Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Building Safer Communities: Highlights from Our Recent Industry Events


At ehsInc safety doesn’t just happen in the workplace—it’s something we actively support through partnerships, education, and community engagement. Over the past month, our team has had the opportunity to participate in a variety of industry events, outreach programs, and professional gatherings that all share a common goal: advancing safety and strengthening the construction and public works communities.


Here’s a look at some of the recent events we were proud to be part of.


Safety Chic: PPE Fashion Show & OSHA Violations Review

February 10, 2026

The NAWIC Orange County Chapter #91 hosted a creative and educational membership meeting titled “Safety Chic: Essential PPE Fashion Show & OSHA Violations Review.”

The event focused on the importance of properly fitting PPE for women in construction, highlighting how safety gear should support both protection and confidence on the jobsite.

During the meeting, our very own Eric Garcia, delivered a presentation reviewing Cal/OSHA’s Top 10 Most Cited Violations, helping attendees better understand the most common compliance issues and how to avoid them.

It was a valuable opportunity to share knowledge while continuing the conversation around workplace safety and inclusivity in the industry.



 



Wildlife Safety Training at the SARBS Winter Collections Seminar

February 19, 2026

Our team also participated in the 48th SARBS Winter Collections Seminar, an event that brings together public works personnel, wastewater professionals, and safety leaders from across the region.

Representing ehsInc were our very own Kaila Krichmar, who participated as an exhibitor, and Jon Haverkamp who delivered a presentation titled: “Stay Safe, Stay Aware: Wildlife Safety Training.”

The presentation focused on real-world hazards workers may encounter in the field and provided practical guidance on recognizing and safely responding to wildlife risks during outdoor operations.

The seminar created a valuable opportunity to connect with professionals across multiple industries while sharing knowledge that helps keep workers safe in the environments they operate in every day.

 


Celebrating Women in Construction Week

March 2–7, 2026

This year, we were proud to participate in Women in Construction Week (WIC Week®)—a national celebration recognizing the women who help build, protect, and lead the construction industry. Throughout the week, our team joined several events across Southern California.


March 2 – Networking Event

Corrie Chan and Marjorie Del Toro kicked off the week at a networking event hosted at McCarthy’s office, where industry professionals gathered to connect and celebrate women in construction. The evening also included a special moment of recognition with Stephanie Klopfenstein.

    


March 3 – City Club Luncheon & Panel Discussion

The City Club Luncheon featured a panel moderated by Ileana Holguin, where experienced leaders shared insights on leadership, career pivots, and navigating the construction industry. The event also included an inspiring keynote from Danielle Sprouls, author of WTF: Women That Flourish, who spoke about resilience, personal growth, and redefining success.


     










March 5 – Job Site Tour

The PENTA Building Group hosted a job site tour of their University Student Union project at California State University. Attendees gained a behind-the-scenes look at the planning, collaboration, and execution required to bring major construction projects to life.













March 6 – 2nd Annual WIC Week Charity Golf Tournament
Corrie joined NAWIC Orange County’s foursome for the 2nd Annual WIC Week Charity Golf Tournament. Thanks to sponsors and participants, the event raised over $20,000 in scholarships to support students pursuing careers in construction.


March 7 – SoCal Chapter Celebration

The week concluded at Peltzer Winery, where NAWIC Southern California chapters gathered to celebrate the continued growth and impact of women across the construction industry.

   






















Our Continued Commitment

Each of these events reflects something we believe deeply at ehsInc: safety is built through education, collaboration, and community involvement.

Whether we’re supporting industry leaders, teaching the next generation about jobsite safety, or sharing expertise with professionals in the field, our mission remains the same—to help create safer workplaces and stronger industries.

We’re proud to stand alongside our partners and peers in advancing safety across construction, public works, and beyond.

Friday, October 17, 2025

Kaila Krichmar - Featured in CWEA Clean Water Issue #4 2025

 


Our very own Kaila Krichmar was featured in CWEA's Clean Water Magazine (Issue 4 2025) where she spoke about her experiences working with the association and how safety is of the greatest importance.

Learn how you can be a part of CWEA by clicking here.

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

September 19th, 2025 - Concussion Awareness Day

 


How to Avoid Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) at the Workplace

  1. Hazard Identification & Control
    • Conduct a job hazard analysis (JHA) to identify risks of falling objects, slips, trips, falls, and struck-by incidents.
    • Implement engineering controls (guardrails, netting, tool tethering) before relying on PPE.
  2. Fall Protection
    • TBIs are most often caused by falls. Ensure fall protection systems (harnesses, lanyards, anchors) are used properly and consistently.
    • Provide slip-resistant surfaces and housekeeping to reduce trip hazards.
  3. Training & Awareness
    • Train workers on recognizing struck-by and fall hazards.
    • Reinforce proper ladder, scaffold, and equipment use.
  4. Head Protection: Hard Hats vs. Safety Helmets
    • Traditional Hard Hats:
      • ANSI Type I protects from top impact only.
      • Limited side impact protection.
      • Lacks chin strap — can fall off in a fall or impact.
    • Modern Safety Helmets (Climbing/Mountaineering Style):
      • Meet ANSI Z89.1 (and often additional EN standards).
      • Provide top and side impact protection.
      • Equipped with chin straps to stay secure during falls.
      • Often have integrated slots for eye, face, or hearing protection.

Best Practice Today: Many industries (construction, utilities, energy, telecom) are shifting toward safety helmets instead of traditional hard hats because of their enhanced protection against TBIs. OSHA doesn’t currently require helmets over hard hats, but more employers are making them the standard.

Recommendation

  • Use engineering and administrative controls first, but for PPE:
    • If your workforce is exposed to fall risks, struck-by hazards, or working at height → safety helmets with chin straps are strongly recommended.
    • Traditional hard hats are still compliant, but they provide less protection, especially from side impacts and falls.

Contact us today to schedule your next PPE safety class where we cover this in greater detail.

949.540.6800 • info@ehsinc.org

Monday, July 21, 2025

CEO Speaking to the next generation of safety leaders!


ehsInc CEO Marjorie Del Toro had the incredible opportunity to speak to high school students at the AGC-CA Build California Summer Camp!

She shared the importance of safety in construction, and how the skilled trades offer rewarding and essential career paths.

We’re proud to help inspire the next generation of builders and safety leaders!

Learn more about AGC-CA Build California Summer Camp by clicking here.

Monday, June 16, 2025

June is Trench Safety Month - Reinforce Your Commitment to Trench Safety!


June is Trench Safety Month

Every year, lives are lost in preventable trench collapses. One cubic yard of soil can weigh as much as a car — and a collapse can happen in seconds.

Let’s commit to protecting workers by following proper safety procedures:

✅ Never enter an unprotected trench.

✅ Always use protective systems like shoring, shielding, or sloping.

✅ Inspect trenches daily and after weather events.

✅ Ensure a competent person is on-site.

Safety isn’t optional — it’s a responsibility.

Learn more: ehsInc.org/Trenching