Presented by Sergio Rojas, A.L.I.V.E. Consulting & Coaching

Construction workers are experiencing high levels of stress, distraction, and fatigue like never before.  The negative consequences, such as poor health, low job satisfaction, and strained personal relationships, are costly.  Discover the pillars to constructing a positive safety culture that not only boosts employee morale, but also enhances business profitability.

This is a “get-in-the-weeds and roll-up-your-sleeves” working session that will provide a step-by-step methodology to evolve your pre-task planning into a valuable, measurable tool. Learn skills that will empower employees to better anticipate risks and hazards, improve trust, and build a successful safety culture.

Presented by: Cal Beyer, Holmes, Murphy & Assoc.; Gina Riordan, Safe Project; Brand Newland, Goldfinch Health

This session addresses significant causes of the abnormally-high rate of drug addiction and suicide in the construction industry. Gain new insights about strategies to be utilized in response to medical conditions and other personal and emotional stressors that inhibit workplace productivity. 

Presented by Lucas Finley and Paula Kennedy, RUCKO

Every construction project varies, primarily because the working relationships between the owner, general contractor, and subcontractors are so dynamic.  Each brings unique personal perspectives and cultural characteristics to the process, which creates challenges for the team.  Integrating this hierarchy of viewpoints towards a common goal is the strategy for success.

Presented by Wes Wheeler, National Electrical Contractors Association

Communication is as critical as it is pervasive. But how to ensure that it is effective between supervisors and workers on the construction jobsite?  Learn about the use of verbal, non-verbal, and written methods that convey the importance of safety – both in principle and in practice.

Presented by Mark Lies and Adam Young, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Now that the worst of the pandemic is in the past, the U.S. Department of Labor is expected to focus on new enforcement and rule-making priorities.  Learn about legal trends in occupational safety and health law, protection from citations, and best practices related to OSHA inspections.

Presented by Nicole Eisenrich and Ash Ajith, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Construction work takes a toll on the human body.  What are the most common injuries – and why are they so frequent?  Valuable resources are available to assist in managing these risks and reducing the cost of workplace injuries.

Presented by Michael Brennan, True North Consultants and Kyle Cochran, Vista Safety Consulting

The most common environmental hazards in construction (e.g.; asbestos, lead, silica) will be discussed, along with the most effective measures to ensure protection and compliance. Increase knowledge of risk factors while decreasing the likelihood of worker exposure that could prove costly – or fatal.

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

A healthy and safe work environment requires commitment to the whole person: mind and body! NIOSH has launched a comprehensive wellness program that recognizes the important balance between an employee’s work life and home life. Discuss the steps required to adopt it yourself.

Presented by Tim Janis, Construction Safety Council

Several recent high-profile incidents have resulted in renewed enforcement of contract work related to trenching and excavation operations. These risks can be fatal, but they are always preventable. Gain in-depth knowledge about relevant standards and safety strategies.

Presented by Christina Anderson, Assured Partners

The difference between a pledge to “safety culture” and “safety compliance” is significant. To be effective, people and processes must be dedicated to core values.  Explore tactics to differentiate your business as one that is committed to quality, efficiency, and profitability.

Presented by John Newquist, Newquist Safety

Scaffold structures, although temporary, present threats to the long-term health of workers above and below.  The dangers are among those most frequently cited by OSHA every year.  This presentation will address the many risks associated with scaffold use by all personnel on a jobsite.

Presented by Frank Marino, Safety Check Inc.

The requirement to report workplace injuries is accompanied by stringent government protocols.  Failure to comply may have consequential and costly implications.  Both new and experienced safety professionals will benefit from the reporting techniques to be shared here.

Public access to safety support services is readily available from OHSA through its national network of authorized education centers, grant funding program, and outreach training initiative. Participants in this session will receive first-hand information about nearby resources.

Presented by Eric Hedman, City of Naperville

Construction projects – large and small – demand a safety plan that not only anticipates the inevitable, but also prepares for the unexpected.  Key takeaways during this session include the essential elements of a site-specific strategy to protect every person on a jobsite.

Presented by Wes Wheeler, National Electrical Contractors Association

Employers and employees are oftentimes conflicted by mixed messages about training regulations.  Which ones are recommended – or required?  What type of documentation is enough?  These questions, and more, will be answered – once and for all.

Presented by Rod Harvey, RHP Risk Management

The dangers of worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica are as real as ever.  Although seven years have passed since a new standard was put into effect, there is much to learn – and to be reminded of – regarding an employer’s responsibility to protect employees’ health and livelihood.

Presented by Brandon Jeralds, City of St. Charles

The most important conversation of the day should not be dull and dreary.  Instead, it should serve as inspiration and motivation for the tasks ahead.  Discuss effective techniques that can be used to develop messaging that enhances worker involvement and memory retention.

Presented by Dr. Sargon Odisho, The Chicago Fix

Construction tools and equipment undergo routine, scheduled maintenance in order to keep them operating at capacity.  Human assets, the most important of all, require similar levels of upkeep and care to reduce the incidence of injuries and optimize on-the-job performance.

Presented by OSHA Region V Area Office Staff

Learn a lot from those who have gone before you.  Attend this presentation of case studies of real-life experiences by federal officials.  The dialogue is dedicated to the memory of Edwin Rearick, who served as an OSHA compliance officer for more than two decades in Illinois.

Presented by Mark Welch, EMT/Industrial Safety Consultant

The hot summer months are coming.  Be prepared with a safety plan that includes awareness of weather stress symptoms, preventive measures that can be employed, and actions to take in response.  Learn more about life-saving strategies – prior to the heat of the moment.

Presented by Sharon Lipinksi,  Habit Mastery Consulting

Concerns that safety messages may be falling on deaf ears are common – but can be resolved.  Discover five ways to develop training that results in measurable, long-term change in employee behavior.  Generate positive feedback and impactful results with these proven techniques.

Presented by Tim Janis, Construction Safety Council

The traditional view of safety (“Safety-I”) is defined by the absence of incidents, which ensures that “as few things as possible go wrong.”  Alternatively, “Safety-II” is the ability to succeed under varying conditions, so that “as many things as possible go right.”  Learn the difference here.

Presented by: OSHA Region V Area Office Staff

Learn a lot from those who have gone before you.  Attend this presentation of additional case studies of real-life experiences by federal officials. The dialogue is dedicated to the memory of Edwin Rearick, who served as an OSHA compliance officer for more than two decades in Illinois.