James Moulsdale, Communications Coordinator
2026 is just about here and as we make preparations for life and business next year, I hope you all consider the following suggestions from January Safety Topics for 2025: Building a Safer Workplace
 
Safety Resolutions for the New Year
The start of a new year is the perfect time for employees to set personal and professional safety goals. Encourage your team to reflect on the past year’s safety incidents or near misses and consider areas for improvement. Resolutions might include:

• Reviewing and if necessary, revising safety and health policies
• Consistently wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Actively participating in safety meetings and training sessions.
• Reporting hazards or unsafe conditions without hesitation.
• Learning first Aid/CPR

Carbon Monoxide Awareness
The increased use of heating appliances during winter raises the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. This invisible, odorless gas is extremely dangerous and requires careful monitoring. Employees should be educated about:

• Proper ventilation when using heaters or fuel-burning equipment.
• Recognizing symptoms of CO poisoning, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
• Testing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors in the workplace and at home.

Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of CO-related incidents, ensuring everyone stays safe and healthy.
 
Electrical Safety for Winter Devices
Winter devices like space heaters, heated blankets, and holiday decorations can present electrical hazards if not used correctly. To prevent accidents, emphasize best practices, including:

• Inspecting electrical cords and plugs for fraying or damage.
• Avoiding the use of extension cords with high-power devices.
• Ensuring all devices are turned off and unplugged when not in use.

Regular inspections and adherence to safety protocols can minimize risks and keep employees safe from electrical accidents.
 
Ladder and Elevated Surface Safety
Tasks such as clearing snow, maintaining rooftops, or accessing elevated storage areas often require ladders during winter. Reinforce ladder safety by addressing:

• Inspecting ladders for structural integrity before use.
• Maintaining three points of contact while climbing.
• Avoiding ladder use in icy or windy conditions.

Providing training and appropriate equipment ensures employees are prepared to work safely at heights.
 
Safe Storage Practices
January is often a time for organizing and storing seasonal items. Improper storage practices can lead to injuries or damage. Topics to highlight include:

• Correct stacking methods to avoid falling objects.
• Using appropriate lifting techniques or equipment for heavy items.
• Labeling hazardous materials and securing them properly.

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By promoting safe storage habits, organizations can minimize risks and maintain a clutter-free work environment.

As we move into a new month, I want to take a moment to reflect on the role that learning and professional development play in the work we do as safety professionals. Our effectiveness is shaped not only by what we know today, but by our willingness to continue learning as our field evolves.
 
Safety is not static. Standards change, compliance expectations shift, and new research continues to inform us how to better protect the people who go home at the end of every shift. Staying current is part of our responsibility—not just to our organizations, but to the employees who trust our judgment and guidance.
 
One of the things I value most about our Southern Oregon Chapter is the commitment to learning that shows up every month. Our meetings bring together safety professionals from different industries, experience levels, and perspectives, all willing to share knowledge and learn from one another. That participation—asking questions, exchanging ideas, and staying engaged—is what strengthens our local safety community.
 
Beyond our chapter discussions, there are wide ranges of professional training and educational resources available through ASSP that support continued growth in our field. These include webinars, courses, technical guidance, and professional development opportunities that help safety professionals stay informed and capable in a changing environment. Many of these resources are designed to be practical, timely, and directly applicable to the challenges we face in our workplaces. Just a few of such resources are listed below.

• Free training resource: https://www.assp.org/resources/free-learning-resources
• ASSP Education resource: https://www.assp.org/education
• Professional development offerings: https://my.assp.org/nc__upcomingevents

Whether you access learning through chapter meetings, professional resources, peer conversations, or independent study, the most important thing is staying engaged. Participation - showing up, staying curious, and continuing to develop—strengthens not only your own skill set, but the safety culture within your organization.
 
Our chapter exists to support that growth. No matter where you are in your career, you belong in this conversation. Your experiences, insights, and questions matter, and they contribute to making all of us better at what we do.
As we close out this year and continue into the next, I encourage each of you to consider your own development. What new training could help you stay current? What resources might support your success? And how can ASSP—both locally and nationally—support your journey? Please bring any suggestions you may have to a chapter meeting to discuss.

