ASSE South Florida Chapter Meeting

Topic: Managing Liability for Companies using tools to stop use of Cell Phones in company vehicles – Crash Mitigation for the Safety/Risk Managers

• What Liability and negligence issues are you facing from company vehicle operators?
• What are the issues and case law causing astronomical judgments against companies post-crash?
• Simple practice and policy changes to protect your Business
• Can your company provide proof of compliance to vehicle policies?
• Are individuals held accountable to vehicle policies?
• Are tools available?
• Are the tools trial tested?

Speakers: Robert  J. Smedberg and Tracy O. Linhart

Robert  J. Smedberg (Bob), Director  Risk/Safety  Services, Portnexus, has been practicing Safety and Risk Management for over 40 years. He has written a number of Driver programs and developed a number of technology programs to apply successfully with safety practices. He is the developer of the Accident Injury Management system and most recently the developer of the Compliance portal, which provides online compliance results with safety regulations, DOT and HR functions.  He is an accident Reconstructionist by education and practice and has been an adjunct professional for Commercial reconstruction at UNF (IPTM) Institute of Police Technology and Management.

Bob also wrote a book “Survival of Man Made and Natural Disasters” which got published after he headed recovery teams across the country which worked natural disasters in the Southeast and Mid-West US.  Bob is currently heading up a Safety and Risk, “Think Tank” with approximately 1700 followers, with the ultimate goal of sharing data and practices which will allow greater improvements in safety and improve EBITBA for organizations. This is done at no cost to members, but requires engagement and sharing of best practices with the teams.

Tracy O. Linhart is the Director of Safety for Breakthru Beverage, He oversees the firms safety, health, transportation, environmental protection, and provides technical assistance regarding safety and regulatory compliance.  Linhart has more than 30 years experience in the safety field.  Prior to joining Breakthru Beverage he was a safety officer in the United States Navy.  He holds a M.S.A. in Public Administration from the University of Central Michigan, B.A. in Business Administration, from St. Leo College, A.S. in electronics engineering from Key West community college, and A.A. in Business from Key West Community college.

An ASSE member since 1996, He has served as Area Director for Region IV. He has held many offices in the South Florida Chapter. Linhart’s chapter service includes terms as chapter delegate, chapter president, secretary and treasurer. He serves on several Practice Specialties committees and past administrator for the Transportation Practice Specialty.

He has been a featured speaker for PDC’s and has facilitated discussions on Fleet safety including HOS, driver fatigue, distracted driving, and other safety related subjects for the Society, Region IV, South Florida Area and Chapter meetings.

Tracy is also a member of the Florida Trucking Association, serving on the Safety Committee as chair person and public relations committee.  He served on the National Safety Council of South Florida board of directors from 1996 to 2006.    He is a member of ASTD and ISPI.

Tracy is also active in his community, serving as a junior achievement class instructor and currently a Boy Scouts of America volunteer.   His hobbies and interest are many and diverse, but he spends most of his free time with family.

Agenda

11:45 to 12 noon, networking
12 noon to 1:45 pm, meeting