The below descriptions, locations, and times are subject to change. All attendees will have access to the latest information through the conference app. The availability of the conference app will be published closer to the conference. You must have registered for a Preconference course during the registration process to attend. All other workshops are open to anyone and are considered walk-in.
See Key Events Schedule
See Presenter Presentation Schedule
5/19/2025 8:00:00 AM – 5/19/2025 5:00:00 PM
RM:OMNI Aransas
Pre Conference Course
Fall Hazard Awareness for the Construction Industry (OSH745)
This course covers the identification, evaluation, prevention and control of fall hazards in the construction industry. The course focuses on falls to a lower level rather than falls to the same level resulting from slips and falls. Course topics include identifying, analyzing, and preventing fall hazards utilizing OSHA Fall Protection Standards. At the conclusion of the course, students will have an awareness level of identifying fall hazards and methods to control and abate the hazards. Trainers: TEEX
5/19/2025 8:00:00 AM – 5/19/2025 5:00:00 PM
RM:OMNI Corpus B
Pre Conference Course
Job Hazard Analysis (OSH752)
This course covers OSHA guidelines for developing a Job Hazard Analysis. Course topics include the purpose and requirements of a job hazard analysis, the relationship between worker tasks and tools in a work environment, identifying job hazards before they occur, and techniques for completing a job hazard analysis. Students will participate in activities about utilizing a job hazard analysis. Trainers: TEEX
5/19/2025 8:00:00 AM – 5/19/2025 5:00:00 PM
RM:OMNI Corpus C
Pre Conference Course
Effective Leadership: If You Get This Right, Everything Else Works Out!
Come listen to renown public speaker, Randy Royall, share what he has learned from over forty years in the industry on how to be an effective leader. Basically, it comes down to caring. Yes, it’s that simple! Come spend a few hours participating in a fun Interactive workshop. You will learn how to improve your work site culture using proper Communication, Relationships, Engagement, Risk Management, and Caring. Plan to leave the workshop with a new vision and commitment. You won’t be disappointed! Instructor: Randy Royall
5/19/2025 8:00:00 AM – 5/19/2025 5:00:00 PM
RM:OMNI Laguna Madre
Pre Conference Course
Understanding OSHA’s Permit-Required Confined Space Standard (OSHA #730)
This course is designed for small employers or a designated representative (line supervisor or manager) with the responsibility to develop a permit-required confined space program. Upon course completion students will have a basic understanding of confined space hazards, evaluating and abatement of the hazards, and determining when a confined space shall be classified as a permit-required confined space. Trainers: TEEX
5/19/2025 1:00:00 PM – 5/19/2025 4:30:00 PM
RM:OMNI Corpus A
Pre Conference Course
Safety Culture (How to assess and measure at your site)
Cultivating a World-Class Safety Culture: From Compliance to Safety Champions. Understanding and shaping your organization’s safety culture is essential for long-term success. This workshop will help you assess the current state of your culture, define the gap between your ideal and actual safety culture, and align activities, initiatives, and systems to create a more engaged and safety-conscious workforce. You’ll learn practical methods for measuring and assessing safety culture, ensuring that progress is tracked, and improvements are data driven. By establishing accountability and ongoing evaluation, you’ll build a culture where safety is not just a policy but “how we do things around here.” A strong safety culture attracts and retains top talent, turning employees into brand ambassadors who champion a safe and productive work environment. Presenter: John Grubbs
5/19/2025 4:00:00 PM – 5/19/2025 5:00:00 PM
RM:Selena Auditorium
Miscellaneous
Conference Essentials
Don’t have a clue as to what you are getting into? Head on over to the Conference Essentials meeting. Here, along with several hundred of your closest friends, you will get the scoop from long-time attendees and Region VI Board Members. Whether this is your first time at this conference or you are a seasoned pro, find out what’s new and where to go to see it.
5/20/2025 9:00:00 AM – 5/20/2025 11:00:00 AM
RM:Selena Auditorium
Key Events
Opening General Session and Keynote Presentation – Prize Drawing Too!
Drawing for Laptop (Must be present to win) Guest Speaker: Dale Lesinski
5/20/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/20/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:C101/C102 Saratoga
Management Leadership
Leadership & Communication
Effective leadership hinges on effective communication and is the cornerstone of any successful organization. This presentation delves into the critical role that communication plays in leadership. We will explore how leaders can harness the power of clear, concise, and impactful communication to inspire and motivate their teams, foster collaboration, and drive organizational success. Attendees will gain insights into why and how we communicate, communication theory, communication strategies, and the common barriers to effective communication. Just as leadership goes beyond simply managing people, communication goes beyond simply words.
5/20/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/20/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:C104 Lexington
Process Safety Management
Atmospheric Monitoring in Complex Confined Spaces: “Space within a Space”
Confined space operations present significant safety challenges, especially regarding atmospheric hazards. Traditionally, atmospheric monitoring is conducted by placing a monitor at the confined space entry point, with the confined space attendant responsible for ensuring that conditions remain within OSHA’s acceptable limits. However, in more complex confined spaces, commonly referred to as “spaces within a space,” traditional monitoring approaches are inadequate. These spaces may be beyond the attendant’s line of sight or physically distant from the monitor’s placement, making accurate and continuous monitoring difficult, and in some cases, life-threatening. This proposal outlines our recent implementation and evaluation of an advanced monitoring system designed specifically to address these challenges. Our solution aimed at providing continuous atmospheric monitoring for employees working in these complex confined environments, enhancing overall safety throughout the operation.
5/20/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/20/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:C105 Independence
Best Practices
Respiratory Protection: Assistance with OSHA Compliance and Beyond
Respiratory Protection: Assistance with OSHA Compliance and beyond. Discuss 1910.134, the most frequently cited standards, Cost of OSHA citations and we still have to comply, the human cost for not taking care of our employees, social media attention, safety pays, possible civil lawsuits, losing contracts due to poor safety record, higher insurance premiums and lower worker morale productivity. OSHA can also refer it to the criminal justice system for criminal liability as well. We will briefly discuss the hierarchy of controls as well.