With gratitude,
Jeffrey Mook
President, Southern Oregon ASSP Chapter

Why your organization should be attending the Southern Oregon Safety & Health Conference
October 14-16, 2025 ∙ Ashland Hille Hotel, Ashland, OR
The strength of any organization lies in its people—their skills, their commitment, and their ability to work together toward shared goals. When it comes to safety, leadership, and workplace culture, the Southern Oregon Safety & Health Conference offers an unmatched opportunity to strengthen all three. This year’s conference is more than just an event. It’s an investment in the resilience, compliance, and effectiveness of your organization.

The program begins with a full-day Professional Development Course led by Scott Shumway of Emiment LLC. His specialty is conflict resolution, but his impact goes far beyond teaching people how to settle disagreements. Through hands-on, real-world practice, Scott equips attendees with skills that improve communication, foster collaboration, and prevent the kind of tension that can derail productivity and morale. Imagine the benefits of having supervisors, managers, or safety committee members who can transform conflict into cooperation. Those improvements ripple outward, boosting employee satisfaction and saving organizations from costly turnover and unresolved disputes.

The following two days of the conference expand the scope, offering multiple tracks in safety, industrial hygiene, human resources, construction, and leadership. Every session is designed with immediate application in mind. Attendees leave not just with ideas but with tools they can put to work the moment they return—whether that means ensuring compliance with OSHA standards, strengthening safety committees, or improving daily practices on the jobsite.

For organizational leaders, the value of sending employees is clear: safer operations, fewer incidents, lower costs, and a workforce that feels invested in and supported. The knowledge gained at this conference can prevent accidents, reduce claims, and provide clarity on complex compliance requirements. Approving attendance signals a commitment to both employee development and workplace safety, two factors that drive retention, morale, and organizational reputation.

For employees eager to attend, the conference is a chance to grow professionally while directly supporting company goals. By attending this conference, you will have the opportunity to bring back to your organizations, new strategies for compliance, proven approaches to conflict resolution, and insights that can be shared with the entire team through presentations, training sessions, and vendor knowledge. This isn’t just personal development; it’s professional growth that multiplies value across the organization.

At its core, the Southern Oregon Safety & Health Conference creates a bridge between individual learning and organizational progress. When you attend, your leaders gain a safer, stronger, and more informed workforce which leads to employees becoming a catalyst for positive change in their workplaces.
Mark your calendar and take advantage of an opportunity that benefits both people and the organizations they serve.  Get registered early to take advantage of early-bird pricing.

​- Jeff Mook

​Information below is from TBI in the Workplace Facts | Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion | CDC
 
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are most commonly associated with sports activities, but these injuries also occur in the workplace. Research shows that some workers may be at increased risk for TBI. Some examples include those who work in construction, freight trucking, and services to building industries, as well as military and law enforcement service members.
 
Symptoms
TBI symptoms may include problems with thinking, concentration, reaction time, and emotions, as well as feeling more tired than usual. Some symptoms may affect a person's ability to do their normal work activities. Symptoms may last for months or even years. And for some, symptoms may involve co-occurring health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
 
What to do
Healthcare providers have treatments available to help support recovery from a TBI, including symptoms related to mental and physical health. They can also provide instructions on when a worker can safely return to work and list any needed supports or accommodations.
Employers can connect an employee to an Employee Assistance Program and offer support services, including mental health support, when the person returns to work to help speed their recovery.
 
Returning to work
Returning to work after a TBI is different for each person and depends on many factors, including:

• Severity of the injury and symptoms
• Tasks employees are required to perform as part of their job
• Types of symptoms people are experiencing

Some people with a TBI can return to work within a couple of days of their injury and may only need short-term support or accommodations during their recovery, like rest breaks during the day or earplugs to limit sensitivity to noise. Others may need weeks, months, or longer before returning to work. Some people may not be able to return to work (or the same type of employment) due to long-term disability or persistent symptoms.
 
Workers may need more time off if a job requires:

• Working from heights, including climbing a roof or ladder, or the risk of falling
• Exposure to explosions, blasts, or projectiles
• Intense physical activity, such as running and heavy lifting
• Attention or concentration
• Driving
• Operating machinery or heavy equipment
• High-stress or safety risks, such as work with hazardous materials

These activities may make an employee's symptoms worse or increase their chance for another brain injury during recovery.
 
