MAY 29, 2025
ORLANDO • FLORIDA
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Title Sponsor
Thanks again to all of our amazing sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and volunteers for helping to make our first ever Safety Champions Conference a huge success.
Program Sponsors
Conference Sponsors
ABC helps members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably and for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
ABC takes great pride in enhancing the community through our collaborative efforts with the following partners:
ALL-DAY TRAINING
The American Addiction Centers reports that construction workers are seven times more likely to die of an opioid overdose than workers in other industries
At Safety Champions 2025 , training in the use of NARCAN Nasal Spray will be available throughout the day in Kings Point room upstairs
PROGRAM
REGISTRATION + BREAKFAST
Thank you to our sponsors:
8:35 AM WELCOME, KEYNOTE
7:30 AM 9:15 AM
ASCENSION HALLWAY
STRESSED TO STRATEGIC: THE HUMAN SIDE OF SAFETY
EMILY ELROD, WORKZBE
BREAK & VENDOR SHOWCASE
Thank you to our sponsors:
10:00 AM BREAKOUT SESSIONS
PERSONALIZING SAFETY: MEASURING THROUGH LEADING INDICATORS
ASCENSION BALLROOM
ASCENSION HALLWAY & LIVINGSTON A
11:00 AM
11:15 AM
LIVINGSTON B
CHRISTIAN DEATER, THE AMPHIBIOUS GROUP
LESSONS LEARNED: FUTURE OF MEASURING SAFETY
MATT LAW + DR LOUSHINE WINDWARD
OSHA 2025: KEY UPDATES AND INSIDER’S GUIDE TO SURVIVING INSPECTIONS
TRENT COTNEY, ADAMS & REESE, LLP AMELIA
FOCUSING ON SAFETY & INNOVATION TO DRIVE PRODUCTIVITY
MARK RAMOS, DEWALT ORANGE
BREAK & VENDOR SHOWCASE
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
THE REALITY OF AI FOR CONSTRUCTION
ROB MCKINNEY, THE CONAPP GURU
COACHING & MENTORING YOUR WAY TO SAFETY
ASCENSION HALLWAY & LIVINGSTON A
LIVINGSTON B
JORGE TORRES, THE BILINGUAL SAFETY GUY WINDWARD
DRONE SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION
MAURICE CLARKE, HENSEL PHELPS AMELIA
DESIGNING EFFECTIVE TRAINING PROGRAMS
SHANNON DENNIS, SAFETY CONSULTANTS USA
12:00 PM LUNCH + INDUSTRY AWARDS
Thank you to our sponsors:
2:15 PM BREAK & VENDOR SHOWCASE
Thank you to our sponsors:
2:45 PM BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION OF HEALTH & SAFETY GREG SIZEMORE, ABC NATIONAL
ASCENSION HALLWAY & LIVINGSTON A
3:30 PM CHEERS TO SAFETY! INDUSTRY MIXER ASCENSION HALLWAY
Thank you to our sponsors:
Thank you to our Program sponsors:
Thank you to our Badge sponsor:
Exhibitor Passport: Visit all exhibitor booths in the Ascension Hallway, as well as the Milwaukee Tool Shed (Livingston A), the Narcan Training Center (Kingspoint), and our Community Resource Hub (Brooklyn).
PROGRAM
REGISTRATION + BREAKFAST
Thank you to our sponsors:
8:35 AM WELCOME, KEYNOTE
7:30 AM 9:15 AM
ASCENSION HALLWAY
STRESSED TO STRATEGIC: THE HUMAN SIDE OF SAFETY EMILY ELROD, WORKZBE
BREAK & VENDOR SHOWCASE
ASCENSION BALLROOM
ASCENSION HALLWAY & LIVINGSTON A
Thank you to our sponsors:
10:00 AM BREAKOUT SESSIONS
PERSONALIZING SAFETY: MEASURING THROUGH LEADING INDICATORS
CHRISTIAN DEATER, THE AMPHIBIOUS GROUP
LIVINGSTON B
LESSONS LEARNED: FUTURE OF MEASURING SAFETY MATT LAW + DR LOUSHINE WINDWARD
OSHA 2025: KEY UPDATES AND INSIDER’S GUIDE TO SURVIVING INSPECTIONS
TRENT COTNEY, ADAMS & REESE, LLP AMELIA
FOCUSING ON SAFETY & INNOVATION TO DRIVE PRODUCTIVITY MARK RAMOS, DEWALT ORANGE
BREAK & VENDOR SHOWCASE 11:00 AM
11:15 AM
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
THE REALITY OF AI FOR CONSTRUCTION ROB MCKINNEY, THE CONAPP GURU
LIVINGSTON B
COACHING & MENTORING YOUR WAY TO SAFETY JORGE TORRES, THE BILINGUAL SAFETY GUY WINDWARD
ASCENSION HALLWAY & LIVINGSTON A AMELIA
DESIGNING EFFECTIVE TRAINING PROGRAMS SHANNON DENNIS, SAFETY CONSULTANTS USA ORANGE
12:00 PM LUNCH + INDUSTRY AWARDS
Thank you to our sponsors:
2:15 PM BREAK & VENDOR SHOWCASE
Thank you to our sponsors:
2:45 PM BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION OF HEALTH & SAFETY GREG SIZEMORE, ABC NATIONAL
3:30 PM CHEERS TO SAFETY! INDUSTRY MIXER
Thank you to our sponsors:
ASCENSION BALLROOM
ASCENSION HALLWAY & LIVINGSTON A
ASCENSION BALLROOM
ASCENSION HALLWAY
THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTERS
Hard Hats, Soft Hearts: Building a Culture of Conversations
Keynote Speaker
The glaring gap between injury rates and suicide rates demands urgent action: mental health must be central to workplace safety. Shattering the stigma around mental health is vital for sparking these much-needed on-site dialogues. Understanding complex factors can dismantle barriers. Addressing mental health openly creates a safer, supportive environment for all.
