Carl E. Habekost, Fisher Phillips

Zachary Pena, Ridgeback Investigations

Ken Finley, V+A Risk Services

Session Description:
Employers have access to a variety of tools to help minimize the impact of a claim.
Some opportunities are beneficial in helping reduce the cost of a claim, while others
can even help determine if the claim is proper. This session will present these tools
from legal, actuarial, and investigative perspectives.

Session Learning Objectives:

• Learn what steps to take at the onset of a claim to determine if it is proper
• How to best utilize social media and surveillance investigations
• Discover opportunities to recover costs once a claim has occurred

Bios:

Carl Habekost, workers’ comp and employment law attorney for 30 years, served as
Industrial Commission Hearing Officer, holds a COSS and knowledge of OSHA and safety
requirements, current Board President of the Safety Council of Northwest Ohio. Carl is
presently a professor at the University of Findlay and of counsel at Fisher Phillips.

Zachary Pena is an owner and Investigator of Ridgeback Investigations, managing
operations with his wife, Allie, in Michigan and Ohio. He has been a private investigator
since 2016 conducting surveillance and social media investigations throughout the
country, He is a licensed Private Investigator in several states across the U.S., earned a
Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Michigan State University, and holds the Fraud
Claims Law Associate designation from the American Educational Institute.

Ken Finley has been active in Ohio Workers’ Compensation for 31 years, the last 28 with
V+A Risk Services, providing employers with risk management strategies to help minimize
the impact of workers’ compensation claims. Ken forecasts premium impact for employers
at the initial onset of a claim, during permanent partial awards and at lump sum
settlement. Ken speaks at many events during the year offering his Ohio Workers’ Comp
Rockstar and Outside the Box Thinking in Claims Management presentations.

Dan Markiewicz, MS, CIH, CSP, President Markiewicz & Associates

Session 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.

Supplemental Information: An “industrial hygienist” is included as a “Health Care Provider” (HCP) at 29 CFR 1636.3(l)3 within the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) 2024 final rules. In the HCP role, the IH is expected to help determine reasonable accommodations, if any, for a pregnant worker’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.

Impact on NW Ohio workplaces: The federal PWFA applies to employers with 15 or more employees, including private and public sector employers, federal agencies, employment agencies and labor organizations. There are approximately three million establishments, and many NW Ohio workplaces, within these categories. Annually, the PWFA provides reasonable accommodation rights to about 1.5 million pregnant workers.

Reference Material: HCPs recognized by the PWFA promote the use of a model one-page form that lists their titles, including an industrial hygienist, to document and certify their involvement. The document is found at PWFA-Medical-Certification-Form.pdf. It is anticipated that one million or more PWFA covered workplaces, including many within the NW Ohio area, may adopt or encounter 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 pregnancy.

Jay Muratore, Healthworks Safety

Session Summary
CDL and Non-CDL vehicles explanations/examples and the regulations needed for compliance.
Accidents and repercussions against you DOT profile, how to challenge accidents that possibly could be removed from you profile
MCS-150 bi-annual update, when and how.
Clearinghouse
Compliance Q and A.

Bio
I have been a Transportation Safety Consultant for over 25 years. During my time, I have appeared in over 200 state and federal audits in 9 states. I have been declared an expert in a court of law regarding Transportation Safety. As part of my service, I perform safety meetings 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 many types of the trucking industry. I have been married 34 years, have 3 children and one grandson and expecting a granddaughter later this year.

Rob Guisinger, City of Toledo Department Environmental Svc.

Mercy Health Occupational
Health Services

Jim Yates – Eastman and Smith

Bio

James B. Yates represents public and private sector employers in all facets of labor and employment law. He is a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
A member of Eastman & Smith, Mr. Yates’s practice encompasses collective bargaining, general personnel planning and counseling, equal employment opportunity 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 labor and employment law related matters with various agencies such as the Industrial Commission, National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), State Employee Retirement Board

Dave Rice, Rubicon EHS

Session Summary

This 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 will learn how to build compliance into their business processes from the very beginning. Key insights include identifying early environmental risks, designing processes to manage them, and aligning compliance with operational 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, and prepared for future change.

