Safety isn’t one-size-fits-all.
From the shop floor to the office, every role faces different challenges and requires the right tools, training, and perspective to keep people safe and operations running smoothly.
The EICC Safety Conference brings together professionals from across industries for a full day of practical learning, collaboration, and real-world insight.
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Scott Community College
Why Attend
This isn’t just another conference. It’s built to be useful.
You’ll walk away with:
- Practical strategies you can apply immediately
- Insights tailored to your role and industry
- Opportunities to connect with other safety-minded professionals
- Exposure to current trends, tools, and compliance updates
Whether you're managing safety programs, leading teams, or working directly in the field, this conference is designed to meet you where you are.
Keynote Presenters
Terry Weston, CSP, CMSP, CIT
Terry Weston is a Workplace Safety Consultant with more than 20 years of experience
helping organizations build safer workplaces through practical, results-driven training.
A Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT), and
Certified Mine Safety Professional (CMSP), Terry is a nationally recognized expert
in OSHA and MSHA safety training who regularly presents at industry conferences across
the country.
Darren Smiley
Darren Smiley has more than 25 years of experience helping organizations improve workplace
safety and manage risk across industries including construction, manufacturing, hospitality,
education, and government. An OSHA Authorized Trainer and adjunct instructor at Kirkwood
Community College and Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, Darren has trained thousands
of professionals on OSHA regulations and practical workplace safety.
Conference Tracks
Choose the track that aligns with your role.
Track 1: Safety Professionals
Focused on best practices, compliance, and advanced safety strategies for those leading safety initiatives.
Track 2: Human Resources & Leadership
Explore the role of leadership in building a culture of safety, managing risk, and supporting employees.
Track 3: Mining Safety & Compliance
Specialized content focused on mining safety standards, compliance requirements, and industry-specific challenges.
Agenda
9:10–9:55 a.m.
Three Standards. One Goal
Track: Safety Professionals – Hands-On
Presenter: Brinson Kinzer
Learn how NFPA 70, NFPA 70B, and NFPA 70E work together to improve workplace safety and equipment reliability. You'll gain a practical understanding of how each standard supports the others and why all three play an important role in preventing electrical hazards.
Safety Starts with You: See Something. Say Something. Save Someone.
Track: Leadership / HR
Presenter: Nancy Phelps
Recognizing impairment can prevent injuries before they happen. Learn how to identify warning signs, respond appropriately, and foster a workplace where employees feel empowered to speak up when something doesn't seem right.
10:05–10:50 a.m.
Inspect Before You're Inspected: The Value of Self-Inspections
Track: Safety Professionals – Hands-On
Presenter: Greg Rothbardt
Routine self-inspections help identify hazards before they become incidents—or OSHA finds them for you. Learn how to conduct effective inspections, document findings, prioritize corrective actions, and strengthen your overall safety program.
Building a Safety-Focused Culture
Track: Leadership / HR
Presenter: Molly Mackey
A strong safety culture begins with trust. Explore how psychological safety encourages better communication, stronger teamwork, and more proactive problem-solving, while giving leaders practical tools they can put to work immediately.
The Hidden Cost of Safety: How Safety Performance Impacts Operations and Workforce Stability
Track: Mining Safety
Presenter: Danielle Hargens
The impact of a safety incident goes well beyond citations and injury reports. Discover how safety performance affects morale, productivity, employee retention, recruitment, and your organization's reputation—and why investing in safety is also an investment in your business.
11:10–11:55 a.m.
Safety Hazards of Rapid Company Growth
Track: Safety Professionals – Hands-On
Presenter: Darren Smiley
Growth brings new opportunities, but it can also introduce new safety risks. Explore common challenges organizations face during periods of expansion and learn practical strategies for maintaining a strong safety culture as your company grows.
