injury response – providing immediate care. Some may experience difficulty in the final phase – post-injury. This can encompass post incident case management, worker’s compensation, management of injury logs, resource issues, etc., and may require input from HR, Operations, Legal, H&S, the employee, and outside organizations.
Mike Harnett
Solaris Fatigue Management
President
Title
Eyes Wide Shut: We Don’t Have a Fatigue Problem
Abstract
Fatigue is a chameleon. It disguises itself as a rules violation, a lapse of attention, non-compliance, or more often, human error. As a result, organizations deal with the consequences of fatigue-related incidents on a regular basis without even knowing it. It is time to open our eyes to see how fatigue lurks not only in our workers, but hidden in the design and management of our work system. This requires a fundamental change in the way we currently plan work activities, evaluate errors, record incidents, perform investigations, conduct audits and collect worker input. It’s time to open our eyes and look at work through the lens of fatigue.
Mark Hartz
ACES-USA
VP
Title
Dealing with Natural Disasters From the Environmental View
Abstract
TBD
Ronald Huggins
Enercon Services
Corporate Safety and Business Services Manager
Title
Occupational Dermatitis on a Deep-water Drilling Ship
Abstract
Occupational Dermatitis on a Deep-water Drilling Ship Overview of Case A deep-water drilling ship located 300 miles off the cost of Venice, La.in 10,000 ft of water and drilling to 35,000 ft. has had 31 cases of occupational dermatitis starting from June 8 to December 2 of the same year. More than half of the cases occurred after the drilling mud was on the ship. The author was contacted by Dr. Michael Kotler of Remote MD Telemedicine Systems (New Orleans, LA.) concerning this issue. Previously, several of the employees had been sent to shore for further evaluation (Some had to be hospitalized). Several were patch tested with no resolution.
Karen Jefferson
Rocky Mountain TSG
President
Title
Reducing TRIR in 90 Seconds or Less Every Day for Every Employee
Abstract
Root cause analysis is backwards looking. Intervention hopes to stop something that has already begun. What if you could avoid having to intervene and significantly reduce the number of accident reports needed by your organization? With scientifically derived, data driven tools, you can become aware of chemical, physical, and emotional causes of impairment and reduce the frequency and magnitude of incidents, accidents, injuries, and deaths. You’ll save lives, limbs, and much more.
Diana Johnson
Ruby Collins
Corporate Safety Director
Title
Where Do I Begin? Starting To Lead and Model Human Performance With old School Leaders
Abstract
Attitude reflects leadership, right? How can you turn the ship towards achieving a culture that is more Human Performances driven? This can be very challenging when you don’t even know where to begin. If you are the only one in your organization that even knows what HP is, this can be especially challenging to implement especially with an ever growing to-do list. This training is designed to help you know where to start and what tangible next steps you can take to get started with a HP mindset. Then it will give some helpful next steps or tools you can use to lead an organization effectively into the right direction.
Ann Joiner
Swift, Currie, McGhee, & Hiers, LLP
Partner
Title
Your Winning Game Plan - A Playbook for Handling Work Accidents and Safely Returning Employees to Work
Abstract
As experienced defense attorneys representing employers in a wide range of industries, we will impart a game plan and playbook, including a step-by-step guide for handling the immediate aftermath of a work accident and thereafter safely returning employees to work. We will simplify the at times highly-nuanced process of returning injured employees to work and provide an easily accessible manual which employers can implement and rely upon. 1. The Option: Game Plan to Implement Prior to Work Accidents (20 Minutes) a. Panel of Physicians b. Post-Offer Medical Questionnaires c. Chain-of-Command for Reporting Accidents 2. The Go Pattern: Game Plan to Implement Immediately After Work Accident (20 Minutes) a. Emergency Treatment When Necessary b. Written Statements c. Preservation of Evidence – Photos, Videos, Items d. Panel of Physicians e. Drug Screens 3. The Reverse: Game Plan to Return Injured Employees to Work (20 Minutes) a. Communication with Employee b. Communication with Doctor c. Light-Duty Job Offers i. Before Indemnity ii. After Indemnity d. Maintaining Light-Duty Jobs e. Return to Regular-Duty Work 4. Questions and Answers (15 Minutes)
Tommy Jones
McCoy Grading, Inc
Safety Director (Fire Chief, Emeritus)
Title
Crisis Communications--Never Let a Good Crisis Waste You!
