Title:  COVID-19 November 2020 OSHA update
Price: Free
Platform: WebEx webinar
When: Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Presented by: Adele L. Abrams, Esq., CMSP
Law Office of Adele L. Abrams PC

Federal OSHA’s revised enforcement position, best practices when addressing COVID-19 in the Workplace, and Return to Work considerations, including:

  • Recent OSHA changes in reporting/recording obligations, and use of the General Duty Clause and other rules for COVID in the workplace
  • CDC/NIOSH guidance and the practical and legal impact, including for COVID-exposed workers in critical infrastructure and essential services
  • State specific standards: the latest on emergency standards from Virginia, California, Michigan and Oregon

Advancements and Limitations of Current PPE on the Market
George Stallings, CPMR
VP Sales, Sales Solutions Inc

George Stallings will discuss advancements and limitations of current Personal Protective Equipment on the market.    He will provide assistance in learning to read and understand the instructions of the equipment and how it is to be used.   He  will focus on Fall Protection, Head Protection, Respiratory Protection, and Hand Protection.

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT VISIBILITY

Presented by: Henry Alfred, Occupational Health and Safety Manager at the Maryland Department of Transportation/State Highway Administration
June 24th, 2020 9:00 am 

Henry Alfred will discuss the risks of fatal and serious injuries while working in and around street/highway construction jobsites. In addition to the risk of injury from passing motor vehicle traffic outside the work zone, there is an equally hazardous risk of injury from movement of construction vehicles and equipment within the work zone.
Henry Alfred is the Occupational Health and Safety Manager at the Maryland Department of Transportation/State Highway Administration. Henry and his team are responsible for the safety oversight of some 300 highway construction jobs. He is an authorized OSHA 1926 and 1910 instructor. He has more than 30 years in the safety profession field and is certified in several disciplines of safety. He is certified as a Safety Specialist and Safety Director by the World Safety Organization and has achieved National Safety Council’s Advanced Safety Certificate.

SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS ARE AMONG THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF INJURY IN AND OUT OF THE WORKPLACE, RESULTING IN MORE FATALITIES THAN  ALL OTHER CAUSES EXCEPT MOTOR VEHICLE INCIDENTS!

Presented by: Tom Meighen, CPCU, ARM, Director of Risk Management, Chesapeake Region Safety Council | June 17th, 2020, 9am

Elevated Falls are typically more severe, often resulting in fractured bones and sometimes death. More than half of elevated falls are of less than 10 feet.

Same-level Falls result most often with sprain/strain to the back, hips, legs and wrists. With some exceptions, like falling out of a chair, same-level falls can be categorized as slip or trip.

Slips happen where there is too little friction or traction between the foot/shoe and the walking surface.

Trips happen when your foot/leg collides with an object causing you to lose balance.

This Program will Provide a Fast Paced Review of the OSHA Walking-Working Surfaces Standard that will address:

  • Current Fall-Related Statistics
  • Hazard Identification
  • Highlights of Specific Standard References
  • Requirements to Have Fall Protection
  • Employer Responsibilities
  • Interactive Opportunities – beyond questions and answers

And much more

Zero Deaths Maryland – A review of Maryland’s Highway Safety efforts and roadmap for the future.
Driver Safety Programs and Resources for employers and individuals will also be discussed.
Timothy J. Kerns, PhD | Director, Maryland Highway Safety Office
June 10th, 2020, 9am

Prior to becoming Director of Maryland’s Highway Safety Office in December, Timothy (Tim) Kerns spent 29 years at the University of Maryland’s National Study Center for Trauma and EMS. While there, he helped to develop and monitor Maryland’s Occupant Protection Survey and served as program manager for the development of the State’s Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) and project coordinator for the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN). He has served on a variety of highway safety program assessments covering areas such as traffic records, occupant protection, and pedestrian/bicycle safety.

The MDOT MVA’s Highway Safety Office is responsible for administering highway safety grant funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and for coordinating a comprehensive network of highway safety programs on behalf of the State. The Director of the MHSO serves as Maryland‘s Highway Safety Coordinator. During the coming months, Maryland will be developing the 2021-2025 Strategic Highway Safety Plan, which provides a comprehensive framework for reducing highway fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. Participants in this webinar will learn about Maryland’s commitment to reducing fatalities and injuries on Maryland’s roadways as well as several initiatives that are currently underway.

FIRE –  LIFE AND ROADWAY SAFETY
CAPT. SCOTT EBBERT AND FIRE LT. TRAVIS FRANCIS
JUNE 3, 2020 @ 9AM

Baltimore County Fire Capt. Scott Ebbert (Safety Division) and Fire Lt. Travis Francis (Fire Marshal’s Office) will share their expertise related to fire codes in the workplace and roadway safety in this hour-long webinar. Fire Lt. Travis Francis will present information pertaining to the various aspects of the fire code inspection process including: Pre-Construction, Construction,  Use & Occupancy,  Annual Inspections and Common Violations  Captain Ebbert will cover information to promote better understanding and preparation for motorists that are involved in an accident/emergency, approaching an emergency scene.    Fire Department/EMS roadway operations will also be discussed, along with the 2020 FireFighter Safety Stand Down.  There will be time reserved for questions.

