2025 session information will be available later this year. See below for the incredible lineup of sessions we had for the 2024 show.
Get registered by calling the NDSC office at 701-223-6372 or by stopping at the Bismarck Event Center for same-day registration.
PRE-CONFERENCE – MON, FEB 19 & TUES FEB 20
In-Person sessions only
PC01 – ASC Team Safety
$350 NDSC member, $450 non-member
Rick Halldorson, NDSC
8:00am-5:00pm, All Levels
Whether you call them safety committees, workforce committees, or safety teams, this course is designed for safety, health and management personnel responsible for putting these teams together, but who may lack experience in team building.
Learn how to build an effective safety team, or get the most from an established team. Course includes a self-assessment and interactive exercises, allowing participants to use newly learned concepts.
Topics covered include:
• How to use team safety concepts and techniques
• How to plan for and create an effective safety team
• How to identify training and development needs of team members
• How to organize and conduct meetings
WEDNESDAY – FRIDAY COURSES
In-Person and Virtual sessions
AKN – Wednesday Keynote – Breaking Through the Barriers
Johnny Quinn, Johnny Quinn Speaker, U.S. Olympian
8:00am-9:45am, All Levels
Breaking Through the Barriers explores the challenges and obstacles that can hold us back in life and work, and shows how to overcome them. This talk will cover the importance of resilience, determination, and a growth mindset in facing and conquering challenges, and will provide practical tools and techniques for developing these qualities. Through inspiring stories and expert insights, attendees will learn how to break through their own barriers and achieve their full potential. Whether you are looking to overcome personal or professional challenges, this speech is a must-see for anyone looking to break through to the next level.
THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• To understand the importance of resilience, determination, and a growth mindset in facing and conquering challenges.
• To learn practical tools and techniques for developing these qualities and applying them in real-world situations.
• To gain inspiration and expert insights for overcoming personal and professional barriers and achieving one’s full potential.
A01 – Think Like an Olympian
Johnny Quinn, Johnny Quinn Speaker, U.S. Olympian
11:00am-12:00pm, All Levels
Nothing happens without taking action. Ultra-performers are men and women who find a way to get the job done with current available resources. Johnny powerfully simplifies elite action steps he acquired in the Olympics and professional football to help everyone in your organization become an ultra-performer and win the marketplace.
A02 – Small Team Tactics Workshop
Chris Carlsen/Brad Warr, ROCO Rescue
11:00am-5:00pm, Basic
This hands-on session will put students together in small 3-5 person teams to solve increasingly complex rescue problems. The real-world struggle of low manpower rescue teams cannot always be solved with equipment and technique, but this workshop will give you a fighting chance. – 20 Students Max
A03 – Fall Protection: Protecting Workers at Heights Demonstration
Tyler Vujovich, 3M
11:00am-12:00pm, Basic-Intermediate
This session will focus on the importance of fall protection. It will provide an overview of fall protection standards, hazard recognition, a review of fall arrest systems available, and a live demonstration. Fall protection has topped the list of OSHA’s top ten violations for many years. Protecting workers at heights takes constant training.
A04 – Friend or Foe: How is your EHS Team viewed?
Christin Fine, The Energy & Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota
11:00am-12:00pm, Basic
The role of EHS professionals in an organization’s safety culture is critical in whether safety is a value or a hindrance. EHS professionals are not only charged with knowing the in’s and out’s of regulations, but also the education of employees, investigation of incidents for corrective actions, and evaluations of workspaces for compliance. The success of these interactions with employees in these manners will shape the relationship of an EHS Team and their employee base. The psychology behind branding in communications, audit reports, trainings and incident investigations will contribute to whether the EHS Team is viewed as an ally, which leads to success of a culture.
A05 – Seven Habits of Highly Effective Safety and Health Professionals
Jason Kunz, 3M
11:00am-12:00pm, All Levels
According to researchers at Duke University, habits account for at least 40 percent of our behaviors. Understanding how to build new habits (and refine your current ones) is essential for making progress in your health, relationships, levels of overall fulfillment, and life in general. As an emerging, established, or executive safety and health professional, the quality of your habits are in direct proportion to the quality of your leadership and the quality of your life. Our research shows the highest performing safety and health professionals have intentionally established habits that support their ability to lead, learn and grow, and create loyalty with the people around them. They’ve instilled and installed habits that enhance their leadership and their life. Join us for this engaging, informative session as we work to hand-deliver to your desktop or device, the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Safety and Health Professionals: following more than 200 interviews with some of the top-performing professionals and practitioners in our space. As we continue to vault forward out of the pandemic, consider that it takes just 66 days to create a habit, and most of us had a period of more than 20 months in which to do so. What habits have you created during this time that will serve you and the people you lead? If not refined, which habits will prove detrimental?