5/20/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/20/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:C106 Yorktown
OSHA VPP
OSHA Team Leaders Workshop
Previously called the OSHA VPP Coordinators Workshop. This workshop provides a panel discussion with OSHA Team Leaders. Topics covered provide an insight into the VPP process, from submitting an application to the onsite review. Topics include opening conference, document review, walkaround, interviews, and daily briefings. This is your chance to ask OSHA any question you have about VPP and what goes on during the onsite evaluation.
5/20/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/20/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:C107 Constitution
Behavior Based Safety
Field Safety Observations
Field Safety Observations – “Benefits & Data It Delivers” Field safety observations are a proactive measure to prevent job-related incidents through the identification of potential hazards and at-risk behaviors.
5/20/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/20/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:C225A/B Harborview
Best Practices
5 Keys to a Successful Safety Culture
Why is it so hard to get employees to adopt safe behaviors? This session will address what it takes to achieve all the benefits of a Successful Safety Culture. If you address these keys, (that many companies miss), your opportunity for success goes through the roof! We will address Employee Engagement, Sustainability, Safety Messaging, Emotional Intelligence and Organizational Safety Structure. This approach and these techniques have a proven track record of success. This session offers insight and solutions that can be easily addressed and implemented.
5/20/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/20/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:C225D/E Harborview
Management Leadership
Flip the Script: Achieve Safety Success Through Emotional Engagement
Safety is always personal for workers. But all too often, people feel like they’re reduced to a number within an organization. If you want to truly engage employees in safety, then you need to connect with them on an individual and emotional level. This session will discuss how a coaching-based approach to engagement will help win over the hearts and minds of employees, improving compliance and reducing injuries as a result. Engaging with employees on an emotional level can be challenging, and it requires a solid understanding of the human factors that affect worker attitudes and safety. It also requires safety professionals to recognize how safety climates and the workplace culture can influence employees’ performance daily. By taking a hard look at your organization’s people systems, Jack Jackson will demonstrate how you can become a safety coach who effectively engages employees on an emotional level to positively change workplace culture.
5/20/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/20/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:C226 Padre Island
Process Safety Management
History of PSM: Where did PSM come from?
Process Safety Management (PSM) came about in 1992 when OSHA issued Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals standard (29 CFR 1910.119). This standard contains requirements for the management of hazards associated with processes using highly hazardous chemicals. The purpose of this workshop is to go back in time and understand where PSM came from; specifically focused on historical incidents over time which shaped PSM. For example, Flixborough U.K. explosion (1974); Seveso, Italy (1976); Bhopal India (1984); Mexico City (1984); and Phillips Pasadena. We breakdown and summarize each incident, contributing factors, and lessons learned.
5/20/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/20/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:Henry Garrett A
Behavior Based Safety
Believe In Safety (A Survivor’s Story)
Join Brandon Schroeder, a renowned safety speaker and career tradesman, as he shares his powerful story of surviving a life-altering arc flash accident. In this engaging and inspiring presentation, Brandon highlights the human impact of safety decisions, offering practical strategies to foster a culture of safety in any environment. His message will leave you motivated to prioritize safety as a core value, both personally and professionally.
5/20/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/20/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:Henry Garrett B
Leadership
The 6 UPs of Leadership
Unlock the secrets of exceptional leadership with our interactive workshop on “The 6 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 six 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.
5/20/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/20/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:Selena Auditorium
Inspirational Stories
Randy’s Story: How an Accident IMPACTS More Than Just You!
Randy shares his personal story of how he went from having so much to losing everything during a HazMat incident. No one ever talks about what goes on once someone gets injured, but Randy does. Having spoken to more than 1.5 million people in over 19 years, Randy will have you laughing, crying and wanting more. He speaks on how complacency and distractions almost cost him his life. Folks make thousands of decisions every day. The fact is everything you do is impacting someone. Come early and get a good seat. You don’t want to miss this.
5/20/2025 3:45:00 PM – 5/20/2025 4:45:00 PM
RM:C101/C102 Saratoga
Management Leadership
Leaving a Safety Legacy
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 and delivers a clear path for attendees to follow.
5/20/2025 3:45:00 PM – 5/20/2025 4:45:00 PM
RM:C104 Lexington
Miscellaneous
Where Did the Shock Go?
This presentation explores electrical safety within the industry, focusing on human factors that contribute to shock risks and workplace hazards. It will examine current safety practices aimed at preventing electrical shocks and increasing awareness of their physiological and psychological impacts—on individuals, their families, and colleagues. Additionally, the discussion will highlight North American electrical injury statistics, providing insight into industry trends and areas for improvement. A key focus will be understanding personal and organizational risk factors, emphasizing that safety is more than just a compliance checkbox—it is a proactive commitment that directly influences outcomes.
5/20/2025 3:45:00 PM – 5/20/2025 4:45:00 PM
RM:C105 Independence
Best Practices
Comfort, Sustainability and Trust: Key PPE “Best Practice” Drivers that Mitigate the Consequences of Human Error
Comfort is king! Comfort = Protection as PPE can’t protect if it’s not worn! Per NFPA 70E, the risk assessment procedure shall address the potential for human error and its negative consequences and the last risk control, PPE selection (or lack thereof) is certainly impacted by human performance! Comfortable FR/AR daily wear clothing is likely to be worn correctly and consistently which, in a thermal exposure incident, will mitigate the consequences of human error (not donning/incorrect wear of PPE)! Many companies are striving to meet their sustainability goals. Safety professionals: Where do sustainable opportunities fit into PPE selection? Comfortable, durable FR/AR fabrics made from renewable sources and advanced FR fabric production technology are now available that can improve PPE program sustainability. PPE – FR, arc rated clothing is all about trust. Do you trust that the FR, arc rated clothing will perform at the moment of truth—a flash fire/arc flash thermal exposure– and help protect against burn injury? Are you confident that your worker will sustain the best practice for wearing FR/AR clothing correctly and consistently all workday long because they deem the FR/AR clothing comfortable? Does your PPE program’s FR/AR fabric manufacturer utilize sustainable processes to reduce emissions/environmental concerns? Learn about fabric/fiber selection, fabric finishing and manufacturing processes that produce comfortable, durable FR/AR fabric blends that can contribute to meeting your organization’s sustainability goals while protecting your workers from the consequences of human error!
