A Practical Approach to Recordkeeping and Claims Management
Session:  THU (6/12), 9:50 AM – 10:40 AM
RM: 202
Speaker(s): Ray Lake, Dr. Chris Nelson, Jim Phillips
Description: In the high-risk world of construction and facilities maintenance, accurate OSHA recordkeeping and effective insurance claims management are essential—not just for compliance, but for protecting your workforce and your bottom line. This panel discussion provides construction professionals with practical guidance on navigating OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements, identifying common pitfalls, and integrating best practices into daily operations.

We’ll also dive into the claims management process from start to finish, focusing on how proactive documentation, communication, and collaboration with occupational health providers and insurers can help mitigate losses and reduce claim-related disruptions. Whether you're a safety manager, HR professional, or contractor, you'll walk away with actionable tools to improve compliance, streamline reporting, and manage claims more efficiently.

Accountability and Responsibility
2 Sessions:  WED (6/11), 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM & THU (6/12), 8:30 AM - 9:20 AM
RM: (6/11) 209 & (6/12) 203/204
Speaker(s): Hap Pigsley
Description: We spend too much Time (and Money) trying to solve the problem of having employee accidents, injuries, and fatalities, "On the Job".  The OSHA Law of 1970, REQUIRES that we have a workplace that is "Free from Recognized Hazards that are causing or Likely to cause Death or Serious Physical Injuries."

This Seminar is designed to assist Your Company in Complying with OSHA Law while helping to increase Productivity, Reduce Workplace Incidents, and to Lower Workman's Comp Insurance Costs.   The time spent in this training will be WELL- SPENT and Entertaining.

Benefits of Recognition for Safety
Session:  THU (6/12), 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM
RM: 208
Speaker(s): Rob Hunter & Ken Sandor
Description: Discipline and confrontation are what a lot of workers experience and expect from Safety.  What happens if you flip that and make recognition a bigger part of your interactions?  We will look at the various approaches Clayco has taken with recognition at the personal and project level and share ideas of how to establish simple, effective recognition programs at your workplace.

Beyond Training: More Training May Not Be the Answer
Session:  THU (6/12), 9:50 AM – 10:40 AM
RM: 205
Speaker(s): Bruce Guiliani & Kara Cecil
Description: In this presentation you will discuss identification of root causes in safety risks, creatively consider re-engineering environments, and then which controls require employee training. Behavior based safety, or Safety II is inadequate. In phase three of safety, we must reconsider environmental controls to reduce risk. In this process, you must understand the risk of confirmation biases when identifying hazards. To reach a zero accidents workplace, you must consider root causes to both risks and behaviors. It is not enough to provide additional training to employees and then expect them to remain safe.

Breaking Ground on Psychological Safety: Pratical Tools for Safer, Stronger Teams
Session:  WED (6/11), 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
RM: 206
Speaker(s): Dan Lester
Description: In the high-pressure, fast-paced world of construction, fostering psychological safety is not just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for team performance, well-being, and project success. This interactive seminar will provide practical tools and proven strategies for embedding psychological safety into everyday job site operations. Drawing from real-world case studies and industry-specific insights, participants will learn how to create a culture of trust, open communication, and mutual respect. By breaking ground on these critical concepts, attendees will walk away equipped to drive stronger collaboration, reduce risk, and improve project outcomes across all levels of their teams.

Building a Leadership and Safety Culture Through Improved Daily Planning Conversations and AI Integration
Session:  WED (6/11), 3:50 PM – 4:40 PM
RM: 208
Speaker(s): Ben Ross
Description: Industries are navigating ever-more complexity, operational risks and compliance requirements. Traditional daily planning provides a largely untapped potential to step up to these challenges. This session outlines a new approach that combines AI-powered tools with proven leadership and communication methods to transform daily planning conversations - elevating your business culture to create safer and more effective field operations.  

Ben Ross of FactorLab will demonstrate how organizations can use cutting-edge AI, Natural language Processing (NLP), and video "game tape" analytics to instill a new leadership culture based on trust, performance and improved safety.