A06 – Mind and Body in Sync: Unraveling the Correlation Between Mental Health and Ergonomics in the Workplace
Kevin Lombardo, DORN Companies
11:00am-12:00pm, Intermediate
On the heels of the global disruption caused by a pandemic and its economic fallout, workforces in 2023 are facing heightened stress factors that compound injury risks and impact another key topic: employee mental health. Questions around mental health in the workplace have never been more prevalent, and the data reflects those growing concerns. According to the Harvard Business Review, 50% of surveyed workers reported leaving a job due to mental health-related issues as of 2021, compared with 34% in 2019. Some 76% reported experiencing at least one symptom of mental illness (up from 59 percent in 2019), with younger employees and those from historically underrepresented groups experiencing the highest rates. And while employers are increasing their investment in mental health support, there remains work to be done in exploring how mental health is connected to physical wellness.
A07 – Advances in Cooling Technologies for Addressing Heat Stress and Injuries in the Workplace
Mitchell Abrahamsen, Xena Cool
11:00am-12:00pm, Basic
Employees experiencing heat stress can diminish physical and mental performance greatly and can increase the chance for bodily harm or workplace incidents. The failure of employers to mitigate the effects of heat stress on workers causes preventable heat-related illness, injuries and compromised operational efficiencies costing the U.S. economy >$100 billion dollars annually. With new national guidelines being developed, effective solutions for addressing heat stress will be critical for maintaining a safe work environment. Different cooling technologies have been adapted for use in protective safety clothing each with its own pros and cons. in particular, the recent application of Phase Change Material (PCM) in wearable devices provides for a comfortable, and affordable approach to addressing heat stress, as well as addressing workplace injuries and employee rehab/PT programs.
A08 – Psychosocial Hazards – The Silent Killer
Shelly Meadows/Martin Franchi, Navigation Consulting & Training
11:00am-12:00pm, Intermediate-Advanced
Are unmitigated psychosocial hazards killing your organization…killing your productivity, your effectiveness, your bottom line, and ultimately your people? Join us as we explore why psychological health & safety needs to have parity with physical health & safety in the workplace, how to obtain leadership buy in, and participate in the discussion as we explore psychosocial hazards relevant to your organization on your path to success (based on CSA Z1003 & IOS 45003).
A09 – The Silent Enemy: A Closer Look at Welding Fume Hazards
Preston Johnson, OSHA
11:00am-12:00pm, Basic
In this session we will discuss the safety and health hazards involved with welding fumes. We will discuss what chemicals are in welding fumes that could cause serious health risks and the factors that mitigate and aggravate them.
A10 – WSI’s Ergonomic Grant Program…How Can It Help Your Company?
Randy Wegge, WSI
11:00am-12:00pm, Basic
This session will give an overview of WSI’s ergonomic grant program. Some of the topics that will be discussed include program eligibility, key components of the program, grant levels, and Q & A. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the program process and the benefits of participating.
A11 – NFPA 70e-The 101’s of the Standard
Kam Alipour, Cintas Corporation
11:00am-12:00pm, Basic-Intermediate
During this session you will learn the 101’s of NFPA 70E when it comes to PPE, Risk Assessments, clothing options and program types to help keep your employees safe when working on, around or near electrical hazards. Make sure you know the key changes in NFPA 70e over the past years and how that can impact your organization.
A12 – Repeat – Seven Habits of Highly Effective Safety and Health Professionals
Jason Kunz, 3M
1:30pm-2:30pm, All Levels
According to researchers at Duke University, habits account for at least 40 percent of our behaviors. Understanding how to build new habits (and refine your current ones) is essential for making progress in your health, relationships, levels of overall fulfillment, and life in general. As an emerging, established, or executive safety and health professional, the quality of your habits are in direct proportion to the quality of your leadership and the quality of your life. Our research shows the highest performing safety and health professionals have intentionally established habits that support their ability to lead, learn and grow, and create loyalty with the people around them. They’ve instilled and installed habits that enhance their leadership and their life. Join us for this engaging, informative session as we work to hand-deliver to your desktop or device, the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Safety and Health Professionals: following more than 200 interviews with some of the top-performing professionals and practitioners in our space. As we continue to vault forward out of the pandemic, consider that it takes just 66 days to create a habit, and most of us had a period of more than 20 months in which to do so. What habits have you created during this time that will serve you and the people you lead? If not refined, which habits will prove detrimental?
A13 – Trauma Post Suspension: A Patient Care Scenario
SIM ND
1:30pm-2:30pm, Basic
Participants in this interactive hands-on session will use female patient simulators to practice assessing and providing first aid to a patient following a fall and suspension. Techniques on management of injuries related to suspension shock trauma with a focus on hemodynamic factors will be covered. Course Max: 30
A14 – OSHA Insights: Navigating the Latest Regulatory Landscape
Scott Overson, OSHA
1:30pm-2:30pm, All Levels
Join us for an engaging and informative session that goes beyond the surface. Our “OSHA Insights” presentation offers an in-depth look at the latest rulemaking activities, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these developments impact businesses and industries.
