2015 Archived Sessions

Conference Keynote Sessions

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, 1:10 to 2 p.m.

Champions Code
Ross Bernstein
Ever wonder why certain teams are SUCCESSFUL whereas others aren’t? Ross explains WHY — in an engaging and visually entertaining style that’s designed to improve YOUR organization’s productivity, morale and bottom-line profitability. Ross’s signature program, “The Champion’s Code: Life Lessons of Ethics & Accountability from the Sports World to the Business World,” is based on more than six years of research that resulted in two critically acclaimed series of sports-business books. The first examines how and why certain teams win world championships; while the other chronicles the unwritten and unspoken rules in the world of sports, or “codes” as they are known, which explores the fine line between cheating and gamesmanship — and the consequences involved when that line is crossed. Ross interviewed more than 1,000 professional athletes and coaches for the six books and along the way he saw some fascinating patterns, metrics and trends develop among certain individuals who possessed a very unique DNA. For these unique individuals, or “champions,” it wasn’t always about winning, it was about following their moral compass in order to play the game the right way — with respect and integrity — in order to achieve success. In his presentation, Ross identifies upwards of 100 unique characteristics and traits that are common among champions, which he then ties into poignant life lessons and inspirational stories that relate back to his client’s theme and desired outcomes. Based largely on the “Good to Great” ideology of how the best companies are able to separate themselves from the rest of the pack through dynamic leadership and extraordinary customer service, Ross’s program reinforces the concept that individuals win games, but TEAMS win championships. Momentum, roles, buy-in, motivation, consistency, sacrifice, trust, chemistry, work-ethic, innovation, karma, and being humble — they’re all a part of what it takes to become the best of the best — a champion both on and off the field. So, who are the champions in your organization?

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Silent Impact: Influence Through Purpose, Persistence, and Power
Joe Schmit
In this high energy, high impact presentation loaded with humor Joe Schmit inspires and teaches you how to ramp up the profound power of your influence. Through research and the stories he tells, Joe has discovered that “we make our biggest impressions when we are not trying to be impressive.” If you want to lead people or sell or become a better spouse or friend, you need to be aware and more intentional with your “Silent Impact.” If there were a going away party at your office today, who would the most people show up for? That person understands how to use their "Silent Impact" to make real connections that are powerful, contagious and can last a lifetime. You will learn about Impact Resolutions, the 2nd thank you and how to develop your own “Mt. Rushmore of Influence.” Joe customizes his presentation to your audience and his authentic style will rally them to embrace and realize that influence is not a soft skill.

General Sessions

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.

Medical Marijuana
Mark Pew, Senior Vice President, PRIUM
This presentation will provide insight into what medical marijuana is, how it is used for medicinal purposes, the current evidence about its short- and long-term consequences, the unintended consequences of its legalization, the impacts on workers' compensation and drug-free workplaces, and risk management techniques.

Concurrent Sessions

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.

Working Together -- MnSCU's Alliance with MnOSHA
Anita Mujumdar and Ken Auer, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System Office; Vikki Sanders, Principal Safety Consultant, MnOSHA, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
MnSCU and OSHA Workplace Safety Consultation recognized the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful Minnesota workplaces; With a mutual desire to work together to provide MnSCU employees with information, guidance, and access to resources that will help them protect their health and safety; a mutual desire to collaborate on resources which may be used to support occupational safety and health education into existing course curriculums; and a recognition that collaboration is an integral part of both parties' efforts to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses; MnSCU and OSHA entered into an Alliance to accomplish these goals. This session will go over the Alliance and an evaluation of its current progress.

What Happened?!? -- Documenting and Reporting P&C Claims and Incidents
Scott Johnson and Lea Shedlock, Minnesota Department of Administration, Risk Management Division
There are so many events that can happen that might result in an insurance claim. At first you might be told that someone fell, or that there was an auto accident, or a fire: but the kaleidoscope that colors people’s views or remembrance of events grows with time and conversation. Documenting the facts is crucial. As more time passes the truth loses it color and becomes harder to recognize. Different people will view an incident in different ways depending on their point of view and position. Knowing when to report, what to report and how to report as well as knowing how to keep this information is vitally important and can significantly influence the financial outcome of the event, sometimes by as much as tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Come find out what information may be important and how to collect it and preserve it when you are initially informed of an incident.

In Good Company: A Talk on the Challenge of Comorbidities in Workers' Compensation Claims
JoAnn White, RN, CorVel; Julie Horak, RN, CorVel
CorVel Managers, JoAnn White, R.N., and Julie Horak, R.N. will be “co”-hosting a talk on “co”-morbidities and their impact on work injuries. In the ever-changing medical arena, the implications of comorbidities are a significant contributor to healthcare costs in general. When applied to a workers’ compensation claim, they become a driving force in elevated expenditures. An overview of common comorbidities and tracking tools will be presented then applied to actual workers’ compensation claims filed under the Minnesota jurisdiction. Interactive discussions with the audience on illness, implications and resolutions will be facilitated.

