Contractor Management Reimagined: A Proactive Approach to Risk Management
In an industry increasingly dependent on a diverse and often remote contractor workforce, effective contractor management is critical to maintaining safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. In this session, we will leverage the combined expertise of seasoned industry professionals to present an advanced framework for developing contractor protocols that enhance performance, minimize risk, and foster a culture of safety. Drawing on recent industry trends, such as the heightened regulatory focus on contractor safety and the rise of contractor diversity, our discussion will outline practical steps for establishing clear and actionable protocols.
Key to our approach is the integration of AI-driven tools designed to streamline contractor vetting, training, and compliance monitoring. By using machine learning to analyze patterns in contractor performance and predictive analytics to flag potential compliance issues, organizations can proactively manage risks while driving contractor accountability. This presentation will offer actionable insights into best practices, including the application of digital platforms for centralized data management and continuous contractor performance improvement.
Join us as we explore how innovative technology solutions, combined with proven management strategies, can transform contractor protocols to meet the evolving demands of the clean power industry.
James Junkin, MS, CSP, MSP, SMS, ASP, CSHO
CEO
Mariner-Gulf Consulting & Services
James A. Junkin, is the chief executive officer of Mariner-Gulf Consulting & Services, L.L.C., a boutique risk management and occupational safety and health consulting firm headquartered in Louisiana with clients throughout the United States and abroad. He holds the designations of Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Safety Management Specialist (SMS), and Associate Safety Professional (ASP) from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. James and his firm specialize in safety regulations, best practices, management systems, and EHS program development and implementation. He and Mariner-Gulf Consulting & Services provide expert opinions for legal actions, technical writing for company specific written policies and procedures, training, accident investigations, and site safety consultations. James is a noted author with articles appearing in trade and peer reviewed publications such as Professional Safety Journal and a much sought-after master trainer for Veriforce, having taught over 40,000 students and trained over 3,000 instructors. He is noted for his work during the Deepwater Horizon disaster, where he trained over 30,000 oil spill responders. Columbia Southern University recognized his achievements in the field of occupational safety and health by declaring him the 2022 Outstanding Safety Professional (Runner Up) of the Year. He was awarded the National Association for Environmental Management’s (NAEM) 30 over 30 Award recognizing his positive impact in consulting including technical expertise, innovation, leadership effectiveness, and program development He is the chairman of Veriforce’s Strategic Advisory Board, is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals’ (ASSP) Strategic Advisory Group, Columbia Southern University’s Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Group, and a committee member of the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) Z-390.1 Accepted Practices for Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Training Programs. He is cost host of the acclaimed podcast The Risk Matrix
Simon Goncharenko, Phd, CSP
Director HSE
Veriforce LLC
Dr. Simon Goncharenko, PhD, CSP, CSHO is the Director of HSE at Veriforce, LLC. (The Woodlands, TX, USA), where he leads Expert Services team, and member of the Veriforce Strategic Advisory Board. He is an academic, teaching safety on undergraduate university level, and a practitioner – as a global leader with 30 years of experience across Americas, Europe, and Asia. He has led diverse teams on multi-billion-dollar projects, specializing in operational improvements, strategic planning, and safety and in turning around struggling organizations. Simon holds certifications in energy, construction, data centers, and more, and has worked with multi-national corporations including CBRE, BHP, Meta, and Google. Dr. Goncharenko, whose mission is to save lives by making safety a common global currency, has authored or contributed to over 80 articles, including in the Professional Safety Journal, and 7 books, including Save Lives: Pushing Boundaries in Human Factors, and Operationalizing Safety for Today’s World: A Humancentric Practical Guide. The companion training to Save Lives book, entitled Save Lives Global Human & Organizational Factors© is the world’s first and only human factors program designed specifically for the operators, builders, and contractors of mission critical facilities and has been widely popular with countless participants around the globe. Simon is in demand as a speaker and motivator across numerous geographies.