Request accessible format

The accessibility of NIC.edu is extremely important to us! If you encounter any barriers and need assistance, please contact accessibility@nic.edu.

17th Annual Safety Fest of the Great Northwest: North Idaho

Location: Workforce Training Center

February 19-21, 2025

Safety Fest is the combined efforts of large/small businesses, industry, non-profit organizations, and municipal agencies that come together to promote safety & health at work, at home, and in the community.

Safety Fest offers three days of free training and is dedicated to making this region a safe place to work and live. The safety & health classes, demonstrations, and workshops are free to the public to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn these important skills. All monies and in-kind support are used towards Safety Fest expenses.

Who Should Attend
We invite general industry, mining, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, and construction professionals; as well as ANY business or community member interested in safety-related training.

Location
NIC Workforce Training Center
525 S Clearwater Loop
Post Falls, ID

Registration
Will open at January 2025.
Submit all inquiries to customizedtraining@nic.edu or call (208) 769-7732.

Cost
Thanks to the generous contributions of our supporters, instructors, and volunteers, all classes are FREE.

Registration Opens January 2025

Prepare for Registration

  • To ensure your registration goes smoothly, we recommend that you gather your student login/password information prior to the registration start date. 
  • Set up a student profile or check on an existing account.
  • Student schedules and certificates of completion will be sent via email, so it’s important to make sure that your name is spelled correctly and that your email address belongs to you.
  • If you are unable to attend any of your classes, please contact Customer Service at (208) 769-3333 to cancel. This will free up a spot and allow more students to attend.
  • Review the event schedule prior to the registration opening (subject to change). Many of the classes fill up fast, so it’s good to have a plan.
  • Employers: There is a limit of five students per class.

Join us for the Exhibitor Showcase on February 19 and 20, running from 8 am to 5 pm. We're thrilled to welcome back familiar organizations and introduce new faces this year. The success of Safety Fest hinges on the tremendous support we receive. Be sure to explore the various booths for a chance to win exciting prizes in the vendor bingo raffle. The drawing will take place at 12:45 on Thursday, February 20. See you there!

2024 Exhibitors
3M Company
Armor Guys
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inland Pacific Chapter
Boise State University, Idaho Occupational Safety & Health Consultation Program
Columbia Southern University
Copper State Bolt & Nut Company
Ginno Construction
Idaho Central Credit Union
Kootenai County Utilities Council
La Riviere, Inc
North Idaho College
Norco, Inc
Pacific Northwest OSHA Education Center at University of WA
Panhandle Health District
sif, Idaho Workers' Compensation
United Rentals
Westcoast Wire Rope & Rigging, Inc

A few spots still remain.
Download Enrollment Form.

Class Description
ABCDEF's of Fall Protection and Fall Protection Demonstration This class will provide an in depth understanding of the abcdef's of fall protection and review of current OSHA regs and updated ANSI standards.  This intermediate fall protection training course is designed for for users, safety mangers and supervisors.  This class will cover anchor points, body support, connectors, descent and rescent, and fall protection for tools.  There will be a demonstration of a self rescue and arresting forces on the body during a fall and a review the ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard update and how it affects users selection on SRL's.  
Active Shooter Training The Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) course is designed and built on the Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) strategy developed by ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response) in 2004. This class provides strategies, guidance and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event. Topics include the history and prevalence of active shooter events, civilian response options, medical issues, and considerations for conducting drills.
Air Permits: What are they? Do I need one? Air permits play a crucial role in safeguarding the environment, protecting public health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting responsible industrial practices. This course will familiarize small and large businesses about when an air permit is required and the process of acquiring one.
Arc Flash Hazards Electrical accidents are one of the top four killers in the construction industry and account for deaths across many other industries as well. Many times workers try to work around electrical without all the proper safety measures in place. One of the highest hazards of working on live electrical circuits is the danger of Arc Flash. This is an awareness-level class teaching the hazards of arc flash. It will teach how to identify when there is the potential of arc flash and basic strategies for protecting yourself from the hazards.
ASME/OSHA Basic Rigging Students will gain greater awareness of safe rigging practices, learn the importance of choosing proper rigging and understand what to look for before you lift. This class includes:
- Risk management and basic rigging plan
- Basic rigging principles and load control
- Loads on rigging and the rigging triangle
- Application and inspection of hardware
- Application and inspection of slings
Basic Electrical Safety This class is designed to help students recognize and respond safely to potential electrical hazards.
Bloodborne Pathogens Employees in many occupations may be at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This 1-hour class will prepare you to safely employ an exposure control plan by identifying infectious pathogens, application of personal protective equipment, and other provisions required by OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. Health care workers, first responders and housekeeping personnel would be the ideal candidate to enroll in this class.
Boom / Scissor Lift Operator:  Aerial Work Platform (AWP) Training The AWP Training is a 4-hour class designed to train the operator on the proper use of Aerial Work Platforms (Boom Lifts and Scissor Lifts).  All operators of AWP’s must be familiar with the controls and trained on the safe and proper use of the equipment. This class will feature some classroom and hands-on training to certify the operator on particular models. After passing the exam, a wallet card is given out to each trainee for his or her records. The card will expire after 3 years from the date issued. This class does not qualify anyone to teach operator safety classes. This class is for operators only.
Building Employee Involvement in Your Safety Program This course introduces attendees to the importance of involving workers in the company’s safety program and provides strategies to help make their involvement effective. 
Child Labor Rules and Regulations This course will go over the laws that cover Child Labor so that you can make sure you are in compliance with the law when you hire workers under the age of 18. Today there are more jobs than workers available to fill them, so employers are hiring more and more workers under the age of 18 to fill this gap.
- Know at what age minors can start working
- Know what hours 14 and 15 year olds can work
- Know which occupations minors can work in and what are hazardous occupations
- Understand what a work/school program is and how one can participate in that
Competent Person Equipment Inspector Training Review OSHA Standard 1926 Subpart P, What it is to be a competent person, Soil classifications, Sloping Benching, Manufactured Tab Data, Requirement’s for protective systems.  This is an awareness class and does NOT provide Competent Person Certification. 
Competent Person Trench Safety Training Qualified/Competent Person Training is designed for all employees involved in trenching work, including job foremen, job superintendents, engineers and any personnel involved in underground projects.

According to OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart (US) and CCOHS (Canada), every excavation must have a designated Qualified/Competent Person to manage the safety aspects of the site. To properly carry out Qualified/Competent Person responsibilities, this individual must have training in, and be knowledgeable of, soil analysis, the use of protective systems and the requirements of the standard. Additional responsibilities include identifying existing and predictable hazards in the work environment and possessing the authority to take prompt corrective action.
Conducting Job Hazard Analysis (AKA) JHA, JSA, Pre-Task Plans, THA, PPE Assessments  All employers are required to assess their workplace for identified hazards and address those hazards. This class will teach you how to do a hazard assessment and complete Job Hazard Analysis forms which include PPE and ergonomic assessments. This process offers a simple approach which can also be used to create Pre-Task Plans, Standard Operating Procedures, and Job Descriptions as well.
Confined Space Awareness The course will cover the basic awareness of confined spaces and break down what would have to be covered in a confined space program.  The overall discussion will include procedures for entry such as atmospheric testing, re-classifying spaces for alternate entry and developing rescue plans for entry.  Students will be able to: 
- Identify characteristics of a confined space
- Identify characteristics of a permit-required confined space
- Awareness of program and personnel requirements for confined spaces
Confined Space in Construction Confined Space Entry Training is available for all workers who may enter, supervise entry or be adversely affected from confined spaces. Our training courses are designed to help workers identify any potential hazards associated with a confined space. The course also addresses new 29 CFR 1926 standards and requirements including the duties and responsibilities for an Authorized Entrant, Attendant, Entry Supervisor and Rescue Personnel.