Abstract
"Don't Let A Good Crisis Go To Waste," have become words synonymous to the effective exploitation of a political crisis. Taking that statement in reverse by saying "Don't Let A Good Crisis Waste You," a practitioner of Crisis Communications should heed the importance of effective planning and execution of a Communications Plan when their company or organization has been rocked by scandal, recall, or an embarrassing moment. The delivery is presentation-style and powerpoint driven. I use many examples of corporations, politicians, and other entities that either poorly handled a public perception nightmare, and highlight those who handled them very well. One hour average running time.
Patrick J Karol
Karol Safety Consulting
President
Title
Selling Safety, Lessons From a Former Front-Line Supervisor
Abstract
It's a common complaint from safety professionals; "I can't get my employees to follow procedures." Safety professionals often fail to realize there are two sides to safety; the technical side and the soft skills side. The technical side is the knowledge to calculate sling loads or understand attenuation rates. The other side is the soft skills side. It's the skills that allow safety professionals to influence change. Both are essential, however too often it is assumed that those soft skills will simply develop over time. That's not the case. These skills need to be developed. Selling is about influencing someone to do something and is a key soft skill. This presentation seeks to build the safety professionals' soft skills based on the speaker's experience influencing front-line employees and company leaders.
Lauren Larkey
Bardavon Health Innovations
Senior Director of Network Partnerships
Title
The Future of Work is REMOTE and INTEGRATED: Top 7 Solutions to Success
Abstract
This presentation will be about understanding remote work and how important ergonomics is in the workplace to set workers up for success and added productivity as they shift to more remote work settings. We will discuss the prevalence of remote work and highlight key tips and action steps to take when moving your office workstation to your home. We will make sure you are safely prepared for work by discussing best practices in remote work, such as proper body positioning, frequent rest breaks, and how to minimize undue stress and strain on your body. We will discuss the top 7 ways to be prepared to work from home in your workspace as well as key tips for returning back to the office. This interactive presentation will have the audience participation in live assessments of workstations.
Objectives
-The impact of remote work on workers-The barriers to employee wellness-The connection between being remote yet integrated into worker wellness-The 7 solutions that you can implement to create a successful integrated approach to wellbeing for all workers
Dorothy Riviere
Bardavon Health Innovations
Chief Clinical Officer
Title
The Future of Work is REMOTE and INTEGRATED: Top 7 Solutions to Success
Abstract
This presentation will be about understanding remote work and how important ergonomics is in the workplace to set workers up for success and added productivity as they shift to more remote work settings. We will discuss the prevalence of remote work and highlight key tips and action steps to take when moving your office workstation to your home. We will make sure you are safely prepared for work by discussing best practices in remote work, such as proper body positioning, frequent rest breaks, and how to minimize undue stress and strain on your body. We will discuss the top 7 ways to be prepared to work from home in your workspace as well as key tips for returning back to the office. This interactive presentation will have the audience participation in live assessments of workstations.
Objectives
-The impact of remote work on workers-The barriers to employee wellness-The connection between being remote yet integrated into worker wellness-The 7 solutions that you can implement to create a successful integrated approach to wellbeing for all workers
Alex Lehocky
Kennesaw State University
Industrial Hygienist
Title
Do You Need Ventilation for 3D Printing?
Abstract
TBD
Alex Lehocky
Kennesaw State University
Industrial Hygienist
Title
Hazardous Waste Regulations & Management
Abstract
TBD
Robyn Lewis
Select Medical - Physio/Emory Physical Therapy
Regional Director of WorkStrategies
Title
What Is Your Problem? Job Risk Analysis & Injury Prevention
Abstract
It is well known that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of pain, suffering, and disability in American workplaces. In fact, it is estimated that in 2021, employers spent as much as $50 billion a year on direct costs for MSD-related workers' compensation and up to five times that much for indirect costs. Employers are continuously looking for ways to improve their Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable numbers and Workers' Compensation costs. Introducing ergonomic programs with a focus on job task and work risk analysis can help to mitigate future work related injuries and have a significant impact on overall cost savings. In this session, you will understand the difference between injury management strategies and injury prevention strategies; learn about job hazard analysis or risk assessments including the benefits and become familiar with some commonly used quantification tools; and develop an awareness of several injury preventions strategies that can help to minimize workplace injuries.
