From Canned Corn to the Star Gazing/PtD Implementation

Mark Grushka’s presentation explores the evolution of Prevention through Design (PtD) from his early career in safety to his work in high-risk industries like mining and medical facilities. Grushka shares key insights into PtD’s role in mitigating hazards across various projects, including the Rubin Observatory and solar telescope projects. He emphasizes the critical role engineers play in identifying and addressing hazards throughout a project’s lifecycle, from concept to operation. The presentation outlines processes for risk assessment, leadership commitment, and the integration of safety culture. By illustrating PtD’s effectiveness in reducing risks and fostering a safety-driven approach, Grushka advocates for engineers to take a proactive leadership role in hazard identification and mitigation, ultimately making PtD a core component of successful project management.

Short Bio

Mark J. Grushka is the Principal Consultant and Owner of MJGrushka Consulting in Tucson, Arizona. He has been assisting organizations achieve high levels of measurable safety, health and environmental performance for over 40 years. He has held a number of technical and managerial positions in both the private and public sectors including the University of Arizona, BHP Copper, Columbia University’s Biosphere 2 Project and Tucson Medical Center. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Safety Management from Northern Illinois University and is a Board-Certified Safety Professional. He holds a postgraduate certification in environmental management from Arizona State University. He has a special interest in Prevention through Design and has supported ASU’s Fulton Schools of Engineering Prevention through Design Initiative since 2012.

Prevention Through Design (PtD)- Applied Learning​

This keynote presents the importance of integrating Prevention through Design (PtD) into the entire life cycle of a project, from concept to disposal.  PtD aims to protect people, the environment, and businesses by addressing safety and risk concerns early in the design phase. Key stakeholders, including workers, communities, investors, and future occupants, are central to the process. The presentation outlines when and how PtD should be applied, focusing on factors like regulations, materials, work environments, and risk tolerance. By assessing life-cycle costs and considering the impact on stakeholders, PtD helps to minimize risks, improve safety, and promote sustainability. The session highlights the need for designers to anticipate and address potential hazards, ensuring a safer future for all involved.

Short Bio

Ken Daigle is currently the Corporate Product Safety Governance Leader at General Electric Vernova company where he oversees the processes that ensure prevention through design principals are applied to the design, construction, operation and servicing of GE Vernova power generation facilities, wind farms, and distribution sites around the world. He began his career at Shell Oil Company as a Project Engineer and held various roles in engineering, health, and safety there and later at BP as Vice President of Safety before coming to GE.