June 2, 2025
9:45AM - 10:45AM

#1 Harnessing the 6 Types of Working Genius to Transform EHS Leadership

John Grubbs, Grubbs Consulting

Effective Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) leadership demands a blend of creativity, problem-solving, and execution. Patrick Lencioni’s 6 Types of Working Genius framework offers EHS professionals a powerful lens to understand how they and their teams work best. This session explores how to apply these six geniuses—Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity—to address common EHS challenges, foster collaboration, and improve workplace safety outcomes. Attendees will walk away with actionable insights to build cohesive, high-performing teams and maximize their personal contributions to safety leadership.

Challenges to Be Addressed:

• Team Dynamics: Misalignment in how EHS teams collaborate, leading to inefficiencies and misunderstandings.
• Burnout and Overextension: EHS professionals often feel stretched across tasks that don’t align with their strengths.
• Ineffective Communication: Struggles in motivating diverse stakeholders to engage with safety initiatives.
• Siloed Contributions: Missed opportunities for innovation and problem-solving due to underutilized team potential.

What the Audience Will Learn:

• Self-Assessment: Identify their own personal Working Genius and how it influences their leadership style.
• Team Alignment: Understand how to leverage the strengths of each Working Genius to enhance collaboration and problem-solving in EHS teams.
• Task Allocation: Learn strategies for assigning responsibilities that align with team members' natural talents, boosting efficiency and morale.
• Practical Application: Discover real-world examples of using the Working Genius model to overcome safety challenges, engage employees, and improve EHS outcomes.
• Actionable Framework: Gain tools to immediately apply the Working Genius model to build more cohesive, motivated, and high-impact teams.

This session equips EHS professionals with the knowledge and tools to align their efforts with their natural working styles, enhance collaboration, and elevate safety performance.

June 2, 2025
3:00PM - 4:00PM

Proactive Accountability

Randy Jones, PPI

The “right thing” can be perceived as complicated, but it’s straightforward.  In this session, we will develop the concepts for creating work environments and cultures where team members not only do right things for right reasons (even when no one is watching) but spontaneously act to make things better and safer. This will include: "Climbing out of “Suckers’ Swamp” and an overview of how focusing on how we can create work environments that appeal, where it feels better “inside the fence” than outside. 

June 2, 2025
9:45AM - 10:45AM

Using PowerBI for PSM Reporting

Meg Reese, OxyChem

This presentation aims to demonstrate how Power BI can streamline PSM reporting by integrating data from multiple sources into a single, user-friendly dashboard. Power BI is a powerful tool in pulling data and information from various databases and platforms into a single report that can be easily sorted, filtered, and sliced to generate insights and trends. PSM compliance metrics are often stored in various databases, spreadsheets, and programs. Accessing these sources individually to generate management and performance reports is time-consuming and can’t easily identify trends among the various sources. In this presentation, Power BI will be demonstrated as a powerful tool in pulling together data from these various databases, platforms, and spreadsheets into a single dashboard that can be easily accessed and customized to provide insight into overall compliance performance.

June 2, 2025
9:45AM - 10:45AM

The Role of Life Cycle Assessments in Understanding Systems-Level Sustainability

Rachel Meidl, LP.D., MEPM, M.Ed, CHMM, Rice University

Sustainability is a life cycle balancing act across the three vectors of environment, society, and economy. Achieving sustainability requires a systems-level approach that considers a broad array of factors across these vectors, which spans into global supply chains, and assesses how they interact. To more precisely understand the sustainability profiles of energy technologies or advanced materials, for example, and to uncover potential risks, uncertainties, and unintended consequences, it is vital that life cycle assessments are consistently employed.  

June 2, 2025
1:45PM - 2:45PM

The People Plan: A Sustainable Solution to Water Bottle Recycling

Richard Bass, Kuraray and Monica Beynaerts, Coastal Ice

In today's world, sustainability is not just a goal, but a necessity. The People Plan, a collaborative initiative between Coastal Ice & Water and Kuraray, offers an innovative approach to water bottle recycling with a clear focus on environmental responsibility and workforce development. This program integrates safety and hydration with a sustainability framework that emphasizes the circular economy. By collecting, consolidating, and weighing used water bottles, the plan ensures the efficient shipment and tracking of materials to repurpose mills, where they are transformed into new bottles.

June 2, 2025
9:45AM - 10:45AM

The Bystander Effect

Jordan Burklow, LyondellBasell

Back by popular demand, this was one of our most popular 2024 education sessions! 

After the tragic events that occurred in New York City related to the murder of Kitty Genovese, a new study in the field of Psychology was opened which gave light to what is known as "The Bystander Effect" which found that as work group sizes grow, our likelihood of intervening in an emergency situation goes down. By understanding the key components of what leads to the Bystander Effect, and the ways in which we can collectively combat this phenomenon, we can equip our workers with the tools needed to ensure they intervene when presented with at-risk or emergency situations.