Training topics
• Permit requirements for confined space
• Use of gas monitoring equipment
• Proper ventilation of confined space
• Duties of supervisors, entrants and attendants
• Alternate entry procedures
Controlling Workers Compensation Costs Learn the basics of how Washington and Idaho workers’ compensation effects the costs employers pay and 10 steps to loss control that will greatly decrease your workers’ compensation costs.
Creating Safe Work Environments Guidelines to help employers respond to domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking impacting the workplace. This class will focus on how to identify, respond and support colleagues, staff and co-workers, who are or have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.  This would be a class that would be good for management, HR and employees to attend. 
Cyber Crimes and Safety This course will inform you about the basics of safe computer use and Internet browsing.  Security behaviors you can use to keep your personal and business data safe. We will cover social engineering, malware, email, passwords, social media, mobile devices, and Internet browsing safety. Finally, we will discuss the importance of your daily vigilance to defend yourself against data thieves. You are the tip of the spear and the front line of defense against bad actors compromising your data.
Damage Prevention/Safe Digging Practices in Idaho This class is intended for anyone involved in excavation and has an emphasis on safe digging. It will include an overview of Idaho’s Damage Prevention Program, why it was created and who is affected by the Idaho Statutes and Rules. Information will include compliance efforts, details related to reporting, available training and “safe digging” practices.
Learning Objectives:
- Know the steps to safe digging
- Understand the damage prevention complaint process in Idaho
- Learn the basics of excavation regarding damage prevention.
- Best practices to reduce auto losses
Defensive Driving Understand why driving is a full-time job and the techniques that will increase your safety on the road. We will cover the following areas:
- Preparing yourself and your vehicle
- Pre-trip inspections
- The BIG five driving techniques and Distractions
- Inclement weather
- Mechanical failure
Developing a Safety /Accident Prevention Program This class will assist employers in developing and implementing a written Safety/Accident prevention program that is tailored to the needs and potential hazards associated with your workplace.
Ergonomics on the Move: Manual Material Handling The class will take us through an adventure into ergonomics. We will learn how to reduce the risk of an injury caused by manual material handling. We will discuss what the injury risk factors are. Then we will apply this knowledge to identify ergonomic problems and how to fix them safely. A number of free and simple online calculators you can use at your workplace to assess moving tasks will be shown.  
Excavation and Trench Safety Hazard Overview with Photos of Enforcement This presentation provides an overview of situations encountered in OSHA trench/excavation enforcement inspections, includes photos of Idaho-based OSHA enforcement, and summarizes compliance and abatement measures for OSHA Part 1926 Subpart P – Excavations.  Note this is a hazard awareness class, as opposed to a Competent Person class for Trenching and Excavation.
Fall Protection Awareness: Equipment Selection and Use  This class will cover the basic principles of fall protection including the proper use of anchorage connectors, body harnesses, lanyards, self retracting lifelines and horizontal lifelines. There will be discussion of the new developments in fall protection including the proper inspection of fall protection equipment.
First Aid/ CPR & AED Certification Through lecture, videos and hands-on practice, this half-day course will prepare individuals to respond confidently to emergency situations. Skills and topics include: CPR and AED use, choking, bleeding control, bandaging and splinting, cold and heat related emergencies, Epinephrine Auto-Injector training, and many more. Students will practice essential skills in small group practices and are evaluated through instructor observation of the reasonable performance of skills. Certification cards will be issued and are valid for 2 years from the date of the class.
Fleet Compliance Whether running a trucking company or just a fleet of pickups with trailers, DOT regulations apply. In this course, you will learn the basics of DOT Regulations, Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, Driver's Qualification files and safety programs you need to have in place for compliance with state and federal FMCSA regulations.
Forklift/Material Handler Certification: Class 5 Class V Forklifts are internal combustion engine pneumatic tire trucks. Forklifts in this class are similar to those in Class IV but are designed primarily for outdoor use. These forklifts are highly durable and are ideal for lumberyards, construction sites, and other outdoor applications.  Students will receive a wallet card indicating you completed the training class. The card is good for 3 years. Minimum age 18.
Hazmat Hazwaste Life-cycle: Cradle to Grave This class will prepare students to answer the following questions
- What is hazmat and hazwaste?
- What are basic requirements for handling them as a commercial entity?
- What are the storage requirements?
- What are the transportation requirements (including some basics for packaging)?
- What are the reporting requirements?
- What is hazardous waste processing?
- What is required to process hazwaste?
HAZWOPER Refresher This class satisfies the OSHA requirement for annual 8-hour refresher training per 29 CFR1910.120 or 29 CF4 1926.65. All participants in this class must have either a 40 Hour or a 24 Hour certificate (you do not need to bring the certificate to the class). This class is appropriate for anyone involved in clean up or assessment of hazardous waste sites. It is not applicable to emergency response personnel or TSD/RCRA facilities. Topics will include a review of the OSHA standard, an update on environmental regulations and current rulemaking, new OSHA initiatives including combustible dust, hazard analysis techniques and control measures, selection of chemical protective clothing, fire protection approaches, and spill control methods. Certificates of completion will be awarded.
Heat Illness and Prevention Description Coming Soon
Heavy Machinery/Equipment Safety This Heavy Machinery and Equipment Safety course provides safety awareness training for those who work on and around heavy equipment and vehicles. Students will be able to recognize methods for identifying and preventing hazards pertaining to heavy equipment and vehicle operations. It addresses common hazards, including the top four causes of injury and death: falls, struck-by, caught-between, and electrocution.
Home Remedies for Common Injuries Ever wonder how to take care of minor aches and pains? Ever have something bothering you that isn't bad enough to go to the doctor, but takes forever to get better? We will talk about some simple tools we can use to fix these minor problems. Uncommon ideas that work when you try them! From the neck to the toe, there are ways you can help yourself feel better.
IDPR - Boating Safety Certification Boating Safety is a concern for everyone on the water. Boaters can keep themselves and their passengers safe by learning about responsible boat operation, etiquette, and rule of the waterways. Topics include: Knowing your boat, trailering your boat, boat maintenance, navigation rules, legal requirements, boating emergencies, launching/retrieving, operating safely, PWC operations, safety equipment, and water sports. This is a state course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the U. S. Coast Guard. It meets the state boating education requirements for states that have mandatory boating education laws.
Incident Investigation Incident Investigation is one of the most valuable tools used to be able to prevent future incidents. This class will teach how to establish an Incident Reporting and Investigation program. It will also include the steps in the investigation, as well as the documentation that should be completed after an incident.
Institutional Controls Program Licensing The Institutional Controls Program (ICP) is a locally-enforced set of rules and regulations designed to ensure the integrity of clean soil and other protective barriers placed over contaminants left throughout the Bunker Hill Superfund site. The Bunker Hill Superfund Site spans from Harrison, ID to Lookout Pass. The class will last approximately 2.5 hours. All contractors, who are involved in excavation, grading, transporting contaminated materials, construction, building demolition, certain interior remodeling projects or other activities within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site that may disturb an existing barrier or result in the installation of a new one, must be licensed by Panhandle Health District (PHD). The contractor is also responsible for obtaining a permit before any work is performed. There are no fees for the licensing or permitting. The license is good for one year and must be renewed each year to stay current. The instructor will be prepared to renew licenses at the show.
K-9 Demonstration Post Falls Police Department K-9 unit will offer an educational awareness program and demonstration explaining the role of a police K-9 and handler, their varied duties, and techniques used to locate suspects, victims, and narcotics.
Ladder and Work Platform Safety Ladders and work platforms are used in all industries and misuse of this equipment leads to numerous injuries and fatalities each year. This class will help attendees determine the correct ladder for a task, how to use it properly, and the training which is required for employees using ladders and work platforms. 
Lead Awareness  This course addresses the workplace safety and health issues and requirements regarding lead exposure to workers. This course is intended for workers who perform maintenance, construction, demolition, or other work where lead paint or lead materials are present. The following topics are included: lead health effects, history and uses; written program requirements; exposure assessments; operations that have the potential to cause workers to be exposed to lead; work area signage; engineering controls and work practices; PPE; respiratory protection; medical monitoring; and medical surveillance and removal.
Leading a Safety Culture Ever wonder why some companies have outstanding safety cultures? Well, they didn’t happen by accident. This session will demonstrate the importance and benefits to having a strong culture of safety in your workplace and community.  Examples, tips, activities, and ideas to lead, develop, and enhance the culture will be provided.
Lithium Battery Safety  With the proliferation of lithium batteries used in a multitude of consumer and industrial products, lithium batteries can pose unique safety hazards. In this session you will:
- Understand the Different Battery Technologies - Why Lithium Batteries
- Different Types of Lithium Batteries
- Lithium Battery Safe Handling, Use, and Storage
- What Can Go Wrong with Batteries
- Emergency Response to Lithium Batteries
Lock-Out, Tag-Out Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) refers to specific practices and procedures to safeguard employees from the unexpected energization or startup of machinery and equipment, or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities.
Movement Patterns for Injury Prevention There are ways we move that can hurt us. Common ways that are easy to fix and to make common in our everyday activity. Here you will learn ways to move, to sit, to sleep, to drive in your car. Simple ways that can keep you form hurting and, even worse, could cause serious injury. How we move is how we can take care of ourselves.
MSHA Annual Refresher Training This one-day class will refresh experienced miners and contractors in the safety and health hazards involved in surface and underground mining operations. Topics include miners' rights and responsibilities, industrial hygiene, water hazards, explosives, fall prevention, first aid, respiratory protection, powered haulage, sliding material hazards, and much more. This course meets the US Department of Labor-Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MSHA) requirements per 30 CFR parts 46/48 and is designed for the experienced miner with a current 5000-23 Certificate of Training.
Office Ergonomics for Work and Home This class will explain how to set up your “office” for comfort and productivity. We will review healthy habits you can use when working on the computer. You will learn my TOP 10 ergonomic injury prevention recommendations for computer workstations.
Opioid Safety and How to Use Naloxone