Presented By
Emily Elrod, MHS, Founder and Lead Consultant at Workzbe
Emily is a human engineering expert and public speaker with over ten years of experience in enhancing human performance in corporate, sports, and manufacturing settings. She is known for her WISE (Well, Intelligent, Safe, Empowered) strategies that improve team dynamics and individual well-being. Emily is also a WELCOA Top 10 Wellness Practitioner and leads the Greater Chattanooga Wellness & Safety Coalition.
Drone Safety In Construction
This presentation aims to highlight the widespread use of drones on construction sites over the past decade due to their value in marketing & aerial photography, mapping, and inspections. It emphasizes the importance of understanding safety factors, including pilot responsibilities, equipment, and organizational procedures, to help prevent accidents and ensure safe drone operations.
Maurice Clarke, Senior Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) Manager for Hensel Phelps’ Southeast Region.
Maurice has a 19-year career integrating VDC technology into design and field operations and shares management of Hensel Phelps’ small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (sUAS) program. As a drone operator for 8 years, he has completed over 87 hours of flight operations, both day and night, in controlled airspace, supporting clients in Aviation, Government, Hospitality, and Commercial sectors.
Thank you to our Program sponsors:
Lessons Learned: Future of Measuring Safety
A candid discussion explores workplace safety metrics and innovative hazard management, challenging conventional statistics like OSHA's. This conversation will offer data-driven insights to foster a proactive safety culture, empowering listeners with tools to improve workplace safety.
Todd William Loushine, Ph.D., P.E, CSP, CIH, Associate Professor of Occupational & Environmental Safety & Health at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Dr Loushine specializes in OSHA compliance and advanced EHS research methods. With 30 years as a part-time safety manager at Research Products Corporation, he holds degrees in Chemical and Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His work focuses on enhancing safety, productivity, and job satisfaction through a data-driven, systems-based approach that learns from workers to improve processes and relationships.
Matt Law, DrPH, CSP, REHS/RS, Manager, Customer Safety Strategy at W.W. Grainger, Inc.
Matt Law is an environmental health & safety researcher with a Doctor of Public Health degree, specializing in emerging technologies & risk mitigation. He has experience in public health, construction, biotech, & military sectors. Law is on the Board of Directors for the Society for Total Worker Health & holds leadership roles in safety organizations. He has published in the Professional Safety Journal and hosts the podcast "Prove It To Me," which emphasizes evidence-based practices.
Personalizing Safety: Measuring Through Leading Indicators
Personalizing safety involves rediscovering the fundamentals of safety and focusing on proactive measures. By shifting attention from lagging indicators, which reflect past incidents, to leading indicators, we can measure safety performance in real-time. This approach emphasizes preventing accidents before they happen, fostering a culture of safety that’s tailored to the unique needs of each workplace.
Christian Deater - Chief Business Officer at The Amphibious Group
Christian has 26 years of EHS experience in construction, working with major contractors like Kiewit and Skanska USA Building. He has led large-scale EHS programs with impressive safety records. As Director of SAVI EHS, he established its leadership in the field. Currently, as Chief Business Officer, he focuses on improving management processes, building partnerships, driving business development, fostering innovation, & supporting employee growth for ongoing success.
Coaching and Mentoring Your Way To Safety
Safety professionals are often seen as the sole resources in their organization for addressing and managing safety. However, building an effective safety culture requires the involvement and participation of our workforce, leadership and management teams. Come learn strategies and tools to aid in building a strong, supportive and positive culture for safety.
