February 16, 2022

9:45AM – 10:45AM:

On the Horizon: California Labor Commissioner Priorities for 2022 and Beyond
En Camino: Las prioridades para 2022 y mas adelante del  comisionado laboral de california

Von Boyenger
Senior Deputy Labor Commissioner
California Department of Industrial Relations

11:00AM – 12:00PM:

Workers’ Compensation Regulatory Update
Actualización reglamentaria de la compensación de trabajadores

George Parisotto
Administrative Director
Division of Workers’ Compensation
California Department of Industrial Relations

1:15PM – 2:30PM:

The Dynamics Between People, Plants and Pesticide Protection: A Strategic Discussion with CA DPR with US EPA
La dinamica entre las personas, plantas y proteccion de pesticidas: Una discusion estrategica con el departamento de reglamentación de pesticidas de california y la agencia de protección ambiental de los estados unidos

Julie Henderson
Director
California Department of Pesticide Regulation

Amy C. Miller
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Director
US Environmental Protection Agency

3:00PM – 4:15PM:

In the Know: CalOSHA’s Key Initiatives for Workplace Safety
Esten enterrados: Las iniciativas de CalOSHA para la seguridad en el lugar de trabajo 

February 17, 2022

9:45AM – 10:45AM:

US Department of Labor
Departamento de Labor de Estados Unidos

11:00AM – 12:00PM:

Ag Commissioners’ Commentary: Trends, Emerging Issues and Cautionary Tales
Comentario del Comisario Agrícola: Tendencias, temas emergentes y hisorias de precaución

1:15PM – 2:30PM:
Legislative Updates Panel
Panel de actualizaciones legislativas

3:00PM – 4:15PM:

US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Comisión para la Igualdad de Oportunidades en el Empleo

February 16, 2022

9:45AM – 10:45AM:

Human Resources Professional Exchange

This session is designed exclusively for human resource professionals to share issues, solutions, and opportunities, as well as to discuss industry needs in a facilitated open forum.

11:00AM – 12:00PM:

When Morals and Ethics Collide

It’s never been more important for everyone in an organization to play by the same rules. Establishing clear guidelines for behavior and decision making can help companies avoid devastatingly unfortunate situations. This session will provide a framework for creating an effective list of ethical priorities. 

Jim Seybert
Executive Mentor

1:15PM – 2:30PM:

Safety Professional Exchange

This session is designed exclusively for safety professionals to share issues, solutions, and opportunities, as well as to discuss industry needs in a facilitated open forum.

3:00PM – 4:15PM:

Reaction Training – Manage Difficult Conversations with Win/Win Results! –

Have you ever avoided a conversation because you were not sure how it would go?  Or worse yet, reacted and regretted the results?  Be prepared for that next conversation with practical steps we’ll apply using all-too-true scenarios!  Enjoy this fun session and build your leadership, negotiation, and facilitation skills.

Tina Huff, PhD, SHRM-SCP
Chief People Officer
Duncan Family Farms

February 17, 2022

9:45AM – 10:45AM:

Leading Yourself: Activate a Positive and Purposeful Mindset

 A purposeful mindset is a way of thinking that focuses on our purpose and the possibilities that can emerge from difficulty through learning, effort, and perseverance. On the other hand, a fixed or results mindset is a way of thinking that focuses on problems that arise from one’s circumstance or unchangeable abilities. Having a purposeful and growth-oriented mindset is found to result in more self-compassion, resilience, motivation, and overall performance.

The good news is that, with practice, research finds we can learn to adopt a mindset to guide how we work and pursue our goals. This session will build on the keynote and help you apply the practices of compassion and mattering to yourself as a leader to craft a mindset that fosters resilience and performance.

Zach Mercurio, Ph.D

11:00AM – 12:00PM:

Workers’ Compensation Professional Exchange 

This session is designed exclusively for workers’ compensation professionals to share issues, solutions, and opportunities, as well as to discuss industry needs in a facilitated open forum.   

1:15PM – 2:30PM:

Managing Managers: Motivation and Accountability –

Join AgSafe Vice President and Chief Education Officer Angelina Ceja and Strategy Consultant Jim Seybert as they share tips on how to turn your managers into top-performers. If employees are your greatest asset (truth), managers who are motivated to develop and encourage their teams will add value to an organization’s bottom line. Learn how to focus on strengths, and how to hold managers accountable for their performance.

Angelina Ceja, MPA, QAL
Vice President and Chief Education Officer
AgSafe

Jim Seybert
Executive Mentor

3:00PM – 4:15PM:

Women in Agriculture Exchange

This session is designed exclusively for women working in the agricultural community to share issues, solutions, and opportunities, as well as to discuss industry needs in a facilitated open forum.   