Building a Proactively Accountable Culture-One that Anticipates its Vulnerabilities
Session:  WED (6/11), 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM
RM: 206
Speaker(s): Randy L. Jones
Description: The “right thing” can be perceived as complicated but straightforward. Using the (7) Natural Principles of Human Performance as a foundation, Randy will develop the concepts for creating work environments and cultures where team members do the right things for the right reasons even when no one is watching) and spontaneously act to make things better and safer.

During this presentation, Randy will introduce key concepts from PPI Global Founder Tim Autrey’s new book, The 7 Natural Principles of Human Performance which is scheduled for publication the first week of June 2025.

This is NOT an academic presentation but an energized and entertaining experience for Safety Advocates and leaders at all levels.

Building Beyond Barriers | Women Leading the Way in Construction
Session: WED (6/11), 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM
RM:  202
Speaker(s): Marie Nicol
Description: "Building Beyond Barriers: Women Leading the Way in Construction" explores the transformative role of women in a traditionally male dominated industry. Attendees will learn about the importance of diversity, hear inspiring success stories, and discover actionable strategies to support women entering and thriving in this field.  Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this presentation will inspire you to champion inclusion and help shape a more diverse and innovative future for construction.

Elevating Safety Standards: An Introduction to CCS
2 Sessions:  WED (6/11), 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM & THU (6/12) 9:50 AM 0 10:40 AM
RM: (6/11) 203/204 & (6/12) 209
Speaker(s): Marcy Watson
Description: Construction safety is continually evolving—and so are the expectations. This session introduces the Coalition for Construction Safety (CCS), a non-profit organization that offers education and tools that help raise the bar on construction safety performance. Whether you're an owner/construction user, general contractor or subcontractor, you'll gain a clear understanding of the core principles behind CCS, its key components, and how it supports a culture of proactive, high-standard safety.

Join us to explore how CCS can be applied in your organization to reduce risk, improve compliance, and build safer environments to send construction workers home in the same condition or better every day.

Enhancing Safety & Efficiency with AI-Powered Pedestrian & Object Detection Systems for Construction, Mining, Aggregates, and Other Industries
Session:  WED (6/11), 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
RM: 201
Speaker(s): Oskar Zelazowski
Description: In high-risk industries like construction, mining, and aggregates, safety and efficiency are critical. 3rd Eye Robotics is pioneering AI-driven pedestrian and object detection systems that enhance workplace safety, reduce accidents, and improve operational efficiency. This session will explore how AI-powered vision systems provide real-time hazard detection, automated alerts, and data-driven insights to mitigate risks. Attendees will learn about the latest advancements in AI-based safety technologies and how they can be integrated into existing workflows to create safer, more productive job sites.

Fall Protection: The Safe Use and Understanding the OSHA & ANSI Standards
Session:  THU (6/12), 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM
RM: 202
Speaker(s): Thomas Kramer
Description:

From Compliance to Commitment: Transforming Safety Leadership into an Elite Culture
Session:  THU (6/12), 9:50 AM – 10:40 AM
RM: 207
Speaker(s): Dr. Mark J. Steinhofer
Description: Great safety leaders don’t just enforce rules—they inspire commitment. This session will challenge safety professionals to go beyond compliance-driven approaches and cultivate an elite, employee-owned safety culture. Using real-world insights and leadership strategies, we’ll explore how psychology, motivation, and systemic change drive lasting safety excellence. Participants will learn how to shape workplace decisions, identify and eliminate cultural roadblocks, and shift from lagging to leading indicators of safety success. Whether you’re leading teams in the field or shaping corporate safety strategy, this session provides the blueprint for elevating safety performance to an elite, high-engagement safety culture.

From Compliance to Culture: Lessons Learned from OSHA Safety & Health Audits
Session:  WED (6/11), 3:50 PM – 4:40 PM
RM: 205
Speaker(s): Kristine Lynn & Peter Pekala
Description: Explore the transformation of workplace safety from merely adhering to regulations to fostering a proactive safety culture. Diving into common hazards found during safety and health audits, highlighting common areas of noncompliance and prioritizing a culture of safety and health. Topics of interests: LOTO, machine guarding, respiratory protection, blood-borne pathogens, hearing conservation, etc.