Opioid reversal medication is a medication that can save lives by temporarily reversing an opioid overdose, such as heroin or fentanyl. Opioid reversal medication is safe to use and only works if a person has opioids in their body.  In this class you will learn what opioids are, what naloxone is, overdose prevention, laws in Idaho and how to recognize and respond to a potential opioid overdose using intranasal naloxone (commonly known as Narcan).

OSHA #7405 Fall Hazard Awareness for the Construction Industry This course covers the identification, evaluation, prevention and control of fall hazards in the construction industry. The course focuses on falls to a lower level rather than falls to the same level resulting from slips and falls. Course topics include identifying, analyzing, and preventing fall hazards utilizing OSHA Fall Protection Standards. At the conclusion of the course, students will have an awareness level of identifying fall hazards and methods to control and abate the hazards.
OSHA #7410 Managing Excavation/Trenching Operations This course covers the requirements to manage excavation/trenching operations. The course will include an understanding of the OSHA excavation requirements, excavation/trenching hazards, and control measures. Additionally, participants will learn about soil analysis techniques and protective system requirements. At the conclusion of this course, participants will understand how to manage excavation/trenching operations.
OSHA #7500 Introduction to Safety and Health Management This course covers the effective implementation of a company's safety and health management system. The course addresses the four core elements of an effective safety and health management system and those central issues that are critical to each element's proper management. This course is an interactive training session focusing on class discussion and workshops. Upon course completion students will have the ability to evaluate, develop, and implement an effective safety and health management system for their company. 
OSHA #7515 Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) This course covers OSHA guidelines for developing a Job Hazard Analysis. Course topics include the purpose and requirements of a job hazard analysis, the relationship between worker tasks and tools in a work environment, identifying job hazards before they occur, and techniques for completing a job hazard analysis. Students will participate in activities about utilizing a job hazard analysis.
OSHA #7845 Recordkeeping Rule Seminar This course covers OSHA requirements for maintaining and posting records of occupational injuries and illnesses, and reporting specific cases to OSHA. Upon course completion students will have the ability to identify OSHA requirements for recordkeeping, posting and reporting and to complete OSHA Form 300 Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, OSHA Form 300A Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, and OSHA Form 301 Injury and Illness Incident Report.
OSHA Case Studies A summary of OSHA enforcement activity involving Endotoxin Exposure at a Potato Processing Facility, Carbon Dioxide in a Confined Space, Heat Illness Prevention, Confirmed Silicosis in Construction, and Accident Investigations.
OSHA-10 Construction This 10-hour OSHA course is taught over two (2) days. OSHA 10-Hour is intended to provide an entry-level construction worker’s general awareness of recognizing and preventing hazards on a construction site. Topics include hazard communication, hazardous materials, cranes and rigging, fall protection, PPE, electrical safety, and much more.

Note: This is a 10-hour class conducted over two days. You must attend both days to receive an OSHA card.
OSHA-10 General Industry This 10-hour OSHA course is taught over two (2) days and will follow a facilitated format that will cover safety regulations as they pertain to general industry. It will cover topics including Intro to OSHA, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Hazard Communications, Means of Egress, Fire Protection, Electrical Safety, Machine Guarding and many other exciting topics you won’t want to miss.

