Presented by Larry Gaston,  Gaston, Inc.

Join this profound discussion about the essence of leadership, which is to demonstrate strength of character while managing people and processes towards intended outcomes.  Typically, you know it when you see it, hear it, or feel it.  The lack of leadership is similarly obvious – and usually conspicuous by its absence.  Learn from vivid workplace examples of impactful leadership.

Training Track: Advanced

Presented by AJ Gajdosik, Acuity Insurance

This session will analyze the alarming recurrence of fatalities in underground construction.             In spite of a multi-year, nationwide emphasis on this hazard, the death toll is disturbing.  Discussion of real-life examples ripped from the headlines will expose common causes and drive home valuable lessons to be learned.  This knowledge to be shared will help stop the insanity.

Learning Track: Intermediate

Presented by Wes Wheeler, National Electrical Contractors Association

Gain a unique skill set by becoming proficient in the development of a hazardous energy control, or lockout/tagout (LOTO), program in compliance with the requirements of multiple standards.  Learn best practices to protect those who service and maintain equipment and machinery, especially craft workers, electricians, and laborers.  Their lives depend on it.

Training Track: Advanced

Presented by Tony Groat, International Powered Access Federation

In accordance with ANSI/SAIA standards, a safe use program for mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) equipment requires previewing a jobsite, performing a risk assessment, selecting the appropriate apparatus, preparing a rescue plan, and engaging qualified supervisors and workers.  If aerial lifts are an integral part of your operations, then you need this protype for success.

Learning Track: Intermediate

Presented by William Dutton, Travelers

Widely recognized as one of the most important pieces of equipment on a jobsite, cranes are also known to be among the most dangerous.  The risks are many, ranging from environmental (soil and wind conditions) to operational (weight overloads and equipment failures).  The consequences of an accident can be tragic – but are preventable.  Learn how here.

Learning Track: Intermediate 

Presented by JoAnn Dankert, Exceed Safety

In the Summer 2024, OSHA proposed a national heat illness and injury prevention standard applicable to all construction employees – outdoors and indoors.  It would require employers to protect employees from this deadly hazard.  Get the most up-to-date information about the timing and significance of this new regulation, and the dangers of over-exposure to heat.

Training Track: Basic 

Presented by John Newquist, Newquist Safety

Yes, there’s an OSHA standard for that.  And for good reason, too, because the hazards are aplenty.  This session will address best practices related to pallet inspection, stacking, and storage.  Risk reduction strategies include proper handling, use of PPE, and equipment operation.  Attend to get a better understanding of how to prevent on-the-job injuries.

Training Track: Basic 

Presented by Keith Wheeler, HR Resources of the Carolinas

There is a correlation between workplace stress and under-performance, which, in turn, threatens jobsite safety.  Employers must be cognizant of and responsive to employee burnout.  Successful companies are those that can define, identify, and address the well-being of their workforce.  Proactive strategies to accomplish this will be discussed.

Training Track: Intermediate 

Presented by George Gruetzmacher, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene

An effective industrial hygiene program is designed to protect employees from injuries and illnesses, such as respiratory concerns, skin diseases, chemical exposures, and hearing loss.  The onset of these conditions is not immediate, but usually occurs over a prolonged period of time.  Learn to identify these hazards in your workplace and reduce their impact – before it’s too late.

Training Track: Basic

Presented by Scott Debo, Archkey Solutions

How could this happen?  Perhaps it was a misguided policy or procedure – or maybe due to faulty equipment.  More likely, however, it was a decision-making process gone wrong.  Learn how – and why – we make the choices we do.  This will lead to a better understanding of what is needed to create a true culture of safety that starts at the top and gets implemented daily in the field.

Training Track: Advanced

Presented by Chris Murray, Werner Fall Protection and Mike Schremp, Bird Ladder

It’s as simple as…    Your written safety program should outline the measures, procedures, and equipment to be used to prevent or minimize the risk of falls.  Essential components of a plan include identifying hazards, determining controls, providing PPE, and planning a rescue.  Join the conversation about how to combat this leading cause of construction injuries and fatalities.

Training Track: Intermediate

Presented by Mike Kalinowski, W.E. O’Neil; Gary Gore, Matador3; Terry Klingele, Mortenson

Strong connections between construction management personnel and boots-on-the-ground staff lead to improved project execution and enhanced employee morale.  Working together as a team and sharing the same core values breeds success.  Learn from an industry leader about the tactics used to inspire higher productivity, common understanding, and job satisfaction. 

