Presented by Bill Pineda, Newport Industries

While the philosophies may vary, from top/down to bottom/up and from inside/out to outside/in, the best safety training begins with a needs analysis.  Done properly, it ensures that all training is relevant, targeted, and addresses critical issues.  Thereafter, training success requires skills in pre-design, program delivery, and post-assessment.  This session covers it all. 

Training Track: Basic

Presented by Matt Summers and Steve Duff, American Contractors Insurance Group

The prevention of Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) incidents can be accomplished by adopting strategies that focus on identifying high-risk activities, understanding SIF precursors, and implementing layered controls.  Gain real-world insight about how to create a safe workplace through a commitment to proper planning, verification, and improvement. 

Learning Track: Intermediate

Presented by Thom Kramer, LJB Engineering

Safety professionals must keep pace with ever-evolving technologies and equipment intended to minimize the hazards of working at heights.  The ANSI/ASSP Z359 standards, collectively known as the Fall Protection Code, are updated regularly.  Learn about the recent changes, and the revisions forthcoming, that will impact your safety program and ensure future compliance. 

Training Track: Intermediate

Presented by Larry Gaston, Gaston Inc.

Root cause analysis is a systematic problem-solving methodology used to identify the underlying or fundamental causes of a problem, rather than treating its surface symptoms. This session will dig deep into safety failures of the past in order to gain an understanding of how to prevent them in the future by looking at the data and the contributing factors involved.  

Learning Track: Advanced

Presented by Michael Wysockey, Thatcher Foundations, Inc.

As if it were not difficult enough, construction activity is made more challenging when performed on outdoor working surfaces that are imbalanced or unstable.  These can lead to catastrophic failures of heavy equipment on a jobsite.  Proper planning is essential and should involve conversations among key players about issues related to design, cost, and liability.  

Learning Track: Advanced

Presented by JoAnn Dankert, Exceed Safety

Industrial hygiene risks – both seen and unseen – are prevalent in construction work.  The most common exposures include those that are chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic in nature.  Receive expert guidance about how to assess the environment and incorporate controls into your daily routine, proving that prevention is, indeed, better than cure. 

Training Track: Basic 

Presented by Gary Gore, Matador3

After an injury, a definitive step-by-step investigation ensures that proper methods and techniques are implemented according to established protocols.  This presentation and discussion focus on translating incident findings into corrective actions, which, in turn, will contribute to the prevention of future occurrences.  Do it right in order to get it right. 

Training Track: Basic

Presented by Tim Stewart, Mental Performance Institute

Join this enlightening conversation about preventing injuries and saving lives through effective use of the human brain as your most powerful jobsite tool.  Accelerated Mental Performance (AMP) involves a series of straightforward techniques to sharpen focus, quicken reaction, and strengthen decision-making under pressure.  AMP-up your brain – for safety’s sake. 

Training Track: Basic

Presented by Mark Lies and Adam Young, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

After one year, the federal occupational safety and health agenda is marked by policies and priorities that likely define its trajectory in the years ahead.  This session identifies what the construction industry can anticipate in new standards and new enforcements.  Hear a legal perspective about how the liability landscape is always changing and subject to interpretation. 

Training Track: Basic

Presented by Tom King, Task Safety Company

At the intersection of NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, and NFPA 70B is a series of rules and regulations that impacts electrical installation, safety, and maintenance on every construction site.  The burden of understanding it all rests with those who are most at risk.  This session addresses the codes and communications necessary to keep workers free from harm.     

Training Track: Intermediate

Presented by AJ Gajdosik, Acuity Insurance

If your employees are operating vehicles on the road, they are sitting in an especially dangerous position.  And in a court of law, if they receive a judgement against them in excess of $10 million, then it is considered a “nuclear” award.  Fortunately, defenses are available to employers to defuse the situation by lowering DOT scores.  Learn more during this eye-opening conversation. 

Training Track: Basic

Presented by Lou Addante, LMA Safety Services

Join this candid discussion of the Experience Modification Rate (EMR) – a factor used by insurance carriers to predict future risk of workers’ compensation claims.  Learn how to calculate and compare your experience to the industry baseline.  Explore safety-specific strategies that provide the dual benefit of lowering the rate and increasing business profitability.  