5/20/2025 3:45:00 PM – 5/20/2025 4:45:00 PM
RM:C107 Constitution
Best Practices
How to Build a Hand Safety Program: Reduce hand injuries & improve worker safety
This session provides a comprehensive look at building a well-rounded hand safety program that prioritizes injury prevention and compliance. Participants will gain practical insights into foundational safety principles, understand the role of standards in guiding PPE choices, and learn how consultative, worker-focused approaches enhance program effectiveness. The session also highlights collaborative strategies for maximizing safety resources, offering a strategic framework that equips attendees with actionable knowledge for creating a safer workplace.
5/20/2025 3:45:00 PM – 5/20/2025 4:45:00 PM
RM:C225A/B Harborview
Worker Participation
Stop Using Half Your Brain – Emotional Intelligence Role in Safety
Human Performance and Emotional Intelligence have become “buzzwords” over the past few years – they truly are key components to an effective safety culture and achieving the results you desire. The conventional approach to safety – Rules, Regulations, Policies, Procedures and Discipline are the foundation of most companies’ safety programs. The problem is that our employees are human – and although they understand the premises of our safety program, we fail to connect in a way to influence their behaviors. This session teaches us understanding Human Nature and how to tap into its power to change employee’s values and safety behaviors. This session will explain the importance of EQ, how it works and demonstrate what it looks like as a component of an effective safety program. The best part is that the message is delivered in a fun, interactive and easy to understand format that allows for takeaways you can implement immediately.
5/20/2025 3:45:00 PM – 5/20/2025 4:45:00 PM
RM:C225C Harborview
Best Practices
Creating a Learning Culture: Using Data to Drive Continuous Improvement
In today’s fast-paced and high-risk environments, organizations must move beyond compliance-driven safety programs to embrace a true learning culture. This session will explore how data-driven insights can enhance workplace safety, improve decision-making, and foster continuous improvement. We will showcase our Behavioral-Based Safety (BBS) program and how it integrates real-time data collection to drive proactive safety interventions. Additionally, we will highlight key technological tools, including: · eSSD (Electronic Safe System of Work): Streamlining work permit processes and enhancing hazard management. · eMOC (Electronic Management of Change): Ensuring safe and structured implementation of changes to processes, equipment, and personnel. · P2E (Path to Excellence): A structured approach to continuous safety improvement through employee engagement and leadership commitment. · Fire Water Impairment System: Mitigating risks through real-time tracking and management of fire protection system impairments. Through real-world examples, we will demonstrate how these systems work together to provide actionable insights, improve incident prevention, and drive a safety-first mindset across all levels of the organization. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for leveraging data to strengthen their own safety programs and create a culture of continuous learning.
5/20/2025 3:45:00 PM – 5/20/2025 4:45:00 PM
RM:C225D/E Harborview
Human Organizational Performance
Operational Learning (HOP)
Proactive Task Reviews take place before incidents have occurred, which provides the opportunity to make changes to reduce both the likelihood of mistakes and the consequences of any errors. Tasks and work processes may be selected based on the potential consequence if something goes wrong. Alternatively, Proactive Task Reviews could be utilized in a process with recurring issues. We will cover: When to Use Different Types of Reviews and Who Can Lead Them What Good Looks Like Watchouts … and more!
5/20/2025 3:45:00 PM – 5/20/2025 4:45:00 PM
RM:C226 Padre Island
Process Safety Management
PSM for Contractors
There is a common misconception that PSM only applies to host companies, not contractors. This is not correct! Workers under contract and involved working in or adjacent to hazardous process must be trained and included in the PSM program just like a full-time employee of the host company. This rule also includes contractors that work on the process equipment or facilities that are close enough to the processes containing highly hazardous chemicals (HHCs) that their work might affect those processes. This is especially important for contractors performing construction, maintenance, demolition, and equipment installation. A general safe work permit is used to identify hazards associated with all nonroutine work, including that of contract employees. This practice provides a mechanism for both the host company and the contract employee to discuss hazards associated with the work, including means to mitigate the hazard. The purpose of this workshop is to provide basic tools for contractors and host companies to identify how to conduct safe operations.
5/20/2025 3:45:00 PM – 5/20/2025 4:45:00 PM
RM:Henry Garrett A
Behavior Based Safety
Top 10 Safety Communication Skills for Effective Leaders
Dynamic is a good opposite of boring. Making safety interesting, compelling, dramatic, fun, unique, and exciting makes it dynamic. By making safety dynamic you make safety presentations much more effectively. John Drebinger will share with you, effective safety communications skills to help your people work safely!
5/20/2025 3:45:00 PM – 5/20/2025 4:45:00 PM
RM:Henry Garrett B
OSHA VPP
Understanding and Overcoming the VPP Slump
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.
5/20/2025 3:45:00 PM – 5/20/2025 4:45:00 PM
RM:Henry Garrett C/D
OSHA VPP
SGE and Mentoring
Are you looking for ways to participate as an SGE? In this workshop, we will discuss the importance of the SGE program including ways to obtain your qualifying activities. Mentoring best practices and how to be a good resource to our OSHA partners. This workshop is designed for current SGEs but all are welcome.
