Iowa Local Technical Assistance Program

Description

County secondary roads and city public works employees face safety risks every day—whether working around heavy equipment, roadway traffic, utility infrastructure, or in maintenance shops. This workshop is not intended to be Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance training. Instead, it focuses on developing a stronger safety mindset by recognizing everyday hazards, identifying risks before they become incidents, and applying practical strategies to help prevent injuries. The instructors will be experienced maintenance professionals who have gained valuable insights from the lessons they have learned throughout their career.

Who Should Attend?

County secondary roads and city public works maintenance employees are encouraged to attend. Operators, mechanics, supervisors, and others involved in maintenance operations will especially benefit from this workshop.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, attendees should be able to:

• Create and promote a stronger safety culture within your agency.
• Recognize and assess potential workplace hazards more effectively.
• Understand why some workplace incidents typically occur and how they might be prevented.

Speaker Bios

Bret Hodne (all three locations) is currently the Transportation Training Specialist with the Iowa Local Transportation Assistance Program (Iowa LTAP). He brings more than 35 years of experience in public works, beginning his career as an equipment operator with the City of West Des Moines and serving in a variety of leadership positions, including nearly 20 years as a public works director.

Dave McDermott (Ames and Council Bluffs) retired after a 29-year career working as a mechanic, supervisor, and superintendent. In 2001, he joined the City of Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he served for 17 years as Fleet Maintenance Superintendent and Public Works Safety Officer. His extensive experience in fleet maintenance, supervision, and workplace safety gives him a practical, firsthand perspective on recognizing hazards, preventing injuries, and building a stronger safety culture within public works organizations.

Thad Alexander (Cedar Rapids) retired after 28 years as the Shop Manager for the Linn County Secondary Road Department. He brings a practical, real-world perspective to fleet and workplace safety, and his experience working directly with operators and mechanics provides hands-on insight into recognizing hazards and preventing incidents.

Tentative Agenda

For more information contact Bret Hodne, Iowa LTAP at 515-294-0515 or bhodne@iastate.edu