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Opening  Session

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

 

The Heart of Safety: Why Culture, Not Compliance, Brings People Home 

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Charlie Cartwright, Founder, The Company Culture Doctors 

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Session I

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

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Aging Workforce Across Industries: A Panel Discussion 

Chris Archer, Partner Archer & Lassa LLC

Christopher Lenarz, MD, Excel Orthopedics

Sheila Schmidt, CSP, ARM, Safety & Risk Services Regional Manager, Missouri Employers Mutual

How do we support seasoned professionals while making sure their knowledge isn’t lost to time? This lively panel dives into the real-world challenges faced by an aging workforce and how organizations can better support them. We'll explore meaningful ways to value their experience, keep them engaged, and pass the torch to the next generation through mentorship, collaboration, and culture shifts.

 

Controlling High Energy  

Jason Wernex, Senior Leader, Health and Safety, Utilitra

Serious injury and fatality rates have plateaued over the past 20 years in the construction industry. As the science of safety is expanding, organizations, researchers, and safety practitioners are working together to understand and tackle the challenges that lead to serious injuries and fatalities. In this session, we will explore serious injury causation and strategies for elimination. Participants will walk away from this session with resources to introduce or expand serious injury prevention efforts in their organizations.

 

The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Lithium-Ion Batteries      

Tim Frankenberg, Consulting Engineer, Ameren Corporate Safety

This presentation will examine the everyday use of lithium-ion batteries, highlighting common exposure scenarios and the potential hazards associated with their operation. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the risks and safety considerations tied to this increasingly prevalent technology.

 

Horseplay Injuries- Are Workers' Comp Benefits Owed and How to Investigate the Injuries

Brad Young, Partner, Harris Dowell Fisher & Young L.C.

When workplace antics lead to injury, are benefits owed? This session examines the legal standards for compensability of horseplay-related injuries under workers' compensation law and outlines key steps for conducting effective investigations.

 

DEMO

Safe at Heights: Essential Fall Protection ABCs with Live Demo

Bo Solari, Shur Sales

Falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities, making fall protection a critical aspect of any safety program. This session will introduce the ABCs of fall protection, offering essential insights into Anchor points, Body support, and Connecting devices. Attendees will learn key principles for selecting, inspecting, and using fall protection equipment. The session includes a live drop-truck demonstration by 3M Fall Protection, providing a hands-on experience that shows workers’ what to expect and how to respond in fall scenarios.

Target Areas: Safety, Occupational Health and Safety. Basic. 

Health, Construction. Intermediate.

Learning Objectives: Understanding the CMMC certification with relevance to the construction industry. 

 

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Session II

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

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Outdoor Work and Dangerous Weather – How to Stay Safe

Kevin Deitsch, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service

Weather or NOT… Join Kevin for an engaging session on current weather patterns and the hazards impacting our region. He’ll share strategic practices for staying safe during severe weather—whether you're working indoors or outdoors. Learn how to prepare your team with the knowledge to recognize how severe weather forms, stay protected from the increasing weather threats we’re experiencing, and effectively report hazardous conditions to the appropriate authorities.

 

Safety in the Field and Public Workspaces

Mason Keller, VP of Asset Protection, Schnuck Markets, Inc.

Matt Redmond, Director of Security, Schnuck Markets, Inc.

This session focuses on the safety and security aspects of our roles, with an emphasis on effectively managing workplace situations that involve interactions with the public using verbal de-escalation. Attendees will gain practical insights into maintaining a secure work environment, responding to unexpected events, and promoting a culture of awareness and preparedness.

 

What is Your EAP? A Panel Discussion

Moderator: Brandon Anderson, AGC Missouri  

Brian Bauer, Director EAP Services, H & H Health Care Services

Domini Montgomery, Director, Safety & Risk Management, Saint Louis Zoo

Rick Reams, Vice President Safety and Quality, Murphy Company

This panel discussion will explore the purpose, structure, and real-world application of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Panelists will share how their organizations implement EAPs, the challenges they've encountered, and  from the EPA's standpoint, how to best partner with organizations they serve. Best practices for promoting employee well-being through these programs will also be shared.

 

Women at Work: Orthopedic Considerations of the Female Worker

Emily Whicker MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon, The Orthopedic Center of St. Louis

This session examines the unique orthopedic challenges experienced by female workers, with a focus on how sex-specific anatomical and biomechanical factors influence injury patterns, diagnostic complexities, and recovery trajectories. Attendees will explore common work-related musculoskeletal injuries in women and gain insight into how occupational roles and biological differences intersect to impact clinical outcomes and return to work.

 

 

DEMO:

Ladder Safety

Chad Lingerfelt, Director of Training and Jobsite Safety & Security, ProDriven Global Brands

Join Chad Lingerfelt, Director of Training & Jobsite Safety and Security. Chad will lead participants through a hands-on demonstration of ladder safety covering the latest in ladder innovation at Werner Co an industry leader for ladders. During the safety session Chad will cover the ABCDE of fall protection while using ladders and discuss the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or minimize the exposure to hazards while using ladders on job sites.

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Session III

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

 

Pulling Back the Curtain on Safety: Edison Theater Fall Protection   

Haley Coons, Senior Project Manager, Oates Associates, Inc.

Haley will present an overview of an interior fall protection project at Washington University in St. Louis and walk through the process of assessing the existing theater for fall hazards into design of solutions/controls to address these hazards with oversight during construction and finally training of the theater staff on using the systems.  The unique challenges faced during each phase of the project will be discussed and some lessons learned for future projects.