Social Media: The "Send" Button Challenge
Bruce Gordon and Jen Longaecker, Minnesota Department of Public Safety
The number of mobile phones in the world overtook the number of people in 2014. And most of those phones are connecting people using social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Any of us can post something, and have that message seen by people in our neighborhood or someone on the other side of the planet. Social media is instant, direct, topical, and dangerous. We’ll discuss the benefits, risks, and the ongoing challenges that organizations and people face when they hit the “send” button.

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, 8:15 to 9:15 a.m.

Managing Aggression
Brenda Tuma, Department of Employment and Economic Development
The ability to respond to challenging behavior in a way that will result in peaceful outcomes can go a long way toward keeping you and those around you safe from acts of violence. This session is designed to help you build confidence in your ability to manage aggressive behaviors by learning universal approaches to apply to a variety of situations. During this session, you’ll learn how to recognize the various phases of a behavior crisis and how to respond appropriately to de-escalate a person who is engaging in aggressive behavior – and better yet – to help prevent a person in crisis from escalating in the first place. To help reinforce the knowledge you gain during this session, you’ll receive a crisis management quick reference card and violence prevention study guide for your future reference.

What Happened?!? -- Documenting and Reporting P&C Claims and Incidents (Repeat Session)
Scott Johnson and Lea Shedlock, Minnesota Department of Administration, Risk Management Division
See session description above.

Panel Discussion: The Dos and Don'ts of Return to Work
Joanna Page, Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant; Bard Nordstrom, Minnesota Department of Human Services; Sue Kielty, Minnesota Department of Transportation; Carmen Swanger, Placement Specialist, Minnesota Department of Administration; Suzie Thomas, Workers' Compensation Claims Specialist, Sr., Minnesota Department of Administration
In this session, we will discuss and share best practices in returning employees to work following work injuries. Our panel experts will provide you with an overview of their practices and what they have found works best. And, they will be ready to answer your questions directly and provide you with practical strategies and tips.

Outdoor Worker Safety -- Tick and Mosquito Prevention
Jenna Bjork, DVM, MPH Epidemiologist, Vectorborne Disease Unit, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control, Minnesota Department of Health
In this session, we will discuss and share best practices in returning employees to work following work injuries. Our panel experts will provide you with an overview of their practices and what they have found works best. And, they will be ready to answer your questions directly and provide you with practical strategies and tips.

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Managing Aggression
Brenda Tuma, Department of Employment and Economic Development
See session description above.

Drones: Their Uses for Municipal Authorities and Ways to Mitigate the Risk
Chris Proudlove, Global Aerospace, Inc.
This session will give an overview of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, regulation around their use and ways in which municipal authorities may find application for them. Additionally, the speaker will address many of the existing concerns around safety and ways in which risk can be mitigated in this rapidly developing sector.

It's Complicated: The Relationship Between ADA, FMLA, and Workers' Compensation
Kristyn Anderson, Minnesota Management and Budget
Relationships in and of themselves are complicated. But put together ADA, FMLA and workers' compensation and you get the perfect storm of a complicated relationship. Where do ADA, FMLA and Workers' Compensation coincide? It is vital that you understand the “relationship” of these three employment law areas to ensure compliance and to assist employees with the benefits and protections of each.

Outdoor Worker Safety -- Tick and Mosquito Bite Prevention (Repeat Session)
Jenna Bjork, DVM, MPH Epidemiologist, Vectorborne Disease Unit, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control, Minnesota Department of Health
See session description above.

Pre-Conference Professional Development Courses

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, 9:00 a.m. to Noon

Safety in an Aging Workforce and Safety Communication Techniques
Jan Fedora, Minnesota Safety Council
We will examine the implications for employers of an aging workforce. This session will focus on addressing specific safety needs and concerns of mature workers to considerably boost safety performance and culture. We will cover the communication process, types of communication, and barriers to effective safety communication, listening skills, constructive criticism, and dealing with difficult people.

Claims Process Life Cycle and Pitfalls of Managing a Workers' Compensation Claim
Jim Germain and Kristin Brusegard, Minnesota Department of Administration, Risk Management Division
We will discuss the life cycle of a Workers’ Compensation claim and identify those areas where Workers’ Compensation Coordinators can and should be involved, areas that are particularly prone to pitfalls, and how to avoid them. Additionally, we’ll help new and seasoned Workers’ Compensation Coordinators anticipate and respond to changing facts, factors, forces, and information. Finally, we’ll help Workers’ Compensation Coordinators work in partnership with the assigned Claim Specialist to proactively manage and control the direction of new and ongoing Workers’ Compensation claims.

Reforming the Property and Casualty Incident Reporting Process
Todd Christenson and Property & Casualty Claims Team, Minnesota Department of Administration, Risk Management Division
We need your help! Risk Management Division's (RMD) Property & Casualty team has been using our new risk management information system for a year now and it's time to improve the incident reporting process. During the session we will:
- examine RMD's perspective on the current process for reporting auto, property, and general liability claims;
- ask attendees to share their current processes for collecting incident information;
- identify gaps between RMD expectations and insured processes; and
- provide RMD with valuable information and feedback that can be leveraged during a continuous improvement project on incident reporting.