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From hands-on workshops to interactive Q&A sessions, the 52nd Annual Safety + Health Conference has something for everyone.

Simulator Dummy
Session Speaker
Rescue Photo
Semi Truck Walkaround
Keynote Speaker

PRE-CONFERENCE – MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24

In-Person sessions only

PC01 – Compliance Rescue Refresher

$370 member, $470 nonmember
Brad Warr & Chris Carlsen, ROCO Rescue
8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Intermediate

A real emergency demands rescue proficiency. To maintain proficiency, refresher training and regular practice drills are vital. OSHA 1910.146 requires that rescue team members practice making permit space rescues at least once every 12 months from actual or representative confined spaces. NFPA 1670 states that teams must undergo an annual performance evaluation, and NFPA 1006 says individuals shall demonstrate competency on an annual basis. Roco’s Compliance Rescue Refresher™ course includes hands-on practice as well as problem-solving confined space and elevated scenarios to keep your team updated and prepared for response. Max 20

PC02 – Strategies to Improve Motor Carrier Safety and CSA Scores

$220 member, $255 nonmember
Trooper Joshua Anderson and Trooper Michael Hinrichs, ND Highway Patrol
8:00 am – 12:00 pm, All Levels

Members of the North Dakota Highway Patrol Motor Carrier Operations division will take an in-depth look at FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) program. Troopers will begin by reviewing how CSA scores are calculated and when alerts appear on a motor carrier profile. After creating a baseline understanding of scores, the training will then break down the use of the Safety Management Cycle to assist carriers in identifying strategies to improve and maintain their safety program. The session will end by reviewing and demonstrating quality Pre/Post trip inspections to positively impact the Vehicle Maintenance.

PC03 – Adult CPR/AED/First Aid

$95 member, $100 nonmember
Kacy Kirby, NDSC HSE Consultant
8:00 am – 1:00 pm, All Levels

Do you know how to respond if your colleague collapsed on the job site? This course teaches students to take action in a medical emergency and prepares them to respond to choking, breathing and cardiac emergencies. Participants will learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in conjunction with CPR. First Aid is taught using a combination of instructor-led lecture, “watch-then-practice” videos, and hands-on training. Topics such as bleeding, burns, poisoning and sudden illness are covered. Course content is applicable for industrial, office, and home settings. Upon completion, receive an Adult 2-year CPR/AED and 2-year First Aid certificate.

PC04 – Fatigue Risk Management

$280 member, $315 nonmember
Mike Harnett, Solaris Fatigue Management
8:00 am – 5:00 pm, All Levels

The workshop is designed to develop Champions who will be able to lead their organization in the implementation of fatigue-related risk mitigation initiatives. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to: 1) Develop a business case for managing fatigue related risks, specific to your organization. 2) Clearly define your program including what it will look like, how it will be run and how it will remain viable. 3) Select the right tactical approaches to identify, assess and mitigate your fatigue related risk, based on the latest science and utilizing evidenced based tools and strategies.

PC05 – Mental Health First Aid

$175 member, $195 nonmember
Dennis Snodgrass, NDSC HSE Consultant
8:00 am – 5:00 pm, All Levels

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge. Similar to physical First Aid and CPR, MHFA helps assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis until professional assistance is obtained or the crisis is resolved. Nearly 1 in 5 in the U.S. live with a mental illness, and on average, 130 people die by suicide every day. MHFA gives you the skills to respond with confidence; including to crises associated with trauma and emphasizes the importance of early intervention following a traumatic event.

PC06 – Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis

$350 members, $450 nonmembers
Jay Skarpohl, NDSC Safety Consultant
8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Advanced, Intermediate

Learn how to uncover the who, what, why, when and how of each workplace incident. This one-day class focuses on techniques for gathering complete, accurate and objective incident data so you can establish root causes, report findings and determine the best corrective action to prevent future incidents from happening.  This Class Will Help You:

• Initiate rapid and reliable incident reporting techniques
• Use modern data analysis to identify root causes
• Implement hazard control measures and follow-up

This course qualifies for 0.65 CEUS toward the NSC Advanced Safety Certificate.

