100 Years of Safety in Nebraska
National Safety Council - Nebraska Chapter 2024 Annual Report
Message from the CEO
Eric Koeppe
President
As we celebrate 100 years of the National Safety Council – Nebraska Chapter, I am both humbled by our history and inspired by our future. Since our founding in 1924, our mission has remained steadfast: to reduce injuries and save lives through education, training, and advocacy.
Over the past century, we have grown from a small group of safety-minded leaders into a trusted organization that serves businesses, communities, and individuals across the region. Our impact is measured not just in numbers, but in lives saved, injuries prevented, and workplaces and roadways made safer through our programs and partnerships.
One of the most critical areas of safety we continue to champion is roadway safety. As traffic risks evolve and distractions increase, we are committed to keeping drivers of all ages safe. Through programs like defensive driving courses, workplace safety initiatives, and driver education for young motorists, as well as seniors, we are shaping the future of safety on our roads. Ensuring the next generation is equipped with the skills and awareness to drive responsibly is one of the most powerful ways we can protect lives for years to come.
With the addition of the Nebraska Safety Council’s Lincoln office through an acquisition of their members, staff and office, we are expanding our reach and impact. This strategic growth provides new opportunities to serve more businesses, communities, and individuals with vital safety programs. By bringing together the strengths of both organizations, we are enhancing our ability to deliver comprehensive training and resources that make workplaces, homes, and roadways safer for all.
This milestone is not just a reflection of our past achievements - it is a call to action for the future. As safety challenges evolve, so must we. With advancements in technology, a changing workforce, and new safety risks, our commitment to innovation and education remains stronger than ever. Through expanded training opportunities, partnerships, and advocacy, we continue to adapt and lead an ever-changing world.
We would not be here today without the dedication of our members, partners, volunteers, and staff. Thank you for being part of our journey. Your support ensures that the next 100 years will be just as impactful as the first.
Together, we will continue to make Nebraska—and beyond—a safer place to live and work, both on and off the road.
Our Offices Over the Years
1960 - 1991
2513 St Mary’s Avenue
1924 - 1960
1911 Harney & 601 Electric Building
1999 - 2023
11620 M Circle
1991 - 1999 8710 F Street
2023Present
3111 Oak View Drive
Throughout our 100-year history, NSCN has relocated several times—always with the goal of offering a better experience and enhancing safety for those we serve. Our most recent move in 2023 marked another milestone in this journey, as we introduced the Learning Lab, a cutting-edge space designed to improve workplace safety education retention through hands-on, interactive training. This addition reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and ensuring that individuals and businesses have the tools and knowledge they need to create safer environments for years to come.
Teamwork
Our dedicated team is the heart of the Nebraska Chapter of the National Safety Council. With a full-time staff contributing a combined 146 years of service, plus more than 35 part-time workplace safety, first aid, and driver education instructors bringing an additional 170 years of experience - over 316 years - our commitment to safety runs deep.
Their expertise, passion, and dedication to our mission ensure that we continue making a lasting impact on workplaces, roadways, and communities across Nebraska. Together, their collective knowledge and service drive our mission forward, ensuring a safer future for all.
The State of Workplace Safety in Nebraska
1936
1925
The Safety Council opened an Industrial Safety School motivated by learning that 661 individuals were injuried in industrial accidents in Omaha in the month of August alone.
The Omaha Safety Council became a Charter Member of the National Safety Council. Our affiliation with the National Safety Council continues to this day.
1966
The Omaha Safety Council was cited as “making the greatest progress of any community safety organization in the nation.” Activities included occupational safety, driver education, babysitter training, home safety, and fire prevention.
2024
Nebraska has one of the highest workplace incident rates in the nation, and our chapter is actively working to lower this statistic by providing extensive workplace safety training.
In 2024 we trained nearly 3,000 individuals in various aspects of workplace safety. Through hands-on training in our Learning Lab, travel to businesses by our highly qualified safety experts, and free resources for our members, we help businesses to implement a safety program that protect employees and ensures that they make it home to their families.
Workplace Safety
The National Safety Council – Nebraska Chapter proudly serves as the only host training organization for the Great Plains OSHA Education Center in Nebraska.
We offer a range of certificate programs designed to support the professional growth of current and aspiring safety leaders.
Our custom training solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of local organizations equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills they need - we’re not just meeting regulatory standards—we’re helping to build a stronger, safer workforce across Nebraska.