Training Track: Basic Level

Presented by Ben Ross, FactorLab and Dan Ruane, Pepper Construction

Explore how Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing construction safety, empowering contractors to accelerate change, and building high-impact cultures faster and more cost-effectively than ever before.  This is a case study about an innovative approach to task hazard analysis that shuns burdensome, low-value field reporting in favor of improved planning and better teamwork.

Training Track: Intermediate Level

Presented by Tony Groat, International Powered Access Federation

An effective pre-task risk assessment has been proven to minimize the likelihood of surprise endings.  Participate in this review of accident scene photos involving the use of mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) equipment.  Group discussion will provide consensus about the control measures and workplace procedures that would have prevented these incidents.

Training Track: Intermediate 

Presented by Dr. Sargon Odisho, The Chicago Fix

Similar to motorized and electric equipment on a jobsite, the human body needs maintenance. A regular plan for the upkeep of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints extends their useful life.  It also provides cost savings by eliminating lost wages and work hours.  Learn about simple strategies, such as on-the-job stretching and at-home therapies, to reduce soft tissue injuries.

Training Track: Basic 

Presented by Shae Birkey, Caterpillar

It is often stated that “Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility.”   Less frequently understood, however, is who is responsible, what is expected, and how it gets measured.  This is the essence of personal accountability – but without it, safety excellence cannot be achieved.  This dialogue will address best practices that ensure responsibility from all who truly share a commitment to safety.

Training Track: Basic

Presented by OSHA Region V Area Office Staff

Learn from those who have gone before you.  Hear several case studies of actual inspections performed by federal safety officials in our local communities.  Their stories serve as examples for others.  This lively, interactive dialogue is dedicated to the memory of Edwin Rearick –                an OSHA field representative for more than two decades in the State of Illinois.

Training Track: Basic Level

Presented by Adam Young and Mark Lies, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP

OSHA brings the power of the federal government to its role as an enforcer of safety standards.  The agency oftentimes operates without advance notice while targeting the construction industry for perceived violations of civil and criminal law.  Learn about plausible defenses to these inspections and citations.  Also, gain useful legal advice about protections from prosecution.

Training Track: Intermediate

Presented by Shae Birkey, Caterpillar

Too often, the response to a workplace injury or incident is to assign blame and enforce a penalty.  This is counter-productive, however, and does not enhance employee morale. A more effective approach is to create an environment where workers are supported for speaking up and sharing ideas that prevent mistakes from recurring.  It can be done, resulting in tangible benefits for all.

Training Track: Advanced

Presented by Eric Hedman, City of Naperville

Following deployment of a fall arrest system, a construction worker in peril is susceptible to other less-obvious dangers.  The time spent suspended above can be as deadly as the fall below.  Learn about techniques that provide protection from the physical effects of these traumatic incidents.  This life-saving knowledge is essential for victims, bystanders, and rescuers alike.

Training Track: Basic

Presented by OSHA Region V Area Office Staff

Learn from those who have gone before you.  Hear several case studies of actual inspections performed by federal safety officials in our local communities.  Their stories serve as examples for others.  This lively, interactive dialogue is dedicated to the memory of Edwin Rearick – an OSHA field representative for more than two decades in the State of Illinois.

Training Track: Basic

Presented by Alex Watts and Shane Steward, Safety-Chat

Artificial Intelligence is here for good – and for good reason – which is promising for the environmental health and safety industry.  This presentation highlights successful examples of   AI implementation that have enhanced protocols, streamlined compliance, and improved overall site safety.  Discussion will focus on how this technology is to be revered, not feared.

Training Track: Intermediate

Presented by Steve Lindley, Ozinga

The construction industry is facing a mental health crisis unlike any other it has experienced.  Alarmingly, an estimated 6,000 workers die by suicide each year.  Even more struggle with anxiety and depression at rates higher than the national average in other professions.  These trends require a renewed commitment of human support and helpful resources.  Get involved.

Training Track: Basic

Presented by AJ Gajdosik, Acuity Insurance

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.  This session exposes five different examples of personal behavior that contribute to an unsafe environment for others.  As intolerable as this may be, the appropriate response should be thoughtful – not spontaneous.  Participate in this entertaining discussion about how to neutralize negative attitudes in the workplace.

Training Track: Basic