Abstract

Environmental compliance is not optional—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This session offers a risk-based, process-driven approach to embedding environmental compliance into the fabric of your new business. Instead of scrambling to meet regulatory demands after the fact, businesses can build compliant systems from day one by identifying environmental risks early, designing processes to address them, and aligning compliance with operational goals.

Attendees will learn how to translate environmental regulations into practical, integrated workflows that safeguard their operations while avoiding costly penalties and delays. We’ll explore common gaps in startup compliance, how to prioritize actions based on risk, and how to use compliance as a building block for operational excellence. Start smart— and stay compliant—with a design-first approach to environmental risk and regulatory requirements.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the key environmental regulations that impact new businesses.
• Use a risk-based approach to identify and prioritize environmental compliance needs early.
• Design core processes that build compliance into everyday operations.
• See environmental compliance as a path to stronger, more resilient business growth

Bio

Dave Rice is a seasoned 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, food and beverage, warehousing, and automotive. As the Founder and Principal 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.

Dave’s technical expertise spans regulatory compliance, program development, auditing, training, and hazardous materials management. Earlier in his career, he led environmental due diligence and remediation projects, gaining a solid foundation in site assessments, corrective action planning, and facility closures—experience that continues to inform his holistic, solutions-oriented approach to EHS strategy.

Known for his pragmatic and down-to-earth speaking style, Dave is a sought-after presenter who excels at translating complex regulations 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 Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP) National Conference, Ohio Safety Congress, Ohio Craft Brewers Association Annual Conference, the Ohio Oil and Gas Association, and numerous local safety councils throughout Ohio.

In recognition of his subject matter expertise and public speaking experience, Dave was added to the AHMP Distinguished Lecturers Roster in 2024.

Howie Eberts – SCR Safety

Bio

Mr. Eberts graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, and recently retired from OSHA after a distinguished 37-year career with the agency. Mr. Eberts began his career with OSHA as an Industrial Hygienist in OSHA’s Columbus 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 safety hazards, including chemical process safety management (PSM), occupational noise, confined spaces, and hazardous waste and emergency response (HAZWOPER) among other areas.

Mr. 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 Leader, Assistant Regional Administrator for Cooperative and State Programs, and Deputy Regional Administrator. Mr. Eberts spent his last thirteen years 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 President of the Expert Witness division, Howie will leverage his experience, knowledge and skills assisting our clients with any legal matters that arise and high-level safety consultative services.

Jeff Hutchins – Cardinal Compliance Consultants

Session Summary

This session will provide attendees with an overview of the key components of the 2023 NFPA 70B Standard, now recognized as a mandatory requirement supporting NFPA 70E and OSHA electrical safety mandates. The session will highlight practical tools to implement effective electrical preventive maintenance (EPM) programs in accordance with NFPA 70B, such as maintenance schedules, equipment condition assessment, inspection protocols, and documentation requirements that help to reduce electrical hazards, extend system reliability, and prevent costly downtime or failures.

Bio

As a Senior Health and Safety Consultant, Jeff focuses on evaluating occupational health and safety risks and reducing those risks by providing practical and cost-effective solutions. Jeff spent nearly 35 years as an industrial 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.

View Jeff’s LinkedIn Page

Dan Steffen, Asst. Area Director Toledo OSHA Office

Session Summary

This presentation provides an overview of OSHA’s Scaffolding Standard(s) in Construction and General Industry as well as the responsibilities of the competent 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 to help ensure employee safety and compliance of the standard.

Bio

Dan 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, employees, trade organizations to promote the agency’s cooperative programs, outreach, training, and overall mission.

