OTA Dispatch Issue 4, 2021

EVENTS IN EARLY OCTOBER, Oregon trucking safety professionals gathered for another delayed “Spring” Safety Conference in Eugene at the Valley River Inn. This is the second year that the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the event into the fall. The group of dedicated fleet safety managers, along with those involved in HR and employee relations, attended the two-day event that was full of information and insights from both local and national speakers. Pre-conference activities started on October 6, with a training session— OSHA Awareness for Trucking—and a welcome reception that evening. Sessions kicked off on October 7, following opening remarks from Jennifer King (WHA Insurance) who currently leads the Safety Management Council and spearheaded this year’s conference. American Transportation Research Institute Vice President Jeffrey Short was the first speaker of the event, traveling from Georgia to talk about the issues and challenges that the trucking industry has identified as consistent pain points. It comes as no surprise that the driver shortage remains at the top of the list of concerns. The next speaker, Stacy Hibbard, Environmental Program Manager with the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, brought things back to a local focus by discussing DEQ Industrial Stormwater Permit #1200- Z. The Industrial Stormwater Program, which coordinates the permit, works to protect the city storm sewer system and surface water quality by reducing pollutants in stormwater runoff from industrial and commercial facilities. Abe Dunivin, Technical Services Coordinator—ODOT Commerce and Compliance Division, was the next to take the stage to discuss DataQs and some of the other developments at the state level. Tackling the issue of onboarding and creating that relationship with new employees, a panel comprised of Hedie Schulte, Human Resources & Safety Manager—Boshart Trucking; George Wood, Driver & Safety Manager—TP Trucking; and Nicole Hawks-Morse, Safety Director—Kool Pak sat down to discuss best practices and lessons learned over the years. The afternoon sessions continued with an update from Esther Goetsch, Director of Coalition Builds for Truckers Against Trafficking. Media reports in recent months has placed attention on Oregon’s growing problem with human trafficking, much of which has been tied to illegal marijuana grows and the use of illegal immigrants to perform much of the work. Oregon, sadly, has also seen an RESILIENCE & REINVENTION at 2021 Safety Conference 8 Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch