top of page
Blue Skies

 21st Annual
Greater St. Louis
Safety and Health

 Conference 
PRESENTERS 

Brandon Anderson, Vice President of Safety at AGC of Missouri will Moderate the Closing Panel Session: "Safety is Hot..." The construction industry is one of the best industries out there, with some of the best individuals making up the industry. Brandon Anderson, Vice President of Safety at AGC of Missouri; has 27 years of experience in construction holding various positions from leadership to senior safety and senior employee development specialist. Mr. Anderson is a lifelong construction safety professional/advocate with a focus on total worker wellbeing; Mental Health, Suicide and Substance Misuse in construction. His passion and personal experience runs deep; his impact is recognized throughout the Midwest and Nationally.
archer.jpg

Chris Archer, Partner, Archer & Lassa LLC will present “2024 Missouri Comp – Advanced Litigation Strategies and Management.” Chris is a self named  Brad Pitt look alike…Actually,  Chris is a principle of Archer, Lassa and McHugh LLC which provides legal representation as well as education for employers, third party administrators, as well as insurers in the area of workers’ compensation.  He has defended Employers for 27 years in the state of Missouri.

 He is a contributing editor/author of the Missouri Bar's lawyer desk reference book on Missouri workers' compensation, and for ten years has been the author and editor of the Missouri Bar's monthly “Courts and CLE Bulletin” summarizing workers’ compensation cases for attorneys statewide.  

 He was an advising attorney for business lobbying groups in the drafting and editing of Senate Bill 1 and 130, signed into law by Governor Blunt in March, 2005 and is an advisor to Legislative efforts this year.  He is recipient of Distinguished Lawyer of the Year Award in 2012 as voted by Kids’ Chance of Missouri and Bar Association of Metropolitan St Louis

azbill.jpg

Justin Azbill, Director-National EHS, Milwaukee Tool will present “Transitioning Your Workforce to a Better Ergonomic Mindset.” Mr. Azbill was appointed Director - National EHS at Milwaukee Tool in July 2021, and is responsible for directing the design, implementation, and maintenance of environmental, safety and health programs. Mr. Azbill provides oversight to ensure compliance with all applicable laws to exceed safety regulations.

He has over 28 years of experience in Safety and Risk Management, having held key management positions with Kiewit Power, Suffolk Construction, Cannistraro, and Callahan Construction.

Throughout his career, Mr. Azbill has created a reputation of success by leveraging a collaborative leadership style which has helped him achieve consistent industry-leading results and build successful partnerships that continue to impact the construction industry.

Mr. Azbill has led companies to noticeable safety improvements and increased engagement in incident prevention, fostering a positive safety culture. Evident through his reduction of claims incidents, and lost time, as well as increased involvement of subcontractor engagement, he has been honored with notable awards including the OSHA VPPP Star award in 2012 (the first time a VPPP Star award was awarded to a construction job in Region 1), MCAA Milwaukee Tool Safety Professional Award, ESGR DOD Patriot Award, Safety Excellence Award by the NSC, and STEP Award by the ABC.

Mr. Azbill holds several accredited safety certifications and licenses and attended Johnson County Community College, the University of Kansas, and Thomas Edison University. Mr. Azbill is a sitting member on numerous safety advisory committee’s and serves as a Director at Large for the Construction Industry Alliance of Suicide Prevention.

Joseph Blackman, Founder, Vintendo Training Solutions will present “Safety Podcasting 101.”  Joseph is the founder of Vitendo Training Solutions where the main focus is to get knowledge from the people who have it, to the people who need it. With a passion for Public Works, Video, Podcasts and Just-in-time-training, Joseph has taken the initiative to set the standard for capturing institutionalized knowledge.

MSHA: Bob Blaylock, CSP, CMSP, Safety and Training Consultant will be on our panel “Safety is Hot…” Bob is a highly experienced mining professional with proven success in safety, training, human resources and operations.  Bob has experience as a Mining Practices Administrator. Bob is trained in and successfully utilized Apollo and TapRoot Root Cause Analysis. Todd Conklin’s HOP, Peabody Energy’s Safety a Way of Life, Scott Geller’s People-Based Safety, Jim Joy’s Global Mining Industry Risck Management and the Loss Prevention system safety management systems.  Currently supporting Director of Safety in organizational safety culture changes and facilitating four safety commitees that lead these changes. Experienced and proven Human & Operational Performance.

Tony Coco, Owner, Archview Services will present “Confined Space Awareness.” Tony Coco, Owner at Archview Services, has built a career as a results-driven business leader in the EH&S market with experience in national and international leadership in operations, strategic marketing, brand and sales management. He brings deep insight in utilizing technology and innovation to increase safety levels in the workplace.