Mary Archer, United Support and Memorial for Workplace Fatalities

Rena Harrington, United Support and Memorial for Workplace Fatalities

Matt Marcinko, OSHA Enforcement Programs Chicago Region

Session Summary

The purpose of LOTO
Types of energy
Authorized vs. Affected employees and their training
LOTO procedures
LOTO application – Steps to the control of hazardous energy
Accidents during LOTO tasks

Bio

Matt Marcinko has previous experience working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a maintenance mechanic with a collateral duty as a safety officer for the Huntington District Repair Fleet. He 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 Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health and held certificates as a Construction Health and Safety Technician, Associate Safety Professional and as a Certified Safety Specialist.

Megan Troyer, Working Partners

Session Summary

A safe workplace depends on more than policies—it depends on people. This presentation explores how organizations can maintain a drug-free workplace while also supporting employees who are navigating substance use recovery. Designed for Safety Day audiences, the session balances compliance, risk reduction, and compassion, showing how safety-first practices and recovery support can work together—not against each other.

Participants will gain practical insight into recognizing risk, responding appropriately, and fostering a culture where safety, accountability, and recovery are aligned.

Purpose & Relevance to Safety Day

Substance use can directly impact workplace safety, productivity, and morale. At the same time, recovery is possible—and workplaces play a critical role in supporting it. This session helps leaders and employees understand how proactive policies, clear expectations, and supportive resources contribute to safer job sites and healthier teams.

Key Topics Covered
• What a drug-free workplace really means in today’s workforce
• The connection between substance use, impairment, and safety risk
• Understanding recovery as a safety and health issue, not just a policy issue
• Supervisor and coworker roles in early intervention and support
• Balancing accountability, compliance, and compassion
• Creating pathways to recovery while maintaining safety standards

Learning Objectives
Attendees will:
• Understand how substance use impacts workplace safety
• Recognize signs of impairment and know appropriate response steps
• Learn how recovery-friendly practices can reduce incidents and turnover
• Gain clarity on how to support coworkers while maintaining safety expectations
• Leave with actionable strategies to strengthen a safety-first culture

Key Takeaways
• Safety and recovery are not opposing goals—they reinforce each other
• Clear policies combined with support lead to safer, more resilient workplaces
• Every employee has a role in maintaining a drug-free, safety-focused environment

Bio

Megan Troyer is the Director of Operations at Working Partners®, where she leads sales, policy development, and a nationwide consortium serving more than 1,800 member organizations. With a strong foundation in leadership, customer relations, and organizational strategy, Megan is known for her authentic communication style and people-first approach that resonates with audiences at every level. She brings practical insight and actionable takeaways drawn from years of building high-performing teams and fostering collaborative, results-driven cultures. A dedicated community advocate, Megan spent over a decade as a volunteer, speaker, and advocate with Tennessee Donate Life, championing the life-saving mission of organ donation. Whether speaking about leadership, workplace culture, or supporting people through challenge and change, Megan’s passion for service and meaningful impact is at the heart of everything she does.

Jim Mangas – Revolutionary Safety

Session Summary

Leading with Safety helps leaders understand that culture begins with leadership behavior and that true business success is when we are safe and profitable, not just profitable. This course equips frontline leaders and safety professionals with practical tools to set expectations, communicate effectively, and lead teams in a way that prioritizes people, reduces risk, and drives lasting cultural improvement.

Bio

Jim Mangas is the CEO and Founder 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 and commitment to practical, effective solutions have made Revolutionary Safety Services a trusted partner for businesses nationwide.

Richard Barcum, Cardinal Compliance Consultants

Todd Jensen, Area Director Toledo OSHA Office

Bio

I was a compliance officer for 25 years working out of the Cincinnati, Toledo, and Cleveland Area offices, specializing in foundries, steel mills, refineries, and chemical manufacturing.  I am currently the Area Director for the Toledo Area office with the responsibility of overseeing a health and safety staff of 17 and the compliance of employers in 26 counties of northwest Ohio.