February 16, 2022

9:45AM – 10:45AM:

Future of Farming: Integration of Autonomous Equipment

Innovative technology in the agricultural industry is emerging in effort to streamline operations and create new efficiencies.  This session will explore the advantages of autonomous equipment including tractors and spray rigs and how to integrate this technology into your operation.   

11:00AM – 12:00PM:

More Cal/OSHA Changes and How They Will Affect Your Business

It’s been a roller coaster ride for the last couple of years.  Keeping up with the changes has become a full-time job.  In this session, we will review some of the more significant changes that affect agricultural employers with specific attention to SB 606 which potentially gives the Division of Occupational Safety and Health the power to levy significant fines and abatement requirements for violations across multiple worksites; and, AB 654 which modifies COVID 19 exposure notifications and reporting requirements.

Lisa Prince, Esq.
Principal

The Prince Firm

1:15PM – 2:30PM:

Current COVID-19 Education and Outreach Resources

COVID-19 challenged the way in which we provide education and outreach to the industry.  With a constant emergence of new information, materials, and messaging we must pivot on a moment’s notice to reach the industry’s workforce.  This session will explore how Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety responded to the pandemic, forged new partnerships and collaborations, and crafted innovative resources to address the ongoing changes we continue to face.

Heather E. Riden

Program Director, Agricultural Health and Safety

Department of Public Health Sciences

Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety

University of California, Davis

3:00PM – 4:15PM: 

The Anatomy of a PAGA Claim

Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims continue to be on the rise and settlements are costing employers across California millions of dollars.  If a claim was filed against your company, would you be prepared?  In this session we will review the essential components of a PAGA lawsuit and how best practices can be implemented ensuring you are ready for a day in court.

Ian B. Wieland

Attorney

Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland PC

February 17, 2022

9:45AM – 10:45AM: 

How Structured Problem Solving is Driving Safety Performance at The Wonderful Company

In this session, you will learn about The Wonderful Company’s “Way of Work” problem solving process and how controlling exposures and culture have been incorporated to reduce and prevent injuries. Through this initiative, The Wonderful Company has been able to improve employee engagement, development, and the overall health and safety of its employees. 

Eric Pichardo, CSMS

Manager, Environmental Health & Safety

The Wonderful Company

11:00AM – 12:00PM: 

What Employers Need to Know About Mental Health in the Workplace

1:15PM – 2:30PM:

3:00PM – 4:15PM: 
TBA

February 16, 2022

9:45AM – 10:45AM: 
Essential Elements of a Risk Assessment

Risk assessments are critical to the development of effective and successful safety program.  This session will reveal the essential elements for conducting an effective risk assessment, what to look for and how to assign the appropriate level of risk.  This session will also address best practices and provide industry examples.   

Jose A. Perez CSHM, CIT, SMS, OHST, CHST
Director, Environmental Health & Safety
The Wonderful Company

11:00AM – 12:00PM:
Avoiding DPR Violations in the Field

This session will cover DPR’s list of top 10 violations. Topics will include FAC and 3CCR requirements for pesticide compliance and worker safety, including a discussion around practical implementation in the field. 

Speaker TBD

1:15PM – 2:30PM: 
Session TBA

3:00PM – 4:15PM: 
Beating COVID-19: Practical Advice from Medical Experts

The world is entering the third year of the COVID-19 era. Employers, insurers, and claims administrators are navigating a broad range of issues including state-specific presumptions, return-to-work challenges, long-hauler COVID-19 issues, and the overall prevention and spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.  In this session, attendees will hear from renowned medical experts on best practices in return-to-work, establishing effective support for employees dealing with long-hauler symptoms, and effective practices aimed at protecting the workforce, while complying with state-mandated regulations.    

Ray Meister MD, MPH
Medical Director at Division of Workers’ Compensation
California Department of Industrial Relations 

Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH, FACOEM
Occupational and Aerospace Medicine Physician
Mayo Clinic

February 17, 2022

9:45AM – 10:45AM: 
Session TBA

11:00AM – 12:00PM: 
COVID-19 Legal Issues

COVID-19’s evolution has created a litany of new employer legal challenges as businesses work to navigate the pandemic.  In this session we will discuss the most pressing legal issues of the new year including vaccinations, testing, paid time off and other employer obligations.

Patrick S. Moody

Shareholder
Barsamian and Moody

1:15PM – 2:30PM:
Employer Workers’ Compensation Defense in the Pandemic Age – Tips and Pitfalls

In this session, attendees will hear from experienced Ag Legal Counsel about practicing Workers’ Comp defense in the pandemic age – tips and pitfalls. This includes best practices for file handling, making appearances and communication. There will be an overview of how the litigation handling of claims has evolved over the last 2 years during the pandemic and what to expect going forward. Attendees will also be provided with thought-provoking insight and predictions on the limited reopening of the Workers’ Compensation Boards.