In this dynamic update, you will:
• Dive deep into the regulatory changes that are currently being developed.
• Explore compliance strategies and best practices to proactively address evolving workplace safety requirements.
• Engage in discussions and Q&A sessions to clarify any doubts and ensure you leave with a roadmap for navigating the regulatory landscape.
Stay ahead of the curve and equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed to thrive in the world of OSHA regulations. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge and ensure your organization is well-prepared for the future.
A15 – Cannabis in ND? Drug Testing and Substance Abuse Prevention
Adele Abrams, Law Office of Adele L Abrams PC
1:30pm-5:00pm, All Levels
Marijuana is now legal for medicinal use in over 80% of the US and complicates post-incident drug testing policies. OSHA can cite under the GDC where employers allow impairment on the job, but also has policies on drug testing of injured workers, which can trigger citations. Some states
now require reimbursement for cannabis purchased to treat OTJ injuries, while other disqualify coverage when workers test positive. This program explains the latest legal and safety rules affecting drug testing programs, substance abuse prevention, and the interface of medical cannabis laws with state and federal ADA laws. The forecast for new laws after the November elections will be included. The session will also address states’ medical cannabis laws with protections for applicants and employees, and trends in impairment assessment technology. There will also be solutions or updating legacy programs.
A16 – Hydrogen Horizons: Preparing for the Next Energy Wave
Christin Fine, The Energy & Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota
1:30pm-2:30pm, Basic-Intermediate
Hydrogen is a rapidly growing field in the energy industry, but it also presents unique safety challenges. This presentation will outline the specific hazards of hydrogen and review hazard recognition techniques, controls, and best management practices for the prevention of incidents.
A17 – Back In Action – Prevention Strategies For Mechanical Back And Neck Pain
Yoav Suprun, www.DrYoav.com
1:30pm-5:00pm, All Levels
Got chronic pain? Stiff neck? Slow to transition from sitting to standing? Slouched over your keyboard on an all-day zoom meeting? Headaches? Back pain? Sciatica? In this fun and educational presentation Dr. Yoav will explain what mechanical pain is and provide strategies for prevention. He will provide an entertaining explanation of how the spine works, why certain structures might fail, and will present literature to show how pinched nerves could cause pain to radiate to seemingly unrelated locations.
He will guide you in specific movements and positions that are simple, but yet very effective in controlling back and neck pain. You will learn basic rules of body mechanics, ergonomics, how to sit properly, and when to stand and stretch in order to reduce pain whether working from the office or at home. Finally, you will be provided with strategies on aging without aching.
A18 – Workplace Stress – Is Resiliency Failing Us?
Shelly Meadows/Martin Franchi, Navigation Consulting & Training
1:30pm-2:30pm, Intermediate-Advanced
Workplace stress is unavoidable – at least some of it is. Your people are the barometer for the health of your organization’s environment; They are the canaries; Your workplace is the metaphorical coal mine. Are you listening to what your employees are saying (or not saying, but are showing) about workplace stress and how to best combat it? Or are you solely relying on their personal resilience to carry them through? Let’s chat about this important health & safety issue!
A19 – Evaluating or Prescreening your Contractor’s Safety Performance
Mark Miner, Consolidated Construction Company
1:30pm-2:30pm, Intermediate-Advanced
This program will provide a fresh viewpoint to the contractor evaluation process. The presenter will share multiple methods that are different from the “standard/typical” metrics often used to evaluate a contractor’s safety performance.
A20 – A View from the Top: Embracing “The Leadership Balcony”
Ryan Bouda, LEAP Training & Coaching
1:30pm-2:30pm, All Levels
Yes, Great Leaders Do That! They empower their teams, engage their workforce, and encourage each person’s contribution. When Leaders ask themselves: What would a Great Leader do or say right now, they access their creative, intelligent, and brilliant minds. This presentation delivers exceptional leadership principles to access The Leadership Balcony. The ability for leaders to become agile in interactions, handle the daily fires that occur, and be the leader needed in each situation is what takes our organizations to their next level of greatness. Through this presentation, your audience will receive key leadership tools and skills to become the effective leaders we need to be successful today.
A21 – Choices In Safety – What Does It Take?
Harlan Olson, WSI
1:30pm-2:30pm, All Levels
Attendees will gain an understanding of the significance of making the right choices whether on or off the job. They will discover first-hand what can happen when safety rules are ignored as well as the tremendous costs of such actions. Methods of incident prevention will be discussed.
