Sept. 26, 2019
11th Annual MASHA Safety & Health Conference

"Understanding Pennsylvania's New "Dig" Law" - Underground work is being performed on a frequent basis on most worksites, whether it be at a construction site or at a general industry plant or facility. The underground ‘dig’ work is governed by the new PA Underground Utility Line Protection Law - Act 287, also known as the PA One Call Law that became effective in 2018. These underground ‘dig’ operations are increasing congested with existing utilities and structures. If the proper steps are not taken, these operations can lead to damaged utilities, delays to the project, disruption to the facility, and ultimately injuries to the public and/or employees. In addition, responsible parties can be subject to penalties by new enforcement measures in Pennsylvania. This seminar will provide attendees with a better understanding of the Pennsylvania’s ‘dig’ law so that if they have underground work being performed at their workplaces, they will be able to make informed decisions to minimize damages to underground utilities and ensure a safe workplace.  

Learning Objectives:  

• Learn about common underground utility line damages and how they occur.
• Understand key definitions and responsibilities of the Pa One Call law.
• Review the procedures required before a ‘dig’ operation begins.
• Gain knowledge on the five steps for safe digging.
• Understand the notification and reporting requirements.
• Review the state’s new enforcement body and penalty structure.

"Leading Indicators, Lagging Indicators - Let's Start Over"- Recent discussions in the OSH community about leading vs lagging indicators have been lively. Many OSH pros are thoughtfully considering how they can create indicators that effectively measure their organization's performance and are learning to appreciate that it doesn't mean throwing out lagging indicators altogether or that all leading indicators are created equal. In addition, while many OSH professionals say they appreciate the value of leading indicators, they confess to not really knowing what they or how to create ones that are meaningful to their organization. Finally, there are very limited research studies that show indicators as a measure of OSH performance are valid. Should we start over? This presentation will explore the role of indicators in performance measurement, especially as it relates to an effective occupational safety and health management system, and help attendees better understand how to put the pieces back together in a way that helps make valuable contributions to their organizations.  

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will be able to distinguish between effective performance indicators, both leading and lagging.
• Attendees will be able to explain how OSH indicators are connected to OSH performance management as well as how they are integrated with an organization’s overall performance management.
• Attendees will be able to develop effective leading and lagging indicators that are applicable to their organization.

"4th and 10: OSHA and the NFL" - When will OSHA go after professional sports, and more specifically, professional football? OSHA’s general duty clause has recently been expanded to apply in the entertainment industry. It is just a matter of time before OSHA threatens professional football leagues and teams with citations under the general duty clause. The general duty clause is a catch-all safety requirement used in the absence of an applicable safety standard. It requires employers to furnish a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards that will, or will likely, cause death or serious physical harm. Clearly the NFL recognizes hazards in football that can cause serious physical harm. Given that recognition, given the mounting evidence of brain injuries to football players, and given recent case law that paves the way for OSHA to regulate entertainment, OSHA could easily seek to regulate professional football, not to mention car racing, boxing, etc. etc.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will gain a better understanding of the OSHA general duty clause, and OSHA’s recent expansive use to regulate American life.

"TENORM Radiation Detection and Worker Safety" -  Radiation is all around us, as is radioactive material. Processes that concentrate or technologically enhance the presence of natural radioactive material create unique safety hazards for the oil and gas industry. This presentation will discuss the issues technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (TENORM) creates regarding radiation detection, health and safety to both workers and the general populace and impacts to the environment. 

Learning Objectives:

• Provide audience with practical knowledge of the presence of naturally occurring radioactive material in our environment and the potential impacts when human activities concentrate those materials.

"The Realities of a Safety Professional: a woman’s perspective" -  Being a safety professional in any industry comes with a set of unique challenges that are rarely discussed, yet can drastically affect your quality of work and life.  These challenges are not talked about in school or openly, yet are experienced by the majority of professionals as they make their way through their careers.  Becca and Tiffany will present an interactive workshop on identifying the values, priorities, boundaries, emotional stressors and expectations that affect you and your life.  Most importantly, expect to learn how to implement their process of Lean Self-Management, a new tool that not only recognizes these factors as pieces of your career, but as they affect you in all aspects of your life.

Learning Objectives:

Attendees will learn the process of Lean Self-Management which includes: 

• Identifying emotional values and priorities.
• Practicing effective time management.
• Setting clear boundaries and expectations.

"How to Facilitate Safety and Health Training" - Employee information and training requirements are addressed throughout OSHA standards for general industry, maritime, construction and agriculture. Organizations who do not have a Training Department typically rely on Safety and Health to provide the OSHA-required training. Providing effective training can be a daunting task. However, training can be rewarding for both the trainer and the trainees. In this session, we will discuss:

• What makes training effective.
• The rules of adult learning.
• How to overcome reluctant learners.
• How to conduct participatory training.
• How to make the most out of your slide.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify creative ways to use participatory based training to make an impact.
• Discover simple, no cost technology that is fun for the trainees and makes your job easier.
• Bring your presentation slides to life (but don’t rely on them).