Over the last 30 years, he has worked to bring new technologies to market and grow smaller organizations into commercially sustaining businesses and market leaders.  Some notable companies in the field include BW Technologies and Guardian Fall Protection.

debo.jpg

Scott Debo, Safety Manager, Arch Key Solutions will present “Safety Hardware + Safety Software = Actual Lasting Safety Culture." Scott has spent 31 years in electric utility / power plants in Mid West as a maintenance craftsman, supervisor, safety representative, coordinator and safety manager of the plants. 8 years as a safety manager for local electrical contractor in construction. Scott also 20 years working to support the GSL United Way.  Scott is also a 40 year band leader / musician in the Mid West.

Pete Fogarty, Lead Instructional Design with Matrix will present “Forklift: Pedestrian Collision Avoidance & Safety.”

Jen Horstmann, Safety Director, Schnucks Markets Inc. will present “Creating a Safety Lady: a no nonsense approach to formal and informal mentorship.” Jen Horstmann is the Safety Director at Schnucks, where she’s been for over 20 years. Jen grew up in the Schnucks company and brings an incredible wealth of knowledge to the organization and to the safety field. Faced with unique challenges in retail grocery, she manages all aspects of Safety in stores, warehousing, bakery plant manufacturing, and logistics and distribution, including fleet safety and management. Jen is an incredibly passionate individual, leading the retail safety industry by storm! Jen’s priority is for teammates to go home from work in the same manner they arrived.

Jen has a very unique background in marketing and safety, and an MBA, making her incredibly poised to lead a productive and successful safety team. Jen serves in various professional organizations and leads several committees within these, including ASSP and FMI. Jen is from St. Louis, went to Kirkwood High School, has a bachelor's degree from Missouri State University, and an MBA. She loves spending time with family and friends, and absolutely loves dogs. If she could live anywhere, she’d pick the beach or the mountains.

Lisa Lamons, Training and DOT Director at Concrete Strategies will be on our panel “Safety is Hot…” Ms. Lamons has been with Concrete Strategies since November 2016, coordinating and managing all aspects of their Safety Training and DOT Compliance programs. She has over 38 years of management experience, 25 of those years focusing on Training & Human Resources; specializing in Safety, DOT Compliance, Auditing & Investigations. Her work history comes from over 15 years with the Missouri Department of Transportation and in addition to working for a large national trucking company and her family’s own fencing & construction company. She has been through State and Federal DOT audits and has a track record of clean internal inspections. Ms. Lamons has also partnered with SITE, highway patrol and local DOT enforcement and various safety councils in giving DOT presentations.

She continues to collaborate and build relationships with industry partners such as:

  • MoDOT and other state agencies

  • FMCSA investigators

  • MO and KC State Highway Patrol

  • Serves as a member of Several Trucking Associations (Owner Operated Independent Driver’s Association, Missouri Trucking Association, American Trucking Association)

  • Partners with other like companies to help them with their DOT programs.

  • SureCam Camera Systems – where she became a spokesperson for their company, helping other companies & conducting several video training courses for them.

  • SITE & National Safety Council

She has conducted her own independent audits with hired investigators and has been through State and Federal DOT Audits.

Shana Lawson, EHS Manager and Consultant, will present “Breathe Easy: Basics of Respiratory Protection.” Shana is an EHS manager and consultant for specialty lubrications in St. Louis. Collaborating with both management and the workforce to create a safe environment for all employees, contractors, and visitors. Providing the tools necessary to empower workers to recognize unsafe hazards and behaviors through risk assessments and training. Aiding in root cause investigations to drive systemic change towards a goal of world class safety. Rebuilding the safety culture within two unions (UAW and IAM) and educating management on the importance they play as a safety leader. Leading safety in machining, water treatement, sustainability and energy reduction initiatives. 

Chad Lingerfelt, Director of Training and Jobsite Safety and Security, Werner Company will present “Ladders: A Demonstration and Discussion of Protection and Hazard Controls.”