PC07 – Next Level Leadership

$250 member, $285 nonmember
Ryan Bouda, LEAP Training and Coaching
1:00 pm- 5:00 pm, Intermediate

This high-level leadership workshop will teach attendees how to discover their innate strengths, vision, and intentions, unlocking their true leadership potential. The instructor will help attendees identify and eliminate unproductive behaviors that hinder their effectiveness as a leader, and develop transformative leadership skills that empower them to navigate change and drive exceptional results.

1. Being an Intentional Leader: Discover the power of intentionality in leadership. Learn to choose how you show up and lead with purpose, confidence, and consistency to inspire and guide your team effectively.
2. Clearing the Mental Clutter: Free yourself from internal, self-limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. Through reflective exercises and practical tools, you’ll learn to silence negative self-talk and stay focused on what truly matters in your leadership journey.
3. Mastering Effective Communication: Develop communication skills that enhance understanding, build trust, and create connection. Gain tools to communicate with clarity, compassion, and respect, empowering your team and strengthening relationships across all levels of your organization.
4. Becoming a Visionary Leader: Set yourself apart as a visionary leader by creating compelling goals that drive both individual and team success. Explore strategies to set and achieve meaningful goals that inspire and motivate your team toward a shared vision of excellence.

Join us for an interactive, dynamic session that will equip you with actionable strategies to elevate your leadership, engage your team, and foster a culture of safety, growth, and shared purpose.

PC08 – Reasonable Suspicion for Supervisors

$175 members, $225 nonmember
Steven Mayer, NDSC Safety Consultant
8:00 am – 12:00 pm, All Levels

This classroom course will give supervisors from all industries valuable training on the management of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace. Supervisors will learn what they need to look for, and actions to take if someone seems unfit for duty. In addition to learning how to perform reasonable suspicion/cause testing, they will also learn WHY it is important to do so. Other topics include important elements of a comprehensive substance abuse policy, and the greatest risk categories for drug and alcohol abuse among worker populations. This information will help reduce overall risk in the workplace by assisting supervisors in maintaining a proactive approach to drug and alcohol use among employees.

PC09 – Ergonomics: Managing for Results

$350 members, $450 nonmember
Andrea Jensen, NDSC HSE Consultant
8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Advanced

Ergonomic-related issues are the #1 cause of workplace injuries. Repetitive motion and overexertion are the major risk factors facing American workers today. The one-day NSC Ergonomics course will teach you how to reduce the number and severity of musculoskeletal injuries in your workplace. Discussions, demonstrations and exercises will help explain the best ways to keep employees safe from ergonomic injuries. This Class Will Help You:

• Identify, evaluate and eliminate ergonomic risk factors
• Conduct a successful ergonomic worksite analysis
• Implement, maintain and continuously improve a successful ergonomics program

This course qualifies for 0.65 CEUS toward the NSC Advanced Safety Certificate.

PC10 – Leading an Effective Safety Committee

$250 members, $285 nonmember
Christin Fine, EERC & Kirsten Yeado, American Crystal Sugar
8:00 am – 12:00 pm, Advanced, Intermediate

Unlock the potential of your safety committee with this half-day, hands-on course designed for current and aspiring safety leaders. Participants will learn essential skills needed to establish and guide a safety committee that fosters a culture of safety and engagement. Topics will include best practices for formal organization, crafting agendas, taking minutes, selecting and retaining committee members, and running efficient, impactful meetings. By the end of this session, participants will have the tools to lead a safety committee that is organized, effective, and focused on driving safety improvements in their workplace. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop, but handouts will be provided.

PC11 – Road Construction & Traffic Control Standards Update

$220 member, $255 nonmember
Don Moseman, NDSC Training Director
8:00 am – 12:00 pm, All Levels

This course is for supervisors or workers involved in street and highway work who are expected to work in or around temporary traffic control.  Workers who have a need for ANY type of traffic control can benefit from this training, including those in utilities, rail, road construction, maintenance, and city/county/state employees.

Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of installing, maintaining, and monitoring work zone traffic control. It will include temporary work zones, traffic patterns, and pedestrian patterns. Students will receive specific sections from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and walk away with a working knowledge of how to utilize the book. All attendees will complete the ND Flagger Exam and, upon successful completion, will receive their ND Flagger certification.