A Message from the Chesapeake Region Safety Council

Workplace safety has always been essential to our personal and professional success. The Chesapeake Region Safety Council has been providing training and education on the essential subject of safety since 1923.

COVID-19 is a hazard, challenging the traditional method of classroom training. Our staff of seasoned safety professionals have analyzed the hazard, developed an understanding of how it is transferred and formulated two safe methods of providing training. We are now offering two options virtual instructor led training (VILT) through the use of computer based interaction and modified traditional classroom training.

Option 1 Virtual Instructor Led Training(VILT) is delivered in real time using a web-based computer platform. Students and the instructor attend class, ask questions, complete exercises, and activities in real time without traveling to a fixed classroom location. Eliminating in person interaction.

Option 2 is modified traditional classroom training. Our in-house safety professionals have reviewed individual activities associated with classroom training. We developed a hazard analysis incorporating action steps to include medical grade HEPA filtration equipment, frequent and periodic cleaning activities, readily available hand sanitation stations, student self-assessments, reduced class attendees for social distancing, face coverings, posted signage, pre-class safety brief and more.

We want to offer the best option for you to acquire your essential safety training while meeting your need for an acceptable level of risk. Educating people to properly address hazards is not only what we do, we practice it too. Safety is essential for your success I look forward to seeing you in an online platform or in person.

David Madaras, CSP, CHST
President, Chesapeake Region Safety Council

A Message from the Chesapeake Region Safety Council

At the Chesapeake Region Safety Council our number one concern has always been for the safety and health of our members and all those they serve. We know this is a difficult time for everyone and it has certainly been a challenge for us as well. We are very honored, though, that even with these new challenges we continue to find ways to serve the public and to help protect workers in our region and beyond.
As you might know, we were able to launch a robust schedule of Virtual Instructor-Led courses that have already proven successful and valued by those in attendance.
We are also now able to say we are prepared to welcome you back to our instructor-led classes at various locations around the region. As any safety professional would, we have conducted a Job Safety Analysis to be sure we are able to offer appropriate protections for our staff, instructors, and students. All in-person courses will be conducted with physical (social) distancing layouts, increased sanitation of all surfaces, posted signage with direction and guidance for those in the building, and many other thoughtful actions intended to protect the well-being of all!
We are also honored to say we have the resources to continue conducting on-site training at client locations when these safety precautions can be provided and we are certainly available to deliver Virtual Instructor-Led training to clients on a contract basis. We are eager to be of service to you and confident that we will emerge from these challenging times with greater appreciation for the work we all do and the ways we all come together to protect one another.

AGING AND MEDICALLY AT-RISK DRIVERS IN THE WORKPLACE: INSIGHT & RESOURCES

Presented by: Gina C. Pervall, MD and Nanette M. Schieke
Date:  May 27th, 2020
Time:  9:00 am

Employers can play an integral role in recognizing medical conditions that may affect driving safety.  These medical conditions may be particularly apparent with older adults because as age increases, aging drivers experience a multitude of challenges on the road.  The issue is not about being older, but the physical and cognitive issues with aging that impact safe driving. Couple that with the increasing number of older drivers, and it follows that there will be an increased need for consideration of this issue. This webinar will focus on the physical and cognitive effects of aging, their relationship to driving, and MDOT MVA’s process regarding medical fitness to drive.  Discussion will also focus on identifying medically at-risk drivers, effective interaction with older drivers, and how to take proper and appropriate actions when necessary.

Gina C. Pervall, MD is board certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Pervall has over 25 years of clinical experience and is a medical expert in the field of transportation.  She is currently Chief of the Medical Advisory Board for the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA).  Dr. Pervall also serves as Chairperson for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Medical Review Board.  Her leadership in these positions has been instrumental in developing guidelines and regulations adopted by both MDOT MVA and FMCSA for medical fitness-to-drive and certification of both commercial and non-commercial drivers.

Nanette M. Schieke holds an undergraduate degree in pre-law and a Masters’ Degree in Public Administration and has served in management roles in state and local government over 28 years.  Ms. Schieke manages the State’s older & medically at-risk driver safety program for Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration and has been successful in spearheading major projects, including statewide symposiums and regional trainings to educate and provide practical solutions to Maryland drivers and professionals.  Nanette serves as a subject matter expert on aging driver safety both locally and nationally – working through many groups, including as Co-founder of the Aging Road User Program Interstate Collaboration.  In addition, Ms. Schieke serves as lead staff for the Maryland Connected & Automated Vehicles Working Group and plays a primary role in managing the inclusive collaboration with external partners and coordination of all business units under MDOT to identify opportunities for the State and be responsive to this emerging technology.