June 2, 2025
1:45PM - 2:45PM

Effective Decision-Making by Merging Technologies with Critical Reasoning

Jonathan Klane & Shaine Babineaux, Draeger

We’re exposed to a lot of data and new technology: Over 50% of safety professionals use new health and safety software/apps (per the Nation Safety Council). And instrumentation often provides a stream of numbers to assess.   But what does it mean and not mean?   How much confidence should you have in the data? And your decision-making based on it?

There are two parts: the technological side and the human side. On the tech side we can have air monitoring data. Many aspects affect it including a point in time vs. average, max/min values, interferences, zeroing and calibration, poisoned sensor, inert atmosphere, limit of detection, etc.

With our human side we have heuristics, cognitive biases, fast thinking/intuition, distractions, habits, our affective/experiential risk system, threat to value, work pressures, group think, psychological safety, etc.

In this session, we’ll describe and decipher these concepts and how they work using examples and “case stories” to engage learners.

June 3, 2025
10:30AM - 11:30AM

Smart Choices, Safe Outcomes: Navigating Chemical Protective Clothing

Steve Mata, DuPont

The use of chemical protective clothing is a commonplace throughout the Texas and Louisiana Chemical Industry. When dealing with both Liquids and particulates, a key understanding of exactly what protection your approved PPE provides is a must or consequences can result in unfavorable circumstances. This presentation provides a grounding on considerations for selecting the appropriate garment for the ultimate protection. The session will help to understand the key determinants of selecting a Fabric, a Seam and Design for the hazard. Then adds the nuances that can lead to pitfalls such as Chemical Mixtures, elevated temperatures, no direct permeation data and much more. A final topic will focus on the need for both chemical and flame protection. How do you handle the Dual Hazard environment?

June 3, 2025
9:15AM - 10:15AM

Pressure Relief Devices (PRD) Requirements

Glynda Thompson & Lauren Mercer, Trinity Consultants

Room: Galleon III

This session will be is a combined session for both our Process Safety and Air Tracks. 

This session is for personnel charged with complying with the new HON compliance provisions. In this session, the impact of the removal of SSM Provisions on pressure relief valves (PRVs) designed to vent to atmosphere will be discussed.  Subtopics include an overview of new PRV release monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting requirements, the new work practice standard to conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement redundant control measures to prevent releases, and the requirement to conduct root cause analyses after individual release events.
 

June 3, 2025
1:45PM - 2:45PM

HON Fenceline Monitoring Pilot Study Lessons Learned

Richard Bergeron, OxyChem & Joe Espinosa, Enthalpy Analytical

This presentation will provide an overview of early Pilot Studies related to the HON MACT finalized in March 2024 in preparation of the July 2026 compliance date.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented Fenceline Monitoring (FLM) requirements under the Hazardous Organic NESHAP (HON) for the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI) and the Polymers and Resins (P&R) industries.

Enthalpy Analytical and OxyChem La Porte will summarize initial lessons learned and observations from pilot studies including:  Sample placement strategies, significant lead time requirements for preparing and certifying sampling media; (canisters) in accordance with method 327; Review and discuss options for adhering to the one-hour canister deployment requirement; Weather and field sampling requirements; Initial observations/trends with concentrations of chemicals of concern; Strategies for gathering additional and faster data points for areas of concern (e.g. – analyzing for EDC by TO-15 (SIM) in addition to 325B; Root Cause Analysis and Site-Specific Sampling Monitoring (SSMP) strategies (Data  driven decision making); Continuous Improvement Strategies – real time data options; Update on M327 certification (LADEQ as primary). 

June 3, 2025
9:15AM - 10:15AM

Pressure Relief Devices (PRD) Requirements

Glynda Thompson & Lauren Mercer, Trinity Consultants

Room: Galleon III

This session will be is a combined session for both our Process Safety and Air Tracks. 

This session is for personnel charged with complying with the new HON compliance provisions. In this session, the impact of the removal of SSM Provisions on pressure relief valves (PRVs) designed to vent to atmosphere will be discussed.  Subtopics include an overview of new PRV release monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting requirements, the new work practice standard to conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement redundant control measures to prevent releases, and the requirement to conduct root cause analyses after individual release events.
 

June 3, 2025
1:45PM - 2:45PM

Practical Guidance To Help You Comply With EPA's 2024 RMP Revisions

Neil Prophet & Anna Shinkawa, ioMosaic Corp.

Room: Galleon III

In May 2024, the EPA implemented significant updates to the existing Risk Management Program requirements within the Clean Air Act Amendments.  The updates affect many parts to the RMP requirements, including:

• Process Hazard Analysis
• Process Safety Information
• Compliance Audits
• Incident Investigations
• Employee Participation
• Emergency Planning Information Availability

Some of the revisions took effect immediately, while others become effective in 2027 and 2028.With minimal regulatory guidance available, companies are still struggling with implementing some of these requirements, especially those that relate to:

• RAGAGEP Gap Analysis
• Facility Siting
• Safer Technology and Alternatives Analysis

This presentation provides a summary of the updated RMP requirements, and offers practical tips on what operating companies need to do, to be in compliance.

