Carl E. Habekost\, Fisher Phillips
\nZacha ry Pena\, Ridgeback Investigations
\nKen Finley\, V+A Risk Services< /p>\n
Session Description:
\nEmployers have access
to a variety of tools to help minimize the impact of a claim.
\nSome
opportunities are beneficial in helping reduce the cost of a claim\, whil
e others
\ncan even help determine if the claim is proper. This sessi
on will present these tools
\nfrom legal\, actuarial\, and investigat
ive perspectives.
Session Learning Objectives:
\nBios:
\nCarl Habekost\, workers’ comp and employment law attorney for 30
years\, served as
\nIndustrial Commission Hearing Officer\, holds a
COSS and knowledge of OSHA and safety
\nrequirements\, current Board
President of the Safety Council of Northwest Ohio. Carl is
\npresentl
y a professor at the University of Findlay and of counsel at Fisher Philli
ps.
Zachary Pena is an owner and Investigator of
Ridgeback Investigations\, managing
\noperations with his wife\, Alli
e\, in Michigan and Ohio. He has been a private investigator
\nsince
2016 conducting surveillance and social media investigations throughout th
e
\ncountry\, He is a licensed Private Investigator in several states
across the U.S.\, earned a
\nBachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Mi
chigan State University\, and holds the Fraud
\nClaims Law Associate
designation from the American Educational Institute.
Ken F
inley has been active in Ohio Workers’ Compensation for 31 years\
, the last 28 with
\nV+A Risk Services\, providing employers with ris
k management strategies to help minimize
\nthe impact of workers’ com
pensation claims. Ken forecasts premium impact for employers
\nat the
initial onset of a claim\, during permanent partial awards and at lump su
m
\nsettlement. Ken speaks at many events during the year offering hi
s Ohio Workers’ Comp
\nRockstar and Outside the Box Thinking in Claim
s Management presentations.
Dan Markiewicz\, MS\, CIH\, CSP\, Presid ent Markiewicz & Associates
\nSession Summary: This session summarizes what an industrial hygienist may specify as a reasonable accommodation under PWFA law when a pregnant worker is exposed to a toxic substance or harmful physical agent.
\nSupplemen tal Information: An “industrial hygienist” is included as a “Heal th Care Provider” (HCP) at 29 CFR 1636.3(l)3 within the Pregnant Workers F airness Act (PWFA) 2024 final rules. In the HCP role\, the IH is expected to help determine reasonable accommodations\, if any\, for a pregnant work er’s exposure to a toxic substance or harmful physical agent as defined at OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.1020 (c)(13). Chemicals\, mold\, noise\, heat\, cold\, repetitive motion\, and ionizing and non-ionizing radiation are examples of these agents.
\nImpact on NW Ohio workplaces: Th e federal PWFA applies to employers with 15 or more employees\, including private and public sector employers\, federal agencies\, employment agenci es and labor organizations. There are approximately three million establis hments\, and many NW Ohio workplaces\, within these categories. Annually\, the PWFA provides reasonable accommodation rights to about 1.5 million pr egnant workers.
\nReference Material: HCPs recogniz ed by the PWFA promote the use of a model one-page form that lists their t itles\, including an industrial hygienist\, to document and certify their involvement. The document is found at PWFA-Medical-Certi fication-Form.pdf. It is anticipated that one million or more PWFA cov ered workplaces\, including many within the NW Ohio area\, may adopt or en counter the form within the next two years. Proper application of the form helps to protect the pregnant worker’s health and the health of their pre gnancy.
\n\nJay Muratore\, Healthworks Safety
\n
\nCDL and Non-CDL vehicles explanations/ex
amples and the regulations needed for compliance.
\nAccidents and rep
ercussions against you DOT profile\, how to challenge accidents that possi
bly could be removed from you profile
\nMCS-150 bi-annual update\, wh
en and how.
\nClearinghouse
\nCompliance Q and A.
