SDPAA News

COLUMN SDPAA News

LYNN BREN | SDPAA DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Leading to Prevent Loss… and one other thing!

You know, the old saying holds true, especially in Pierre, that if you don’t like the weather, stick around… it’ll change. The first day of the 23rd Annual Safety Conference was sunny and bright. The temperature was more reminiscent of a late June day than the second of November! Ahhh, but the morning of day two reminded us that it was in fact November, and winter was on its way!

The SDPAA and the SDML Worker’s Compensation Fund, through their partnership with Safety Benefits, Inc. hosted the Annual Safety Conference at the Pierre Ramkota.

Attendees of the conference were introduced, or re-introduced, to the world of cyber and physical security. Scott Davis and Jim Edmund with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency provided the opening general session. By showing attendees real world examples of what cyber and physical security are, and how these are critical considerations when working to protect the cyber and physical locations that we work in each day.

The Wednesday breakout sessions focused on identifying use of drugs and alcohol at work, creating and fostering your entity’s safety culture, and leadership. Dan Marose of CD Training Consultants, Inc. provided a two-part, in-depth presentation regarding the signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug use and abuse while at work. Mr. Marose further discussed safe driving initiatives and how to compete facility safety reviews.

Tyler Ehnes, Recreation Director and Safety Coordinator for the City of Spearfish, provided an inside overview of how the City of Spearfish has created a safety-first culture within city government, and how they continue to foster that culture, which over time has and continues to reduce the numbers of accidents and injuries experienced by the City.

I had the privilege of presenting on Leadership and providing information that focuses on creating a “We Over ME” environment within our organizations.

Our day one closed with the Safety Thanksgiving Dinner. The last of the Safety Awards which hadn’t been previously delivered during the SDACC and SDML Annual Conventions were delivered. The Ramkota did not disappoint by providing a wonderful spread of salads, dressing, mashed potatoes, turkey, roast beef, and dinner rolls. Those who still had room were offered a spectacular selection of desserts including, but not limited to, pumpkin cheesecake and carrot cake! The networking opportunity created by the Thanksgiving feast was priceless. Amber Gibson with the City of Sioux Falls was the winner of the Terry Redlin print, a long-running door prize at the Safety Conference.

Day two of the conference did not disappoint. Opening the day was Brad Wilson, SDML Workers Compensation Fund Administrator, and Jeff Lanning, Loss Control Representative for Safety Benefits. Brad and Jeff focused on employee safety and how to identify and take steps to eliminate those risks.

One of the morning’s breakout sessions was handled by Chris Madsen, General Counsel for Claims Associates, Inc., who provided some hints and tricks on how to identify liability issues which may exist, and how to help eliminate or mitigate the claims that may arise form those risks.

In another session, Tom Slattery, Safety Consultant and Certified Safety Professional, described the how and why of some common ergonomics issues in the workplace, and some guidance on how to fix those issues.

South Dakota Native Mike Oster, with Oster Consulting, closed out the session with a memorable presentation that showed attendees that attitude is a choice, and how impactful your choice can be. Mr. Oster provided an entertaining yet powerful example of how what you say to yourself and others can leave a permanent impression. Mr. Oster’s presentation tied into the

conference’s theme of “Leading the Way” in prevention of risks through having a good attitude and making choices to create and maintain a safe working environment.

As I reflect on the conference, I came away with two things. First, the networking opportunities created by these conferences, not only the Safety Conference, but the annual conventions, workshops, and trainings provided by Safety Benefits, the SD Municipal League, the SD Association of County Commissioners, SD Association of County Officials, the SD Association of Conservation Districts, and SD Association of Towns and Townships are priceless. The benefits received from being surrounded by your peers with access to experts who are there to serve you cannot be achieved as successfully through any other means. Second, we are all accountable to each other. Safety and success come from a “we over me” attitude.

With that, I encourage all of you to look forward to the trainings, gatherings, meetings, conventions etc. that are going to be announced soon. Make the effort to add those to your already busy schedule. You’ll be happy you did. If you aren’t a Member of one of the organizations that gets you access to all these fantastic opportunities, call me. The SDPAA would be delighted to help you find your place in the Pool! Thank you to those who attended and to the communities that promote safety by sending people to attend these events! Please have a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season.

Oh! And one other thing! A few months ago, at various events, I tearfully announced the retirement of one of our SDPAA staff, Jerry Krambeck. It is with great enthusiasm that I get to announce now that he has agreed to come back and work with our team on a part-time basis. We are thrilled to welcome Jerry back! Jerry will be primarily taking care of Members along the very Western area of the state, near his home in Spearfish. ■