05.06.2026
TRU stands for Teach, Review and Understand safety – this includes all aspects of safety including including personal safety, workplace incidents, cybersecurity, and more. The purpose of this conference is to provide our safety council members, as well as area employees and surrounding communities, with valuable information that addresses accident prevention in the workplace and raises awareness among employees for a healthier safety culture.
Cost | $40.00
$10.00 for Ottawa County Safety Council members
Location | Catawba Island Club
Registration Deadline | Friday, May 1st
THANK YOU SPONSORS
8:30AM BREAKFAST
KEYNOTE BREAKFAST
9:00AM - 10:00AM
PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY AT WORK
Ruth M. Bowdish
MSPsy, LICDC, CEAP, SAP
Ruth is an author, public speaker, life coach, mother of two, and an advocate for personal empowerment – for all ages. Ruth has spent her education and career helping others become emotionally aware and has given them the tools they need to overcome personal obstacles. She is currently the Managing Director for On Demand Occupational Medicine. She has over two decades of leadership experience and over a decade of experience working within the Occupational Health and Safety Industry. She received her master’s degree in psychology in 2020 and made the switch from individual counseling to public speaking and consulting.
Psychological safety plays a vital role in preventing injuries, near misses, and costly errors. When employees feel comfortable speaking up, taking a moment to reset, and sharing concerns, potential issues can be addressed early—before they lead to regret. Ruth is a recognized expert in her field, having devoted her education and career to advancing safe, healthy workplaces while supporting both organizational success and individual growth. Her dedication to continuous learning has established her as a respected leader across industries and a champion for personal empowerment.
We look forward to hearing from Ruth and gaining insight into how organizations can strengthen workplace safety by fostering psychological safety, encouraging open communication, and creating environments where concerns are addressed proactively.
SESSION #1
10:15AM - 11:15AM
Workplace
Illness Prevention
Jerry Bingham & Morgan Garringer
Ottawa County Health Department
Staying healthy is a shared responsibility, especially during peak illness seasons. As seen during this past flu season and through lessons learned from COVID-19, even small actions—like handwashing, staying home when sick, and being mindful of others—can have a significant impact. By taking a proactive approach to prevention, organizations can help maintain a safe, productive environment. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how everyday habits help prevent the spread of illness, along with practical strategies to stay healthy at work and at home.
The Hidden Lessons in
Safety Incidents
Todd Jensen
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
What safety incidents teach us – Explore how safety incident reports go beyond mere compliance. This session delves into the deeper insights that can be gained from incident investigations and how they can be used to drive real change. Learn strategies for transforming incident data into actionable improvements, fostering a proactive safety culture, and enhancing organizational resilience. Discover the true potential of incident reporting and how it can be a powerful tool for continuous learning and development. Fall protection measures, inspections, serious violations.
11:30AM LUNCH
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
12:00PM - 1:00PM
The Aging Workforce
Dr. Gary Allread | Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation
Today’s workforce is aging at a rapid pace, with a growing percentage of employees working later into their careers than ever before. Driven by longer life expectancy, evolving retirement trends, and the need for experienced talent, many industries are seeing a shift toward older, more seasoned workers making up a significant portion of their workforce.
While this brings valuable knowledge, reliability, and skill, it also introduces important considerations related to physical changes, injury risk, and workplace design. Understanding these shifts is critical for employers looking to maintain productivity, reduce costs, and support employee well-being.
Key concerns include musculoskeletal stress, fatigue, and extended recovery times, making it essential to understand practical strategies for adapting work environments, tasks, and policies. Attendees will gain valuable insight into how ergonomics, training, and proactive planning can support employee retention, reduce injuries, and foster a safer, more inclusive, and resilient workforce.
SESSION #2
1:15PM - 2:15PM
HR Like A Boss
John Bernatovicz
Willory LLC
Strong organizations are built on HR leaders who take ownership and lead with passion — because their influence shapes culture, drives engagement, and impacts every level of the organization. When HR operates with a strong sense of ownership, it moves beyond administrative functions to become a strategic force that guides decision-making, supports leadership, and empowers employees. Passion fuels connection, builds trust, and inspires people to perform at their best, ultimately creating a workplace where individuals feel valued and aligned with the organization’s goals. Attendees will learn to view HR as a strategic driver of success and gain tools to implement the HR Like a Boss framework, strengthening skills to lead with confidence and create lasting impact.
Distracted Driving in
High-Traffic Communities
TBD
Small communities often experience a significant increase in traffic during peak tourism seasons, bringing unfamiliar drivers, congestion, and changing road conditions. These factors can heighten the risk of distracted driving—whether from mobile devices, navigation systems, or simply the added stress of busy roadways. This topic emphasizes the importance of staying alert, recognizing common distractions, and understanding how even a moment of inattention can lead to serious consequences. Learn practical strategies to reduce distractions, improve awareness, and promote safer driving habits—helping protect both residents and visitors on the road.
SESSION #3
2:30PM - 3:30PM
Water Safety:
Rescue, Response & Readiness
INTERACTIVE
U.S. Coast Guard
Lake Erie is one of the most active and dynamic waterways in the Great Lakes region, supporting everything from commercial traffic to recreational boating and fishing. With changing weather conditions, heavy seasonal use, and unique navigation challenges, water safety is essential for protecting both residents and visitors. Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to tour a U.S. Coast Guard vessel and see firsthand the equipment and operations used to respond to emergencies on Lake Erie.
Personal Wellness:
Self-Care
Steven M. Click
Ohio Department of Public Safety
First responders commit their lives to serving others, often at the expense of their own well-being. Prioritizing self-care is essential, as personal wellness directly influences the ability to perform effectively both on and off the job. Understanding practical strategies to manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain balance is key to sustaining a long and healthy career—allowing first responders to serve with strength, clarity, and purpose while supporting their agencies and communities. Participants will explore why self-care is essential for long-term resilience, job performance, and overall health.
CONFERENCE CONCLUDES
3:30PM
DOOR PRIZE DRAWING
The event will conclude with a brief closing and final remarks. As a thank you for attending and engaging in the TRU Safety Conference, attendees will have the opportunity to win 3 door prizes.
Attendees must be present for a chance to win.
REGISTRATION
Opens Monday, March 30th. Deadline is Friday, May 1st.
Use Zeffy Discount Code TRU2026 at checkout.
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