\nI have been a Transportation Safety Consultant for o
ver 25 years. During my time\, I have appeared in over 200 state and feder
al audits in 9 states. I have been declared an expert in a court of law re
garding Transportation Safety. As part of my service\, I perform safety me
etings and training for my clients and have been a keynote speaker at the
national level for several associations. Prior to consulting\, I worked as
a Mechanical Engineer for the food processing industry\, which led me to
train and consult in Japan. I have a CDL and drove for several years in m
any types of the trucking industry. I have been married 34 years\, have 3
children and one grandson and expecting a granddaughter later this year.\n\n
Mercy Health Occupational
\nHealth Services
Rob Guisinger\, City of Toledo Department Enviro nmental Svc.
\n\nJim Yates – Eastman and Smith
\nBi o
\nJames B. Yates represents public and private sector emp
loyers in all facets of labor and employment law. He is a Society for Huma
n Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
\nA m
ember of Eastman & Smith\, Mr. Yates’s practice encompasses collective bar
gaining\, general personnel planning and counseling\, equal employment opp
ortunity matters\, workers’ compensation and compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA)\, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Mr. Yates has represented employers in l
abor and employment law related matters with various agencies such as the
Industrial Commission\, National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)\, Equal Empl
oyment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)\, Occupational Safety and Health Admi
nistration (OSHA)\, State Employee Retirement Board
\n\n
Dan Steffen\, Asst. Area Director Toledo OSHA Office
\nSession Summary
\nThi s presentation provides an overview of OSHA’s Scaffolding Standard(s) in C onstruction and General Industry as well as the responsibilities of the co mpetent person\, selection of protective systems\, common violations found during site inspections and trends relating to scaffolding use. Attendees are introduced to practical safety management systems used by employers t o help ensure employee safety and compliance of the standard.
\nDan Steffen started his OSHA career in 2007\, as a Safety Specialist in Region V’s Toledo\, Ohio Area Office. In 2018\, Dan was appointed to his current position of Assistant Area Director\, where he guides a team of safety and health professionals in the performance of enforcement activities under the OSH Act. Dan works with employers\, emplo yees\, trade organizations to promote the agency’s cooperative programs\, outreach\, training\, and overall mission.
\n\nDave Rice\, Rubicon EHS
\nSession Summary
\nThis presentation empowers new businesses to take a proactive\, risk-based approach to environmental compliance. Instead of treating compliance as paperwork or a regulatory burden\, participants wi ll learn how to build compliance into their business processes from the ve ry beginning. Key insights include identifying early environmental risks\, designing processes to manage them\, and aligning compliance with operati onal growth. The session emphasizes that regulatory minimums are just the starting point for resilient business practices. Attendees will leave with a practical framework to ensure their business is compliant\, efficient\, a nd prepared for future change.
\nAbstract
\nE nvironmental compliance is not optional—but it doesn’t have to be overwhel ming. This session offers a risk-based\, process-driven approach to embeddi ng environmental compliance into the fabric of your new business. Instead of scrambling to meet regulatory demands after the fact\, businesses can b uild compliant systems from day one by identifying environmental risks ear ly\, designing processes to address them\, and aligning compliance with op erational goals.
\nAttendees will learn how to translate environment al regulations into practical\, integrated workflows that safeguard their operations while avoiding costly penalties and delays. We’ll explore commo n gaps in startup compliance\, how to prioritize actions based on risk\, a nd how to use compliance as a building block for operational excellence. S tart smart— and stay compliant—with a design-first approach to environment al risk and regulatory requirements.
\nLearning Objectives:< /strong>
\n\n
Bio
\nDave Rice is a sea soned Environmental\, Health\, and Safety (EHS) professional with over 20 years of experience delivering compliance-focused solutions across a wide range of industries—including energy storage\, chemical manufacturing\, fo od and beverage\, warehousing\, and automotive. As the Founder and Princip al Consultant of Rubicon EHS\, he partners with organizations of all sizes —from startups to large manufacturers—to develop practical\, effective EHS programs that align with operational goals and foster a strong culture of safety and performance.