David Chun 

Managing Shareholder, Fresno & Bakersfield Office

State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
Stander Reubens Thomas Kinsey (SRTK)

3:00PM – 4:15PM: 
Session TBA

February 16, 2021

9:45AM – 10:45AM:

The Foundation of Conflict Resolution – Conflict resolution is a skill that every foreman, supervisor, and leader at any level must possess. This session will teach leaders how to develop their conflict resolution skills. Individuals who lead employees and put to practice these essential teachings will become more proficient at resolving conflict in the workplace.    

La base de la resolución de conflictos – El poder solucionar conflictos es una habilidad que todo gerente, supervisor o líder de cualquier nivel debe poseer.  Esta sesión le enseñara a lideres como desarrollar sus habilidades para poder resolver conflictos. Individuos que son lideres de trabajadores y ponen en práctica estos entrenamientos será más competente en resolver conflictos en el lugar de trabajo.

Raul Calvo
Owner
Employer Services

11:00AM – 12:00PM:

Ensuring New Employee Hiring Success – What are some of the important items you need to ensure you have for a successful hiring process? In this session we will discuss both essential paperwork, policies and safety training topics that should be covered with your new employees, it will also include a practical checklist for future use.

Garantizar el éxito de la contratación de nuevos empleados – ¿Que son algunas cosas importantes que necesitas para asegurar que tienes un proceso de contratación exitoso? En esta sesión vamos a discutir papeleo esencial, políticas, y temas de seguridad que debes de cubrir con trabajadores nuevos, también va a incluir una lista practica para poder usar en el futuro.

Veronica Blanco

Human Resource Manager
Innovative Produce

1:15PM – 2:30PM:

TBA

3:00PM – 4:15PM: 

Essentials of COVID-19 – As the progression of COVID-19 continues, this session will focus on some key changes, challenges, and opportunities to provide information and resources to workers.

Elementos esenciales de COVID-19

Theresa Andrews, MS
Education and Outreach Specialist

February 17, 2022

9:45AM – 10:45AM: 

Reaction Training – Manage Difficult Conversations with Win/Win Results!

Have you ever avoided a conversation because you were not sure how it would go?  Or worse yet, reacted and regretted the results?  Be prepared for that next conversation with practical steps we’ll apply using all-too-true scenarios!  Enjoy this fun session and build your leadership, negotiation, and facilitation skills.

¡Manejando conversaciones difíciles con resultados agradables para todos!

¿Alguna vez has evitado una conversación porque no estabas seguro(a) de como iría? O peor, ¿reaccionaste y lamentaste los resultados? ¡Prepárese para la próxima conversación con pasos prácticos que aplicaremos usando escenarios verdaderos! Disfruta de esta sesión divertida y desarrolla tus habilidades de liderazgo, negociación y facilitación.

Tina Huff, PhD, SHRM-SCP
Chief People Officer
Duncan Family Farms

11:00AM – 12:00PM: 

Employee Retention in the Time of COVID

In this session you will have an opportunity to hear some of your peers discuss what they are doing within their organizations to help with employee retention. Panelists will share stories about what has worked and what has not worked in keeping employees both motivated and safe during these challenging times.

Retención de trabajadores en el tiempo de COVID

En esta sesión tendrá la oportunidad de escuchar a algunos de sus compañeros hablar sobre lo que están haciendo en sus organizaciones para ayudar con la retención de empleados. Los panelistas compartirán historias sobre lo que ha trabajado y lo que no ha trabajado para mantener a los empleados motivados y seguros durante estos tiempos difíciles.

1:15PM – 2:30PM:
Essential Elements of a Risk Assessment

Risk assessments are critical to the development of effective and successful safety program.  This session will reveal the essential elements for conducting an effective risk assessment, what to look for and how to assign the appropriate level of risk.  This session will also address best practices and provide industry examples.

Elementos esenciales de una evaluación de riesgos

Las evaluaciones de riesgos son fundamentales para el desarrollo de un programa de seguridad efectivo y exitoso.  Esta sesión revelará los elementos esenciales para llevar a cabo una evaluación de riesgos efectivos, qué buscar y cómo asignar el nivel apropiado de riesgo.  Esta sesión también hablara de las mejores prácticas y proporcionará ejemplos de la industria.  

Jose A. Perez CSHM, CIT, SMS, OHST, CHST
Director, Environmental Health & Safety

3:00PM – 4:15PM: 
Rural Crime

A local Sheriff representative will discuss the most common crimes in agriculture from theft to unauthorized waste dump and everything in between. Come ask those questions you have been curious about to a local law enforcement officer. 

Crimen Rural

Un representante del sheriff aqui del area local, discutirá los delitos más comunes en la agricultura, desde el robo a la basura no autorizada y todo lo demás. Ven a hacer las preguntas de las que has tenido curiosidad de preguntar a un oficial local.