Patricio Douglas Lopez
NTP Consulting
Owner / Consultant
Title
How to Convey the Safety Message for Hispanic Workers, Breaking the Cultural Barrier
Abstract
When it comes to safety , translating materials is not enough. Who are they? What put them into this journey? Are we being clear enough with the safety demands? How are we conveying the message ? Can we use alternative methods to academia to clarify and make our point across? Breaking down the characterizations and discover the person behind.
Melanie Markman
Melanie Markman LLC
Title
Hazardous Waste Exceptions
Abstract
TBD
M. Ann McElroy
Swift Currie
Attorney
Title
Our Winning Game Plan - A Playbook for Handling Work Accidents and Safely Returning Employees to Work
Abstract
TBD
Roberta Mike
Strategic Comp Insurance
Georgia Senior Claim Field Adjuster
rmike@strategiccomp.com
Title
What the Adjuster Needs From the Employer Within 21 Days From the Work Accident
Abstract
This Presentation will have a brief overview or the Workers' Compensation Claim Professional goal/roles after the work accident. The importance of employer and all other parties . The importance of keep your rules/policies "enforced" and good documentation.
Brian Murphy
Upstream Rehabilitation (Benchmark, Results PT)
Vice President of Employer Solutions
Title
Stress and Anxiety – Drivers of Poor Workers' Compensation Outcomes
Abstract
This is a presentation that will outline several factors that contribute to poor outcomes in a Workers' Compensation Case, particularly how stress and anxiety negatively impact various systems in the body and their healing processes. The presentation will review what employers, claims adjusters, case managers and health care practitioners can do to assist in mitigating risks that drive these outcomes, and how employing an empathetic approach to injured workers can assist in a more successful outcome.
Kevin Nesbitt
Umbrella Equipment Partners, LLC
President/Owner
Title
Maximizing Your Facility's Environmental Control Equipment Procurement Process
Abstract
The presentation will illustrate techniques and tasks common to the effective purchasing of environmental control equipment, primarily air and water pollution control systems. Purchasing environmental equipment is a critical task for facility employees. Often, the equipment required is both new to the facility and unfamiliar to the employee responsible for completing the project. Additionally, the process requirements may be variable, not well defined, or even completely established. Various options may be practicable, presenting different capital and operating costs, as well as distinct performance criteria. Attendees will learn what information is needed, possible sources of the information, steps to maximize the results of the initial site, developing specifications, and vendor comparison and selection. The end goal is to enhance the final installation of environmental systems for long term and cost-effective compliance for their facility.
Mike Owens
AXIS Risk Services
President and Chief Consultant
Title
Risk Management Strategies for Managing the Impact of Employees Injuries
Abstract
This informative session will explain what injury management is, discuss the impacts of quality injury management and demonstrate the typical results of an effective injury management system.
Ryan Padgett
Padgett Risk Consultants
President
Title
Five Golden Rules for an Effective Safety Program
Abstract
This is the ultimate instruction of having all OSHA, insurance, and legal requirements to best defend, remit, and secure your employees. It goes into detail the steps to make sure that your safety plans are thorough enough to withstand the risks. Over 100 years of knowledge dealing directly with OSHA and Insurance providers are combined in this presentation.
Donna Pearson
Pearson Safety Solutions LLC
Corporate Safety Manager/Partner
Title
OSHA’s Requirement for Safety Training- A Checklist for Compliance and Time Saving Ideas for Meeting That Compliance in Today’s Short Staffed/High Demand Market
Abstract
Completing required new hire and annual training was always a challenge for time management but never more so than now when labor shortages mean getting that new hire to the work sites as soon as possible. However, OSHA still requires proper training, and citations are on the rise as inspections and accidents reveal that training is taking a back seat to "getting the job done." This has created inventive ways to train the employee, comply with required OSHA regulations, and still meet the clients' demands. This presentation will present tried and true tips to developing a training plan, ensuring OSHA compliance, and meeting time constraints in today's industry.