PC12 – OSHA 7410: Managing Excavation Hazards

$150 member, $180 nonmember
John Young, NDSC HSE Consultant
9:00 am – 3:30 pm, Advanced, Intermediate

This one-day course is designed as a training program to inform employers and employees of the best practices in trenching and excavation safety. The participant will learn about the role and responsibility of the employer to assign a “competent person” to the excavation site and provide that person with the knowledge of key excavation hazards.

Topics include understanding and application of definitions related to OSHA’s excavation standard; excavation hazards and control measures; soil analysis techniques; protection system requirements, and emergency response. The program is a facilitated interactive session.

Who should attend? Construction employer, manager, employee, or employee representative who, as part of a safety and health program, needs to understand the requirements of a “competent person” for excavation work as described in the OSHA construction safety standards for excavations (29 CFR 1926, Subpart P).

PC13 – Workplace Trauma & Triage

$135 member, $165 nonmember
Aglae Young, NDSC HSE Consultant
9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Advanced, Intermediate

Today’s professional responders encounter many challenges such as natural and man-made disasters and infectious diseases. Responders may require increased training to effectively handle these emergencies. This in-depth course focuses on immediate life-threatening situations and demonstrates how to respond quickly and effectively. It provides real-world perspectives on how frequently these situations occur to help provide context and retain knowledge. This course utilizes National Safety Council curriculum and meets Center for Disease Control, OSHA and National Fire Protection Agency guidelines. Upon successful completion, students will receive an NSC course completion card. Participants will learn:

• The professional rescuer’s role in medical emergencies
• How to assess a victim’s condition
• Basic life support, including rescue breathing, cardiac emergencies and CPR airway obstruction

• How to properly and effectively use an automated external defibrillation (AED)

PC14 – Spring Thaw

$55 member, $65 nonmember
Andy Heidrich, Aglae Young, Alan Roberts, Dr. David Saxon
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, All Levels

Statistics show that incidents tend to increase during April and May when many mining operations begin producing again, often with new employees who are unaware of the hazards of mining. Spring Thaw is designed to increase awareness of hazards for both surface coal and sand and gravel mines, and improve mine safety and health. During this educational event, safety professionals from mining companies, the NDSC, and government will share information and experiences in dealing with a range of mining dangers and provide an annual update covering new initiatives.

PC15 – NFPA 70E Arc Flash Electrical Safety

$220 member, $255 nonmember
Joe Schommer, RESA Power
8:00 am – 12:00 pm, Basic, Intermediate

The world of electrical hazards, protection and accident prevention can be a confusing place. Hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries can be avoided each year by following the NFPA70E: Standards for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. Be prepared by arming yourself with the knowledge of the types of electrical hazards and the effects of electrical shock and flash. This session will identify the need for electrical safety as well as electrical maintenance and safety programs. Attendees will learn about arc flash hazard risk assessment, personal protective equipment (PPE) and shock and arc flash approach boundaries. Reduce your liability concerns while establishing a culture of safe work practices among employees after attending this session.

PC16 – HAZWOPER Refresher

$225 member, $255 nonmember
Reyka Ravenwood, NDSC HSE Consultant
8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Intermediate

This refresher course fulfills the requirements of the HAZWOPER Standard for Construction and General Industry and includes updates on and an overview of HAZWOPER requirements with a hands-on approach. Focus will be placed on identification, evaluation and control of a hazmat scene or incident. This course will also cover respiratory protection, DOT ERG, NIOSH pocket guide, and other topics. Hands-on elements will include donning and doffing SCBA units, PPE tape up exercises, air monitoring equipment, as well as a special exercise utilizing the components of HAZWOPER.

PC17 – Elevating Safety Leadership: Advanced Strategies in Communication, Influence, and Engagement

$250 members, $285 nonmembers
Jason Kunz, The Kunz Companies
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Advanced, Intermediate

Step into the realm of safety leadership mastery with this advanced course designed to equip EHS and operational professionals to transform workplace safety through expert communication, strategic influence, and unparalleled worker engagement. In this dynamic workshop, participants will delve into the intricate art of fostering an environment where safety is not just a priority, but an ingrained value. Participants will unravel advanced communication techniques to effectively convey safety messages, influence behavior, and inspire collective commitment to wellbeing. Explore the science of influence, discovering how to leverage psychology and leadership skills to create lasting change. Through in-depth case studies and interactive scenarios, participants will learn to optimize worker engagement by building trust, nurturing collaborative relationships, and ensuring active participation. Walk away equipped with strategies to foster a culture of accountability, responsibility, and shared safety ownership while elevating your safety leadership.