Note: This is a 10-hour class conducted over two days. You must attend both days to receive an OSHA card.
Practical Measurers to Reduce Auto Risk Fleet vehicles are the biggest exposure your company has. The number and cost of auto claims continue to go up year after year. This presentation will cover fleet management best practices through resources and analytics to improve your drivers' performance and overall fleet program.  - Learn auto behaviors that lead to crashes
- Learn the elements of a fleet safety program
- Learn best practices to reduce auto losses
Preparing for Emergencies and Disasters Emergencies and disasters can strike a business, family, or individual in a moment. What we do to prepare for them many times makes a difference whether a business recovers, a family home is spared from destruction, or a person saves a life. This class is an overview of the essentials of preparing for emergencies and disasters. It is intended to help one understand where a person starts the process, some of the important things to look at that might be overlooked. The outline is:
- Understanding the Emergency Management Circle
- Types of emergencies
- Risk Assessment-What are your hazards
- Developing a plan of action
- Examples of real life situations
- Personal Preparedness
Recognizing and Responding to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in the Workplace Employees can play important roles in preventing domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as connecting survivors to resources. In this course we will discuss the different types of abuse, how to recognize signs of abuse and trauma informed ways we can respond to abuse. 
Reduce Workplace Stress and Burnout with a Self-Care Plan Uncover the secrets to combating workplace stress in this two-hour class. Identify stressors, explore the science behind stress, and learn resilience-building techniques. Craft a personalized self-care plan tailored to your needs, incorporating mindfulness and time management strategies. Leave with practical tools to enhance your professional and personal life, fostering a culture of well-being in your workplace. 
Remote Worker Safety & Backcountry Survival Many workers work in remote locations including logging, construction, mining, emergency medical personnel, law enforcement, forest service, and communications. These remote areas have unique challenges and may result in a worker being separated from other personnel, creating the need for them to be able to survive in the wilderness. This class will provide survival techniques to prepare individuals for those situations.
Respirators and Airborne Contaminants   Topics we will Cover:
1. Why the respirator is necessary. Included, for example, information identifying respiratory hazards such as hazardous chemicals, the extent of the employee’s exposure, and potential health effects and symptoms;
2. The respirator’s capabilities and limitations. Include, for example, how the respirator provides protection and why air-purifying respirators cannot be used in oxygen-deficient conditions;
3. How improper fit, use, or maintenance can compromise the respirator's effectiveness and reliability;
4. How to properly inspect, put on, seal check, use, and remove the respirator;
5. How to clean, disinfect, repair, and store the respirator, or how to get this done by someone else;
6. How to use the respirator effectively in emergencies; including what to do when a respirator fails and where emergency respirators are stored;
7. Medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators such as shortness of breath or dizziness.
Safety Management 101: What You Need for a Safety Program Learn how and why the Occupational Safety and Health Act was created and how it has evolved through the years. Find out its major organizational divisions and functions so you will know who to contact for guidance and notifications. This course provides the basic tools a safety manager needs to understand the safety regulations for his/her company. How do you conduct a hazard assessment and develop hazard controls? What safety programs do you need? Bloodborne Pathogens, Combustible Dust, Silica, Confined Space, Contractors, Cranes/Jacks/Lifts/Slings, Electrical, Emergency/Fire Action Plan, New Hire , Equipment, Ergonomics, Fall Protection, Ladders, Slip, Trip, Fire Extinguishers, First Aid/CPR/AED, Forklift, Hand Tools, Hazardous communications (HAZCOM), Hearing Conservation, Hot work/Gas Cylinders/Welding, Job/PPE Hazard Assessments, Laser/Radiation, Lockout / Tagout, Machine Guarding, OSHA 300, PPE, Heat Stress, Wellness, and Respiratory Protection. As a safety manager, what do you need to know about workers' compensation? How to communicate with management using cost benefit analysis.
Silica Hazard Awareness in General Industry and Construction  In this course, students will learn about the basics of Respirable Crystalline Silica encountered during many construction activities. This course will identify the basic health hazards associated with exposures to respirable crystalline silica, the common construction tasks that may result in exposures, and engineering control measures that employers may implement to protect workers from exposure. The course will also include basic PPE and air monitoring techniques for crystalline silica. Students will learn about the new OSHA standards concerning respirable crystalline silica and WA State new standard on respirable crystalline silica including how to recognize what a “competent person” for respirable crystalline silica means.
Stop the Bleed Nationwide training program developed by the American College of Surgeons and Department of Defense to empower the public to identify and intervene in a bleeding emergency prior to the arrival of EMS. Students will be able to recognize life-threatening bleeding and learn the skills to intervene in a bleeding emergency. Topics include pressure, wound packing, tourniquet use, and more.
Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry The construction industry has the second highest rate of suicide in the United States at 53.3 per 100,000 workers according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). This course will discuss key physical and behavioral risk factors, warning signs and imminent danger signs, how to start that difficult conversation with a peer/co-worker/friend, and resources to use to get help.
Suicide Warning Signs & Prevention Suicide is the second leading cause of death in Idahoans aged 10 to 44. More than five times as many people died by suicide in recent years than in alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents in Idaho. Break through the myths and stigma of suicide with evidence-based skills to recognize signs and symptoms of suicidality and strategies to intervene in an emerging crisis. 
Supervisor Safety and Training Responsibilities This course will teach the safety responsibilities for all levels of supervision. Whether you are a new supervisor or a skilled worker that has been handed supervisor responsibilities, it is important to have a good understanding of not only what OSHA / WA L&I deems as your responsibilities, but your legal responsibilities as well. This class will better prepare leaders for their role of supervisor. 
Temporary Worker Safety & Training Responsibility This class will discuss how staffing companies and their clients can work together to protect temporary workers.
Toolbox Talks- The Importance and Effectiveness of Them Toolbox Talks supplement safety meetings and are important to building a strong safety culture and reinforcing your company’s commitment to protecting workers. Holding regular Toolbox Talks can prevent workers from getting complacent and avoid taking safety for granted.  This course introduces attendees to strategies for reinforcing safe behaviors and delivering effective safety training through Toolbox Talks. 
What the Heck is Selfish Safety? This program presents a unique and personal approach to safety, giving supervisors (and that means foremen, too!) the tools to deliver safety-related messages through personal involvement, going beyond the basic communication often practiced. Supervisors who are required to deliver safety training typically aren’t given anything but the standard message of “work safely” but aren’t given the tools to drive the importance of safety “home” to the listeners. This presentation will give them multiple methods for personalizing the safety message, often in ways most employees haven’t heard or thought of. Non-supervisory employees will benefit just as much because, as we all know, safety is everybody's business and concern!