5/20/2025 3:45:00 PM – 5/20/2025 4:45:00 PM
RM:Selena Auditorium
Behavior Based Safety
“It’s Your Safety, Don’t Give it Away.” The Kina Hart Story
In this session, I will share the personal story of how a workplace accident led to the loss of my left arm, profoundly impacting my life and the lives of those around me—my family, friends, and colleagues. This incident highlights a critical issue in workplace safety: the failure to listen to gut instincts and adequately follow safety protocols, especially regarding machinery that may still be energized. Workplace accidents like mine not only result in physical and emotional trauma but also significantly affect organizational safety performance metrics, including increased incident rates, potential regulatory penalties, and diminished employee morale. The magnitude of such concerns calls for a reinforced culture of safety vigilance and protocol adherence.
5/21/2025 8:30:00 AM – 5/21/2025 9:30:00 AM
RM:C101/C102 Saratoga
Human Organizational Performance
Human Performance: Our Reactions Make a Difference
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, the way leaders respond to challenges and opportunities can significantly impact their teams and organizations. This workshop is designed to empower leaders with the skills and insights needed to navigate complex situations with confidence and composure. Participants will explore the importance of psychological safety, effective communication, and strategic thinking in leadership. Through presentation and group discussions, attendees will learn how to: Recognize and manage their own emotional responses. Foster a positive and resilient team culture. Communicate effectively under pressure. Make thoughtful decisions that align with organizational goals. Join us for this transformative workshop and discover how your reactions can make a meaningful difference in your leadership journey.
5/21/2025 8:30:00 AM – 5/21/2025 9:30:00 AM
RM:C104 Lexington
Emergency Response
The Emergency is Growing, Can Your Organization Grow in Response?
After completing this session, the attendee will be able to identify the challenges that are common to events that are growing in impact to the site and surrounding community when the event lasts longer than multiple operational periods. This session describes the strategies and tactics that management must face and address to assist the Incident Commanders and Site Leadership in safely and efficiently managing resources.
5/21/2025 8:30:00 AM – 5/21/2025 9:30:00 AM
RM:C105 Independence
Health/Medical
Heat Stress Prevention
This heat stress prevention class has been awarded the “most innovative” training course and its category from OSHA. We do a deep dive into the physiological effects of heat stress and discuss: How the body combats high heat environments.
5/21/2025 8:30:00 AM – 5/21/2025 9:30:00 AM
RM:C106 Yorktown
Behavior Based Safety
Human Factor and Electrical Safety
In this presentation we discuss the importance of human behavior when related to: · Electrical safety program · Principles of human performance · Information processing and attention · Human performance modes and associated errors · Error precursors · Human performance tools and warning flags · Workplace culture
5/21/2025 8:30:00 AM – 5/21/2025 9:30:00 AM
RM:C107 Constitution
Best Practices
Safety, Psychology and Metrics: Oh My!
For decades we’ve tirelessly worked to improve safety systems. There’s no doubt that today’s job sites are much better places to work than those of yesteryear. It’s a direct result of our significant efforts to improve safety engineering, best practices, PPE etc. We dedicate more and more effort and resources to reducing accidents and injuries in the workplace, because this is simply the right thing to do. Even so, we seem to have hit a wall. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities in the US. Traffic fatalities rose to a 16 year high in 2021 and remained essentially flat in 2022, outpacing increases in total number of miles driven. And worst of all, we’ve seen a recent increase in fatal accidents in the US, according to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Clearly, we must do something differently. Do psychology and cognitive science offer insights into this dilemma? Is it possible to understand why humans interact with risk in the ways that we do? Can we quantify or measure psychological safety? Can this data suggest a way forward? Please come be a part of the conversation.
5/21/2025 8:30:00 AM – 5/21/2025 9:30:00 AM
RM:C225A/B Harborview
Management Leadership
The Art of Storytelling—Impacting Your Audience
Safety leaders and trainers are always looking for ways to engage employees. Since people think in narrative terms, storytelling is a useful teaching tool and not only engages listeners but helps them retain information. Participants will discover the three basic types of stories and establish credibility as a storyteller by learning how to apply personal experiences to the learning outcomes. They will also learn the three acts of a story and how to prove the relevance of the concepts and techniques they are teaching. All aspects of a business can benefit by learning the construct of effective storytelling. It encourages others to open up and share their own stories, creating two-way learning while increasing their library of stories.
5/21/2025 8:30:00 AM – 5/21/2025 9:30:00 AM
RM:C225C Harborview
Inspirational Stories
The Ripple Effect: How Workplace Safety Impacts the Family
Kayla Rath was nine years old when a decision her dad made at work nearly cost him his life. During her presentations, Kayla walks the audience through what it is like for a child when an unsafe decision made at work causes a parent to not come home. From the first night alone, to growing up with a handicapped father, Kayla speaks to the often forgotten and ignored truth that decisions made on the work site cause a ripple effect on the lives of the family. The audience will hear of Kayla’s mental battle to overcome anger and improper blame, what it was like for herself and her two sisters as they grew up with a handicapped father and how the effects of the accident still impact on her life today. From the CEO to the newest hire, Kayla tells a story that your employees need to hear. Your decisions impact others: we know this. What will happen when they impact the ones you love most?
5/21/2025 8:30:00 AM – 5/21/2025 9:30:00 AM
RM:C226 Padre Island
Process Safety Management
PSM for Operations and Maintenance Personnel
The PSM standard is extremely important for frontline employees covering operations and maintenance. The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the specific aspects that an employee, including contractor employees, needs to be aware of. The PSM standard has 14 elements. Five of these elements directly impact all operations and maintenance personnel: Employee Participation, Operating Procedures, Hot Work Permit, Management of Change, and Pre-startup Safety Review. In this workshop, the example of changing a pump in a covered process will be used to illustrate how each element plays a critical role in the safe operation in a plant and affects PSM.