 

Recovery Friendly Workplace, Why Does It  Matter? 

Dr. Doug Swanson, Field Specialist in Labor and Workforce Development, University of Missouri Extension

Today’s workplace has evolved, but many policies and attitudes around addiction and recovery have not. These outdated approaches now hinder recruitment and retention. This session explores how modern, recovery-informed practices can foster a more inclusive and resilient workforce.

 

Safety Professional Reality: A Panel Discussion    

Moderator: Domini Montgomery, Saint Louis Zoo

Annie Grimshaw, Safety Specialist, Schnuck Markets, Inc.

Corey Hayes, Safety Director, Alberici

Mary Claire Hogan, Safety & Risk Management Coordinator, Saint Louis Zoo

Join our panel for dynamic discussion exploring the challenges faced by safety professionals at various stages of their careers. Panelists—from early-career practitioners to seasoned experts—will share insights, lessons learned, and evolving perspectives on the profession, offering a

multi-faceted view of the safety landscape.

 

Selling Safety Across Sectors: A Panel Discussion  

Moderator:

Retail Sector

Public Safety Sector

Utilities Sector

Explore how safety is viewed, prioritized, and communicated across different sectors. This session brings together insights from public agencies, regulatory bodies, and private industry to examine how each approaches safety—from compliance and culture to communication and cost. Gain a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to promote and “sell” safety effectively in any environment.

 

DEMO:

Forklift Safety: A Hands-On Demonstration and Discussion of Safety and Best Practices 

Crown Lift Trucks Team

​This session covers the essential elements of forklift safety, including safe operation practices, common hazards, and how to prevent incidents before they happen. Attendees will learn about proper inspection procedures, load handling, and navigating work environments with pedestrians and other equipment. Whether you're a seasoned operator or new to forklift safety, this session will reinforce key principles to help keep your workplace safe and compliant.

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Lunch

12:15 AM - 1:15 PM

OSHA Overview: What’s New and What Matters

Bill McDonald, CSP, OSHA Area Director, Greater St. Louis
Stay up to date on the latest developments from OSHA that impact our region. This session offers a clear and practical overview of current regulations, enforcement trends, and upcoming initiatives.

 

Session IV

1:15 AM - 2:00 PM

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Fleet Safety: A Panel Discussion  

Moderator: Aj Gajdosik, Acuity

Representatives using products successfully 
Join a panel of industry professionals as they explore innovative technologies and proven strategies for improving fleet and driver safety. From telematics to training, discover how organizations are enhancing safety, reducing risk, and protecting their drivers on the road.

 

PFAS: The Emerging Hazmat Challenge in Workplace and Environmental Safety

Representative from Clean Harbors

PFAS—often called “forever chemicals”—are a growing concern in both occupational and environmental safety due to their persistence, potential toxicity, and widespread presence in workplace settings. PFAS litigation is rising, and public awareness is driving calls for accountability from organizations using or disposing of PFAS-containing materials.  What you need to know and when to call in professionals to keep your workforce and workplace safe.   

 

 

Safety & HR: The Ultimate Power Couple in the Workplace

Domini Montgomery, Director Safety & Risk Management, Saint Louis Zoo

Katie Rowland, Human Resource Manager, Saint Louis Zoo

This presentation highlights the importance and benefits of a strong relationship between HR and Safety departments, emphasizing that collaboration leads to success for everyone. We'll explore situations where Safety and HR intersect, and how understanding each other's roles fosters a positive culture while ensuring employee safety and well-being.

 

Safety Management Through the Lens of Technology

Rob McKinney, Construction Safety Advocate
Safety management on construction projects has evolved in parallel with the evolution of mobile technology. The traditional workflows of documenting safety meetings, inspections and accident reports continue to move from paper-based forms to real-time, cloud data that enhances accountability and reporting. In this presentation, Rob McKinney will explore the use of new technologies such as BIM for hazard recognition, Virtual Reality for training, Apps to improve mental fitness, and software that can increase safety performance. Learn about the best practices in using technology to improve safety management programs on the job site and at the office and how you can draft a plan to fit your company’s objectives. 

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Closing Session

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

 

ASK THE SAFETY PROFESSIONALS PANEL

Moderator: John Mundwiller, Amazingma Safety

SAFETY: Cedric Bransford,CSP,  EHS Manager, Mechanical Dynamics & Analysis (MD&A)

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE: Rachael Eddings, MPH, CSP, Sr. Scientist – Occupational & Residential Exposure, Bayer Crop Services

OSHA: Bill McDonald, CSP, OSHA Area Director, Greater St. Louis

LEGAL: Julie O’Keefe, Partner, Armstrong Teasdale LLP

Join our expert panel for an engaging, interactive session focused on your most pressing safety questions. In early September, we’ll distribute a short survey to capture the challenges and topics that matter most to you—so our panel can tailor the discussion to what’s trending in your world.

 

 

An 'Ask the Safety Professional' form will be sent out in early September! During this session, our panel will provide concise insights into trending topics within their expertise, addressing your burning questions.  Engage in fruitful discussions, gain knowledge from others’ queries and conclude with an interactive Q&A session.   

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CEU Credits: A certificate of .60 CEU will be EMAILED TO YOU AFTER THE CONFERENCE​​​​​

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