Safety Summit

9:15-10 a.m.

Presented by Allison Wright, Partner at Pappas Wright P.C.

Allison K. Wright is a partner and shareholder at the law firm of Pappas Wright, P.C. located in the Quad Cities. Pappas Wright, P.C. is a boutique management labor and employment firm representing both public and private sector clients on the wide variety of issues facing companies today. Allison has extensive experience representing clients with regards to employment issues, workplace investigations, employee discipline, state and federal compliance, wage and hour issues, discrimination and harassment defense, collective bargaining, grievances and other union issues, ADA, FMLA, Title VII and OSHA compliance, handbook and employee policy drafting, drafting of contracts and day-to-day counseling with corporate executives, boards and governing bodies, risk management leaders, human resources personnel and supervisors on various matters. Allison is dedicated to counseling her clients proactively to ensure they take appropriate measures to maintain compliance with state and federal laws and regulations and stands ready to defend employers when they face lawsuits or other claims. As a native of the Quad Cities, she and her husband Jeff care deeply about the Quad Cities community and are devoted to serving clients on both sides of the Mississippi in both Iowa and Illinois.

10:05-10:50 a.m.

Presented by Sgt. Jon DeLoose and Sgt. Pat Clapper, Black Hawk College Police Department

In many instances, the safety topics that are the least enjoyable to cover are the ones that are most important. No one wants to think they will find themselves in a situation where their life is at risk, but going through training reduces the amount of decision-making time needed in an emergency.

Now, more than ever, we are seeing regular reminders of the importance of active shooter training, for ourselves, our colleagues and our loved ones, and why it is smart to be prepared for a worst-case scenario.

Sgt. DeLoose has 28 years of law enforcement experience and is a retired lieutenant from the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office. He was a school resource officer, an emergency services team leader and a field training officer. Sgt. Clapper has 32 years of law enforcement experience and is a retired sergeant from the Kewanee Police Department. He was a school district safety officer, emergency response team member, field training officer and an undercover narcotics officer.

11-11:30 a.m.

Presented by Dan Nelson, DANOZ Safety

Safety audits can benefit everyone. Dan will go over how he conducts safety audits along with explaining why they are important to your business and how often they should be done. He’ll provide examples of common violations he finds that often have inexpensive solutions.

Dan Nelson is the C.E.O. of Danoz Safety, and has been involved in safety training for over 40 years. Dan’s past experience includes being a Union Safety Coordinator for the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers (now the USW), leading a 62-person Emergency Response Team, and leading an AART-response team in multiple countries. Currently Dan is an Emergency Instructor at the University of Illinois, along with teaching emergency response at 7 colleges and teaching classes in 12 states.

12:45-1:30 p.m.

Presented by Darrin Ausman, Area Market Development Manager, Athletico

We will take a look at onsite, near site and virtual solutions to reduce the time from reporting discomfort to active engagement with OSHA first aid strategies to offer a wide variety of options to fit each employer’s needs.  We will go over solutions along with ROI case studies showing real scenarios in industry.

Darrin Ausman is the Area Business Development Manager for Athletico covering IA, SD and NE. Darrin has over 25 years experience as a hand therapist working in industry to design, implement and manage wellness services with an emphasis on work related injuries and prevention. Darrin graduated from Wartburg College in 1987 with a B.A. in Biology. He received his B.S. in Occupational Therapy from Washington University followed by an M.B.A. from St. Louis University in 1995.

In addition to his business development role, Darrin continues to work as a clinician holding advanced certifications in hand therapy, functional capacity training and ergonomics.

1:35-3 p.m.

Presented by Brian Bothast, Safety & Occupational Health Specialist, U.S. Dept of Labor / OSHA

Insight into OSHA’s National and Regional Emphasis Programs including the new focus on falls, heat and warehousing. Brian will clarify OSHA’s new reporting requirements and share where OSHA is focused in 2024. Bring your questions for the open Q&A portion.

Brian Bothast is a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in Peoria, Illinois. He has worked for Caterpillar in the Environmental, Health, and Safety Department and as an Industrial Hygienist with OSHA. He is a 1988 graduate of Illinois State University with a B.S. in Environmental Health.

3-3:15 p.m.

Julie Gelaude