A healthcare provider may recommend employers make changes to an employee's tasks or schedule during their recovery. Examples include:

• Rest breaks, shortened work schedule, or a later start time
• Time to take short walks or other similar light physical activity
• Temporary transfer to a position with tasks that don't worsen symptoms
• Access to sunglasses, earplugs, or headphones if bothered by light or noise
• Reduced driving or physical activity
• Extended time to complete tasks
• Reduced screen time, such as on computers and tablets
• Limited or no use of machinery or heavy equipment
• Access to assistive technology to help perform tasks, like screen reading and magnification software

 
The jobs of public safety officers (such as law enforcement, correctional officers, firefighters, and emergency medical care providers) can include tasks that involve intense physical activity, operating vehicles, and high stress situations. Employers of public safety officers may consider providing alternate tasks for public safety officers recovering from a TBI when possible.
 
Resources
There are many organizations helping people with a TBI and their family during recovery. See Where to Get Help for organizations that can provide support for persons living with a TBI and their families.
CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health develops partnerships, conducts research, and implements intervention strategies for improving workplace safety.
 
 

​Hello Southern Oregon ASSP Members,
One of the things I appreciate most about our chapter is the sense of community we’ve built together. We’re more than just a group of professionals—we’re a network of people who share the same goal: sending everyone home safe at the end of the day. Whether we’re learning from an expert speaker, swapping ideas at a monthly meeting, or teaming up on a project, the value comes from the connections we make and the knowledge we share. I can’t think of a place where I have felt more welcomed and appreciated my participation than Southern Oregon ASSP.
This was highlighted at our most recent monthly meeting, which was extra special as it marked our first gathering at our new location, the Ethos Academy in Phoenix, Oregon. This beautiful space provided the perfect backdrop for a lively and educational session. Our featured topic was ergonomics, but not in the typical “posture and lifting” way you might expect. Instead, our speaker shared creative, relatable strategies for protecting our bodies in the workplace and beyond.
One of the most memorable takeaways was the idea that our bodies are a lot like duct tape and jelly donuts. The “duct tape” analogy reminded us that, like tape, we’re strong and versatile—but if we get twisted or bent the wrong way too often, our effectiveness is reduced. The “jelly donut” example illustrated how our spinal discs can be damaged if we’re not careful with our movements—once the “jelly” leaks out, it’s hard to put it back in! These comparisons were not only fun and easy to remember, but they also underscored the importance of awareness and prevention in everyday movements.
We’re also excited to share that we’re making progress toward livestreaming our monthly meetings. We know that not everyone can make it in person due to work schedules, travel distance, or other commitments. By adding a livestream option, we’ll be able to include more members in real-time learning and discussions, no matter where they are. It’s just another way we’re working to make professional development more accessible for all members of our safety community.
Looking ahead, we have a major event on the horizon: the Southern Oregon Safety and Health Conference happening on October 14, 15, and 16 at the Ashland Hills Hotel. This conference is our flagship event, bringing together safety leaders, industry experts, and professionals from across the region for three days of learning, networking, and professional growth.
Here’s what you can expect this year:

• Pre-Conference Class (October 14) – Earn your CPR certification in a hands-on, engaging class that will prepare you to respond in an emergency. This certification is a valuable addition to your professional skill set and could one day help save a life. Be sure to reserve your spot in the class through the conference website.
• All-Day PDC (October 14) – Scott Shumway will lead our professional development course which will focus on “conflict resolution.” This will discuss creating collaborative, solutions-focused dialogue that builds trust, strengthens relationships, and gets results in safety and beyond.
• Two Full Days of Breakout Sessions (October 15 & 16) – Dive deep into focused classes covering topics like general safety, construction safety, industrial hygiene, and HR topics, leadership, and skills development.
• Awards & Recognition – Now is the time to showcase the great work happening in your workplace. Submit your safety committee for the Bertak Award or the Best-of-the-Best Award, both of which highlight excellence in safety leadership and innovation. Be sure to check the conference website for details on these and other award categories.  All awards packages are due by August 30.

This year’s conference will offer a balance of technical knowledge, practical skills, and networking opportunities you simply can’t get anywhere else in Southern Oregon. It’s also an incredible opportunity to connect with others who share your passion for safety and learn from their successes and challenges.
I hope you’ll join us for this exciting event. Together, we can continue to raise the bar for safety in Southern Oregon and beyond.
Stay safe, stay engaged, and I’ll see you soon—either at our next monthly meeting or at the conference this October.

