2026 Safety champions agenda

Speaker: Sam Goodman (The HOP Nerd)

Explore the critical art of questioning. This presentation delves into the significance of inquiry in enhancing safety practices and organizational culture. Discover how asking the right questions can lead to impactful insights and drive meaningful change.

Speaker:  Tina Craft (LRA Insurance)

Explore the crucial role of office environments in promoting safety and well-being. This presentation delves into aligning onboarding processes with comprehensive worker wellness strategies, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to employee health and safety from day one. Discover how fostering a supportive and secure workplace culture enhances productivity and overall job satisfaction.

Speakers:  Terence Curran (TAG) & Amy Wilson (OSHA)

Unlock the secrets to a safer workplace! Discover the essential steps for immediate response to incidents and explore the critical role of accident investigation programs within a robust safety and health management system. Learn how OSHA's innovative Safety Champions Program can empower employers to enhance their safety strategies and cultivate a culture of excellence.

Speaker:  Trent Cotney, Partner and Construction Team Leader at Adams & Reese, LLP

"The OSHA War Room: Tactical Defense for Contractors" is a presentation designed to equip contractors with strategic insights and practical tools for navigating OSHA regulations. Attendees will learn effective compliance strategies, risk management techniques, and best practices for workplace safety, ensuring both legal adherence and enhanced safety measures.

Speaker: Tim Bernardi (Mader Southeast)

By compiling an initial projection of a construction project’s manpower requirements over the course of a construction schedule, safety management can track and contrast actual labor levels once a project commences and progresses. This presentation will dive into practical applications and tools to help lower costs and safety hazards down on the jobsite!

Speaker: Emily Kile (Wise)

In this interactive Q&A-style breakout, we will explore the science and humanity behind why people think, react, connect, avoid, perform, and struggle the way they do. Through discussion, stories, audience questions, and practical insight, attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of stress, communication, connection, and what humans actually need to function well in high-pressure environments.

Instructor: Travis Chaput (Wharton-Smith)

Speakers: Julia Kunlo & Guy Raymond (Evolutions Safety Resources)

In discussions about occupational safety, the tagline “Safety First” is misleading as businesses prioritize profitability over safety due to budget constraints. This session aims to guide companies in strategically prioritizing safety program components within financial limitations.

Panelists:
Dr Matt Law,
Jorge Torres, The Bilingual Safety Guy
Luis Delgado, Wal-Mark

This presentation explores how risk perception and cultural influences affect frontline workers' ability to recognize hazards. It delves into the diverse ways in which individuals and cultures perceive risk, offering insights into improving safety protocols and fostering a more proactive safety culture in the workplace.

Speaker: Dr Todd Loushine, Ph.D., P.E, CSP, CIH (University of Wisconsin-Whitewater)

It’s been long assumed and practiced that company TRIR below the Bureau of Labor Statistics averages (for your industry) is an indication of safety program success. Similarly, the DART (severe injury rate) demonstrates improvements where it “counts” the most. This presentation won’t hold back on what’s really going on and come to a resolution that there are better numbers for performance that represent the actual commitment and actions of companies.

Speaker: Phillip Russell (Ogletree Deakins)

Discover the criteria for determining when an injury is considered work-related and the guidelines for recording such incidents. Attendees will gain insights into regulatory requirements and practical approaches to ensure accurate documentation and compliance.

Instructor: Terry Curran (Retired Field Officer)

Speaker: Scott Evans, Scott Evans Speaks

"Protecting the Heaviest Load: The Human Inside the Hard Hat" is a key presentation at the construction safety conference focused on worker safety. It will cover innovative safety measures, technological advancements, and best practices to enhance the well-being of construction professionals. Attendees will learn how to prioritize the safety of workers, the most valuable asset on-site.

Moderator: Terence Curran

Panelists: Fabio Ramos, Tyler Reynolds, Brian Tomlinson

Join industry leaders as they unveil creative strategies to transform post-injury recovery. Discover innovative solutions such as modified duties and early interventions, designed to minimize downtime and boost recovery. Get inspired to reshape your return-to-work programs!

Speaker: Travis Chaput (Wharton-Smith)

Discover the keys to transforming workplace discord into dynamic collaboration with "From Tension to Teamwork: Resolve Conflict Like a Pro." This engaging presentation will equip you with powerful strategies to turn conflict into an opportunity for growth, fostering a harmonious and productive environment. Learn how to master conflict resolution and elevate your team's potential!

Speaker: Shane Burnsed (Gilbane Building Company)

High Energy Control Standards (HECS) are foundational to our enterprise-wide commitment to eliminating Serious Injuries and Fatalities (SIFs) across all phases of the project life cycle. These standards are not merely guidelines—they are minimum requirements for direct controls that must be implemented to manage high-energy hazards in the workplace.

Speaker: Zachary Shaw (Milwaukee Tool)

Discover groundbreaking safety advancements tailored for construction experts. This presentation unveils the latest innovations set to transform job site safety, ensuring a secure and efficient work environment. Don't miss the chance to stay ahead in the industry with these cutting-edge solutions.

Instructor: Ivan Canizalez (The Amphibious Group)

Speaker: Mike Bellaman (ABC National)

“The Road to World Class Safety Begins with You” is a presentation for a construction safety conference, emphasizing each person's role in achieving top safety standards. It highlights best practices, innovative strategies, and personal accountability, inspiring a culture of safety excellence. Through discussions and examples, attendees learn to contribute to a safer work environment, paving the way for a world-class safety culture.