From Prevention to Re-integration: Practical Applications to Put Your Physical Demand Analysis Data to Work
Session:  THU (6/12), 9:50 AM – 10:40 AM
RM: 208
Speaker(s): Kris Smith
Description: Understanding job demands is critical for preventing injuries and supporting safe return-to-work. This presentation focuses on Physical Demand Analysis (PDA) and its integration into a comprehensive matrix to establish clear baselines for job requirements. Attendees will learn how Safety and HR teams can collaborate effectively to leverage PDAs for both injury prevention and return-to-work strategies. By thoroughly understanding how to define job demands, companies can proactively address risks, create educational tools and ensure employees can return to work after STD/LTD or work injuries/illnesses in a timely and safe manner. Join us to discover how a PDA can become your most valuable safety tool.

From Vision to Reality: An Owner's Role in Construction Safety
Session:  WED (6/11), 3:50 PM – 4:40 PM
RM: 207
Speaker(s): Shawn Burkett
Description: For the past 35 years Eli Lilly has partnered with contractors to develop a world class construction safety program. This Workshop will share Lilly’s Safety Journey and discuss best practices that can be implemented as an Owner that can drive improvement in HSE performance in construction safety.

Incident Investigations: The Playbook for Effective Incident Investigations
Session:  WED (6/11), 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
RM: 208
Speaker(s): Michael Gagermeier
Description: OSHA places a distinct emphasis on Incident Investigations and we will explore many of the methods to prevent reoccurrence of the same type of incident/accident. the types of incidents will be outlined. Also, procedures for the Incident Investigation process are described in terms of identifying and interviewing witnesses, securing the scene, and collecting evidence. In addition, we will discuss the contributing factors for root causes, determining root causes.  Finally, we will review developing corrective actions, implementing corrective actions, and tracking and closing these corrective actions to improve operations and safety programs.

It's Your Safety, Don’t Give It Away!
Session:  WED (6/11), 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM
RM: 205
Speaker(s): Kina Hart
Description: Beyond the gripping tale, this presentation aims to empower all who attend.  Kina's mission is to help those around her understand the importance of workplace safety. With genuine compassion and unwavering determination, she shares her profound insights and practical advice.  Through her engaging storytelling, Kina transforms this event into an opportunity for collective growth and awareness.

By attending this presentation, you become part of a greater movement - a movement that transcends words and statistics. You will leave with a renewed perspective and empowerment to make a tangible difference in your own workplace. Be inspired to take ownership of safety and join Kina in creating a culture that prioritizes the well-being of each and every employee.

Just Calling 911 is NOT an Emergency Plan-Ensuring Safety for First Responders
Session: WED (6/11), 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM
RM: 201
Speaker(s): Rich Sarnie
Description: Whether its confined spaces, excavations, chemical process hazards, or explosion possibilities, industry must take a role in education prior to calling 911.

Leaving a Safety Legacy
2 Sessions:  WED (6/11), 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM & THU (6/12) 9:50 AM 0 10:40 AM
RM: (6/11) 209 & (6/12) 203/204
Speaker(s): Wylie Davidson
Description: Leaving a Safety Legacy is a refreshing look at two of the hardest challenges many companies face today: Compliance and Engagement. 

This presentation addresses these issues by uncovering the personal value in safety both on the job and at home. Delivering a clear path for attendees to follow.

Listening to the Region!
Session:  THU (6/12), 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM
RM: 201
Speaker(s): Region V
Description: This workshop is presented by members of the Region V Board of Directors.  You can meet the board and ask questions about various subjects involving networking, safety, VPP, SGE, future conferences, and more. The Board hopes to gather information from the attendees on what they would like to see the future conferences to look like. We will be sharing any new news in our Region along with updates to any changes in the VPPPA.

Mental Health Awareness/Suicide Prevention
Session:  WED (6/11), 3:50 PM – 4:40 PM
RM: 203/204
Speaker(s): Scott Celello
Description: 50 minute training on skills and tools to appreciate the critical need for mental health / suicide prevention while creating a forum for dialogue and critical thinking about workplace mental health challenges and by promoting help-seeking and help-giving. With a focus of general workplace.

Navigating the OSHA Website
Session:  WED (6/11), 3:50 PM – 4:40 PM
RM: 201
Speaker(s): Lisa A. Stephenson & Beth Gonzalez
Description: Have you ever wanted to be more familiar with the OSHA.gov website? This is a good opportunity to learn some basic information on how to navigate this site.