In 2024, the National Safety Council – Nebraska Chapter continued to be a trusted resource for high-quality safety training across the region. Our team delivered critical education and skills to workers and organizations through a wide range of programs tailored to meet today’s most pressing safety needs.
s 454 individuals completed OSHA Training Institute (OTI) classes, advancing their understanding of regulatory standards and best practices.
s 791 participants received custom training, designed specifically to address the unique safety challenges of their workplaces.
s 1,673 attendees were trained through our other workplace safety programs, covering topics from hazard communication to lockout/tagout and beyond.
s 3,415 people were trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED — building life-saving skills that extend beyond the workplace.
s 138 participants received training in Spanishlanguage courses —helping ensure accessibility and understanding across a diverse workforce.
Each number represents a step towards safer workplaces, better-informed professionals, and stronger communities.
We are proud of the impact we’ve made—and even more committed to growing that impact in the years ahead.
The National Safety Council - Nebraska Chapter became a host training organization for the Great Plains OSHA Education Center in 2003.
The State of Roadway Safety in Nebraska
Nebraska saw an increased number of traffic fatalities in 2024, with a total of 224 lives taken on Nebraskan roads. This is the highest that this number has been in decades. The need for traffic safety education is higher than ever in Nebraska, and through our corporate driving programs, driver education programs, and traffic safety advocacy, we are working hard to fulfill this need.
The concerning trend of traffic fatalities in Nebraska also extended to workplace safety, with 65% of all workplace fatalities being transportation related in 2022. Our Traffic Safety Advocates are specifically fighting this concerning statistic by giving free safe driving presentations to businesses all across Nebraska.
The Alarming Trend in Roadway Fatalities
The National Safety Council - Nebraska Chapter recognizes this trend and is commited to saving lives and preventing injuries from automobile incidents through education, training, advocacy, and community outreach. By offering defensive driving courses, teen driver education, free safety presentations given by highly qualified traffic safety advocates, and corporate driving programs, we give drivers the knowledge and skills they need to drive safely. Our advocacy efforts push for stronger traffic laws and policies, while our strategic marketing campaigns raise awareness about the dangers of distracted and drowsy driving, as well as seatbelt use, through the use of billboards, social media, digital marketing, and print advertising.
In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a call to action to save manpower for warpower citing these death tolls:
253,570
Americans killed in automobile fatalities from 1935-1941
244,357
Americans killed in all previous wars (prior to WW ll)
Driving and Behavioral Education
6512 completed Driver Training
The National Safety Council - Nebraska Chapter (NSCN) remains steadfast in our commitment to promoting roadway safety through comprehensive driver education and traffic ticket remediation training. This number includes both in-person, online, and zoom courses of both traffic and driver education classes.
1293 completed Behavior Training
NSCN is committed to improving lives by teaching coping skills that can decrease problems with co-workers, family members, parents, and/or children. In 2024, NSCN started consistently offering Anger Management courses at the Sarpy County Jail, which trains 12 inmates a month on average. 2024 was also the year that all behavior programs were offered in Spanish.
440 completed Diversion Program
Out of the 1,293 people who completed a behavior training course, 440 of those people where enrolled in the diversion program. Our diversion programs provide the opportunity to change lives through education, inspiration, and support.
The National Safety Council introduced driver training in 1964. Since then, the program has continued to grow and flourish over the years, expanding to include online options for businesses and individuals, as well as the addition of the Safety Training Option Program (STOP).
Driving Advocacy
THE STATISTICS
In 2023, Nebraska seatbelt usage was 77% compared to the national figure of 92%
70% of NE Motor Vehicle fatalities were unbelted individuals
Seatbelt usage continues to be a cause of concern in the state. Employer presentations always include information on Nebraska’s seatbelt figures compared to the national rate, as well as the importance and efficacy of seatbelts. Not only is this message stressed with adults, but also with children and students at presentations and community events.
OUR IMPACT
81% of the 21 teen fatalities in 2023 were unbelted
Distracted Driving is also a major concern not only for law enforcement and traffic safety professionals, but employers, as well, who specifically request presentations cover the dangers of cell phone usage and other distractions while driving.
Total reach was over 1.1 million through social media, presentations, presence at community events, conferences, billboard, radio, and other media
42 presentations given to 1500+ employees
Drowsy driving campaign had 5600+ impressions on social media
We reached 1500+ students, children, and families at presentations and community events
Community Events
High School Mock Crash
Partnering with the Omaha Fire and Police departments and other local organization, NSCN helped facilitate a “mock crash” at Westside High School. Westside drama students participated playing the roles of the driver and passengers in an event that simulated a real-world crash scenarios. The event was help the Friday prior to prom and leaves a lasting impression on the juniors and seniors that attend the event.