PC18 – De-Escalation

$150 members, $175 nonmember
Steven Mayer, NDSC Safety Consultant
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, All Levels

Some professions require employees to encounter people in stressful situations. De-Escalation Training is a method to prevent potential violence. Individuals are shown how to use purposeful actions, verbal communications, and body language to calm a potentially dangerous situation. Your safety and the safety of others is the highest priority. Attendees will learn both verbal and non-verbal clues and techniques to reduce the risk of violence.

PC19 – Fit for Duty

$125 member, $150 nonmember
Don Moseman, NDSC Training Director
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, All Levels

This course will introduce attendees to the importance of having your employees be “Fit for Duty”. Attendees will learn how to understand the importance of substance use, misuse, fatigue, and stress and some of the sources that cause these situations to emerge. Attendees will learn some effective control measures to reduce impairment in the workplace through policies, procedures, education and awareness.

PC20 – NFPA 70E Arc Flash Electrical Safety (REPEAT)

$220 member, $255 nonmember
Joe Schommer, RESA Power
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Basic, Intermediate

The world of electrical hazards, protection and accident prevention can be a confusing place. Hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries can be avoided each year by following the NFPA70E: Standards for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. Be prepared by arming yourself with the knowledge of the types of electrical hazards and the effects of electrical shock and flash. This session will identify the need for electrical safety as well as electrical maintenance and safety programs. Attendees will learn about arc flash hazard risk assessment, personal protective equipment (PPE) and shock and arc flash approach boundaries. Reduce your liability concerns while establishing a culture of safe work practices among employees after attending this session.

PC21 – Don’t just hold your breath: Exposure assessment strategies to evaluate hazardous gas and vapors during oil and gas extraction and production activities

$370 member, $470 nonmember
John E. Snawder, Ph.D. DABT, NIOSH
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Intermediate, Advanced
Oil and gas exploration and production activities may lead to workers being exposed to potentially harmful airborne particulates, hydrocarbons and toxic gases . By combining traditional workplace air sampling with direct reading technologies, both qualitative and quantitative exposure assessments may be used to improve worker safety and health. During this session, learn more about the process of characterizing the nature of emissions; how to identify the chemical components of the gas and vapors; and sampling strategies. This session will provide examples based on several years of research in the Bakken that have led to changes that may increase worker health and safety.

TUESDAY – THURSDAY COURSES

In-Person and Virtual sessions

AKN – Tuesday Keynote – 5 Strategies To Songwriting Aka Building Valuable Relationships

Jimmy Yeary
8:30am-9:45am, All Levels

I FEEL, YOU FEEL
Learn the art of valuable connectivity through authentically feeling what you are speaking, to create instant attraction. This is one of the most valuable leadership tools you can possess.
BE AUTHENTICALLY VALUABLE.
Lead effectively by meeting that intrinsic need we all have to not feel alone and make relatability one of your greatest assets for initiating powerful relationships within the workforce.
SELL TO YOURSELF FIRST
Whether you are selling a product or selling yourself, this technique will enable you to see and feel the sale from the buyer’s perspective. When this is done, you can guarantee a sales pitch drenched in authenticity.. and authenticity creates connectivity.
YOU PAINT YOUR BACK DOOR, I’LL SEE MINE
Jimmy will show you how the most trivial details of any life can be precisely the pictures needed to create a desired connection. Through hilarious personal stories, you will see how he uses his life to make you see yours. We connect to emotion, not the specific story. Few people have lost someone in Afghanistan and also drives their truck to remember them, yet millions of people gravitated to one of Jimmy’s biggest hits, CMA song of the year, I Drive Your Truck.
MONEY WON’T MAKE YOU HAPPY, BUT HAPPY WILL MAKE YOU MONEY.
Learn how the power of joy can exponentially improve productivity and hear Jimmy’s techniques to tap into happiness more quickly and how to harness it and improve every aspect of your life, in and out of business.