Warm regards,
​
Jeffrey Mook
President – Southern Oregon Chapter ASSP

James Moulsdale, Communications Chair
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Fire safety is a key focus in August especially here in southern Oregon where we will be in the peak of our wildfire season. The below information is from www.saif.com, California Department of Public Health Emergency and Evacuation Planning Guide for Employers and Oregon OSHA Oregon Occupational Safety and Health : Wildfires: Addressing worker concerns : Notices : State of Oregon
 
Wildfires are getting bigger, lasting longer, and happening more often in Oregon and across the western United States. In addition to the immediate harm from the fire itself, hazardous smoke travels well beyond the fire lines, putting people and businesses at risk.
Employees who work outdoors, have respiratory conditions or cardiovascular disease, smoke, or are pregnant have a higher risk of health impacts.
 
Follow these tips to be better prepared.
 
Before wildfire season:

• Include wildfire smoke events in your emergency response and business continuity plans. Find resources to create your plan.
• Communicate with employees about the potential effects of wildfire smoke and how your business is preparing.
• Designate essential personnel and duties.
• Plan for how to get employees to safer locations, or when to release them before situations worsen.
• Set aside adequate supplies of water, food, and personal protective equipment. Consider providing filtering facepiece respirators, such as  such as N-95 or N-100, for voluntary short-term use. Do not rely on paper or dust masks.

 
During a wildfire event:

• Monitor fire and smoke risk in your area. One resource is DEQ’s Air Quality Index.
• Keep indoor air as clean as possible. Shut down outside air intakes and allow air-conditioned buildings to operate on recirculated air. Change filters on HVAC units. Keep windows and doors closed. Reduce or eliminate other sources of indoor air pollutants, such as smoking or cooking.
• Relocate or reassign outdoor work activities out of the smoke zone.
• Cease work when air quality and/or visibility presents health and safety hazards.

 
In the unlikely event you must evacuate the workplace:

• Be familiar with the work site's emergency evacuation plan
• Know the pathway to at least two alternative exits from every room/area at the workplace
• Recognize the sound/signaling method of the fire/evacuation alarms
• Know who to contact in an emergency and how to contact them
• Know how many desks or cubicles are between your workstation and two of the nearest exits so you can escape in the dark if necessary
• Know where the fire/evacuation alarms are located and how to use them
• Report damaged or malfunction safety systems and back-up systems

 
Indoor air quality concerns

• Employers and workers who are concerned about indoor air quality during wildfire season should check a building’s ventilation system to make sure it has received routine maintenance, such as filter changes
• Workers who are experiencing problems breathing indoors need a way to report their concerns to management so those concerns may be addressed. A safety committee serves such a purpose. Oregon OSHA maintains standards for safety committees and safety meetings.
• Oregon OSHA offers consultation services, technical expertise, and other resources to employers who may need help in light of the potential workplace hazards brought on by wildfire season. Oregon OSHA encourages employers to take advantage of our no-cost, confidential consultation services, as well as our brochures and pamphlets, and video library.
• If employees are worried or believe their concerns have not been addressed, they may file a complaint with Oregon OSHA, which will evaluate it. Complaints may be filed online or by calling the nearest field office.

 

​As the president for the chapter year of 2025-26, please allow me to say hello and thank you for being a member of ASSP Southern Oregon Chapter. Whether you’ve been with us for years or have just recently joined the chapter, your membership matters. In fact, it’s the heartbeat of this chapter. Together, we represent a wide range of industries, experiences, and expertise, all bound by one shared goal: protecting people, property, and the environment. Your commitment to safety excellence fuels everything we do—from our meetings and professional development offerings to our community outreach and partnerships.
 
We’re proud to say that, thanks to your support and active participation, October saw yet another successful annual Safety Conference. This event brought together professionals from across the area to learn from top-tier presenters, explore cutting-edge solutions, and collaborate on the challenges we face every day in our profession. As I watched the level of engagement, collaboration, and enthusiasm from both attendees and presenters at the conference, I was reminded of what we can accomplish when we come together as a chapter.
 
But our work doesn’t stop there. We are constantly looking for new ways to grow and strengthen our membership so that more professionals can benefit from what our chapter has to offer. If you know a coworker, friend, or colleague who could benefit from the professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities provided through ASSP, we encourage you to invite them to join. Expanding our membership not only enhances our collective knowledge and influence but also helps us build a stronger, more resilient safety culture in our workplaces and communities.
 