NFPA 70E (2024)-Emphasis on Equipment Maintenance and PPE Best Practices Mitigate the Consequences of Human Error
Session:  THU (6/12), 8:30 AM - 9:20 AM
RM: 207
Speaker(s): Scott Francis
Description: The latest NFPA 70E (2024) standard edition emphasizes the importance of equipment maintenance and the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to safeguard electrical workers from arc flash hazards. Organizations must prioritize improving equipment maintenance as well as emphasizing the need for sustainable, comfortable arc-rated clothing to reduce the likelihood of occurrence and mitigate the severity of injury should an arc flash occur.

NFPA 70E the 101's of the Standard and Best Practices
Session: WED (6/11), 3:50 PM – 4:40 PM
RM: 206
Speaker(s): Kam Alipour
Description: NFPA 70e is updated every three years and some years the changes are dramatic and sometimes very minor.  We will explore NFPA 70E from a 101 viewpoint and learn some of the best practices around, key changes over the years, who is responsible for what, the difference in FR and AR along with proper selection and care and much more!  After this session you should have a good working knowledge of what your Electrical Safety Program should have in it when it comes to PPE, Clothing and training requirements and also learn of any possible gaps in your current program so you can start filling them.

OSHA Overview - Common Hazards and Violations
Session:  THU (6/12), 9:50 AM – 10:40 AM
RM: 201
Speaker(s): Brian Bothast
Description: This session will provide and overview of OSHA activities and address common hazards and violations. Brian will address the changes to the hazard communication standard and the timeline for compliance.  He will also address findings identified during VPP assessments.

Proactive Risk Management: Leveraging Leading Indicators for Safer Construction
Session:  WED (6/11), 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM
RM: 207
Speaker(s): Elvin Hernandez
Description: Traditional safety metrics often focus on incidents that have already occurred—but what if you could predict and prevent them before they happen? This session explores how construction safety professionals can use leading indicators to shift from reactive to proactive risk management. Attendees will learn how to identify, track, and act on early warning signs that signal elevated risk, enabling teams to intervene before injuries or disruptions occur. Through case studies, data-driven tools, and practical applications, participants will gain insights into implementing leading indicators that go beyond compliance and foster a culture of prevention across construction projects of all sizes.

Rev Up Your Safety Skills with the P.A.C.E. Drivers Training Course!
Session:  WED (6/11), 3:50 PM – 4:40 PM
RM: 209
Speaker(s): Keith Snead
Description: Get ready to hit the road with confidence and a smile with P.A.C.E. Drivers Training Course! This isn’t your ordinary safety session—it’s an interactive, high-energy experience designed to make you the MVP of the driver’s seat. Packed with real-world scenarios, engaging activities, and a sprinkle of humor, P.A.C.E. combines cutting-edge strategies with relatable lessons to keep you safe, sharp, and stress-free behind the wheel. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new driver, this course is your ticket to mastering the road with precision and peace of mind. Don’t just drive—P.A.C.E. yourself to safety excellence!

Reviewing the ANSI Heat Stress Standard for Demolition and Construction
Session:  THU (6/12), 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM
RM: 205
Speaker(s): Bruce Guiliani & Kara Cecil
Description: We will review the ANSI/ASSP A10.50-2024, Heat Stress Management in Construction and Demolition Operations. This standard gives some best practices guidance for dealing with heat stress where OSHA has not yet published a standard.

In this presentation, we will review the 2024 ANSI/ASSP Heat Stress Standard for Heat Stress in Construction and Demolition. This includes heat risk assessment and discussing heat stress prevention planning. This information will enable participants to better develop a heat stress plan for participants’ work environment. This includes a focus on utilization-based evaluation. Presenters will also discuss how to apply this new standard to high-risk worker populations beyond construction and demolition such as seasonal workers.