A01 – Building Teamwork through Storytelling

Jimmy Yeary
11:00am-12:00pm, All Levels

Nothing breaks down barriers and connects a team more effectively than sharing personal stories. Jimmy will be discussing techniques on how to connect one on one, or with a team, for the purposes of greater trust and productivity. He will be sharing personal stories behind the hit songs he has written, as well as talking about the relationships with the artists who sang them. After performing some of these hit songs, Jimmy will then write and perform a song with the group, showcasing the power of everyone’s story.

A02 – Smooth is Fast

Chris Carlsen/Brad Warr, ROCO Rescue
11:00am-5:00pm, Basic, Intermediate

The first five minutes of a rescue often dictate how the entire rescue goes. Using Roco’s experience in training teams for competition, judging worldwide rescue competitions, competing ourselves and training thousands of rescuers, this course will use that knowledge to start every technical rescue off in the right way. Attendees will learn the optimum order of deployment and how to execute that plan in a hands-on long form session. Finding your rescue voice and using it judiciously will make students more confident in properly launching that rescue operation. 20 Students Max – Beginning Level Training Required.

A03 – Developing Employees through Coaching, Feedback, and Self-Awareness

Cheryl Froelich, BNI Energy
11:00am-12:00pm, All levels

Have you ever had an employee who is in self-denial about their performance?  Have you ever had a super star employee who you know is on the path to greatness? In this session, we will discuss the benefits of coaching, giving feedback, and helping employees (or maybe even you) gain better self-awareness through coaching and feedback.

  • What is coaching and when should I coach?
  • Learn why feedback is a gift.
  • Stories of self-awareness gone wrong.
  • How to become more self-aware by leveraging strengths.

A04 – Zero Soft-Tissue MSD Recordables is Possible

Todd Prather, ART Solutions
11:00am-12:00pm, All levels

In this session the speaker will discuss the tangible steps and programs you can implement at your workplace to improve the risks associated with Soft-Tissue MSD claims, as well as details about what OSHA says about this topic. If you would like to eliminate soft tissue recordables, lower work comp costs, and/or increase employee engagement, this session is for you.

A05 – Accountability for Safety: How to (and how not to) Drive it Successfully

Shae Birkey, Caterpillar
11:00am-12:00pm, All Levels

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility” is a slogan that many companies have used for years, yet when we dig into who is responsible for what, how that expectation is communicated, how success is measured, and how we hold people accountable, these same companies are not putting their money where their mouth is. Accountability for safety is no different than accountability for any other business metric, but the devil is always in the details. This discussion will include lessons learned and best practices in accountability successes and failures using Caterpillar’s four domains of a resilient safety culture. The participants will learn what good accountability looks like and how to drive results ensuring EVERY employee is truly responsible for safety.

A06 – The Future of Safety & Health: Three Trends Shaping the Future of the Profession

Jason Kunz, The Kunz Company
11:00am-12:00pm, All levels

Unlock a journey into the future of safety and health as we unveil insights drawn from over 300 in-depth interviews and a decade of qualitative research. In this engaging and informative session, we will explore the dynamic landscape of the safety and health profession and reveal three trends that are reshaping its trajectory. Join us as we move beyond the horizon of traditional practices and delve into the forces that will define the next era of safety, health, and well-being. With a unique vantage point, we’ll examine how emerging technologies, evolving work environments, and shifting societal paradigms are converging to create new opportunities and unique challenges. This session is your exclusive invitation to be at the forefront of change, armed with actionable insights, foresight, and tangible tools that will equip you to shape the future of safety and health for your organization, while understanding what’s needed from you, now and moving forward.

A07 – Overview of NIOSH health and safety research in the oil and gas industry and opportunities for partnership

Bradly King, PhD, MPH, CIH, NIOSH
11:00am-12:00pm, Intermediate, Advanced

This presentation will review current research projects NIOSH is conducting in the upstream oil and gas industry, including efforts to investigate 1) noise exposures and hearing loss among oil and gas workers, 2) worker fatigue in the industry, and 3) lone worker risks. Opportunities will be presented for industry to partner with NIOSH to advance knowledge and improved recommendations in these areas.

A08  – Hand Safety 101

Doug Bohl, Ansell
11:00am-12:00pm, All levels

Let’s talk about hand safety! Do you know how to determine cut and puncture levels? Do you know that the abrasion and tear resistance of your gloves goes hand in hand with your glove’s quality? How do we determine cut and puncture resistance? Did you know there is a new ANSI rating for impact gloves? How do you build a hand safety program? The session will end with a discussion on how to use site assessments to build a hand safety program.