Workplace Violence  This class provides information on the extent of violence in the workplace, assessing the hazards in different settings and developing workplace violence prevention plans. Students will learn the following:
- Understanding Workplace Violence
- Recognizing Warning Signs
- Risk Assessment
- De-escalation Techniques
- Policies and Resources
Workzone Flagging Certification Get ready to start your career in traffic control by earning your Flagger Certification card now. Gain the skills and expertise to enhance the safety of workers and road users during construction, maintenance, and repair projects. This course is 100 percent safety-driven with topics of flagger qualifications and requirements, positions for safety, road user safety, flagging signals, elements of traffic control, specialty lighting, intersections, grade crossings, short duration, and mobile work. After successfully completing this course, you will be issued a flagger card required by the Idaho Transportation Department and accepted in many other states including Washington, Montana, and Oregon. Flagger cards are issued by mail 6-8 weeks after class. Flagger certification is valid for three years, and the minimum age required is 18 years.
Instructor Bio
Adam Gerson, CIH, CSP
Compliance Assistance Specialist
OSHA Boise Office
Adam Gerson is the Compliance Assistance Specialist for the OSHA Boise Area Office.  He has over twenty five years of experience working as a safety and health manager, industrial hygienist and safety compliance officer with OSHA. His background includes conducting process safety management inspections for compliance with 29 CFR 1910.119, industrial hygiene surveys for silica hazards, and accident investigations on large-scale manufacturing and multi-employer construction sites. He is a practicing CIH/CSP who volunteers with Helping Idaho Dogs in his free time.
Alicia Ray
Safety Services Consultant II
sif, Idaho Workers’ Compensation
Alicia Ray has a Business Management degree from Lewis-Clark State College, has worked within the Human Resource field for over 20 years and now works for sif, Idaho Workers’ Compensation as a Loss Control Consultant for the last 3 years. Alicia worked at a variety of manufacturing companies within the Coeur d’ Alene/Sandpoint area, with a focus on safety as a portion of her position at each of the companies and participated in a number of audits with BSU-Occupational Safety and Health Consultation in an effort promote and increase safety awareness.
Anne Bailey
Environmental Health and Safety Consultant
Sure Safe
Anne has been an Environmental Health and Safety consultant for over a decade in Eastern Washington.   Anne brings over 20 years working in the Environmental, Safety and Health field, and 10 years of experience working with Solid and Hazardous Waste, including work at Hanford.  Additionally, she has extensive experience training and developing custom courses to help ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Anne holds a BS in Occupational Safety and an MS in Industrial Hygiene from Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology
April Woelk
Safety and Human Resources Director
LaRiviere, Inc
April Woelk is the Safety and Human Resources Director at LaRiviere, Inc. She has over 15 years of experience in construction, warehouse, utility, and trucking safety. She has a bachelors degree in Occupational Safety and Health and is an OSHA Authorized trainer for construction and general industry. 
Arrty Rude NIC, Workforce Training Center
Arrty Rude started in the sheet metal trade in 1990 after working as an elementary school teacher. Arrty has been teaching in the HVAC apprentice program since 2005 and is the Lead HVAC Instructor at NIC’s Workforce Training Center
Becky Colotti
Training Specialist
Hecla
Becky Colotti is a Health & Safety Training Specialist at Hecla Mining MSHA IS/IU; Safety & Health Specialist-UW, AHA Certified Instructor/BLS Faculty Member; NCCER – National Construction Certification Education Research Instructor; Owner of Inland NW Safety & CPR Training; Founding Partner Safety Fest of the Great Northwest.
Beth Fifield Hodgson
Principal Engineer
Spring Environmental
Beth Fifield Hodgson is the principal engineer of Spring Environmental based in Spokane, WA.  She was raised in upstate New York and earned dual bachelor degrees in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Clarkson University and a masters in environmental engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  In addition Beth has completed 30-hours of coursework in Safety Engineering from Kennedy Western Institute.  Her career includes stints at General Electric and OMNI Environmental.  Beth is a licensed professional engineer in four states.  After working in Spokane on a one-year assignment, she decided to pursue her dream of running her own company and in January of 1997 established Spring Environmental with the vision of providing a quality environmental management resource in the Inland Northwest.  Over the past 23 years, under Beth's leadership Spring Environmental has trained almost 5000 individuals and provided consulting services to almost 300 businesses throughout the Pacific NW.
Braden Boletti
Safety Manager
Associated Builders & Contractors Inland Pacific Chapter
Braden is a safety professional with over 5 years of experience. The majority of his background comes from the 1910 OSHA standard in his previous role as a safety officer for a distribution center and later as a safety specialist for a window manufacturing company. Braden is able to conduct OSHA 30 training and is also certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED. 
Breanna Sigmon
Account Manager
Aspire Consulting, LLC
Breanna Sigmon, Retro Program Manager for Aspire Consulting, LLC, has several years of experience managing workers' compensation claims within the construction industry. This experience has awarded Breanna a highly specialized understanding of the Washington Labor and Industries Retroactive Rating Program including how individual factors at the claims management level affect ratings and premium at the program level. Her broad view of the system has allowed her to develop relationships with L&I, companies, and doctors to ensure claims management is effective for all parties. Breanna's knowledge allows her to communicate with companies and assist them with strategies that help them through the often confusing and daunting process of claims management when injuries on the job occur.
Cisco Nevarez
Principal Consultant
Paladin Safety Group, LLC
Cisco Nevarez, CSP is the Principal Consultant for Paladin Safety Group, LLC. Cisco specializes in helping construction contractors build effective safety cultures through training and accountability. He has over 11 years of experience in heavy industrial engineering design and safety, and over 5 years in general construction safety. Cisco enjoys bringing sensible solutions that help employees accomplish their work while staying safe and remaining compliant to current rules and standards.
Cole Craven
Safety Specialist
Timber Products Manufacturers Association
Cole Craven brings over 15 years of safety experience.  He is extremely mission driven as his introduction to the world of safety came from the death of a friend and coworker.  Cole currently works as a Safety Specialist for the Timber Products Manufacturers Association. 
Dalena Tripplet
Instructor
Pacific Northwest OSHA Education Center, Univ of WA
Instructor for the Pacific Northwest OSHA Education Center at the University of Washington, Dalena is a safety professional with more than 25 years experience developing, implementing and managing safety and health programs for large and medium sized construction companies, with field and training expertise in industrial and construction safety, and accident investigation.
Dean Thoemke
Director of Safety
Inland Northwest Chapter AGC 
Dean Thoemke is the Director of Safety for the Inland Northwest chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC)
Deborah Krajcir
Counseling Specialist, Therapeutic Counseling
North Idaho College