As your Chapter President, I want to emphasize that this is your chapter. Your voice, your ideas, and your involvement help shape our success. We welcome your feedback on past events, suggestions for future speakers or topics, and any thoughts you have on how we can continue to add value to your membership. If there’s something you’d like to see us do, or do better, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our Executive Committee. We are here to serve and support you.
 
And if you’ve ever thought about getting more involved, now is a perfect time! Whether it’s helping plan an event, volunteering at a conference, speaking at a monthly meeting or conference, or volunteering on the executive committee, there are numerous ways to contribute that fit all levels of availability and interest. Volunteering not only helps the chapter—it also helps you grow your leadership skills, build your professional network, and make a real impact in the safety profession.
 
Looking ahead, we have an exciting year planned, filled with opportunities to learn, connect, and lead. Be on the lookout for upcoming meetings, training sessions, chapter events, and community outreach activities. We hope to see you there—not just as a participant, but as an engaged member of a professional family working together for a safer tomorrow.
Once again, thank you for your commitment to the ASSP and the Southern Oregon Chapter. Your involvement matters, and your presence makes a difference. Let’s continue supporting each other, learning from one another, and striving for excellence in all that we do.
 
Jeffrey Mook
President, Southern Oregon ASSP

We are proud to announce the new slate of officers for new chapter year starting on July 1st. An election was held at the May Chapter meeting and the slate has been approved. Please welcome your new Executive Committee members, let us know if you have questions or if you'd like to serve in future roles.

Jared began his career in Southern Oregon as an Occupational Therapist at Asante Work Health in 2002. He worked his way up through the company, progressing from supervisor to manager, and eventually becoming the Director of Operations of Asante Physician Partners in 2018.

During his time in these roles, Jared collaborated with employers and employees to ensure injured workers received the care they needed. He was dedicated to helping Southern Oregon businesses improve occupational safety and was passionate about bringing quality healthcare to the Southern Oregon community.

For many years, Jared was a member of the Southern Oregon ASSP executive committee. During this time, he served on the conference planning committee and was a speaker at many chapter meetings and conference presentations. In later years, Jared served as the award ceremony MC and helped secure critical financial support for the Southern Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Conference. This work earned him the unofficial but affectionate title of “friend of the conference.”

In 2021, Jared Hill won the “Business Leader Who Gets It” Award at the annual Southern Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Conference in recognition of his outstanding commitment to safety and health.

In November 2024, Jared finished his valiant fight against cancer at the young age of 50. 

Jared was an inspiration and encouragement to all who knew him. Our ASSP chapter and conference are exceedingly better because of his impact and influence. 

The Southern Oregon Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals continues to honor his legacy by naming the “Business Leader Who Gets It” Award in honor of Jared K. Hill.

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WISE Networking Event @ GOSH 2025
 March 4, 2025
 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm 


Join us at the WISE Networking Event at GOSH

Empower Your Growth Through WISE
Join us at the sixth Women in Safety Excellence (WISE) networking event during the 2025 Oregon Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health Conference (GOSH) at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. The event will take place Tuesday, March 4th, from 4:30-6:30pm, and will include light refreshments, awards and networking opportunities to make new connections and nurture existing ones.

WISE Keynote: Empower Your Potential, Bloom Where You Are
Maura Doherty, Author of She Blooms: Finding Home After the Convent, a Memoir

Anyone who works in safety and health knows that the path to this career is not usually a straight line. Storyteller and author Maura Doherty shares her path from novitiate at a convent in New York to an industrial hygienist in Oregon, leveraging opportunities and building relationships along the way to professional success. Through personal stories, she shows how women can bloom wherever they are, shaping their own lives while making a difference in the lives of others

Event details:
Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2024
Location: Oregon Convention Center
Time: 4:30pm
Registration deadline: February 25th @ 5pm

New this year, we are asking for a minimum $5.00 donation during the registration process to ensure your commitment in attending this growing event. The proceeds go directly towards supporting organizations that support women (and their children) navigating houselessness, substance use disorders, poverty, and domestic violence, while promoting equality and justice. You are welcome to donate more than the minimum by selecting a different ticket price of $10, $25, or $50.
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Day-of: Visit the ASSP booth in the registration foyer at the conference on Tuesday, March 4 for your admission and door prize ticket to the event. Ticket is required for entry to the event. 
Venue:   Oregon Convention Center

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