A09 – Fleet Driver Qualification; It’s More Than Driver’s License Verification

Ryan Pietzsch, National Safety Council
11:00am-12:00pm, All levels

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death at work. Nonfatal crashes are also a leading cause of injury at work and often result in expensive worker compensation claims, increased vehicle insurance premiums, and lost productivity. If you have employees who drive in the course of their work, they’re considered fleet drivers, regardless of who owns the vehicle they operate. Also, you only need one vehicle to be considered a fleet. How are you measuring driver performance? How are you qualifying your drivers to represent your organization? In this presentation we will discuss the Fleet Maturity Model where you will be able to see where you are in your fleet safety journey and identify goals for improved driver performance.

A10 – Introduction to Workers Compensation Claims: Claims 101

Ryan Pietzsch, National Safety Council
11:00am-12:00pm, Basic

When someone is injured at work, do you know what to do? Claims 101 will focus on the claims process and philosophies. We will focus on the importance of having a claims management philosophy, the importance of injury reporting timeliness, and developing a return-to-work program. Managing a claim is a team effort, so will discuss the team players.

A11 – NFPA 70E: The 101’s of the Standard and Updates

Kam Alipour, Cintas Corporation
11:00am-12:00pm, Basic, Intermediate

This session will discuss the 101 of the standard and what your company should be doing to stay in compliance with the standard. You will learn about topics from PPE, Hazard Risk Assessments, Electrical Safety Programs, Training, and much more. You will come out with a checklist of to-dos and next steps to ensure you are providing your employees with the right training, PPE, and equipment. You will learn about the updates from 2024 and also discuss how FR/AR clothing has changed along with arc flash suits and fabrics to help keep your employees safe, comfortable, and in compliance.

A12  – Delivering Powerful Feedback

Ryan Bouda, LEAP Training & Coaching
1:30pm-2:30pm, All Levels

Master the art of delivering powerful feedback with confidence using our ground-breaking model, “Transformational Communication.” This interactive session focuses on nine essential steps. You will learn how to provide impactful feedback on behavior issues, address incident reports, and manage safety-related conversations with skill and poise. Perfect for safety leaders and managers, this session will enhance your communication skills, helping you foster strong, collaborative relationships and maintain a safe workplace environment.

A13 – OSHA Standards Update

Scott Overson, Bismarck Area OSHA Director
1:30pm-2:30pm, All levels

Join us for an engaging and informative session that goes beyond the surface. Our “OSHA Insights” presentation offers an in-depth look at the latest rulemaking activities, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these developments impact businesses and industries.

In this dynamic update, you will:

  • Dive deep into the regulatory changes that are currently being developed.
  • Explore compliance strategies and best practices to proactively address evolving workplace safety requirements.
  • Engage in discussions and Q&A sessions to clarify any doubts and ensure you leave with a roadmap for navigating the regulatory landscape.

Stay ahead of the curve and equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed to thrive in the world of OSHA regulations. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge and ensure your organization is well prepared for the future.

A14 – Designing Out Crime for a Safer Environment

Sean Sugden, EAPC Architects Engineers
1:30pm-2:30pm, Basic, Intermediate

This presentation explores how EAPC Architects Engineers incorporates Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to enhance facility safety. Presented by a CPTED-certified expert in the AE field, the session outlines key design principles such as Natural Surveillance, Natural Access Control, Territorial Reinforcement, and Maintenance. Practical aspects focus on the “outside-in” approach for risk mitigation, moving from external perimeters to interior spaces, and highlight the role of local law enforcement collaboration in safety implementation. The presentation provides essential insights for professionals tasked with making critical safety decisions in facility design.

A15 – REPEAT: Accountability for Safety: How to (and how not to) Drive it Successfully

Shae Birkey, Caterpillar
1:30pm-5:00pm, All Levels

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility” is a slogan that many companies have used for years, yet when we dig into who is responsible for what, how that expectation is communicated, how success is measured, and how we hold people accountable, these same companies are not putting their money where their mouth is. Accountability for safety is no different than accountability for any other business metric, but the devil is always in the details. This discussion will include lessons learned and best practices in accountability successes and failures using Caterpillar’s four domains of a resilient safety culture. The participants will learn what good accountability looks like and how to drive results ensuring EVERY employee is truly responsible for safety.