Deborah Krajcir, a lifelong champion for the total wellness of individuals and families, has dedicated more than thirty years toward this goal through service in the fields of education and mental health. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), she is currently employed by North Idaho College as the mental health therapist for students as well as the owner of a small private practice in Post Falls. Additionally, as a certified Mental Health First Aid Trainer, it is her goal to equip every student and employee of NIC and beyond with the first responder skills necessary to proactively intervene in mental health situations through the courses she offers on campus and throughout the community. Deborah’s current projects include implementing BeWell NIC, an Integrated Student Wellness Program she designed for our students, and working toward the completion of her dissertation for her doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership through Idaho State University.
Debra Kellard
Safety and Health Consultant
WA State Department of Labor & Industries
Debra Kellard is a Safety & Health Consultant for the State of Washington.  She works at the Department of Labor and Industries, for the Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH).  Debra came to work for DOSH after nearly ten years of service as the Safety Director for a Traffic Control Contractor. She is a certified Flagger and a Traffic Control Supervisor.  As an authorized OSHA Trainer she is able to cover a variety of topics in Hazard Awareness classes.
Don Bradway
Safety Consultant
Don is a semi-retired safety consultant who specialized in construction safety.  His safety career has included working as a firefighter/paramedic and fire training officer, workers’ compensation loss control consultant and a supervisor for medics on offshore oil platforms. He has served as Corporate Safety Director for one of the largest residential roofing contractors in the U.S. and for two multi-state highway contractors. He was Chairman of the AGC of California’s Safety & Health Council, received the annual “Associate of the Year” award and was a founding member of the Construction Division of the National Safety Council.  Don has been a speaker multiple times at the Construction Safety Council, the National Safety Council’s annual Congress and the ASSE’s Pacific Rim Governors’ Safety Conference.
Dotty Heberer  Union Gospel Mission
Dotty Heberer has been a nurse since 1992 and has worked in various healthcare settings including acute care, long-term care, and community nursing. She has taught countless health professions, leadership, self-care, and management classes, and led teambuilding and strategic planning retreats. As a coach, Dotty has worked with teams, individuals, and leadership on their transformations, both large and small. She believes that the most important piece of any transformation is to build the skills and continuously improve the process. She has built trusting relationships and facilitated creative learning programs that deliver results.
Doug Goodman
Deputy
Kootenai County Sheriff's Office
Doug Goodman is a Deputy with the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office
Emily Hasz
Panhandle Health District
In December 2022, Emily Hasz was brought on as the Outreach Coordinator for Panhandle Health District’s Lead Health Intervention Program.  Emily has a background in Secondary Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Idaho.  Emily was raised in Post Falls, ID and has lived in the Silver Valley since 2010.  Emily enjoys the outdoors, and can be found hiking, swimming, and skiing with her husband and two children throughout the Silver Valley.  She enjoys learning new skills and has recently finished remodeling her home.  Over the last year, Emily has provided countless classes and presentations to contractors, homeowners, students, realtors, and medical residents, educating them on the heavy metal contamination still found within the Bunker Hill Superfund site.
Erik Hedlund Erik Hedlund is a Sergeant in the Patrol Division of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, where he has served since 2008. He is an instructor in three different disciplines of Active Shooter Response Training, teaching fellow Law Enforcement Officer and Civilians how to respond and react in an Active Shooter Event. He is also an Assistant Team Leader and Breacher on the Kootenai County Joint Agency SWAT Team and has served as a Field Training Officer, Criminal Interdiction Team member and as a member of the Crowd Control Team. In addition, Sgt. Hedlund is a P.O.S.T. certified Instructor in multiple other Law Enforcement Tactical Disciplines.
Greg Rodriguez
Safety and Environmental Officer
Ginno Construction Company
Greg has been involved in safety in the construction industry for the last 10 years. Greg worked as the Safety Director for Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. for 10 years before becoming the Safety/Environmental Officer for Ginno Construction Company. Greg is an OSHA approved Construction Outreach Instructor; Master Trainer and a Construction Site Safety Master Trainer for NCCER and is a certified CPR/AED/Basic First Aid instructor through EMS Safety Services.  Greg has been involved with Safety Fest since it started and has been the Chairman for the event for the past 3 years.
Gus Stoor
PotlatchDeltic
PotlatchDeltic
Industrial Electrician with 32 years of experience working currently in wood products as an electrical maintenance superintendent for PotlatchDeltic Corporation. Planning, scheduling and installation of capital projects and electrical maintenance utilizing electrical crews to safely install and maintain technologically advanced electrical systems in a high production facility. Safety Leader instructing electrical safety and lockout/tagout for all employees.
Harvey McGill
Lead Instructor
Pacific Northwest OSHA Education Center, Univ of WA
Lead instructor and continuing education specialist for the Pacific Northwest OSHA Education Center at the University of Washington, Harvey is a safety professional specializing in primary prevention, and occupational safety and health educational and technical training programs for more than 35 years. Highly skilled communicator and educator applying adult education theories and models to aid adult learners with a better understanding of how to self-govern their own safety and health exposures to common workplace hazards.
Heidi Gerke
Safety Officer
ABC, Inland Pacific Chapter
ABC, Inland Pacific Chapter
Heidi has been a Safety Officer with the ABC Inland Pacific Chapter since 2021. Prior to that, she worked as Safety Manager/Estimator at Renegade NW, Inc. As an ABC Member, she has participated in our Safety Committee and has attended several classes. She has served the last 9 years as a Hazmat Officer and Unit Safety Officer in the United States Army. Heidi also has three years’ experience as a carpenter. She is very well rounded and brings with her a vast variety of knowledge and experience. In addition to her experience, Heidi has a Bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion and Wellness from EWU (Go Eags) and is an authorized OSHA Outreach Instructor. 
Jason James
Program Manager/Instructor
NIC Mine Safety Training
With over 20+ years in the mining industry, Jason is an MSHA approved instructor who provides exceptional safety and health training to new and experienced miners. Specializing in Parts 46, 48 & 49 of CFR 30, Jason has been training miners for 10+ years. He has the following endorsements from MSHA - IU, IS, MR, and IN. Jason is also a Certified Occupational Safety and Health Specialist as well as a First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor.
Jason Lenius Jason Lenius was the Regional Risk Control Field Operations Manager for the Northwest and Northern Mountain states at Liberty Mutual. He oversaw delivery of Risk Control Services to impact Liberty Mutual and customer service results through risk improvement services, risk assessments, and risk retention strategies. He has been responsible for team management, engagement, impact and outcomes, and continuous process improvement. Jason has over 20 years safety experience and is a Certified Safety Professional and Associate in Risk Management.
Jeff Elliott
Fall Protection Specialist
3M Company
Jeff is the 3M Fall Protection Specialist for Washington and Northern Idaho. Started with 3M Fall Protection in 2021 handling our fall protection and confined space equipment.  Previous to 3M he worked with users in the manufacturing, construction, and government segments with fall protection and other safety categories since 2012. Jeff is also a certified 3M Fall Protection trainer, certified to teach the authorized user, equipment inspector and competent person courses.  
Jeff Pugh
OSHA and MSHA Outreach Instructor
ACI Northwest
Jeff Pugh is the OSHA outreach instructor as well as the MSHA instructor for ACI Northwest
Jennifer Caraway