Jorge Torres, The Bilingual Safety Guy
Jorge is the Founder and Managing Partner of The Bilingual Safety Guy, LLC, a safety consulting firm in Central Florida. With 25 years of experience and a background as a retired paramedic, he holds a bachelor's in Safety and Health Management and an associate degree in Environmental Science. Jorge lives in Winter Haven, FL, with his wife Ana and son Diego, and volunteers as president of the Winter Haven High School Band Boosters.
The Reality of AI for Construction Safety
The construction industry is a hazardous environment, requiring workers to be in a safe and focused state of mind to avoid dangers. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to enhance safety by providing better access to knowledge and procedures. Learn how technology can reduce risks and improve safety performance.
Rob McKinney, Construction Safety Advocate at SALUS
Rob McKinney has 20+ years in construction safety & risk management. As the Construction Safety Advocate at SALUS, he promotes technology to improve safety workflows & reduce risks. A speaker & podcast host, he advocates for mental fitness in the construction industry, educating professionals on safety & mental health benefits through technology. He also coaches on mental fitness training.
OSHA 2025: Key Updates & Insider’s Guide to Surviving Inspections
This presentation delves into effective strategies for defending against OSHA violations within the construction industry. It covers key compliance requirements, highlights common pitfalls, and offers practical tips for maintaining safety standards. Attendees will gain insights into navigating inspections and handling citations, ensuring a safer work environment and minimizing legal risks.
Trent Cotney, Partner and Construction Team Leader at Adams & Reese, LLP
Trent Cotney is a partner and Construction Team Leader at Adams & Reese, LLP, serving as General Counsel for NRCA and NRP. A board-certified construction lawyer in Florida, he specializes in construction litigation, OSHA defense, and document review, representing roofing contractors nationwide. He has authored two best-selling books on OSHA defense & co-hosts the construction law podcast, Law & Mortar.
Designing Effective Training Programs
Employee training is vital for a successful Safety Program. Learn how to create meaningful training that exceeds mere compliance. This presentation will cover questions about training frequency, effective delivery methods, tracking systems, and feedback's role in enhancing the Safety Program.
Shannon L. Dennis, STSC, National Account & Training Development Manager at Safety Consultants USA, Inc.
Shannon Dennis, STSC, is a Regional Account Manager focused on client satisfaction through sustainable safety solutions and OSHA compliance. She specializes in audits, safety training, program management, and OSHA abatement. As a Training Development Manager, she enhances training content and fosters staff growth. With over 20 years of safety experience, Shannon is a Regulatory Compliance expert with multiple safety certifications, including STSC.
Focusing on Safety & Innovation To Drive Productivity
Discover how safety & innovation can revolutionize productivity in this engaging presentation. Learn strategies to enhance workplace efficiency while prioritizing employee well-being & embracing cutting-edge technologies. Uncover the synergy between secure environments & innovative practices to propel your organization forward.
Mark Ramos, Trade Specialist at Stanley Black & Decker Inc.
Mark Ramos is a dedicated leader focused on creating a legacy of strength, honesty, and hard work. As a first-generation college graduate from UCF with a Marketing degree, he carries his family's aspirations and seeks to build a foundation for future generations. He inspires others to reach their potential and is a marketer, coach, and basketball enthusiast. Currently a Trade Specialist, he aims to excel in marketing and sales while being a role model for peers and family.
Final Presentation: Building A Strong Foundation of Health and Safety
You can’t build greatness without a strong foundation, and as a leader, you are the cornerstone of your organization’s health and safety culture. Discover proven best practices to establish and strengthen a culture that drives industry-leading performance and delivers world-class health and safety results.
Greg Sizemore, Vice President, HSE and Workforce Development at ABC National
Greg Sizemore is the vice president of health, safety, environment, and workforce development for Associated Builders and Contractors, representing over 23,000 members. With 45 years of experience, he has developed health and safety programs, chaired the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, and currently serves on the OSHA Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health.
Take a STEP forward on your safety journey today. Scan the QR code to start your application!
COMPREHENSIVEEHSSYSTEM
BENEFITS SERVICES
Improves employee safety
Reduces Risk Increases productivity
Decreases insurance premiums
Creates high employee morale and retention rates
Drives management engagement
Leads continual improvement
Focuses on proactive, not reactive
An experienced/ credentialed EHS director & EHS manager to support the organization
Initial gap analysis of the current state of EHS within the organization
A written EHS program tailored to the organizations scope of work
A web-based platform to manage inspections, incident reporting, & tracking leading and lagging indicators
EHS related training modules
Incident investigations
Toolbox Talks
Act as a liaison between the organization & the client
Ziprecruiter has 8,600+ postings for safety positions
Indeed has 687 postings
LinkedIn has 278
All positions pay $50 - 75 an hour
2ND FLOOR
