2025 Classes

Do you know that the OSHA definition of a near-miss is a subtle barrier to near-miss reporting?  Do you know the term “near-miss” itself or its synonyms such as “near-hit”, “close call” etc. are also hidden barriers to near-miss reporting?  Did you know that an effective near miss program does more for an organization’s safety culture than most trainings, written programs, and other administrative controls?  Come and learn about the practical ways, techniques and tactics that were used to transform an underperforming near-miss program at one unionized manufacturing plant.  Discuss how a lackluster near-miss program that was deservedly nicknamed by workers the “missing program” was transformed into a powerful tool that drove incidents and injuries down, engagement up, and culture forward.

This session will provide a review of the current standards and practices for physical hard guarding as expressed in ANSI B11.19 sections 7 and 8.  We will cover common issues, what is required, and decision making in application.

This session will explore the critical evolution from basic hand PPE to comprehensive protection solutions.  This session reveals how innovative designs and material advancements are transforming workplace safety while boosting productivity.

With many organizations in Michigan experiencing rapid expansion, new technologies, high workforce turnover and increased demand for products and services, the need for robust safety communications has never been more important. “Effective safety communication practices were found to enhance the efficiency of the safety management system and guide workers in reducing unsafe incidents,” according to a recent study by the National Institute of Health. This session is designed to help organizations improve safety outcomes by tapping into the power of communications to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries and build an effective safety culture. Best practices from several companies will be shared. 

Attendees will learn:
-Why communications are integral to building a robust safety culture
-How to used the information and resources you already have to improve safety outcomes through effective communication
-What other organizations have done to improve safety through communications (best practices/case studies)
-How to build a better safety message

While dust collector explosions are not 100% preventable, manufacturers should not view them as inevitable.  Facilities can significantly reduce their risk of a combustible dust accident by instilling the best engineering practices; practices that include a solid maintenance plan in order to reduce or eliminate dangerous dust that settles on floors, walls, machinery, and overhead areas.

Our culture suggests that everything must be done faster, better, cheaper. Most accidents are the result of hurrying (for good reasons or bad), taking shortcuts and ignorance (willful or otherwise).  Attention to detail may take a little longer but will actually save time, money and lives.  For those who do not follow this advice, consequences can be severe. 

The speaker will cover:
1.  Why do accidents happen:  A few case studies. 
2.  Avoiding accidents:  Both from a company and worker perspective. 
3.  Immediate Consequences. 
4.  Longer-term Consequences:  From OSHA enforcement to lawsuits and everything in between. 
5.  Protection from Whistleblower Cases.

In this presentation, we will feature various forms of energy isolation including:
  -lock out, tag out
  – key control 
  – die blocks, and 
  – safety device integration

This presentation will explore how AI-driven technologies are revolutionizing workplace safety by shifting from reactive measures to proactive injury prevention.  Attendees will gain insights into current safety challenges and discover specific AI tools that impower safety professionals to reduce injuries and enhance operational efficiency.  Featuring a technical focus, the presentation will include real-world case studies and practical examples of successful applications across industries, equipping attendees with actionable strategies to implement in their own organizations.

This presentation will include the following:  -Review of NFPA70E
– Electrical Safety Standard including electrical hazards arc energy basics, qualified & unqualified workers, at-risk behaviors, IEEE 1584 Guide for Arc Flash Hazard Calculations, the NFPA 70E Table method, the effects of an arc flash, and burn survival. 
– Proper operation of electrical equipment, de-energizing equipment, PPE and insulated tools.
– Safe work practices including energized electrical work permits, safety labels & placement, flash & shock boundaries and alerting techniques.

The new Administration promised massive changes to the government in general.  By the time of this conference, we should know what some of those changes are, and perhaps be able to predict others.   In this session, we’ll review what we know so far and point you to resources to stay informed of the ongoing change landscape.  In addition, we will explore whether there are opportunities you might be able to take advantage of.  Come share your experiences with us all as we navigate this together!

In EHS management, the ability to solve problems effectively is fundamental to our success.
Effective and efficient EHS incident investigations include a problem-solving process for documenting, analyzing, and addressing an incident that resulted in a near miss or first aid, as well as preventable spills, recordable injuries or fatalities. 

There is no single “right” answer, but rather a connected set of evidence-based causes to:
-Prevent recurrence
-Are within the investigative teams’ control
-Meet the teams’ goals and objectives and
-Do not cause other problems