Robert (Robbie) Pope
Carroll Daniel Construction Company
Safety Director
Title
Benefits of OSHA Partnerships in the Construction Sector
Abstract
A lot of contractors are terrified of OSHA because of the stigma that they fine you and possibly make you go out of business. When you develop a working relationship with OSHA, there is a benefit for everyone involved. The learning outcome would be to understand the added value of a partnership and understand that there are benefits of working with OSHA.
Tremone Proctor
THD Rental
Sr. Mgr Fleet Safety & Compliance
Title
Home Depot Fleet Management
Abstract
Cultivating A World Class Fleet Safety Culture Through Influcence Learn how to leverage resources effectively through influcence to implement and sustain a world class safety culture.
Danny Smith
SafeStart
Senior Safety Consultant
Title
29.CFR.1910.Blah, Blah, Blah: What Comes Next Makes All the Difference
Abstract
Compliance training is obviously required, but does it go far enough? If your safety program is only meeting minimal requirements, then it’s very likely that not keeping your workers as safe as possible. Moving from basics to best practices that address human factors can produce more reliable and predictable outcomes.
Paige Rohrig
Georgia Tech
Senior Research Scientist
Title
Environmental Compliance – Regulatory Requirements
Abstract
We will discuss the basic regulatory requirements for various environmental topics such as hazardous waste, universal waste, used oil, SPCC, EPCRA, and storm water. We will also provide resources to assist with environmental compliance.
Jeff Romine
Shaw Industries Group, Inc
Sr Corporate EHS Manager- Compliance
Title
Lithium-Ion Batteries Are They an EHS Nightmare or Not?
Abstract
Lithium-ion battery (LIB) fire hazards are associated with the high energy densities coupled with the flammable organic electrolyte. Without proper fire protection measures within the facility, thermal runaway, an exothermic reaction due to abuse during the production process, can lead to an electrochemical chain reaction that results in fire, explosion, and toxic gases with a rapid propagation to other LIB cells and the facility. These batteries create new challenges for use, storage, and handling. Studies have shown that physical damage, electrical abuse such as short circuits and overcharging, and exposures to elevated temperature can cause a thermal runaway. This is an extremely hazardous condition that requires prompt action. Current Standards include NFPA 855 and on FM Global DS-533. We will be reviewing these standards as well as NASA Training material, Case Fire Studies, Society of Fire Protection Engineers studies and battery manufacture guidance and specifications. This presentation will cover the things you need to know or consider with respect to these batteries as well as reporting requirements.
Rachel Schneider
Georgia Tech
Title
Environmental Compliance – Regulatory Requirements
Abstract
We will discuss the basic regulatory requirements for various environmental topics such as hazardous waste, universal waste, used oil, SPCC, EPCRA, and storm water. We will also provide resources to assist with environmental compliance.
Johnathan Shinall
Batson-Cook Company
Senior HSE Manager
Title
Emerging Tools & Technology in Construction
Abstract
Batson-Cook Company has taken steps to utilize and test different construction quality and safety technologies with the goal of quality improvement, risk reduction, and error prevention as part of our efforts to make productivity synonymous with safety.
Danny Smith
SafeStart
Senior Safety Consultant
Title
29.CFR.1910.Blah, Blah, Blah: What Comes Next Makes All the Difference
Abstract
Compliance training is obviously required, but does it go far enough? If your safety program is only meeting minimal requirements, then it’s very likely that not keeping your workers as safe as possible. Moving from basics to best practices that address human factors can produce more reliable and predictable outcomes.