A16 – Ethics for the Safety Professional I

John Young, NDSC
1:30pm-2:30pm, All levels

This session is the first in a series of classes designed to meet the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) requirement of .5 CEUs of continuing education in professional ethics. During this introductory presentation, we will discuss what ethics is and is not. How ethics are established. How ethics may vary by country. Review the BCSP Code of Ethics and discuss some common conflicts with the BCSP Code of Ethics faced by practicing safety professionals. Although this course is designed for certified and licensed safety professionals it is open to all of those working in the safety profession. The second session in this series is being offered on Wednesday, February 26 at 2:45 pm.

A17 – Crisis to Clarity: How Data Kept My Dad Afloat

Kaela Ballum, Cavendish Farms
1:30pm-5:00pm, All Levels

My dad’s survival of an offshore oil rig capsize shows the power of data-driven decision-making. This story exemplifies human resilience and highlights the critical role of data in navigating and overcoming life-threatening emergencies. A powerful example of how data-driven decision-making can turn a crisis into an opportunity for learning and improvement. It serves as a reminder of the transformative impact that informed decisions can have on both individual lives and industry practices.

A18 – Safety and Oxy Fuel Equipment

Leland Vetter, Weld Inspection Services
1:30pm-2:30pm, All levels

In this session the presenter will provide an overview of oxyfuel cutting, heating and welding, its equipment, operating procedures, and safety requirements. We will be taking a close look at how to set up equipment, do safety inspections, and how to use the equipment safely and properly. This presentation will be fun and interactive.

A19 – There is no Safe in Safety without Passion

Amanda Norton, Savage
1:30pm-2:30pm, All levels

The effect of enthusiasm, dedication, and passion in the safety department can change the culture throughout a company, and make training reach even further. The effect one person’s positivity has can move like a ripple and be a driving force in making large noticeable changes. In this interactive presentation, the speaker will touch on ideas, attitudes, and actions that we as safety professionals can use to get buy-in and steer change towards a more positive safety culture.

A20 – What’s Wrong with Wilma?

SIM ND
1:30pm-2:30pm, Basic

Using high-fidelity simulators, purposeful debriefing, and deliberate practice techniques learners will have a hands-on opportunity to manage 3 different kinds of female patients. Learners will be confident recognizing signs of a stroke, managing an opioid overdose, and using a team-based approach to CPR with an AED.

A21 – Contractor Pitfalls

Nichole Spoor, WSI
1:30pm-2:30pm, Basic

This session explains North Dakota workers’ compensation law and how it relates to independent contractors, general contractors and subcontractors.

Attendees will learn about:

  • Insurance requirements for operations in North Dakota
  • Definition of significant contact for out of state employers
  • Hiring independent contractors and subcontractors
  • Liability of general contractors with uninsured workers on their job sites.
  • Independent contractor review process
  • Contractor Myths

A22 – REPEAT: The Future of Safety & Health: Three Trends Shaping the Future of the Profession

Jason Kunz, The Kunz Company
3:30pm-5:00pm, All Levels

Unlock a journey into the future of safety and health as we unveil insights drawn from over 300 in-depth interviews and a decade of qualitative research. In this engaging and informative session, we will explore the dynamic landscape of the safety and health profession and reveal three trends that are reshaping its trajectory. Join us as we move beyond the horizon of traditional practices and delve into the forces that will define the next era of safety, health, and well-being. With a unique vantage point, we’ll examine how emerging technologies, evolving work environments, and shifting societal paradigms are converging to create new opportunities and unique challenges. This session is your exclusive invitation to be at the forefront of change, armed with actionable insights, foresight, and tangible tools that will equip you to shape the future of safety and health for your organization, while understanding what’s needed from you, now and moving forward.

A23 – Sleep and World Domination: Your Hidden Superpower

Mike Harnett, Solaris Fatigue Management
3:30pm-5:00pm, All levels

In a world that never stops as we heroically juggle work, family and the occasional existential crisis, shut-eye often takes a backseat. Fret not, sleep-deprived crusaders. Fasten your utility belt as we soar through the land of sleep, unmasking the mysteries of circadian rhythms, the myths of shift work, and the hidden superpower buried under the laundry pile of life. Access a hero’s arsenal of personal strategies to battle the nefarious forces of fatigue while energizing your health, safety, and most important relationships.