Rob McKinney.jpg
Rob McKinney, ConAppGuru | Coach will present Safety Management Throught the Eyes of Technology. Rob McKinney has worked as a safety professional in the construction industry since 2001. He worked his way up from a site Safety coordinator to Safety Director. He has participated in safety-focused groups such as the ASSE, AGC, and other Construction Trade Associations. His love for technology led him to create a blog site dedicated to constriction technology and co-found the ConTechCrew podcast and ConTechRoadshow. As the ConAppGuru, Rob has delivered presentations at national and regional construction conferences since 2013. He is focused on educational efforts for the construction industry about the benefits of using technology to improve safety workflows and mental health efforts.  Rob is currently focused on coaching construction professionals about the benefits of mental fitness training.
headshot.JPG
Caitlin McNeece, MSW, LCSW in Private Practice, Walking Eachother Home Wellness will present "Stress Management: Coping with Conflict."  Caitlin is a licensed clinical social worker and mental health therapist who aims to empower individuals to see beyond the stresses and struggles of modern life and feel more connected to what matters. Caitlin brings a down to earth approach to mental health, ditching the jargon and offering practical strategies alongside validation that this being human business is hard! Caitlin graduated from the University of Michigan in 2013 with her masters in social work and spent the early part of her career working in nonprofits, including work with children and families, unhoused youth, and with survivors of intimate partner violence. Currently, Caitlin works in private practice in the St. Louis area helping individuals with anxiety and overwhelm create more calm. Learn more about Caitlin at walkingeachotherhomewellness.com
Bill McDonald, CSP, OSHA Area Director, St. Louis will participate on our Panel to "Safety is Hot..." Bill has served with distinction as Area Director in St. Louis Area since 2001. Throughout his career with OSHA, Bill has been tasked to serve on many national and regional task forces and serve in numerous leadership positions Nationwide. He has earned many leadership honors locally, regionally and nationally to include the Department of Labor’s National Leadership Award. He has also been fortunate to see his office earn the Area Office of the Year on two separate occasions. Bill has also been recognized for his work in promoting private/public partnerships in the reduction of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities by the National Home Builders Association. Bill was privileged to serve in the US Air Force and has also earned the distinction of Certified Safety Professional (CSP ). Bill loves to hunt and fish as well as cheer on his favorite sports teams. He is proud husband and father to seven children and two grandchildren.

Jim McKay, Monarch FD will present “Cracking the Code: Life Safety Insights with Monarch Fire Protection District.”

domini.jpg

Domini Montgomery, Safety Director, Saint Louis Zoo will present Creating a Safety Lady: a no nonsense approach to formal and informal mentorship.” Domini Montgomery is the Director of Safety & Risk Management for the Saint Louis Zoo, where she’s been since June of 2015. In this role, she manages all aspects of the Safety & Risk Management Department, as well as the First Aid Station. Domini works with all departments on training and record keeping, compliance, and maintains written policies and procedures. She is passionate about creating safe and enjoyable experiences for everyone; she works with both staff and guests every day and is focused on keeping safety a top priority and ensuring everyone goes home no worse for wear than when they arrived. 

Domini has a background in biology, public health, and safety from which to draw experience, and has focused the last 9 years on guest and staff safety, disaster preparedness, biosecurity, and environmental health. 2020 brought with it new challenges for everyone, but an amazing Safety & Risk Management team and excellent dedication and commitment to safety across the organization meant that there was nothing that couldn’t be conquered!   

Dennis Pivin, Director of Health, Safety and Environmental, NASSCO will present “Confined Space Awareness” and “Safety Podcasting 101.” Mr. Pivin has over 25 years of professional experience in safety, health and environmental program development, implementation and management and is currently the Director of  Health, Safety and Environmental for NASSCO. He has a BS in Chemistry,a BS in Biology and is a  Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Health and Safety Technician (CHST), and a Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT) with the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. He currently serves as the Past-President of the St. Louis Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals, is a SME with NIOSH studying underground infrastructure safety, and is a member of the Science and Technology Task Group for the Styrene Information & Research Center. He is the winner of the NASTT Abbott Innovative Product & Services Awrad as well as the 2023 & 2024 Underground Infrastructure Award for Environmental Awareness.

Dave Ritter, President and Lead Consultant, Ritter Safety & Facility Support will present “Arc Flash & NFPA 70E Compliance vs. ACTUALLY Being Electrically Safe!” Dave Ritter is the President and Lead Consultant for Ritter Safety & Facility Support. He is an OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainer for General Industry with in-depth knowledge of NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. He performs electrical safety training and consulting services nationwide for some of the world’s most recognizable companies. His clients include major manufacturers, city, county, state and federal government entities, health care facilities, data centers, utilities, general contractors and electrical / mechanical contractors. Ritter Safety specializes in developing and successfully implementing Electrical Safety Programs through interactive classroom training and hands-on employee audits.

Wayne Schaw, Founder, Five 9s Consulting will present “Cybersecurity:  New Certifications.” Mr. Shaw started Five 9s Consulting after selling his Cloud Host Service business of 20 years to fulfill the growing demand for experienced I.T. management consultants and qualified cybersecurity professionals. Since starting Five 9s, Mr. Shaw and his team have been in high demand for speaking engagements, I.T. consulting services, and assisting the defense industrial base with the D.O.D. C.M.M.C. (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) requirements. Contact Mr. Shaw and Five 9s Consulting at wshaw@five9sconsulting.com or

www.five9sconsulting.com.

sheila.jpg

Sheila Schmidt, CSP, ARM, Safety & Risk Services Regional Manager, Missouri Employers Mutual will be on our panel “Safety is Hot…” Sheila Schmidt, CSP, ARM, is a safety risk services manager for Missouri Employers Mutual. Specializing in risk management, she has more than 17 years of experience working in insurance. She enjoys worker’s compensation the most. Education, construction, healthcare, transportation and manufacturing are among the industries she has consulted closely with in her career. Working alongside a diverse customer base, Sheila provides control strategies to include foremost, injury prevention, workplace safety and productivity, claims management best practices, safety program recommendations and employee and management training.

simons.png

Karl Simons, OBE, Co-Founder and Chief Futurist, FLYD will present “AI Safety Assessment.” Karl is the Chief Futurist at FYLD. He has over 30 years of employment experience, having worked internationally across all continents and in numerous safety critical industries including oil, gas, minerals, rail, roads, construction and utilities.