Lead Compliance and Enforcement Officer
Washington State Department of Commerce
Jennifer works for the Washington State Department of Commerce as the Lead-Based Paint Compliance and Enforcement Officer for Washington State. Prior to joining Commerce in 2018, Jennifer taught asbestos, lead-based paint, HAZWOPER, construction health & safety, and CPR/First Aid courses for 12 years. She has a strong background in health & safety, lead, and asbestos. She earned a M.S. in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco in 2007. Before entering the world of lead and asbestos, Jennifer worked as a wastewater Source Control Inspector in California for 5 years. 
John Whitt
Safety Services Consultant
sif, Idaho Workers’ Compensation
John Whitt- Spent 13 years in Emergency Medical Services. Five years working as a Paramedic in Ft. Worth, Texas and eight years as a Flight Paramedic based out of the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex. Three of those eight years he served as a Base Clinical Lead/Clinical Educator. He has an associate degree in Emergency Medical Technology-Critical Care Paramedic and a Bachelor of Health Science with an emphasis in Environmental Safety and Occupational Health.  He spent approximately two years as the Occupational Safety and Health Manager of a manufacturing company located in Idaho, Utah, and Montana, before joining SIF Idaho Workers’ Compensation as a Safety Services Consultant, serving Eastern Idaho in the Idaho Falls area. He enjoys golf, biking, and hiking in the Tetons.    
John Zeman
Industrial Hygiene Consultant
WA Department of Labor and Industries
I take great pride in making the lives of workers safer. I started my safety career working for Alcoa Inc. as an Environmental, Health, and Safety Assistant. I work primarily on noise abatement projects. They produce extruded aluminum products. I have worked as the Safety Coordinator for South Dakota Department of Transportation. I directed a state wide safety program. I have also worked for POET Biofuels as an Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager. POET is a world leader in the production of ethanol. I have also worked as an Occupational Health and Safety Technician for the Air Force at Ellsworth AFB. I was the HAZCOM manager for the entire base. After that I spent a year providing the timber industry with safety and industrial hygiene consultation throughout the North West for Timber Products Manufactures Association. I Joined Labor and Industries of Washington Industrial Hygiene Consultation in 2016. My education is in Human Factors from University of SD.
Jonathan Traw
Deputy
Kootenai County Sheriff's Office
Bio Coming Soon
Joshua Smith
Safety Trainer
United Rentals
Joshua Smith is a United Rentals Trench safety trainer specializing in Confined Space & Competent person certified training.  Has over 15 years’ experience training in multiple platforms including United Academy Certified trainer And Ives Trainer.  Josh spent many years as a Union Heavy Equipment operator & CDL Driver and instructor.    Current certified to train in the following certifications. Confined Space in Construction, Competent person trench and Excavation, Bucket Truck, Scissor lift, Boom lift , Forklift counterbalance , Rough Terrain forklift, Skid steer , front loader, excavator, Backhoe and UTV.   
Kathy Cardwell
Instructor
North Idaho College
Kathy Cardwell has been teaching Work Zone Flagging and Traffic Control Certification classes at North Idaho College since 1992. Kathy brings 15 years of heavy highway construction contractor and flagging company owner experience to her classes. She provides expert training and answers for her classes, emphasizing safety and protection for jobsite workers and the public.
Kaitlan Ducken Safe Passage Violence Prevention Center
Kaitlan Ducken is the Outreach and Education Advocate at Safe Passage. Safe Passage is a community-based advocacy agency that works with people that have experienced domestic violence and sexual assault. Kaitlan holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Boise State University.
Kelly Bourland, BSN, RN
Injury Prevention Coordinator
Kootenai Health
Kelly is an Injury Prevention Coordinator for Kootenai Health Trauma Services
Kimberli Reynolds
Idaho Occupational Safety & Health Consultation Program at Boise State University
Kimberli Reynolds enjoys the outdoors, hiking, camping, and spending time with her family and friends. She has over a decade of safety experience in the workplace in different industries and is an authorized trainer for general industry. Working for Idaho OSHCon Program allows her to help employers and employees learn about workplace hazards and how to avoid them.
Makenna Hunziker Makenna has been with Panhandle Health District’s Substance Use Disorder Program for two years, starting as an intern and working her way up to becoming a project coordinator. Prior to working at the health district, she was an EMT for 8 years. Makenna has a Bachelor of Health Sciences with an emphasis in Community Health from California State University, Fresno. She enjoys using her EMT training and experience to teach the community about the opioid epidemic and the opioid reversal medication, naloxone.
Marilyn Delgado
Investigator
U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division
Marilyn Delgado has been an investigator for the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division since 2013.  Marilyn has experience investigating cases in a multitude of Acts, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, Child Labor, Nursing Mothers, the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker’s Protection Act, various guest worker protection acts, and government contracts.  Marilyn enjoys the opportunity to learn about different industries and provide employers with information about the different federal regulations that govern them.  Prior to her joining the US Department of Labor, Marilyn had over 20 years of experience in child protection and children’s mental health as a clinical social worker with the State of Idaho, in the private sector and in private practice. Marilyn also served as adjunct faculty for Boise State University Graduate School of Social Work and taught courses in Human Behavior and Diversity. Marilyn co-founded the Latino Outreach Project in North Idaho that provided community outreach and referral services to community members.  Marilyn has three adult children. She enjoys the beautiful scenery and activities the Northwest has to offer such as numerous lakes and mountains. Her favorite activity is long walks with her black lab
Mark Wagar
Safety and Health Consultant
WA Department of Labor and Industries
Mark Wagar has spent the last eight years as a Consultant for Washington State Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Mark has provided training and assistance to employers in all aspects of Lockout/Tagout and forklift operation. He spent 24 years as a member of the Operating Engineers, and 4 years as the Operating Engineers Training Director. Mark is a certified crane operator and practical examiner in eight different categories. One of the equipment categories taught by Mark included forklift operation His other list of accomplishments are: BA from EWU, three times certified OSHA 10/30 outreach trainer, certified Crosby rigging instructor, Associated Crane & Rigging Professional member, MSHA instructor and member of the American Society of Safety Engineers.
Marty Matney
Health Careers Coordinator
North Idaho College
A Licensed Athletic Trainer (think fixing athletes when they're hurt) with over 35 years experience in Physical Therapy and injury prevention. Marty has extensive experience working with people from all walks of life with a variety of injuries. And he has worked with athletes at all levels helping them perform at their peak. He has a Bachelors Degree in Sports Medicine from Washington State, and a Master's in Business with extensive experience in injury prevention and injury management.
Mary Rehnborg
Environmental Sciences Specialist
Panhandle Health District
Mary is an Environmental Sciences Specialist for the Panhandle Health District.
Michael Broyles
Safety and Health Consultant
sif, Idaho Workers’ Compensation