TRENCHING & EXCAVATION SAFETY

Presented by:  Tom Thorsen, Regional Supervisor at State of Maryland/Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH)
Date:  May 20th, 2020
Time:  9:00 am – 10:00 am

Tom Thorsen has more than 20 years with Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) as a Regional Compliance Safety Supervisor.  He began his professional career in the Nuclear power industry. For 16 years, he traveled across the nation to various nuclear power plants as a Radiation Safety Technician. He spent three years at Aberdeen Proving Grounds doing environmental remediation on three projects that required the exploration, removal and disposal of unexploded ordinances and radioactive materials. During Tom’s tenure with MOSH, he has performed many functions, which include fatality/accident inspections and training.

A virtual presentation will be given on OSHA’s National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Trenching and Excavation policies and procedures to identify and reduce hazards which are causing serious injuries and fatalities during trenching and excavation operations. This session provides a discussion of the MOSH regulations for excavation safety, including general excavation requirements for underground installations and requirements for protective systems. In light of the recent resurgent number of trenching/excavation fatalities and serious injuries, OSHA has determined that these worksites continue to warrant an increased enforcement presence.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY: A COMMONSENSE APPROACH

Presented by: Katherine Cavanaugh
Wednesday May 13th
2:30 – 3:30 pm

Katherine Cavanaugh is the manager for occupational safety and health and loss control in the department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability and Risk at the University of Maryland. She has over 18 years of experience investigating indoor air quality concerns, including extensive knowledge in controlling and responding to water intrusion and subsequent mold growth. While Ms. Cavanaugh appreciates the beauty of mold in the world of microscopy, her goal is to assist facilities in preventing its growth on building materials.

Are there weird smells in the office, flare-ups of allergy symptoms, or visible mold on walls? Do you have questions on how to clean work areas for employees returning after COVID-19 quarantine and or suitability of employee’s masks? This session will give you an overview on conducting Indoor Air Quality surveys, common equipment used to conduct them, and provide several case studies with lessons learned.

OSHA/MSHA REQUIREMENTS AND BEST PRACTICES WHEN ADDRESSING COVID-19 IN THE WORKPLACE

Presented by: Adele Abrams

This webinar will provide the latest information on OSHA/MSHA requirements and best practices when addressing COVID-19 in workplace settings for essential industries and services that must remain operational or are preparing for reopening. The program will address OSHA’s revised enforcement guidance, whistleblower and reporting issues, and how they interface with workers comp and tort claims that may accompany COVID claims arising from work activities. The status of OSHA’s infectious disease rulemaking, and expansion of its scope, will be covered as well as unique OSHA/CDC guidance for high risk industries. Related Issues such as contractors and temporary workers, and EEOC implications will be addressed.

DISTRACTED DRIVING:
5 SECONDS CAN CHANGE A LIFE

Presented by: Jennifer Weaver

Jennifer Weaver was a guest speaker at Chesapeake Region Safety Council’s 2019 Annual Conference at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. Following that event, we had many requests for follow up presentations by organizations looking for a safety day message.  That demand exceeded her ability to present as she works full time, so we have brought her back to share her story again in a virtual webinar format! Feel free to share this exceptional educational opportunity with coworkers and friends.  A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

Jenny Weaver will recount how a five-second behavior and the following outcomes changed many people’s lives forever.  Although she has no recollection of the crash due to a head injury, law enforcement’s accident reconstruction efforts concluded that she was looking down at her phone when she failed to see a car stopped in front of her.

Through the sharing of a personal story, Jennifer discusses statistics, laws, consequences, and alternatives to cell phone use when operating a vehicle.   This presentation will influence many people to change what they presently consider an acceptable risk while driving.

RECOGNIZING, PREVENTING AND RESPONDING TO VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE

Presented by: Matthew Doherty
Wednesday April 22, 2020
9am-10:15am
As the Senior Vice President leading the Threat + Violence Risk Management practice at Hillard Heintze, a Jensen Hughes company, and the retired U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge of the National Threat Assessment Center, Matthew Doherty is a nationally recognized workplace violence prevention and program development expert. Credited with saving lives by intervening on domestic abuse, terminations, severe mental illness and other critical situations in today’s workforce, Matthew advises federal agencies and private-sector organizations by gathering and assessing information about persons or groups who may have the interest, motive, intention and capability of violence.
He has conducted training on threat assessment and targeted violence prevention for law enforcement personnel, schools and Fortune 500 companies. Featured in numerous magazines, newspapers and news media for his insights on insider threats, assassinations and school shootings, Matthew is a sought-after speaker and interview subject on targeted violence incidents and prevention efforts. He is a member of ASIS International, the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP), and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

COVID-19: OSHA, MSHA & HR Considerations

Wednesday April 8, 2020 at 9am-10:30am

Presented By: Adele L. Abrams, Esq., CMSP Law Office of Adele L. Abrams Questions: [email protected]