Safely Innovating Construction Productivity
Session:  WED (6/11), 3:50 PM – 4:40 PM
RM: 202
Speaker(s): George Perrett & Jeff Tripp
Description: In 2024, the number one concern across industry was the availability of skilled workers and its implications on productivity, profitability and of course, safety. At a leading industry conference 300 operational excellence and planning leaders committed to addressing solutions about the dwindling number of workers to support the petrochemical industry. Industry today is facing unprecedented challenges getting work done. New technologies have been identified and are being tested and utilized by Gulf Coast refineries and chemical plants today. Case studies from area plants show the results and financial impact values of systems such as connected worker systems, artificial intelligence for compliance and dropped objects elimination, proximity badges and much more.  Safely Improving Construction Productivity ideas have been implemented in many of the region’s key refineries and petrochemical plants to great results. Solutions presented have increased the safety standards of contractors and plant personnel without increasing headcount. 

Safety Culture: What is it, Measuring It and Using Data to Drive Continuous Improvement
Session:  WED (6/11), 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM
RM: 208
Speaker(s): Tony Sykes
Description:

Special Government Employees: Working with Chicago Region VPP
Session:  WED (6/11), 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
RM: 205
Speaker(s): Melissa Linton/Jordan Ter Doest/Tina Kennedy
Description: This session will cover how to become a special government employee (SGE) including how OSHA uses SGEs to help further the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).  Chicago Region SGEs will discuss benefits of the program and what SGE opportunities exist within the region beyond being a team member on a VPP evaluation.

Stay Out of STKY Situations! (The SHIT That Kills You)
Session:  THU (6/12), 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM
RM: 209
Speaker(s): Keith Snead
Description: Hazards are all around us, but the "Staying Out of STKY Situations" course will teach you how to recognize them, plan effectively, and use the wheel to stay ahead of danger. This isn’t your typical safety class—it’s an interactive, eye-opening session that dives deep into identifying risks and navigating around them with confidence. You’ll learn how to assess your surroundings, spot potential threats, and leverage the circle as a tool for smarter, safer decision-making. Packed with practical strategies and a bit of humor, this course is your guide to staying sharp, staying safe, and staying out of STKY situations.

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention
Session:  THU (6/12), 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM
RM: 206
Speaker(s): Brandon Puszkiewicz
Description: Talk Saves Lives is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s signature education program, providing a clear, research-based overview of this leading cause of death. This refreshed presentation introduces participants to the scope of the problem, the latest data, and the risk factors and warning signs of suicide. Attendees will learn actionable strategies for prevention, self-care, and how to have conversations that can save lives. Updated in 2024 with input from experts and those with lived experience, the program is now more inclusive, with customizable content for diverse communities including LGBTQ+ individuals, older adults, firearm owners, and workplaces. This program empowers participants with knowledge, tools, and hope.

The 7 UPs of Leadership
Session:  THU (6/12), 9:50 AM – 10:40 AM
RM: 206
Speaker(s): Bill Turner
Description: Unlock the secrets of exceptional leadership with our interactive workshop on "The 7 UPs of Leadership." This insightful session is designed to help you understand what it takes to be a great leader and how to implement the seven essential pillars that form the foundation of successful leadership. Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this workshop provides valuable tools and strategies to enhance your leadership skills.

VPP for Construction Sites in Indiana
Session:  WED (6/11), 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
RM: 207
Speaker(s): Beth Gonzalez
Description: Come learn how VPP works for construction companies in Indiana-Large construction site, resident contractor at a VPP site, and Mobile Worksite for entire State of Indiana. Do you want to learn the process to become a VPP site in Indiana?

VPP Slump-Understanding & Overcoming
Session:  WED (6/11), 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
RM: 203/204
Speaker(s): Bill Turner
Description: Dive deep into the dynamics of the VPP Slump with our comprehensive workshop designed to shed light on this critical issue. whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this workshop offers valuable insights into understanding the VPP Slump, its origins, and actionable strategies to overcome it.

“You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know": Applying Elements of VPP to Build Your Own World-Class HSE Program
Session:  WED (6/11), 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
RM: 202
Speaker(s): Chris Williams
Description: The journey towards continuous improvement and pursuit of world-class performance has to start somewhere--but where? Join VPPPA's Chris Williams as he dissects the progression form climate to culture rooted in core values--the foundation of high performing programs--and engage in real time discussion about the successes – and challenges--in implementing the components of VPP to achieve EHS goals.