\nDave’s technical expertise spans regulator y compliance\, program development\, auditing\, training\, and hazardous m aterials management. Earlier in his career\, he led environmental due dili gence and remediation projects\, gaining a solid foundation in site assess ments\, corrective action planning\, and facility closures—experience that continues to inform his holistic\, solutions-oriented approach to EHS str ategy.
\nKnown for his pragmatic and down-to-earth speaking style\, Dave is a sought-after presenter who excels at translating complex regulat ions into clear\, actionable insights. He frequently speaks on topics such as sustainability\, industrial safety\, and compliance strategy\, and has presented at national and regional events including the Alliance of Hazar dous Materials Professionals (AHMP) National Conference\, Ohio Safety Cong ress\, Ohio Craft Brewers Association Annual Conference\, the Ohio Oil and Gas Association\, and numerous local safety councils throughout Ohio.
\nIn recognition of his subject matter expertise and public speaking ex perience\, Dave was added to the AHMP Distinguished Lecturers Roster in 20 24.
\n\nHowie Eberts – SCR Safety
\nBio
\nMr. Eberts graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend\, Indiana\, and recently retir ed from OSHA after a distinguished 37-year career with the agency. Mr. Ebe rts began his career with OSHA as an Industrial Hygienist in OSHA’s Columb us Area Office in 1988 where he successfully led many accident and worker fatality investigations and other high-profile inspections. In addition to evaluating worker exposures to a wide variety of hazardous chemicals\, Mr . Eberts also has specialized expertise in evaluating complex health and s afety hazards\, including chemical process safety management (PSM)\, occup ational noise\, confined spaces\, and hazardous waste and emergency respon se (HAZWOPER) among other areas.
\nMr. Eberts has served in a number of key leadership roles with OSHA in various area offices as well as the Chicago Regional Office\, including stints as the Regional Audit Team Lead er\, Assistant Regional Administrator for Cooperative and State Programs\, and Deputy Regional Administrator. Mr. Eberts spent his last thirteen yea rs with OSHA as the Area Director of the Cleveland Area Office\, which is one of the largest and busiest area offices in the nation. As Vice Preside nt of the Expert Witness division\, Howie will leverage his experience\, k nowledge and skills assisting our clients with any legal matters that aris e and high-level safety consultative services.
\n\nJeff Hutchins – Cardinal Compliance Consultants< /p>\n
Session Summary
\nThis session will provide attendees with an overview of the key components of the 2023 NFPA 70B Sta ndard\, now recognized as a mandatory requirement supporting NFPA 70E and OSHA electrical safety mandates. The session will highlight practical tool s to implement effective electrical preventive maintenance (EPM) programs in accordance with NFPA 70B\, such as maintenance schedules\, equipment co ndition assessment\, inspection protocols\, and documentation requirements that help to reduce electrical hazards\, extend system reliability\, and prevent costly downtime or failures.
\nBio
\nAs a Senior Health and Safety Consultant\, Jeff focuses on evaluating occu pational health and safety risks and reducing those risks by providing pra ctical and cost-effective solutions. Jeff spent nearly 35 years as an indu strial hygienist and risk management professional with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation – Division of Safety and Hygiene. He joined Cardinal Compliance Consulting in November 2022.
\nView Jeff’s LinkedIn Page
\n\nMary Archer\, United Support and Memoria l for Workplace Fatalities
\nMs. Mary Archer lives in North west\, Ohio in the small town of Ada. She is the widow of Patrick Archer a nd the mother of six children: Drew\, Ian\, Madison\, Luke\, Colt\, and El izabeth.
\nHer husband was fatally injured in a workplace incident o n November 3\, 2021. She has since become a strong advocate of workplace s afety and the necessary changes within our state’s government agencies.