5/21/2025 11:00:00 AM – 5/21/2025 12:00:00 PM
RM:C101/C102 Saratoga
Hazard Prevention and Control
Trenching and Excavation Tragedy-A Personal Reflection on Loss
Excavation and trenching pose serious threats to worker safety. I personally experienced the long-lasting consequences of unsafe excavation and trenching practices when I lost my brother to a fatal excavation collapse. This story offers key lessons in safety and prevention to stop similar future fatalities. Excavation and trenching are some of the most dangerous construction activities. About 35 fatalities occur each year in the United States on average, and about two-thirds of those fatalities occur in trenches that are less than 10 feet deep. In a recent 2022 event in Texas, two workers were killed when an unprotected trench more than 20 feet deep collapsed. Life-saving trench shields sat unused by the site (OSHA, 2022). Unprotected trenches and excavation sites pose serious risks to workers, including being buried by heavy soil. Dirt is especially heavy. One cubic yard can weigh the equivalent of a small vehicle (up to 3,000 lbs). To address these dangers, OSHA requirements implemented to protect worker safety are covered by 29 CFR 1926.651 and 1926.652, which have been in place for many years. These standards apply to trenches 5 feet or deeper. To protect against shifting soil and trench cave-ins, shoring, sloping, and shielding are required. · Slope or bench trench walls · Shore walls with supports · Shield trench walls
5/21/2025 11:00:00 AM – 5/21/2025 12:00:00 PM
RM:C104 Lexington
Best Practices
Calling 911 is NOT an Emergency Plan: Ensuring Safety for First Responders
First responders are the professionals we call in an emergency. They are going into places that we are leaving from. While they are highly trained, they are not as well versed of the hazards in every workplace. Industry has an obligation to train first responders of our hazards and what they can possibly encounter during an emergency. Whether its confined spaces, excavations, chemical process hazards, or explosion possibilities, industry must take a role in education prior to calling 911
5/21/2025 11:00:00 AM – 5/21/2025 12:00:00 PM
RM:C105 Independence
Best Practices
Thermal Hazards-What to Wear?: PPE Program and NFPA Standard Best Practices Mitigate Burn Injuries
Have multiple potential short-term thermal hazards, like arc flash, flash fire, molten metal splash in your workplace? What type of FR clothing is appropriate for these hazards? Are there protective fabrics that provide multi-hazard protection? All arc rated clothing is flame resistant, however, not all FR clothing has an arc rating. FR, arc rated PPE choices can be somewhat confusing! Learn about the various workplace short duration thermal hazards, the difference between primary and secondary FR PPE and the appropriate protective clothing to wear to match the thermal hazards and the latest technology regarding comfortable, multi hazard protective clothing! Safety PPE Culture: Comfort=Protection! FR clothing deemed uncomfortable is unlikely to be worn consistently and correctly. Are your employees wearing the appropriate PPE for the “at risk” tasks 100% of the time? Per NFPA 70E, the risk assessment procedure shall address the potential for human error and its negative consequences and the last risk control, PPE selection (or lack thereof) is certainly impacted by human performance! Comfortable FR/AR daily wear clothing is likely to be worn correctly and consistently which will mitigate the consequences of human error (not donning/incorrect wear of PPE)! Human error precursors, such as complacency, must be countered with appropriate human performance tools and PPE best practices. These tools appear in NFPA 70E and are applicable to all hazards! Should a thermal incident occur due to human error, best practice PPE programs utilizing the latest, comfortable “want to wear” PPE, reduces the consequences of human error (burn injury) since it is worn correctly consistently! Alleviate confusion around appropriate FR, arc rated PPE selection and learn about key NFPA standard and PPE best practices to better keep “at risk” workers safe.
5/21/2025 11:00:00 AM – 5/21/2025 12:00:00 PM
RM:C106 Yorktown
Hazard Prevention and Control
Hazardous Area Static Control in Plant Operations
The risk of combustible dust explosions in industrial settings, initiated by electrostatic discharges, presents a significant challenge to maintaining safety and reliability in processes involving flammable particulates. How static is generated, and the different types of static will help operators identify points where static might present a greater risk in particular operations so action can be taken to reduce that risk. Controlling static electricity prevents Fire and Explosions in the movement of chemical material that are common in both liquids and powders manufacturing. Review the options available in the market for controlling static electricity from proper simple mechanical clamps to monitoring systems with visual indication and monitoring systems with visual indication and interlocks for process control. Interlocks offer the greatest protection from human error. How the hazard of static electricity can sometimes be predicted in powders. In conclusion, our findings provide insights for companies handling combustible and flammable atmospheres, offering a path toward enhancing safety protocols, reducing the risk of dust explosions and liquid fires, and maintaining operational integrity through the control of electrostatic discharges.
5/21/2025 11:00:00 AM – 5/21/2025 12:00:00 PM
RM:C107 Constitution
Safety Committees
Moving from Awareness to Action on Women’s PPE
For more than a decade, conversations around the need for women’s PPE that fits appropriately have been common subject matter in articles, journals, and other literature, but what is being done about it? Now is the time to change the narrative and move from knowing about it to acting on it. This session will discuss best practices for increasing awareness and access to women’s PPE on the market and implementing an action plan in your organization to ensure women have what they need.
5/21/2025 11:00:00 AM – 5/21/2025 12:00:00 PM
RM:C225A/B Harborview
Best Practices
Revolutionizing Scaffolding: Safety, Efficiency, and Global Best Practices
In 2023 and 2024, the petrochemical and refining industry witnessed alarming rises in scaffolding-related injuries and fatalities. This prompted an industry-wide investigation after a pivotal question from a young BROCK representative: “Has anyone explored better scaffolding solutions?” This comprehensive study builds on the insights from the 2019 Industrial Workforce Efficiency Report including updates from 2021 and 2023. It highlights groundbreaking innovations in scaffolding design, materials, and construction methods, achieving a 26% reduction in labor demands and an 11% decrease in overall costs. Drawing on real-world cases and best practices from supermajors including CPChem, Motiva, VentureGlobal, ExxonMobil and their contractors, this presentation offers practical, immediately applicable strategies to enhance safety and prevent accidents—ultimately saving lives in industrial construction settings.
