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Event Details

    Workplace Injury Prevention: Reducing Claims Through a Proactive Approach

    Date: November 19, 2025, 8:00am – 9:30am
    Organizer:
    Zach Rice and Maureen Hagen: VP of Professional Development
    Location:
    Rockford University
    Price:
    No Cost for RASHRM Members / $50 Non-Members
    Event Type:
    Meeting
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    Register Here: 

    rockford.shrm.org/forms/workplace-injury-prevention-reducing-claims-through

    EVENT: Workplace Injury Prevention: Reducing Claims Through a Proactive Approach

    Location: Rockford University 
    Starr Science Building, Room 207 - Peterson Auditorium

    Date: November 19th, 2025 

    AGENDA:

    8:00-8:15:   Registration 
    8:15-8:20:   Welcome from the Board
    8:20-8:30:   Word from Rockford Promise 
    8:30- 9:30:  Dan Honan    

      

    Workplace Injury Prevention: Reducing Claims Through a Proactive Approach

    The presentation will focus on practical strategies and tools employers can use to lower work comp recordables and the total cost of care. Key topics will include:

    1. Understanding Job Demands: Maintain documented physical requirements for each job category, focusing on lifting, pushing/pulling, and positional tolerance. This information helps guide HR on return-to-work accommodations for both work comp and non-work comp leave.
    2. Effective Pre-Employment Screening: Don't hire your next claim! How to identify candidates best suited for the physical demands of the job.
    3. Pre-Shift Stretch & Flex Programs: Injury prevention techniques to prepare employees for physical activity and to understand reversal of posture in the aging workforce.
    4. Ergonomic Culture: Promoting proper body mechanics and integrating ergonomic equipment to reduce strain and injury risk.
    5. OSHA-Approved First Aid: Leveraging immediate, onsite or near site care to prevent minor symptoms from becoming major claims.
    6. Building A Trusted Provider Network: Partnering with clinicians who prioritize quality care and safe, efficient return-to-work strategies.

    Main Speaker: Dan Honan - Athletico 

    Dan Honan holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Marquette University and has worked in outpatient physical therapy since 2009.

    He also served as an adjunct professor of anatomy and physiology at City Colleges of Chicago for seven years, where he blended clinical expertise with academic instruction to support future healthcare professionals.

    In his current role as Work Comp Program Manager, Dan partners with employers across Illinois and Wisconsin to reduce workplace injuries and workers’ compensation claims. He has presented on ergonomics and injury prevention to organizations ranging from small manufacturers to Fortune 100 companies. His hands-on experience includes working directly with police, fire departments, public works, healthcare systems, and manufacturing operations.

    Dan’s approach to injury prevention is rooted in strong collaboration with both operations and human resources. He emphasizes proactive strategies and practical tools that help employers create safer, more efficient workplaces.

    Opening Speaker: Kaylene Groh - Rockford Promise 

    Kaylene Groh serves as Executive Director of Rockford Promise, a nonprofit providing full-tuition scholarships for Rockford Public Schools graduates. Since taking the helm in April 2022, she has guided the organization’s rapid growth to more than 500 scholars currently enrolled at partner institutions including Northern Illinois University, Rock Valley College, Rockford University, and Saint Anthony College of Nursing.

    Kaylene first joined Rockford Promise as a contract grant writer in 2018, a role funded by the Rockford Kiwanis Club, and quickly rose through the organization. Her tenure has strengthened major partnerships—most notably with the City of Rockford, which allocates $2 million annually in Hard Rock Casino revenues to fund scholarships.

    A Kansas native and John Brown University alum, Kaylene and her husband, John, have lived in Rockford for 20 years and are raising three sons. She remains committed to ensuring every qualifying Rockford student can pursue higher education without financial barriers, emphasizing mentorship and student success along the way.

     

    We look forward to seeing you there!

    Rockford Area SHRM is a professional association serving the greater Rockford area. We are dedicated to professional development and building community for individuals who regularly engage in some aspect of the human resources profession.

    The mission of Rockford Area SHRM is to advance the human resources professional by providing opportunities to share best practices through experiences, education and networking.

    Members of the Rockford Area SHRM are able to attend most events at no additional cost. You will find events at https://rockford.shrm.org/. Be sure to register for events through the website.