A24 – Managing Critical Crane Lifts and Excavation Down and Dirty

Mark Miner, Consolidated Construction Company
3:30pm-5:00pm, Intermediate

Crane program: Review requirements and present examples of various critical lift operations.
Excavation program: A deep dive into the reasons and explanations of excavation safety. This is not a basic level class on the excavation standard. The class will highlight the consequences of not following the OSHA excavation standard.

A25 – WSI’s Ergonomic Grant Program…How Can It Help Your Company?

Randy Wegge, WSI
3:30pm-5:00pm, All levels

This session will give an overview of WSI’s ergonomic grant program.  Some of the topics that will be discussed include program eligibility, key components of the program, grant levels, and Q & A.  Attendees will gain a better understanding of the program process and the benefits of participating.

A26 – Unlock Success Through Emotional Intelligence

Ryan Bouda, LEAP Training & Coaching
3:30pm-5:00pm, All levels

In this presentation, we’ll explore the four core components of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management—and how they influence effective leadership. You’ll learn how improving these skills can lead to stronger connections, better decision-making, and a more cohesive team environment. Gallup found that employees with managers who demonstrate high emotional intelligence are four times less likely to leave their jobs. By mastering emotional intelligence, you can enhance your leadership capabilities and create a more engaged, loyal workforce.

A27 – Making the Workplace Safe for Spanish Speaking Employees

Rachel Elofson, Olaf Anderson
3:30pm-5:00pm, All Levels

According to the latest report generated by the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Spanish speakers in the U.S. has doubled since 1990, reached over 40 million in 2020. Many studies have shown that Hispanic and Latino workers have significantly higher rates of workplace injuries and fatalities than other groups, particularly foreign-born Hispanic and Latino workers. Other foreign-born groups also have elevated injury rates. Language barriers contribute greatly to these incidents. Are you struggling to know how you can keep these workers safe? In this session, the speaker will present a number of resources available to aid in training and communication with these workers.

A28 – Stay Safe on a Small Budget: Organization Techniques for Small Businesses

Kayla Quinnell, Northern Plains Compliance Consulting
3:30pm-5:00pm, All levels

Are you a one-person safety show trying to juggle DOT compliance, multiple sites, and endless paperwork? This workshop is here to help you get organized when you don’t have access to software platforms or an IT team. We’ll dive into basic and advanced tricks for managing safety and DOT. We will explore how to make the most of tech tools, simple organization hacks, and a mix of free and low-cost resources. Walk away with practical ideas and tools that can help you tame the paperwork pile and bring a little more ease to your day to day safety management. This session is all about making things simpler and more user friendly, equipping you to be self sufficient with technology and time saving shortcuts.

A29 – Viewing Stop-Work Authority through a Human Factors Lens

Peter Batrowny, SafeStart
3:30pm-5:00pm, All Levels

This session will explore how organizations can create a climate where people will proactively look out for each other and speak up or intervene when unmanaged risk is identified or safety decisions seem compromised. We will discuss how the human factors framework can be a valuable tool to examine the value of a stop-work authority (SWA) program. We will also discuss individual human factors that may prevent people from exercising SWA and how the organization can support the sustainability of an SWA program.
– Examine the value of SWA using a human factors lens
– Identify organizational elements that affect SWA success
– Identify individual human factors that prevent people from speaking up

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DISCOUNTS

Pre-Conference Member Discount
NDSC Members receive discounts on Pre-Conference courses. Just enter MEMBER25 in the discount code box and hit apply code at the beginning of your registration. This discount only applies to Pre-Conference courses.

Other Discounts
Early bird discount will automatically populate in your registration if you register before January 31, 2025. NDSC Member discount and the WSI Policy Holder discount will be asked towards the end of your registration. The discounts will only be applied after you answer yes to those questions.

Save almost $1,000 with a group discount for your company!
When you register 10 paid attendees, you’ll receive the 11th attendee completely FREE (equal or lesser value). This doesn’t include Pre-Conference courses. Just email ndsafetyconference@ndsc.org to register your group.

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Choose In-person or Virtual. When registering for Pre-Conference, you will select different in-person categories that already include Pre-Conference as an option.