5/21/2025 11:00:00 AM – 5/21/2025 12:00:00 PM
RM:C225C Harborview
Inspirational Stories
Randy’s Story: How an Accident IMPACTS More Than Just You!
Randy shares his personal story of how he went from having so much to losing everything during a HazMat incident. No one ever talks about what goes on once someone gets inured, but Randy does. Having spoken to more than 1.5 million people in over 19 years, Randy will have you laughing, crying and wanting more. He speaks on how complacency and distractions almost cost him his live. Folks make thousands of decisions every day. Fact is, everything you do is impacting someone. Come early and get a good seat. You don’t want to miss this.
5/21/2025 11:00:00 AM – 5/21/2025 12:00:00 PM
RM:C225D/E Harborview
Behavior Based Safety
Workshop: Responding to Safety Incidents – The Wrong Way and The Best Way
Accountability and responsibility are confused by modern definitions. By doing so, we confuse these terms with blame. Discover leadership insights to respond the best way when incidents happen. Avoid the pitfalls of blame that prevent true cause identification and prevention of future events. People will not share the truth if they are punished for being honest. In this session, you will learn a different approach for responding when undesired events occur.
5/21/2025 11:00:00 AM – 5/21/2025 12:00:00 PM
RM:C226 Padre Island
Process Safety Management
Safe Work Practices
When hot work, such as welding, grinding, heat treating, etc. is conducted, a source of ignition is introduced at the site. The purpose of this workshop is to work through various requirements related to conducting hot work in a safe manner. A hot work permit should be completed and signed off by each employee or contractor affected by the work. The independent review and approval of this permit is also required. The permit should document that the fire prevention and protection requirements have been implemented prior to beginning the hot work operations, including the date/time and the specific equipment on which hot work is to be performed. A trained fire watch with a fire extinguisher must be present. Workers must be trained and certified in their specific roles and Site-specific hazards. Safe work practices would also include LOTO, line break, confined space entry, and site access control. During the workshop, specific examples of safe work practices will be provided and lessons learned / pitfalls based on auditing permits and historical incidents.
5/21/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/21/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:C101/C102 Saratoga
Process Safety Management
Process Safety Leadership in Organization
The Process Safety Competency Matrix ensures comprehensive integration and can be customized to any organization. The matrix includes involving leadership, identifying the organizational structure, transferring and assessing skills and knowledge/experience, demonstrating proficiency, and overcoming obstacles. The competency matrix is presented in a phased-model approach, with each step up through the model building on the preceding phase. To be sustainably integrated into any organization, the matrix should be accompanied by a barrier analysis. If not properly addressed, barriers can derail the adoption of the process safety competency matrix.
5/21/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/21/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:C104 Lexington
Hazard Prevention and Control
How to Build an Electrical Safety Program that Meets OSHA Requirements
This presentation focuses on 3 primary electrical hazards, what they are, how they are created, and how to prevent them. We also will discuss OSHA’s latest guidance around electrical safety.
5/21/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/21/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:C106 Yorktown
Best Practices
VPP Complacency: Reinvigorating Our Program
Join us for an engaging and insightful session at the National VPPPA Conference, where we tackle the critical issue of complacency within the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). This presentation is designed to inspire and equip you with the tools and strategies needed to breathe new life into your VPP initiatives. What You’ll Learn: Historical Insights: Discover the journey of the Westlake VPP program, from its initial certification in 1996 to overcoming challenges and achieving significant improvements. Post-Pandemic Challenges: Understand the unique challenges faced in the post-pandemic era, including disruptions in safety and engagement, and learn how to address these issues effectively. Reinvigoration Steps: Explore five key steps to revitalize your VPP program, including honest evaluation, management commitment, reimagining the program, implementation, and continuous improvement. Westlake Safety SPHERE: Get introduced to the innovative Westlake Safety SPHERE initiative, focusing on safe practices, human empowerment, and robust engagement. Team Structure and Principles: Learn about the structure of the Safety SPHERE teams and the key principles for a successful VPP Safety Program. Why Attend? This presentation is not just about identifying problems but providing actionable solutions. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to evaluate and improve your VPP Safety Committee, engage your team, and implement effective safety practices. Whether you’re a seasoned VPP professional or new to the program, this session offers valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your safety initiatives. Don’t miss this opportunity to reinvigorate your VPP program and take your safety initiatives to the next level. Join us and be part of a transformative experience that will empower you and your team to achieve excellence in safety and engagement.
5/21/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/21/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:C107 Constitution
Behavior Based Safety
Usability is Safety! – UX Engineering Documentation for Users.
How can we answer questions that we never hear…by people we don’t see? Even well written, technically accurate, and regulatory compliant user documents still miss the users’ needs because they do not fit the unique psyche of a user. This presents a safety problem. This workshop will explain: – Users are not Readers! – Users must navigate to answers, never search. – Documents written for readers are cognitive minefields. Engineering usability into policies, standards and procedures will: – reduce comprehension errors. – reduce misunderstanding. – increase safety.
5/21/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/21/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:C225A/B Harborview
Safety Committees
The First HOP Hurdle – Introduction before Integration
Bringing Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) into an old-school industrial construction environment comes with unique challenges. This session explores the critical first step—introducing HOP in a way that resonates with leadership, frontline workers, and supervisors. At least, that’s what worked for us! We’ll share practical strategies that helped us overcome skepticism, foster engagement, and lay the foundation for successful integration while minimizing resistance. Whether you’re just starting your HOP journey or struggling to gain traction, this session will provide insights to help you clear the first hurdle.