Michael Broyles is a consultant at the Idaho Occupational Safety and Health Consultation Program. He assists small businesses with developing or strengthening their safety and health programs and policies. He gets to travel throughout the entire state and enjoys seeing all of the various industries and trades that operate in Idaho. Michael graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Aerospace Engineering before joining the U.S. Air Force. He became a Weapon Systems Officer and spent his entire military career flying the F-15E Strike Eagle before deciding to settle down in Boise. Michael primarily spends his free time exploring the outdoors with his wife and 3 crazy dogs.
Michael Roberts
Inside Sales Manager
West Coast Wire Rope & Rigging, Inc
Michael has worked for Westcoast Wire Rope & Rigging for the past 7 years.  He has over 10 years of experience in the rigging industry, doing everything from fabrication to sales. He is a Certified Master Rigger and Certified Rigging Gear Inspector.
Neil Uhrig
Network Intrusion Forensics Analyst
US Secret Service
Neil Uhrig is a Network Intrusion Forensics Analyst for the US Secret Service
Robert Hooper, CSP, RSO, WFR
Sr EHS Engineer (ret)
Rob Hooper is a Certified Safety Professional with over 35 years of experience in environmental health and safety (EHS). Rob's most recent work position prior to retirement in late 2020 was a Sr. EHS Engineer for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) in Pullman, WA. While at SEL, he was directly involved with their ISO certifications for environmental and safety certifications and maintaining their VPP Certification. Prior to Rob entering the EHS field, he was a senior manufacturing engineer in the high-tech/electronics industry. He has worked both as a senior individual contributor to an EHS manager for a complex site within the pharmaceutical industry. His industrial background includes working in Fortune 500 companies such as IBM, Schering-Plough/Merck, Hewlett-Packard, and Amazon as well as his own consulting firm. He has been involved with industrial emergency/disaster planning/preparedness as well as emergency response for over 30 years as a responder and response team leader. Rob currently is a volunteer Firefighter with West Pend Oreille Fire Department and volunteers with several support groups with Bonner County EMA.
Ron Dickerson
PotlatchDeltic
City of St Maries
Ron has been a Firefighter for 25 years, Fire Chief for 12 years, and an EMT for 20 years. Ron has also been a CPR and First Aid instructor for 18 years for PotlatchDeltic and the City of Saint Maries.
Rory McKinnon
Spring Environmental
Mr. McKinnon has been awarded an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Trident University International in Cypress, CA, and has received a General Industry Safety and Health Specialist Certificate from the Pacific Northwest OSHA Education Center  (Seattle, WA) in 2012.  He is also an OSHA authorized 10 and 30 hour General Industry instructor since 2012.  Ms. McKinnon is currently preparing an application to qualify as an Associate Safety Professional (ASP). He leverages 21 years of military experience as an Aircraft Technician to address standards in safety, environmental, and health regulations.  Mr. McKinnon has twice been recognized as mentor of the year while providing professional development seminars to U.S. Air Force personnel in leadership and followership positions. He has also conducted OSHA 10-hr General Industry courses for Air Force personnel as well as Sunshine Disposal Company (Spokane, WA). As a Safety Representative in the U.S. Air Force, Mr. McKinnon has engaged in training for federal regulatory compliance, conducted joint inspections at 12 facilities, authored a tracking system to ensure 100% accountability of inspections and discrepancies, and recognized as Safety Representative of the Year. In addition, he has presented training programs on proper personal protective equipment selection and usage, emergency planning and response, and storage drum management in accordance with federal and state environmental and safety regulations.  Since joining Spring Environmental in October of 2018, Mr. McKinnon has customized and presented 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher, 24-hour initial HAZWOPER training, and 40-hour initial HAZWOPER training to 344 attendees throughout the Pacific Northwest including staff at the City of Spokane Upriver Dam, Fairchild AFB Environmental Flight, Rathdrum Power, and Sunshine Disposal Company.
Seth Jaquith
Safety and Health Consultant
Idaho OSHA Consultation Program
Boise State University
Seth is a Safety and Health Consultant at the Idaho OSHCon Program. He has over seven years of experience in safety and environmental health, along with a degree in Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety from Boise State. As a Certified Safety Professional working at the Idaho OSHCon Program, Seth helps small businesses in Idaho develop and implement safety and health programs and hazard identification.
Shaun Endsley
Safety Specialist/Senior Account Representative
3M Personal Safety Division
Cultivates key relationships between 3M Personal Safety Division (PSD) and industrial customers through strong communication and utilizing cross functional team resources in order to drive growth
• Collaborates with 15+ different distribution channel partners to drive growth in the pulp and paper, pharmaceutical, health care, construction and transportation market segments
• Drives sales through synergies with Fall Protection, Hearing Protection, and Health Care Specialists
• Collaborates with marketers and engineers to gather voice of customers and progress new product introduction
Shelby Brandvold
MRO Technician
PotlatchDeltic
Shelby Brandvold is an MRO Tech at PotlatchDeltic as well as a volunteer EMT.  She currently resides as President on the officer board for the St. Maries Ambulance and became a First Aid/CPR and Stop the Bleed instructor in December of 2018.  Shelby’s experience includes working in a broad range of industries including manufacturing, forestry, and health care.  
Tadd Cazier
Director of Safety
ACI Northwest
Tadd Cazier is the Director of Safety at ACI Northwest and has previous safety experience with UPS.
Thomas Maddalone
Safety Director
Kootenai Electric Cooperative
Thomas Maddalone Serves as the Safety Director for Kootenai Electric Cooperative
Tom Newcombe
Kootenai County Sheriff's Office
Tom has been with Kootenai County Sheriff's Office VSAR since July 2008.  Tom is the VSAR lead for public outreach events.  These events include Hug-A-Tree program for elementary schools, food drives, raffle fundraisers, lost child prevention program (KC Fair), County Ballot pick-up detail, etc.
Wayne Floyd
Safety Services Consultant
sif, Idaho Workers’ Compensation
Wayne Floyd is a Safety Services Consultant with sif, Idaho Workers’ Compensation. Wayne has 8 years of workplace safety experience in the U.S. Air Force where he developed and audited safety programs in a wide range of industries. Wayne graduated from Waldorf University with a B.A in Occupational Safety and Health. Wayne is a CSP and OSHA authorized trainer in general industry.
Lauren Pierson
Patrol/K9
Post Falls Police Department
Lauren Pierson is a Patrol and K-9 officer for the Post Falls Police Department
  • Parking is available at NIC’s Workforce Training Center
  • Overflow parking located across the street
  • Carpooling is encouraged
  • Please be mindful of our neighbors
  • All parking is free

Photo of Parking Map for Workforce Training Center

Nampa
Jan. 6-10
Hosted by College of Western Idaho, Micron Education Center

Twin Falls 
March 25-27
Hosted by College of Southern Idaho, Workforce Development and Training

Pocatello
May 13-15
Hosted by Idaho State University, Continuing Education and Workforce Training

Lewiston
May
Hosted by Lewis-Clark State College, Workforce Training

Support Safety Fest

Want to be a part of keeping this valuable training FREE to our community and workers on the front line? Want to showcase your company's dedication to safety & health in the workplace - then consider supporting Safety Fest of the Great Northwest. There are a variety of participation levels. All monies and in-kind support are used towards Safety Fest expenses. 

Support Opportunities Enrollment Form

safety fest sponsors

List of Supporters from above:

GINNO Construction Co.
Hecla Mining Company
PotlatchDeltic
Young Construction Group
Avista
LaRiviere Incorporated
SIF Idaho Workers Compensation
United Rentals
Real Alloy
STRATA
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
West Coast
Idaho Central Credit Union
Star Rentals
Kootenai County Utilities Council

 900x600

Request accessible format

If you need help with this information, please email us, or call 208-769-3300.

Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Accessibility Guildelines