A22 – From Silence to Success: Building a Culture of Psychological Safety
Ryan Bouda, LEAP Training & Coaching
3:30pm-5:00pm, All Levels
Did you know that only 3 in 10 people believe their opinion is valued at work? This presentation is designed to explore the fundamentals of psychological safety: speak up, listen up and follow up that cultivate an environment where people can be their fullest contribution. This presentation will introduce your audience to the importance of psychological safety in the workplace and the research that supports the need to cultivate it within your teams and organizations. This presentation was specially designed to provide research and knowledge paired with implementable techniques and interactive activities to practice the new skills. It’s time to support all employees in bringing their fullest self to work.
A23 – Trench Collapse with Traumatic Asphyxiation: A Patient Care Scenario
SIM ND
3:30pm-5:00pm, Basic
Participants in this interactive hands-on session will use female patient simulators to practice assessing and providing first aid to a patient who was recently rescued from a trench collapse. Topics will include scene safety, EMS activation, traumatic asphyxiation, spinal stabilization, fractures, crush syndrome, hypothermia, teamwork, and communication in an emergency environment. Course Max: 30
A24 – The Opioid Pandemic – Narcan in the Workplace
Cathy Palczewski, Heartview
3:30pm-5:00pm, All Levels
Discuss overview of the opioid pandemic nationally and locally, signs and symptoms of opioid use and overdose, legal requirements for Narcan in the workplace, it’s use and training requirements.
A25 – Lone Worker Safety in the Field: Who, What, and How?
Christin Fine, The Energy & Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota
3:30pm-5:00pm, Basic
Following a series of lone worker incidents, an audit of the hazards exposed to employees performing activities alone in the field was conducted. This audit led to the evaluation of 3 different styles of lone worker program management and eventually, the selection and rollout of a final lone worker management system. This presentation discusses the audit process, program selection, and the development and roll out process.
A26 – How Language Is Becoming a Powerful Disruption Force for Worker Safety
Teresa Devore, FactorLab
3:30pm-5:00pm, Intermediate-Advanced
At the heart of any transformative initiative lies an often underestimated element: a good daily planning conversation. Yet assessing the aspects of how effective leaders communicate & engage their teams has been difficult to pin down. Prepare to embark on an exciting journey alongside Teresa Devore, Director of Customer Experience at FactorLab to discover how organizations from across diverse industries are leveraging conversation data, using artificial intelligence (AI) & natural language processing (NLP) to analyze thousands of video pre-job conversations from their projects to transform their work practices, culture & also lower incidents.
Don’t miss this chance to learn how you can elevate the quality of your daily planning conversations and cultivate a robust work culture dedicated to forging a safer, more productive workplace!
A27 – Success is only a Record of the Past
Mark Miner, Consolidated Construction Company
3:30pm-5:00pm, All Levels
This presentation provides a real-life experience of the presenter during the construction of a $1.2 billion highway expansion. The presenter will share an insider’s view of the unique and innovative incident prevention efforts and successes. The program will also include two real life incidents that changed the presenter forever. Hence the title “Success is only a Record of the Past.”
A28 – Workers’ Compensation Fraud in North Dakota
Stacey Kautzman, WSI
3:30pm-5:00pm, Basic
This session will give you an overview of WSI’s Special Investigation Unit and explain the types of workers’ compensation investigations they conduct. This session will also highlight some successful fraud investigations.
A29 – Spark of Safety: Welding Hazard Awareness & PPE Mastery
Leland Vetter, Welding Inspection Services
3:30pm-5:00pm, All Levels
Welders and others can be exposed to a variety of hazards including heat, electrical shock, radiation, and sparks from the arc. Learn how to protect yourself and others by using the proper PPE and welding screens. This session will make you more aware and knowledgeable about safety in a very practical way. Be prepared for some fun and protect yourself and others.
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DISCOUNTS
Pre-Conference Member Discount
NDSC Members receive discounts on Pre-Conference courses. Just enter MEMBER24 in the discount code box and hit apply code at the beginning of your registration. This discount only applies to Pre-Conference courses.
Other Discounts
Early bird discount will automatically populate in your registration if you register before January 26, 2024. NDSC Member discount and the WSI Policy Holder discount will be asked towards the end of your registration. The discounts will only be applied after you answer yes to those questions.
Save almost $1,000 with a group discount for your company!
When you register 10 paid attendees, you’ll receive the 11th attendee completely FREE (equal or lesser value). This doesn’t include Pre-Conference courses. Just email ndsafetyconference@ndsc.org to register your group.
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Choose In-person, Virtual or Pre-Conference ONLY to be taken to our official registration site. Don’t forget to add on Pre-Conference courses to your in-person or virtual registration, just click “yes” to add on the Pre-Conference courses during your registration.