5/21/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/21/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:C225C Harborview
Behavior Based Safety
“It’s Your Safety, Don’t Give it Away.” The Kina Hart Story
In this session, I will share the personal story of how a workplace accident led to the loss of my left arm, profoundly impacting my life and the lives of those around me—my family, friends, and colleagues. This incident highlights a critical issue in workplace safety: the failure to listen to gut instincts and adequately follow safety protocols, especially regarding machinery that may still be energized. Workplace accidents like mine not only result in physical and emotional trauma but also significantly affect organizational safety performance metrics, including increased incident rates, potential regulatory penalties, and diminished employee morale. The magnitude of such concerns calls for a reinforced culture of safety vigilance and protocol adherence.
5/21/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/21/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:C225D/E Harborview
Behavior Based Safety
Workshop: Teach Your Supervisors to Lead Safety on the Job
Here is a secret. Safety is leadership. Any credible definition of leadership must contain the word “influence” as we should influence people to be safe on the job. I will share insights about behavioral economics and nudge theory to help supervisors and managers get people to stay safe without forcing them to do so. “Managers” demand safety while “leaders” influence safety on the job. Attend this session to learn the difference.
5/21/2025 1:30:00 PM – 5/21/2025 2:30:00 PM
RM:C226 Padre Island
Process Safety Management
PHA and PSI for Operations
Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) is an integral part of any PSM program. Most often, PHA is considered as an engineering exercise. However, operator input is especially critical to the conduct of PHA. It allows operations personnel to contribute to and provide “reality” to what would happen, how bad it could be, and what measures are already in place to prevent and mitigate safety consequences. There are also hazardous scenarios that should be incorporated into a PHA because operators better understand a chemical process better than engineers. Process Safety Information (PSI) is the information needed to be able to effectively conduct the PHAs. This information includes SDS (safety data sheets), PFD/P&IDs, equipment data sheets, relief system design calculations, plant layout to name a few. The purpose of this workshop is to make a case for operations personnel to take ownership of PHA activities at their site. Hindsight is 20/20: It’s easy to be smart after the incident occurs but the point is to prevent the incident from occurring in the first place.
5/21/2025 2:45:00 PM – 5/21/2025 3:45:00 PM
RM:C101/C102 Saratoga
Emergency Response
“Who Ya Gonna Call?”: Emergency Response Coordination to Technical Rescues
Inspired by the classic Ghostbusters, “Who Ya Gonna Call?”: Emergency Response Coordination to Technical Rescues” takes you through the steps of planning and executing a coordinated response to technical emergencies. In this session, you’ll learn how to build a solid emergency action plan that brings internal teams and outside agencies together, ensuring everyone is on the same page when it matters most. We cover the key elements of managing an incident, from setting clear roles to handling rope and confined space rescues, all with practical examples and real-world tips. You’ll also walk away with useful strategies for handling post-rescue challenges like cleanup, team support, and accurate reporting. Join us to gain the confidence and skills you need to be ready for any unexpected call to action.
5/21/2025 2:45:00 PM – 5/21/2025 3:45:00 PM
RM:C104 Lexington
Management Leadership
AI and Risk Intelligence—The Next Era of High-Performance Organizations
AI and data science are revolutionizing safety management and operational intelligence in high-impact industries. This interactive workshop explores how AI, NLP and video “game tape” analytics are unlocking a new generation of performance metrics that enhance system-wide risk visibility, strengthen decision intelligence, and foster adaptive capacity—essential elements for building high-performing teams and cultures. Attendees will leave with a transformative perspective on how these innovations can uncover hidden capacity within their systems, turning safety into sources of strategic advantage, increasing efficiency, engagement, and resilience in today’s high-risk environments.
5/21/2025 2:45:00 PM – 5/21/2025 3:45:00 PM
RM:C105 Independence
Behavior Based Safety
Building a Proactively Accountable Culture- One that Anticipates its Vulnerabilities
The “right thing” can be perceived as complicated but straightforward. Using the (7) Natural Principles of Human Performance as a foundation, Bob 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, Bob 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 during 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. During this session, the following topics will be covered: · An introduction to the (7) Natural Principles underlying WHY Team members do WHAT they do (or do not do) the WAY they do it. · An overview of how focusing on the 7 Natural Principles can create appealing work environments that feel better “inside the fence” than outside. Discuss the benefits of growing a culture that anticipates its vulnerabilities BEFORE a close call, Incident, or event, and how to inspire your workforce to WANT to do it in a proactively accountable way.
5/21/2025 2:45:00 PM – 5/21/2025 3:45:00 PM
RM:C106 Yorktown
Miscellaneous
NASA’s Water Program
In the desert, there is nothing more important than water. Located in the high desert of New Mexico, NASA White Sands Test Facility has always had to carefully manage its relationship with this valuable resource, from mitigating harmful practices of the 1960s to supporting modern day aerospace testing. This presentation covers the desert environment, water management, and a fun look at the history of PPE here at NASA White Sands Test Facility.
5/21/2025 2:45:00 PM – 5/21/2025 3:45:00 PM
RM:C107 Constitution
Behavior Based Safety
The Psychology of Risk Homeostasis: Why Smart Technology Makes Us Take More Risks
Smart technologies, such as proximity alert systems, smartphones and automation, are supposed to make us safer. So why do humans react to them by taking more risks? In this session we’ll discuss studies that show the impact of technology: how we take more risks because of it, and how it can thwart safety efforts through risk homeostasis. Smart technology can also complicate risk assessment. Learn how these limitations can be overcome by the application of sound cognitive psychological principles.
5/21/2025 2:45:00 PM – 5/21/2025 3:45:00 PM
RM:C225A/B Harborview
Human Organizational Performance
The Pointy End of the Stick – Front-Line HOP Integration
Bringing Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) principles to the front lines of an industrial construction company requires more than just leadership buy-in. It demands real, practical application where the work happens. This session dives into strategies for integrating HOP at the craft level, ensuring that workers not only understand the concepts but see their value in daily operations. We’ll share lessons learned, challenges faced, and effective approaches for embedding HOP in a way that drives safer, more reliable work without overwhelming the workforce. If you’re looking to take HOP beyond theory and make it work where it matters most, here is what’s working for us.
