05.07.2025
TRU stands for Teach, Review and Understand safety – this includes all aspects of safety including human trafficking, safety incidents, cyber security 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, April 25th
8:30AM BREAKFAST
KEYNOTE BREAKFAST
9:00AM - 10:00AM
INSPIRING A SAFER WORKPLACE
Brad Hurtig
Brad Hurtig is a motivational speaker known for his inspiring “Find a Way” story. Brad grew up in a small town in Ohio and was a standout high school athlete, excelling in football and baseball. However, his life took a dramatic turn after a devastating accident.
In the summer after his sophomore year of high school, Brad lost both of his hands in a workplace accident involving a mechanical press. Determined not to let this tragedy define him, Brad was committed to returning to the football field. With the support of his coach, who told him, “If you’re thirsty enough, you’ll find a way,” Brad adapted and learned how to play football again using specialized prosthetics.
By sharing his story, Brad helps organizations build a stronger, more motivated workforce, where employees are encouraged to approach challenges with determination and creativity. His message fosters a culture where setbacks are viewed as opportunities for growth, ultimately leading to increased productivity, innovation, and employee engagement.
We look forward to hearing from Brad and learning how his experiences can help us foster a more resilient, adaptable, and high-performing workplace.
SESSION #1
10:15AM - 11:15AM
Human Trafficking:
Prevention Through Connection
Professor Tracy McGinley & Dr. Lara Wilken
Bowling Green State University
Human trafficking affects all industries and communities, occurring in both rural and urban areas. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of human trafficking, helping participants understand its scope and how to identify the signs as a bystander. Attendees will gain valuable insights into applying an interpersonal approach to prevent both sex and labor trafficking and explore ways to empower survivors. Raising awareness and educating the public on this issue is essential, and your commitment to doing so is truly commendable.
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
Recognizing the Whole You
Michael Wilson | The Wellness Project
In today’s fast-paced work environment, it’s easy to forget that employees are more than just their job titles. Each person is also a parent, friend, caregiver, and individual with personal challenges and responsibilities. Practicing workplace mindfulness means recognizing and honoring the full scope of who you are, both inside and outside of work.
Sometimes, doing nothing is actually doing something — stepping back, taking a breath, and listening to your own mind and body can help you better understand your stress, process your emotions, and regain balance. When employees take intentional moments to pause and check in with themselves, they foster resilience, improve focus, and are better equipped to handle work challenges. Encouraging mindfulness in the workplace helps create a healthier, more compassionate work culture, where both productivity and well-being can thrive.
BIO | Michael is a compassionate and experienced therapist with six years of helping clients achieve their mental health goals. He believes that trust is essential to the healing process and approaches each session with genuine empathy and a sincere desire to connect. As the founder of The Wellness Project, Michael leads thought-provoking discussions that promote mental health awareness. The Wellness Project also features a mental health awareness podcast, providing a platform for open and meaningful conversations about mental well-being. His passion lies in bridging the gap between individuals and social change, fostering meaningful growth and understanding.
SESSION #2
1:15PM - 2:15PM
Drug Trafficking and
Workplace Concerns
Trevor Johnson
Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit
Drug trafficking presents significant risks to workplaces, affecting employee safety, productivity, and overall business operations. The presence of illegal drugs in communities often extends into the workforce, contributing to substance abuse issues, absenteeism, safety hazards, and higher healthcare costs. Industries like manufacturing, transportation, and construction are particularly at risk, where impaired employees can lead to accidents, injuries, and costly disruptions. This session will help attendees understand the link between drug trafficking and workplace issues, offering strategies to work with law enforcement, establish drug-free policies, and promote a safer work environment.
Grain Awareness Programming
LIVE DEMO
featuring Grain C.A.R.T.
(Comprehensive Agricultural Rescue Trailer)
The Comprehensive Agricultural Rescue Trailer (C.A.R.T.) is an advanced mobile training unit created by The Ohio State University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program to improve grain bin safety and rescue operations. The 40-foot trailer features a working grain bin, grain leg, and gravity flow grain wagon, offering a realistic, hands-on training environment. Through this demonstration, attendees will learn essential skills such as proper rescue techniques, how to prevent grain entrapments, and how to respond quickly and effectively in an emergency. The Grain C.A.R.T. plays a vital role in equipping first responders and agricultural workers with the knowledge and confidence needed to handle grain-related emergencies, strengthening safety in farming communities across Ohio.
SESSION #3
2:30PM - 3:30PM
LEAN/CI Strategies for a
Safer Workplace
Greg Bock, Plant Manager and Jon Ashton, CI Manager
U.S. Gypsum
LEAN Enterprise and Accelerated Navigation (LEAN) and Continuous Improvement (CI) are effective strategies used across manufacturing and various industries to enhance efficiency, minimize waste, and improve overall performance. LEAN focuses on streamlining processes and eliminating non-value-added activities, while CI encourages employees to continuously seek improvements. Together, they foster a culture of innovation, safety, and productivity. Attendees will learn how to apply LEAN and CI principles to identify inefficiencies, optimize resources, and drive continuous improvement in their workplace, ultimately enhancing product quality, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction.
Data Protection:
Proactive Cyber Tactics
Jillian Burner, Cybersecurity Advisor
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Cybersecurity is crucial in the workplace to protect sensitive data, maintain system integrity, and defend against cyber threats. Key cybersecurity practices involve implementing robust access controls, ongoing network monitoring, prompt incident response, and in-depth analysis of system activity to detect potential breaches. A solid cybersecurity strategy enables professionals to proactively address vulnerabilities, identify suspicious activity, and respond quickly to incidents, ensuring the protection of critical information and operational continuity. Attendees will learn effective strategies for strengthening cybersecurity, identifying risks, and implementing measures to protect their organization from evolving threats.
REGISTRATION
Opens Monday, March 24th. Deadline is Friday, April 25th.
