16th Annual Safety Conference

Empowering Safety Culture with Proactive Measures

Empowering Safety Culture in Metal Fabrication Industries
Join us for this immersive two-day event dedicated to advancing safety practices and fostering a culture of workplace well-being. Our 16th Annual Safety Conference brings together industry leaders, experts, and professionals committed to creating safer work environments in manufacturing and fabrication industries. This conference will be held at FMA headquarters in Elgin Illinois, from April 30 to May 1, 2024.

Connect & Learn from Safety-Industry Experts:
At the conference, you will be able to network with like-minded professionals and expand your safety network. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and build relationships that will support your ongoing commitment to safety excellence.

Hear from our lineup of distinguished speakers and educational sessions about cutting-edge developments and how to address emerging challenges. Gain insights from real-world experiences and stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of safety.

In addition, you will get the chance to take a tour of a local manufacturing facility to observe firsthand advanced safety protocols and technologies.

Celebrate Achievements with the Safety Awards:
After the conference, join us in recognizing outstanding achievements in safety with the Safety Awards Dinner, sponsored by CNA. We will celebrate the dedication of individuals and organizations making a significant impact on workplace safety. Select companies will receive an FMA and CNA Safety Award including Safety Awards of Honor, Merit, and Most Improved Safety Record. One organization will walk away with the prestigious Rusty Demeules Award for Safety Excellence.

Secure your spot today.

Event Details

16th Annual Safety Conference

Date

April 30-May 1, 2024

Location

FMA

2135 Point Blvd

Elgin, IL 60123

Reserve a Room

Registration

Members save $200 or more!
Join FMA

Price: $695.00

Member Price: $495.00

FMA and CNA Safety Awards

Achievements in safety by company-level members will be recognized at the conference.

Learn More

Featured Speakers

Eric Hobbs

Shareholder
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC
Brenda Lovitz

Risk & Safety Manager
FlexTrades
Jason Merschat

Founder
Advanced Process Optimization, LLC

Networking and Special Events

Safety Awards Dinner & Reception

April 30, 2024 6-8 p.m.

Connect with industry partners, world-class presenters, and colleagues to make new and lasting relationships. During this evening cocktail reception, recognition dinner and presentation of the annual Safety Awards, qualifying companies will receive their Award of Honor, Award of Merit, Honorable Mention and Most Improved plaques. To cap off this event, FMA’s highest safety honor is the prestigious Rusty Demeules Award for Safety Excellence. Top finalists will be recognized, and the winner will be announced.

Location: Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano
1524 S Randall Rd
Algonquin, IL 60102

6:00 - 6:30 PM Cocktail/Networking Reception
6:30 - 8:00 PM Dinner & FMA Safety Awards Presentation

TRUMPF Smart Factory Tour

May 1, 2024 8:35 a.m.-12 p.m.

Experience innovation on a guided tour of TRUMPF's Smart Factory, where cutting-edge technology seamlessly integrates with precision manufacturing processes. Discover firsthand how advanced safety protocols, automated safeguards, and real-time monitoring ensure a secure environment, setting new standards for workplace safety in the manufacturing industry.

Transportation to and from the tour will be provided by FMA.

Sessions

Session Name

Time (CT)

Breakfast and Registration at FMA

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Welcome Remarks & Program Introduction

8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

Keynote: OSHA and Trends

8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Merits of VPP Star Site Status and the Journey of Continuous Improvement

Explore the benefits of achieving VPP (Voluntary Protection Programs) Star Site status. Gain insights into the principles and practices that drive excellence in safety management and how they can be integrated into your organization's culture.

9:45 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.

Temporary Worker Best Practices Roundtable Discussion

Temporary workers are an integral part of many industries but may face unique safety challenges. Engage in discussions on best practices for ensuring effective onboarding, training, and supervision strategies of temporary employees.

10:20 a.m. - 10:55 a.m.

QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training with NAMI of McHenry County

Earn a certificate from NAMI of McHenry County showcasing your lifesaving QPR gatekeeper skills, crucial for intervening in mental health crises. Learn how to recognize warning signs, effectively communicate with employees, and refer them to appropriate resources for support.

Understanding mental health is crucial for fostering a safe and supportive work environment. NAMI McHenry County’s mission is to provide support, education, and advocacy in order to improve the quality of life and wellness of individuals with mental health conditions and their families at no cost. The QPR's mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training. People trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.

10:55 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

Lunch

11:50 a.m. - 12:40 p.m.

Heat Illness Prevention and Regulatory Update

CNA's Risk Control Consultant, Luke Whitmore, will identify critical aspects of recognizing and mitigating heat-related risks in the workplace. From identifying potential hazards to implementing preventive measures, Luke will guide participants through practical strategies to safeguard employees' health and ensure regulatory compliance.

12:40 p.m. - 1:25 p.m.

OSHA Compliance is More Than a Safety Issue

Learn how OSHA Compliance is More Than a Safety Issue with a discussion on how Safety provides a foundation for organizational discipline, a platform for excellence in operations, increased organizational valuation, and a basis for company culture from former manufacturing C-suite Executive, Jason Merschat, Founder of Advanced Process Optimization, LLC.

1:25 p.m. - 1:55 p.m.

Smart Weld Fume Extraction: Breathing New Life Into Welder Safety

Nederman’s Travis Haynam, will lead a discussion on how smart filter technology, digital monitoring and advanced services in fume extraction are positively impacting welder safety, reducing fire risks and achieving regulatory compliance in manual and automated welding applications.

1:55 p.m. - 2:40 p.m.

Mobilize Safety Efforts for Maximum Impact!

Join Dan Shaevel, Certified Safety Professional, as he shares insights on building a strong safety culture that goes beyond compliance. Learn how to foster employee trust, drive impactful change, and design comprehensive safety systems for enhanced organizational performance and well-being.

2:50 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.

Afternoon Break

3:05 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Case Studies

3:20 p.m. - 4:05 p.m.

Showcase Your Advancements: Rusty Demeules Award Finalists

Witness the top two applicants of the Rusty Demeules Award for Safety Excellence present their winning practices. This award recognizes organizations excelling beyond OSHA recordable incidence rates and fostering a robust safety culture. Explore their journey to the top, focusing on employee and company engagement, as well as safety structure.

2024 Finalists are:

Ludlow Manufacturing Inc

Nova Group Inc

Winner of the Rusty Demeules Award will be announced at the Safety Awards Dinner.