Training Track: Basic 

Presented by Tim Pottoroff, QP3 ErgoSystems

Employees who operate heavy equipment and machinery face unique risks, but can benefit from recent advancements in industrial ergonomics that support working safely and maximizing efficiency.  Strategies are available to overcome the physical strain and discomfort involved in performing daily tasks, thereby enhancing productivity and longevity in employment. 

Training Track: Basic

Presented by Jim Wojcikiewicz, Kito Crosby

Attend this session to gain a better understanding of how to manage heavy loads.  It requires a unique combination of science – and art.   Participants will learn the entire lifting process, which involves hardware and slings, as well as the measurement of weights, multiplying forces, angles, centers of gravity, and compression. Together they support the task of lifting smarter, not harder. 

Training Track: Basic 

Presented by Keith Wheeler, HR Resources of the Carolinas, LLC

Explore how Artificial Intelligence can elevate workplace safety by identifying employee burnout and opening up communication channels that build trust.  This discussion provides actionable tools for supervisors to use.  A greater understanding of division of responsibilities leads to an environment where employees feel genuinely informed, supported, and empowered. 

Training Track: Intermediate

Presented by Star Bobatoon, Star Consulting, LLC

This discussion serves as a powerful call for safety leaders to stop holding back and start bringing their complete set of gifts to the table every day – not only on special occasions.  By sharing engaging stories, practical insights, and interactive moments, participants will be challenged to lead with authenticity, courage, and presence.  Positive outcomes are sure to follow. 

Training Track: Advanced

Presenter: Dr. Sargon Benjamin Odisho
The Chicago Fix

Construction companies that employ – and retain – a healthy workforce are at a competitive advantage versus competitors. Investments in employee well-being provide rewards that are real and tangible. This presentation describes not only the variety of wellness programs that are available to employers, but also the bottom-line benefits that they deliver.

Training Track: Intermediate

Presented by Wes Wheeler, National Electric Contractors Association

Today’s safety professionals play a critical role in ensuring the success of future generations by creating enthusiasm and a sense of belonging in younger employees.  Motivating them through apprenticeships, mentorships, and timely career guidance can be so impactful.  If you lead properly and passionately, they will follow.  

Training Track: Basic

Presented by Chris Murray, Werner

Ladder use is so routine, but causes far too many reportable incidents.  What’s needed is greater awareness – and a company culture to match – that minimizes risk.  Engage with others about lessons to be learned from real-life examples of the improper use of step ladders and extension ladders.  One minor misstep can be painful and costly.   

Training Track: Basic

Presented by Michael Kalinowski and Mitch Lovejoy, W.E. O’Neil Construction Company

Collaborative relationships with specialized subcontractors are a recipe for success.  They require a shared culture of respect and accountability, both in good times and bad.  Hear a general contractor’s perspective about what it takes to align people and processes towards common goals for the benefit of all, affirming that teamwork does make the dream work. 

Training Track: Intermediate

Presented by John Newquist, Newquist Safety

In a court of law, testimony from safety experts influences the outcome of high-stakes litigations.  Hear from one who has been sworn-in to translate technical content and provide courtroom clarity, resulting in million-dollar verdicts and even larger out-of-court settlements.  Gain insights into the legal strength of a solid safety plan supported by documentation of employee training. 

Training Track: Intermediate

Presented by Jeff Camplin, Chicagoland AGC Safety Committee

Finally, a simplified presentation of the various local, state, and federal regulations related to construction activity involving the presence of asbestos material and lead-based paint.  Understand when to apply performance-based standards vs. prescriptive standards – both in residential and commercial settings – to remain compliant with the different guidelines.  

Training Track: Basic

Presented by Scott Debo, ArchKey Solutions

Make a plan to improve your safety culture in no time at all by adopting strategies to enhance field leadership, change employee behavior, and identify leading indicators to minimize potential for a serious injury or fatality.  A variety of hardware and software options will be discussed as sensible tips and practical solutions to enrich your environment. 

Training Track: Intermediate

Presented by Tanner Panozzo, CIS Onsite

This conversation explores on-site medical care as an alternative to off-site providers of injury and rehab services.  It is an option to help reduce the frequency and expense of workplace incidents.  Tangible benefits include more personal interaction, more immediate access, and more opportunity to prevent harm – before it happens on the job. 

Training Track: Basic