OTA Dispatch Issue 4, 2021

uptick in sex trafficking of women and children. Esther discussed the important role that trucking plays in identifying and reporting trafficking situations and how to build on trucking’s built-in network of eyes on the road. As COVID-19 is still very much front and center, Appellate Attorney Michelle Shaffer and Claims Supervisor Steve Swan, both with SAIF, joined the group virtually to discuss workers’ compensation concerns around the virus. A company’s approach to dealing with the pandemic, restrictions and mandates has often fallen to safety and HR departments to not only ensure compliance, but also keep all workers as safe as possible. SAIF discussed what happens should a worksite exposure occur and what that means for workers’ compensation. After the first day full of sessions, attendees gathered that evening for a reception and then the Safety Award Banquet, sponsored by Great West Casualty Company. The winners of this year’s Fleet Safety Professional and the Oregon Fleet Safety Awards were announced during the banquet. Sessions resumed on Friday, October 8 with a lively presentation from crowd favorite Deborah Jeffries, SHRM-CP, PHR, CPC Vice President—HR Answers, Inc. This year Deborah covered the topic of communications skills for supervisors. The methods used to communicate with employees has changed over the past two years, with much of the world going 9 www.ortrucking.org Issue 4 | 2021