\nMs. Archer has been a family member of United Support & Memorial for Workplace Fatalities (USMWF) since March of 2022. She’s active with USMWF by participating in fundraisers and table talks\, bringing awareness to W orkers’ Memorial Day each year by purchasing billboards with her husband’s picture\, receiving proclamations from the State of Ohio in recognizing A pril 28 as Workers’ Memorial Day\, and attending Workers’ Memorial Day eve nts in Washington\, DC at the U.S. Department of Labor.
\n\n
Rena Harrington\, United Support and Memorial for Workplace Fatali ties
\nMs. Rena Harrington became a strong workplace safety advocate after the loss of her son\, Justin Harrington in January 2018\, due to a construction incident. Rena started volunteering for USMWF in 202 0. She has become a strong voice for change and prevention of occupational incidents\, illnesses and diseases. Through sharing her story of the work place incident that took her son’s life she reiterates the importance of s afety leadership in the workplace and how growing female leadership matter s.
\nRena has been interviewed by NBC News twice\, has done in perso n and virtual presentations at several area OSHA offices including all of Massachusetts OSHA offices\, Orlando FL\, Tampa FL\, Ft. Lauderdale\, FL a nd St Paul Minn. She has presented at NASA Headquarters at Cape Canaveral\ , Fl. Rena attended the Department of Labor’s Workers’ Memorial Ceremony i n Washington\, DC this past April\, where she signed the USMWF Alliance wi th OSHA. She has presented at the National Labor Council’s annual conferen ce as well at the United Utility Workers’ Association (UUWA) annual confer ence.
\nShe has been in Human Resources since 2006 in healthcare. Re na currently works for the largest hospice agency in Massachusetts as thei r Talent Acquisition Business Partner.
\n\nMatt Marcinko\, OSHA Enforcement Programs Chicag o Region
\nSession Summary
\nThe purpose of L
OTO
\nTypes of energy
\nAuthorized vs. Affected employees and th
eir training
\nLOTO procedures
\nLOTO application – Steps to the
control of hazardous energy
\nAccidents during LOTO tasks
Bio
Matt Marcinko has previous experience working f or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a maintenance mechanic with a colla teral duty as a safety officer for the Huntington District Repair Fleet. H e spent ten years as an OSHA safety compliance officer out of the Columbus Area Office and currently works as a safety specialist for OSHA’s Chicago Region Enforcement Programs. Mr. Marcinko has a Bachelor of Science and M aster of Science in Occupational Safety and Health and held certificates a s a Construction Health and Safety Technician\, Associate Safety Professio nal and as a Certified Safety Specialist.
\n\nBrooke Krell\, Fastest Lab Toledo
\n\nJim Mangas – Revolutionary Safety
\nLeading with Safety helps leaders under stand that culture begins with leadership behavior and that true business success is when we are safe and profitable\, not just profitable. This cou rse equips frontline leaders and safety professionals with practical tools to set expectations\, communicate effectively\, and lead teams in a way t hat prioritizes people\, reduces risk\, and drives lasting cultural improv ement.
\nBio
\nJim Mangas is the CEO and Foun der of Revolutionary Safety Services LLC\, based in Anna\, Ohio. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety from Columbia Southern University and is a Certified Safety Professional ( CSP). With over 25 years of experience across multiple industries\, Jim is dedicated to helping organizations reduce risk\, strengthen culture\, and protect their most valuable asset—their people. His hands-on leadership a nd commitment to practical\, effective solutions have made Revolutionary S afety Services a trusted partner for businesses nationwide.
\n\nRichard Barcum\, Cardinal Compliance Consultants
\n\nTodd Jensen\, Area Director Toledo OSHA Office\n
Bio
\nI was a compliance officer for 25 year s working out of the Cincinnati\, Toledo\, and Cleveland Area offices\, sp ecializing in foundries\, steel mills\, refineries\, and chemical manufact uring. I am currently the Area Director for the Toledo Area office with t he responsibility of overseeing a health and safety staff of 17 and the co mpliance of employers in 26 counties of northwest Ohio.
\n\n