Matt Smith
Brasfield & Gorrie
Safety Operations Director
Title
Fake News - A Lower RIR & LTIR Equates To a Safer Workplace
Abstract
Are RIR/LTIR still good statistics to use to gauge safety in a workplace? If you answered yes, then the next question to ask is why do companies with low (or zero) rates still have fatalities or serious injuries? This presentation will cover a brief overview on why RIR/LTIR have dropped in construction over the past 15 years but yet fatalities have not. Although that isn’t great news for the construction industry, several companies have already started to look beyond antiquated statistics and are truly looking for data points that will show system weaknesses. These data points are then used to implement controls. These controls give systems capacity so when the worker errors, or the system has a failure, it does not turn into a catastrophic event. This will be a big shift in how safety professions and company leaders think currently. To help propel this new way of thinking, a new catchy safety slogan was needed. Thus STCKY, or Stuff That Can Kill You was born. This presentation will cover how one company is using STCKY statistics and conversations to develop and implement controls to truly make their projects a safer place for their employees.
Jon Swierenga
Thomas Concrete, Inc
Director of Safety
Title
Safety Starts at the Top
Abstract
Safety Culture only changes one way at a company, and that is by the leadership. One challenge companies face is that often, leaders don’t know how to “lead with safety” nor how to be an effective catalyst for true change. Many Safety Managers and Directors, while they have great technical skills, may not have the skills and knowledge on how to help coach and lead the senior leaders through the safety journey. This session will discuss successful approaches on how to influence senior leaders to be willing to develop their safety leadership capabilities and how Safety professionals can best support their safety leadership growth both in the short and long term to ensure that it becomes part of the culture of the organization.
Scott Thomas
Siembra LLC
CEO, Lead Consultant
Title
Affordable Tech Tools Every HSE Professional Should Use
Abstract
Affordable tech tools every HSE Professional should use. The objective of this presentation is to provide Safety, Health, and Environmental Professionals with an overview of affordable technological tools available to help streamline, digitize, and professionalize their work product. Attendees will be presented with a variety of solutions for collecting data, displaying dashboards, editing videos, digitizing training, capturing photos, digitizing documents, and more. It is expected that attendees will receive an overview of tools used by Siembra LLC and its clients, demonstrations of real applications of said tools, pricing information as is available, and a recommended strategy for exploring and implementing any new tools. It should be noted that Siembra LLC does not represent or have any affiliation with any tools that will be referenced. Some of the tools considered for this presentation include Google Drive / Google Workspace, iAuditor, TalentLMS, iMovie, Jotform, MovStash, and others as deemed appropriate.
Dustin Thompson
Swift, Currie, McGhee, & Hiers, LLP
Partner
Title
Our Winning Game Plan - A Playbook for Handling Work Accidents and Safely Returning Employees to Work
Abstract
As experienced defense attorneys representing employers in a wide range of industries, we will impart a game plan and playbook, including a step-by-step guide for handling the immediate aftermath of a work accident and thereafter safely returning employees to work. We will simplify the at times highly-nuanced process of returning injured employees to work and provide an easily accessible manual which employers can implement and rely upon. 1. The Option: Game Plan to Implement Prior to Work Accidents (20 Minutes) a. Panel of Physicians b. Post-Offer Medical Questionnaires c. Chain-of-Command for Reporting Accidents 2. The Go Pattern: Game Plan to Implement Immediately After Work Accident (20 Minutes) a. Emergency Treatment When Necessary b. Written Statements c. Preservation of Evidence – Photos, Videos, Items d. Panel of Physicians e. Drug Screens 3. The Reverse: Game Plan to Return Injured Employees to Work (20 Minutes) a. Communication with Employee b. Communication with Doctor c. Light-Duty Job Offers i. Before Indemnity ii. After Indemnity d. Maintaining Light-Duty Jobs e. Return to Regular-Duty Work 4. Questions and Answers (15 Minutes)
Dr. Mark Vettraino
Workplace Wellness Conference
Director
Title
Inspiring Employees and Keep Them Motivated, Happy, Healthy, and Thriving in a Post-pandemic World
Abstract
This session is designed to acquire a deeper understanding of corporate and personal wellness.
Jon White
Hound Labs, Inc.