Karl is an Electrical & Mechanical Engineer, with a background in HM Armed Forces and having served in multiple conflicts. He holds a Post Graduate master’s degree in environmental management, safety & health; is a Chartered Occupational Safety & Health Practitioner; member of the Institute of Directors and a member of the Society of Leadership Fellows at Windsor Castle.

Karl’s advice is regularly sought by Government on mental health in business and is appointed as Adviser to the Cabinet Office Geospatial Commission, is a lecturer at the University of Cambridge. He also holds a position as Non-Executive Director on the Board of the global organisation ‘Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor’.

In 2020 Karl was awarded an OBE by HM Queen Elisabeth 2 for Services to Mental Health Policy and in 2019 was voted ‘The Most Influential Person in Health & Safety’ by the 600,000 global readers of SHP

Bo.jpg

Bo Solari, Shur Sales will present “Safe at Heights: Essential Fall Protection ABCs with Live Demo” and “SRL’s Unraveled:  Class 1 and Class 2 Differences.” Bowman Solari is from Sergeant Bluff, Iowa.  He spent 9-years in the military service in the Iowa Air National Guard and has traveled all over the world in that capacity.  Bo worked in customer service and as a sales rep before joining Shur-Sales in 2017. Taking care of customers is Bo’s passion and number one priority.  He is a hardworking individual and won’t stop until the job is done.  When Bo is not working, he enjoys watching sports and hanging out with friends and family.

Dan Stark, CIH, CSP, Assistant Director, Program Manager at Missouri Department of Labor Relations will be on our panel “Safety is Hot…” Daniel Stark is the Program Manager for the Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program within the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.  Before becoming Program Manager, Mr. Stark was an occupational safety and health consultant and supervisor for 15 years with the Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program.  He previously served as the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) coordinator within the Kansas Department of Labor.  Before being employed with the state of Kansas, Mr. Stark served as an Industrial Hygienist with the Nebraska Department of Labor.   He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Hygiene from the University of Central Missouri and is certified with the American Board of Industrial Hygiene as a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).

Kevin.jpg

Kevin Wilhite, MPT, DMT, CEAS, SSM Health Physical Therapy will present “Post Offer Employment Testing:  From Funny Handshakes to Awkward Waves, Managing Risk in Hiring.” Kevin Wilhite is a Physical Therapist for SSM Health Physical Therapy with 23 years of clinical experience.  He achieved board certification in orthopedic physical therapy and completed his Orthopedic Manual Therapy certification in October of 2011 and Residency/Doctorate in Manual Therapy in December of 2017.  Kevin specializes in treating injured workers, being able to provide the continuum of care from pre-employment testing, post-injury/post-surgical treatment, to work conditioning and FCE’s.

Kevin is the WorkStrategies Manager for SSM Health Physical Therapy and oversees all clinical aspects of care and quality related to the treatment of injured workers and programs for employers. His role is to help coordinate and implement training and education regarding the treatment of this specific population with the overall goal of controlling visit utilization while achieving return to work goals efficiently.

He earned a Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2001 and achieved Board certification in orthopedics through the APTA in 2011.

Post-graduate training includes: 

  • Spinal and Extremity mobilization and manipulation courses

  • Work Hardening and Work Conditioning coursework

  • FCE training, Job Analysis and Ergonomics training, POET test administration

  • WorkSTEPS and WorkWell certified for pre-employment testing

J. Bradley Young, Partner Harris Dowell Fisher & Young L.C.  will be presenting  “Let's Get into the WEED.” Brad has thirty years of experience in all aspects of workers compensation defense.  Mr. Young has spoken before corporate organizations and at in-house client seminars for many years, and frequently lectures for nationally known seminar companies on topics relating to workers' compensation claims, employer liability, and third-party administration of claims. 

He is a Top Contributor for multiple workers compensation LinkedIn Groups and is a regular columnist for both WorkersCompensation.com and InsuranceThoughtLeadership.com. 

Mr. Young is also an on-air legal analyst for local radio station KMOX, Television station KTVI Channel 2, and writes monthly articles for journals and magazines on a wide variety of legal topics.

bottom of page