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InTrans

Institute for Transportation

InTrans|Events

Oct 13

Worker Safety Workshop – Ames

Event Details
LOCATION

Ames, Iowa

VENUE

Institute for Transportation (InTrans)
2711 South Loop Dr.
Ames, IA
Room 4040
Enter Building through Doors 4050 or 4500

DATES

October 13, 2026

TIME

Registration/Check In starts at 7:30 am
Workshop starts at 8:00 am

ROADS SCHOLAR CREDITS

4 Credit Hours

Event Contact
Sherrie LaFleur
 InTrans, Iowa LTAP
515-294-2323
slafleur@iastate.edu

DescriptionCloseup of an asphalt roadway where are posed an orange cone next to a hard hat atop of a pair of gloves

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

Dave McDermott 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.

Bret Hodne 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.

Tentative Agenda

TimeEvent Details
7:30 a.m.Registration/Breakfast Rolls
8:00 a.m.Welcome/Introduction
8:15 a.m.Working Around Equipment
9:00 a.m.Maintenance Shop Safety
10:00 a.m.Break
10:15 a.m.Field Safety for Operators
11:15 a.m. Ideas from the Field
11:30 a.m.Wrap Up/Open Discussion

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

Registration
0 seats remaining.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE

October 9, 2026 12:00 AM

Registration Cost

The fee for this training event is $25.00 per person, which includes morning refreshments. Registration prior to the event is required.

Attendance Limitations

Due to limited seating, registration is currently limited to five attendees per agency at each location to allow as many agencies as possible to participate. Agencies wishing to register additional employees may contact Bret Hodne at bhodne@iastate.edu to be added to a waiting list. Additional attendees may be accommodated if space remains available or an additional workshop date is added.

Registration is on a first-come/first-served basis and will close when the spaces indicated on the registration page are filled.

Cancellation Policy

Because of our financial commitment to food, beverages and venues, no refunds will be issued within 7 days of the event. Attendee substitutions are always welcome.

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