 

June 4, 2025
9:45AM - 10:45AM

Mobile Rounds: Innovative Programs to Enhance Operator's Knowledge and Safety Performance

Gloria Blanco and Michael Quave, GoodYear

Room: Galleon I & II

In this session we will recognize how operational discipline is a key component of operational excellence and can significantly impact process and personal safety. Operational discipline is the practice of consistently following well-defined processes to accomplish tasks; it’s a constructive mindset that emphasizes proactive decision-making and actions; operational discipline can help create a strong foundation for operational excellence and improve safety performance by:

Providing a more organized way to accomplish tasks, Improving the execution of work practices,  Fostering a positive and proactive approach, Emphasizing conscientious decision-making and actions and Reinforcing a company’s desire for a strong safety culture.   

June 4, 2025
9:45AM - 10:45AM

Major Incident Response: Preparation, Tasks, and Lessons Learned

Matt Kuryla, Scott Elliott and Harrison Reback, Baker Botts

Room: Galleon III

This session will cover the range of issues that attendees should consider when preparing for and responding to a major incident, starting with the initial phone calls and ending with the resolution of agency proceedings and civil suits years down the line. This includes issues like interactions with agencies and elected officials, community air monitoring, and internal investigations. The speakers will also provide lessons learned from incidents along the Houston Ship Channel and other areas across the country.

June 4, 2025
1:45PM - 2:45PM

How to Break Bad Habits

Joseph White, AEU LEAD

Room: Galleon III

Our understanding of habits is in its infancy.  Its role in human performance outcomes is undeniable and the impact these automatic behaviors have upon workplace safety is nothing short of profound.  In this session, participants will gain an understanding of how habits form and be provided with empirically supported recommendations for overcoming them.

June 4, 2025
9:45AM - 10:45AM

CWA Hazardous Substances FRP Rule

Cody Fridley, All4

In this session we will present on the Clean Water Act (CWA) Worst Case Discharge Planning regulations/Facility Response Plan (FRP) rule.  We will review what facilities should consider in determining whether or not they meet the applicability criteria, and, if so, what next steps they should take to meet the June 1, 2027 compliance deadline.  We will also highlight components of the rule where further EPA guidance is anticipated for implementation.

June 4, 2025
3:00PM - 4:00PM

Future-Proofing for PFAS Regulations: Insights and Preparation for 2025 and Beyond

Andrew Pawlisz, Trihydro

This presentation details recent regulatory developments under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The discussion covers key compliance aspects of each PFAS rule, focusing on specific regulatory requirements, applicability, scope, and implementation timelines. Practical insights are provided based on successes and lessons learned from our experience helping clients comply with and prepare for new PFAS regulations.

The presentation  will conclude with a forward-looking overview of upcoming PFAS regulatory actions in 2025 and beyond and explains what affected entities can do now to prepare for these changes.

June 4, 2025
9:45AM - 10:45AM

Preparing for, Responding to, and Handling the Aftermath of Catastrophic Accidents

Emily Mott & Greg Dillard, BakerHostetler

This presentation will cover the life cycle of an accident response, including:
1) Preparing for catastrophic accidents
2) Responding to catastrophic accidents
3) Handling the aftermath of catastrophic accidents

As seasoned catastrophic accident response attorneys, Greg and Emily will provide insight into the types of accidents they see the most, trending agency areas of interest, and best practices for how companies can prepare and respond to catastrophic accidents.

June 4, 2025
1:45PM - 2:45PM

Electric Vehicles, Energy Storage and Renewable Energy Challenges for First Responders

Gordon Lohmeyer, Texas A & M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Micro Mobility Devices, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and their related lithium-ion battery fire potential pose a significant risk to the First Responder, the community and potentially to the environment. This session will help First Responders make effective decisions regarding these hazards.  Also presented will be recent Li battery destructive testing TEEX conducted at Southwest Research Institute, where 75 SVOCs and 24 heavy metals were detected, as the result of Li batteries that went into thermal runaway.

June 5, 2025
1:00PM - 2:00PM

Unlocking Operational Resilience: Elevating Safety, Human Factors, and Leadership for Tomorrow’s Challenges

David Wilbur, Vetergy

As the operational landscape becomes increasingly complex, the role of safety leaders is more critical than ever. This track will focus on the essential competencies and skills required for next- generation safety leadership. Learn how to assess and develop these skills to navigate and mitigate disruptions effectively. Sessions will cover adaptive leadership practices, robust communication techniques, and innovative problem-solving approaches that collectively drive operational resilience.    In this transformative series, conference attendees will gain valuable knowledge and practical tools that will empower them to drive significant improvements in safety outcomes, operational resilience, and overall system efficiency. Whether they’re a safety professional, industrial hygienist, or organizational leader, this series offers something for everyone committed to fostering a resilient and safe operational environment.

June 5, 2025
9:00AM - 10:00AM

Human Factors Analysis as a Tool for Enhancing Human Performance and Reducing Risk

David Wilbur, Vetergy

Room: Galleon III

In this session we will discuss the application of human factors analysis (HFA) to identify and mitigate performance-related risks in complex systems. Attendees will learn to use the HFA method as a tool to improve human performance by addressing both active errors and latent conditions, and will apply these principles through a realistic case study, focusing on improving safety and operational resilience.