Business Development Manager for Direct Employers
Title
Marijuana Breathalyzer to Detect Recent Marijuana Use
Abstract
Hiring and retention have always been difficult in the construction industry, and now that most U.S. adults have access to legal cannabis, it’s getting tougher to maintain safe workplaces while retaining valuable employees who may use cannabis responsibly and legally. The results of other cannabis testing methods are often less relevant during this legal era because they can detect THC for days, weeks, or even months after use, long after impairment subsides. Conventional tests are problematic for employers because they can often deliver positive results based on an employee’s past cannabis use, which does not correlate with the 2-3 hour window of peak impairment. Understanding when, not just if, an employee has used cannabis helps an employer balance safety, fairness, and equity and retain top talent. Cannabis breath testing with the HOUND® MARIJUANA BREATHALYZER will help you improve safety and reduce employee turnover costs by identifying only recent cannabis use. The ultra-sensitive HOUND MARIJUANA BREATHALYZER measures THC in breath for only a few hours after consuming, which correlates with the window of peak impairment. Employers receive test results on location within minutes, allowing employers to make more informed decisions about fitness for duty and get employees back to work sooner. Jon White, Business Development Manager for Direct Employers at Hound Labs, will guide attendees through a product overview of this one-of-a-kind cannabis breath testing technology and explain how the HOUND MARIJUANA BREATHALYZER detects only recent cannabis use. In this session, attendees will learn why the HOUND MARIJUANA BREATHALYZER: Creates safer workplaces Results in fairer outcomes Delivers fast results Supports flexible collection procedures Minimizes privacy concerns Attendees will also be able to determine the value the HOUND MARIJUANA BREATHALYZER may bring to their organization using an employer cost savings calculator. This presentation will include a demonstration of the HOUND BREATHALYZER. About Hound Labs: Hound Labs combines science and technology in novel ways to improve health and wellness. The Company believes its ultra-sensitive and portable technologies will pave the way to practical and fair solutions for some of the leading public health and safety issues. In early 2022, Hound Labs will launch its first ultra-sensitive point-of-care solution – the HOUND MARIJUANA BREATHALYZER, which allows employers and law enforcement to identify recent cannabis use rapidly and accurately by testing breath on-site. Dr. Mike Lynn, an ER physician, reserve deputy sheriff, and former venture capitalist, founded Hound Labs in 2014.
Lunch & Panel Speakers
Kathleen Eaton
The Home Depot
Vice President, Safety, Building Services and Energy Management
Title
Closing Panel Speaker (Friday)
Bio
Kathleen Eaton is vice president of safety, building services and energy management for The Home Depot. She is responsible for providing a safe, efficient and functional environment across the enterprise, leading both a field and corporate staff.
Kathleen joined The Home Depot in 2005 and has held roles of increasing responsibility including senior manager of building services, director of building services and senior director of operations process and vice president of asset protection.
Prior to joining the Company, Kathleen spent several years in the third party property and energy management industry and worked for a decade in the logistics industry.
Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The College of the Holy Cross and a master’s degree in business administration from The University of Hartford.
Kathleen joined The Home Depot in 2005 and has held roles of increasing responsibility including senior manager of building services, director of building services and senior director of operations process and vice president of asset protection.
Prior to joining the Company, Kathleen spent several years in the third party property and energy management industry and worked for a decade in the logistics industry.
Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The College of the Holy Cross and a master’s degree in business administration from The University of Hartford.
Rebecca S. Cranford
Southwire
Senior Vice President, Manfacturing
Title
Closing Panel Speaker (Friday)
Bio
Rebecca S. Cranford is the Senior Vice President of Manufacturing at Southwire, which is North America’s largest wire and cable company with approximately $5.5 billion dollars in annual sales.In her role, Cranford is responsible for setting the strategic direction for ten manufacturing locations and 2300 employees who produce a wide range of copper and aluminum wire and cable products sold into a wide range of commercial markets including utility, renewable energy, transit, automotive and electrical vehicle, data center and factory automation. Her leadership style is strongly grounded in the belief that if a company does the right things – cares for its people, protects the environment and helps the communities in which it works to prosper, it can secure a successful future.
Cranford joined Southwire in 2012 as the Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Environmental, Health and Safety, eventually also assuming responsibility for Corporate Quality. In the early years of Cranford’s career, she worked as a safety and loss control consultant in the insurance industry. In 1998, she joined Alcoa, a producer of aluminum, working in various environmental, health and safety roles within the company. Prior to joining Southwire, Cranford worked as the global director of environment, health and safety for Alcoa Power in Propulsion.Cranford received her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Safety and Environmental Management from Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. She has been involved with the National Safety Council, being named to their first national 40 under 40 class of Rising Stars of Safety. Cranford is a member of the board of directors for the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, the Tanner Hospital Foundation board of trustees and the Carrollton Dawnbreakers Rotary Club.
