The ISN Team would like to thank all of our valued clients for attending the ISNetworld Annual Users Conference in Fort Worth, Texas on April 2 & 3. 2009. Approximately 600 attendees from nearly 400 companies were in attendance. Owner Clients and Contracting Companies alike shared best practices and useful information on their experiences utilizing ISNetworld.
ISN Chairman Bill Addy kicked off the meeting by welcoming the conference attendees and President Joe Eastin unveiled the new look of ISN, including a short video on ISN’s continued mission to connect corporations with safe, reliable contractors and suppliers.
Alan Bean, Astronaut and fourth man to walk on the moon, spoke about ordinary people achieving extraordinary accomplishments through dedication to a common goal. Captain Bean discussed how impossible dreams are not always easy and often dangerous, thus the importance for a focus on safety. Captain Bean motivated the audience to not lose heart, get discouraged or become immobilized by obstacles.
Robert Burgess, National Program Manager, US Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), spoke about the importance of government working with employers on proper worksite enforcement. Robert discussed the importance of hiring authorized laborers, immigration reform, as well as key strategies and benefits of compliance. He also reviewed case studies and introduced the IMAGE (ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers) program.
The first breakout session titled “Why Use ISNetworld”, included an eleven member panel from Contracting Companies and Owner Clients. Questions were answered from the audience regarding record keeping, contractor pre-qualification, regulatory compliance, field audits, risk management and individual employee compliance.
Two Contractor breakout sessions were conducted by the ISN Team. They reviewed enhancements in hardware, functionality, Review and Verification Services (RAVS), Users Group Meetings and the creation of the Conformance Team. The ISN Team also reviewed marketing opportunities and beneficial, new tools available within ISNetworld.
Two Owner Client breakout sessions were conducted by Owner Clients and the ISN Team. The ISN Team provided an update on new functionality, goals of the recently formed Conformance Team, as well as upcoming projects and enhancements. Five Owner Clients presented on best practices including contractor pre-qualification, implementation best practices and field audits.
Five additional breakout sessions were open to both Owner Clients and Contracting Companies including a presentation by The Department of Homeland Security on ways to verify the employment eligibility of any newly-hired employees and 10 key best practices to identify unauthorized employees. OSHA representatives reviewed accurate reporting of injuries and illnesses occurring from work-related activities and the effect an individual’s contribution can have on a team. Additional breakout sessions reviewed how employees following safe work practices impact the bottom line of their employers and how Owner Clients manage risk and contractor pre-qualification through ISNetworld.
Following the breakout sessions, Former Pittsburgh Steeler, Vietnam Veteran and Super Bowl Champion, Rocky Bleier, spoke about the two parts to a successful team: commitment and trust. Afterward, Rocky signed autographs and took photos with attendees.
A reception followed Rocky’s presentation where ASSE sponsored casino tables and a raffle to benefit the Southwest Chapter Roy Kinslow Scholarship.
Day two of the conference began with a presentation by William Wark, Board Member, Chemical Safety Board, who reviewed the goals of the CSB’s accident investigation, their ongoing investigations and lessons learned. Stanley Kastanas, Director, Office of Substance Abuse Policy Investigations & Compliance, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) reviewed the requirements of the Department of Transportation and the impact drug and alcohol addiction can have on employees.
Breakout sessions conducted by the Department of Homeland Security and OSHA continued on day two for Contracting Companies and Owner Clients.
University of Texas, Arlington, participated in this year’s conference by awarding 213 CEU Certificates to eligible attendees.
One-on-one helpdesk sessions were also made available to users throughout the conference to address their specific ISNetworld related questions.
Again, we thank you for the continued support of ISNetworld. We look forward to seeing you all for our next Annual Users Conference and also at several of our Regional Users Group Meetings throughout the year. Please be sure to check your email and ISNetworld home page for future meetings.
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