HR and Safety: Better Together
Track: Leadership / HR
Presenter: Bidi Chavez
HR and safety professionals share the same goal—protecting employees. Learn how collaboration in areas like injury management, return-to-work programs, workers' compensation, and compliance can strengthen your organization's overall safety efforts.
1:00–1:45 p.m.
Accessibility in Safety Communication
Track: Safety Professionals – Hands-On
Presenter: Bidi Chavez
Safety communication should reach every employee. Discover practical ways to make your safety messages clearer, inclusive, and accessible so everyone has the information they need to work safely.
Trauma-Informed Leadership
Track: Leadership / HR
Presenter: Molly Mackey
Every employee brings unique experiences to work. Learn how trauma-informed leadership can strengthen communication, build trust, improve retention, and create a more supportive workplace for everyone.
When Help Is 30 Minutes Away: Emergency Response & First Aid in Mining Operations
Track: Mining Safety
Presenter: Danielle Hargens
When emergency responders aren't nearby, preparation matters. Learn practical strategies for responding to medical emergencies in mining environments, including first aid priorities, communication, and planning that can improve outcomes until professional help arrives.
Meet the Presenters
Brinson Kinzer
Brinson Kinzer is a retired IBEW Local 145 electrician with more than 40 years of experience in the electrical industry. Throughout his career, he has served as a foreman, project manager, service coordinator, and full-time safety director. Brinson is an OSHA Authorized Trainer for both General Industry and Construction, a Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP), and an adjunct safety trainer for Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. He brings practical, real-world expertise to every session and is passionate about helping organizations create safer workplaces through training, compliance, and proactive risk management.
Bidi Chavez
Bidi Chavez is an accomplished human resources professional with experience across manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and construction. She provides bilingual HR consulting and helps organizations navigate workplace compliance, employee relations, and organizational development.
Danielle Hargens
Danielle Hargens is an MSHA-certified instructor with more than 15 years of experience in the mining industry. Since 2009, she has worked in a variety of mining roles, giving her firsthand insight into the challenges workers face every day. With additional experience in healthcare and emergency response, Danielle delivers engaging, practical training focused on MSHA regulations, hazard recognition, emergency preparedness, and real-world safety practices that help protect miners and contractors.
Darren Smiley
Darren Smiley has spent more than 25 years helping organizations improve workplace safety and manage risk across industries including construction, manufacturing, hospitality, education, and government. An OSHA Authorized Trainer and adjunct instructor at both Kirkwood Community College and Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, Darren has trained thousands of professionals on OSHA regulations and practical approaches to creating safer workplaces.
Greg Rothbardt
Greg Rothbardt has dedicated his career to helping contractors, industrial organizations, municipalities, and agricultural operations improve workplace safety. He has conducted hundreds of safety inspections and training sessions, served as an acting safety manager for multiple organizations, and is authorized to teach OSHA 10- and 30-hour courses. Greg is also an active member of the American Society of Safety Professionals and is committed to helping every employee return home safely at the end of the day.
Molly Mackey
Molly J. Mackey is an author, speaker, leadership strategist, and founder of the LEAdeRNship Institute. With more than 20 years of experience in business, leadership development, and organizational learning, she helps leaders build stronger teams and healthier workplace cultures. Molly holds an MBA from the University of Iowa, is a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), and has earned certifications in artificial intelligence from LinkedIn Learning and IBM. She works with organizations across the country to strengthen leadership and improve team performance.
Nancy Phelps
Nancy Phelps, LISW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and Qualified Substance Abuse Professional with extensive experience in workplace mental health, substance abuse, and employee well-being. She earned her Master of Social Work from St. Ambrose University and has worked with employers across a variety of industries to address workplace challenges including impairment, stress, conflict, harassment, and work-life balance. Nancy combines clinical expertise with practical workplace experience to help organizations create healthier, safer environments.
Who Should Attend
- Safety professionals
- Supervisors and team leads
- HR leaders
- Maintenance and operations staff
- Business and industry partners
Registration
Questions?
EICC Office of Continuing Education
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