Kevin Appleton
Batson-Cook Construction
Chief Operating Officer
Title
Closing Panel Speaker (Friday)
Bio
Kevin Appleton is the COO of Batson-Cook Construction. Kevin’s passion for construction and his commitment to safety are forces that guide him in his role as chief operations officer. Kevin oversees the construction operations, including the HSE Department, of Batson-Cook’s seven regional offices. Kevin has been with the company for 32 years, having joined Batson-Cook as a field engineer. He has been key in driving Batson-Cook’s HSE program, safety culture, and implementing best practices and innovation around construction safety. Kevin is from Birmingham, AL and a graduate of Auburn University.
Heather MacDougall
Amazon
Vice President, Worldwide Workplace Health & Safety
Title
Abstract
Keynote Lunch Speaker (Thursday): Innovating for Safety: How Technology Can Solve Safety Issues
Technology is changing the way we work, and it has the potential to make work exponentially safer. Companies the world over - regardless of size - can leverage innovations to reduce incidents at their worksites. Amazon has a proven track record of innovating to solve persistent problems, and many of these innovations can be replicated and adopted by other companies. As part of its missing to become safer every day for employees, partners, and communities, Amazon is dedicated to sharing its innovations with industry partners so we can collectively reduce incidents and protect workers.
Bio
Heather MacDougall oversees workplace health and safety for Amazon’s global operations. She is leading Amazon’s charge to relentlessly pursue the highest standards and making history for the people who deliver smiles. The team she leads is leveraging Amazon’s innovation, technology, and data insights to uphold its responsibility to keep each of its Associates and partners’ employees safe. The Workplace Health and Safety team aims to equip Amazon safety professionals and operations leaders with the tools and data to measure safety progress and create a culture of safety, as it seeks to be a leader in workplace health and safety. Her vision is to synthesize leading health and safety expertise with Amazon’s tech capability and relentless innovation to create new industry benchmarks for health and safety.
Prior to joining Amazon in April 2019, Ms. MacDougall served as the Chairman of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission following the presidential appointment and the U.S. Senate’s confirmation. She returned to the Commission after serving as Commissioner from April 2, 2014 through April 27, 2017. The Commission is an independent federal agency that provides administrative trial and appellate review and was created to decide contests of citations or penalties resulting from OSHA inspections of American workplaces.
Previous to her appointment to the Commission, Ms. MacDougall had 20 years of experience representing employers throughout the U.S. with regard to matters involving labor, employment, and occupational safety and health law, most recently with Akerman LLP in West Palm Beach, Florida, and at the beginning of her career with Ogletree’s Milwaukee office. Earlier in her career, she was Associate General Counsel to the HR Policy Association, a public policy organization that advocates for the human resource officers of major employers, where she represented the association as amicus curiae in U.S. Courts of Appeals and Supreme Court cases. Ms. MacDougall received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and a J.D. from Marquette University Law School.
Prior to joining Amazon in April 2019, Ms. MacDougall served as the Chairman of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission following the presidential appointment and the U.S. Senate’s confirmation. She returned to the Commission after serving as Commissioner from April 2, 2014 through April 27, 2017. The Commission is an independent federal agency that provides administrative trial and appellate review and was created to decide contests of citations or penalties resulting from OSHA inspections of American workplaces.
Previous to her appointment to the Commission, Ms. MacDougall had 20 years of experience representing employers throughout the U.S. with regard to matters involving labor, employment, and occupational safety and health law, most recently with Akerman LLP in West Palm Beach, Florida, and at the beginning of her career with Ogletree’s Milwaukee office. Earlier in her career, she was Associate General Counsel to the HR Policy Association, a public policy organization that advocates for the human resource officers of major employers, where she represented the association as amicus curiae in U.S. Courts of Appeals and Supreme Court cases. Ms. MacDougall received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and a J.D. from Marquette University Law School.