5/21/2025 2:45:00 PM – 5/21/2025 3:45:00 PM
RM:C225C Harborview
Behavior Based Safety
Believe In Safety (A Survivor’s Story)
Join Brandon Schroeder, a renowned safety speaker and career tradesman, as he shares his powerful story of surviving a life-altering arc flash accident. In this engaging and inspiring presentation, Brandon highlights the human impact of safety decisions, offering practical strategies to foster a culture of safety in any environment. His message will leave you motivated to prioritize safety as a core value, both personally and professionally.
5/21/2025 2:45:00 PM – 5/21/2025 3:45:00 PM
RM:C225D/E Harborview
Best Practices
Virtual Hazard Hunt – Gamifying Hazard Recognition for a Safer Workforce
Effective hazard recognition is a cornerstone of workplace safety, yet traditional training methods often fall short in engaging employees and reinforcing critical safety knowledge. This workshop introduces Virtual Hazard Hunts as an innovative and interactive approach to improving hazard awareness, risk assessment, and safety culture across diverse work environments. Participants will explore how Virtual Hazard Hunts can be implemented to enhance hazard identification skills and promote team-based learning. Through real-world scenarios, interactive discussions, and mini-quiz challenges, attendees will gain practical experience in recognizing hazards, assessing risks, and applying Stop Work Obligation effectively. Key takeaways from this session include: ✅ Best practices for structuring Virtual Hazard Hunts to maximize engagement and learning outcomes ✅ How to develop and deploy mini-quiz questions that reinforce hazard recognition and critical thinking ✅ Techniques for analyzing findings to improve workplace safety and drive proactive hazard mitigation This session is designed for safety professionals, supervisors, and frontline employees who are looking to enhance their safety programs with a dynamic and technology-driven approach to hazard recognition. Whether your organization is new to Virtual Hazard Hunts or looking to refine an existing program, this workshop provides practical tools and insights to drive continuous improvement and strengthen a culture of safety.
5/21/2025 2:45:00 PM – 5/21/2025 3:45:00 PM
RM:C226 Padre Island
Process Safety Management
PSM: What is In and What is Out?
Applicability of PSM is sometimes a tricky subject. Once the site determines that a highly hazardous chemical (HHC) as defined in the standard is present and exceeds the threshold quantity, the site needs to develop and implement a PSM program covering the highly hazardous chemicals, including interconnection with utilities that support the process. There are also exceptions to this rule, such as atmospheric tanks, storage of HHC, non-covered chemicals. However, there are many situations where these exceptions can lead to catastrophic results. For instance, one can remember the ammonium nitrate explosion that occurred in West, Texas back (2013), ITC Terminal fire in Deer Park, Texas (2019), and propylene explosion at Watson Grinding in Houston (2020). The purpose of this workshop is to present what to look for when deciding if a site is PSM covered or not and how the extent of PSM boundaries should be defined.
5/22/2025 9:00:00 AM – 5/22/2025 10:00:00 AM
RM:OMNI Laguna Madre
Best Practices
The Shifting Landscape of Drug Use and Testing in the Workplace
Provide employers with essential insights on new drug trends, updates on state laws, and testing methodologies in the workplace for 2025. As industry changes, businesses must stay informed to ensure compliance, maintain workplace safety and have the ability to educate and update their policies.
5/22/2025 9:00:00 AM – 5/22/2025 10:00:00 AM
RM:OMNI Nueces A
Inspirational Stories
The Ripple Effect: How Workplace Safety Impacts the Family
Kayla Rath was nine years old when a decision her dad made at work nearly cost him his life. During her presentations, Kayla walks the audience through what it is like for a child when an unsafe decision made at work causes a parent to not come home. From the first night alone, to growing up with a handicapped father, Kayla speaks to the often forgotten and ignored truth that decisions made on the work site cause a ripple effect on the lives of the family. The audience will hear of Kayla’s mental battle to overcome anger and improper blame, what it was like for herself and her two sisters as they grew up with a handicapped father and how the effects of the accident still impact on her life today. From the CEO to the newest hire, Kayla tells a story that your employees need to hear. Your decisions impact others: we know this. What will happen when they impact the ones you love most?
5/22/2025 9:00:00 AM – 5/22/2025 10:00:00 AM
RM:OMNI Nueces B
Management Leadership
Leading in High-Risk Environments: Why Nothing Else Matters If We Don’t Get This Right
In these lean times, we’re all expected to be effective managers and inspirational leaders.These similar, yet subtly different skill sets don’t always readily coexist, and day-to-day practicalities seem to demand we wear our management hat most of the time. Alarmingly, data from the US BLS suggests SIFs are on the rise. Paradoxically, it is also the safest time ever in US industry with respect to slips, trips, and falls.How is it possible to be more focused on safety and accident prevention than ever before and yet see the very accidents we fear the most become more common?!?Discoveries in cognitive science can both help explain these disturbing trends in the data and suggest a way forward. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll examine case studies of catastrophic failures in organizations considered the absolute best in class regarding safety. We’ll explore the consequences of a dearth of leadership in otherwise very well managed organizations.We’ll also discuss the warning signs that might indicate the potential for SIFs despite a long history of extremely low accident and injury rates.Finally, we’ll look at practical ways for each of us to hone our leadership skills, even if we’re anything but a natural born leader.
5/22/2025 10:30:00 AM – 5/22/2025 12:00:00 PM
RM:OMNI Corpus Christi Ballroom
Key Events
Omni Hotel: Closing General Session and Lunch – Prizes Too!
Closing General Session & Lunch – Grand Prize $1,000 gift card along with other prizes. Must Be Present to Win! Guest Speaker – Jim Morris