Celebration of Safety Luncheon
The Celebration of Safety is our annual awards luncheon honoring companies across Nebraska that demonstrate a strong commitment to workplace safety. For more than 35 years, the luncheon has recognized excellence through the Nebraska’s Safest Companies awards. In 2024, 129 companies earned this accolade. This celebration reflects our shared mission to create safer, healthier workplaces across the state.
NSCN Safety Conference and Expo
The Safety Council hosts a two-day conference each year in the fall to bring together safety professionals, industry leaders, and vendors for a dynamic event focused on connection, innovation, and growth. Day one of the conference focuses on professional development through expert-led full day training sessions. On day two our conference provides a valuable platform for networking with peers, discovering the latest products and safety programs, and engaging in informational sessions.
World Day of Remembrance
World Day of Remembrance is observed around the country and around the world on the third Sunday of November each year. NSCN hosted the event for a second year partnering with other local organizations including Nebraska Office of Highway Safety, Vision Zero, MAPA, AAA Nebraska, and Keep Kids Alive. Our honored attendees included Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert.
Better Together A Strategic Acquisition for a Safer Nebraska
One Mission One Team
In 2024, the National Safety Council - Nebraska Chapter proudly welcomed the Nebraska Safety Council’s members and staff into our organization—an exciting milestone that reflects our shared mission and values. Both organizations have long been committed to reducing injuries and saving lives through education, training, and advocacy. By uniting our efforts, we are better equipped than ever to serve our members, expand our reach, and make a greater impact on communities across the country.
This acquisition was rooted in a simple but powerful idea: we are better together. Since 1961 the Nebraska Safety Council had a proud legacy of service in the region, with deep relationships and a strong reputation for delivering high-quality safety training and workplace programs. By aligning our resources, talent, and expertise, we’ve created new opportunities to enhance services for members while maintaining the local presence and personal touch that Nebraskans have come to trust.
Working together means more than just combining operations—it means learning from one another, strengthening our collective voice, and innovating for the future. Already, we’ve seen the benefits of shared best practices, expanded training capabilities, and collaborative program development. Whether it’s occupational safety, driver safety, or community well-being, this partnership allows us to deliver more comprehensive and consistent support statewide.
Strategically, this growth reflects NSCN’s vision to broaden our reach while remaining mission-focused. The integration of the Nebraska Safety Council’s Lincoln office and team strengthens our position in the Midwest and helps us build a more unified, scalable platform to serve employers and workers across Nebraska. It is a model for thoughtful expansion that prioritizes mission alignment and longterm sustainability.
We are honored to bring the Nebraska Safety Council into the National Safety Council - Nebraska Chapter’s family and look forward to the continued success we will achieve together.
More than a business decision—a commitment to saving more lives and creating safer workplaces and communities, together.
Thank You to Our 2024 Board of Directors
Robert Bogle Chairman Health & Safety Valmont, Inc.
Rebecca Fox Senior VP, General Counsel
Highline Warren, Inc.
Bradley Palu Secretary/ Treasurer Corporate Safety Manager Nebraska Public Power District
Christopher Hilkemann VP-Risk Management Associate Gen. Counsel Crete Carrier Corp.
Derrick Lindeman Area EHS Manager Turner Construction
Robbe Peetz Director, Neurosciences, Rehab, Student Health, & Orthopedics Nebraska Medicine
Thank you to the board for their time and dedication to our mission of saving Nebraskan lives.
Eric Grundke Past Chair Renewables Execution Manager Kiewit, Inc.
Lori Jensen Safety Coordinator OrthoNebraska
Steve Polich President/Owner Safety-Reports, Inc.
Liz Tipton Director of Compliance Union Pacific Railroad
Corey Christensen Project Executive MMC Contractors
Eric Koeppe President/CEO National Safety Council - NE Chapter
Jim Steele Environmental Health & Safety Director Airlite Plastics
Jim Rigg Manager, Safety & Physical Security Lincoln Electric System
Arlo Christensen Director of Safety, Training, & Health Omaha Public Power District
Julie Lecci Director, Occupational Health Environment, Health and Safety ConAgra Foods
Kerry Shaffar Director of Environmental & Safety Midlands Scientific
Source of Funding
Use
of Funds
Thank You To Our Corporate Donors
Thank you to these crucial partners in providing the funds necessary to meet our mission of saving Nebraskan lives.
Legacy Donors
A Special Thank You to Our Legacy Donors. These organizations have given more than $100,000 accumlative towards the NSCN mission and continue to support annually.
Gold Donors
Silver Donors
Bronze Donors
