Safety Council Meeting - February 2026
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM) (EST)
Description
MEETING TOPIC: What to do when OSHA shows up? A perspective from an ex-OSHA Area Director
Presented by: Howie Eberts, VP Expert Witness - SCR Safety Solutions
When OSHA shows up, knowing what to expect can make all the difference. At our February Safety Council meeting, we’re bringing you a real-world perspective from someone who’s been on the other side of the table. Howie Eberts, former OSHA Area Director and now VP and Expert Witness with SCR Safety Solutions, will walk you through what actually triggers OSHA inspections, why they happen, and what your rights and responsibilities are when an inspector arrives. You’ll leave with practical guidance on how to respond calmly, professionally, and effectively, so an OSHA visit doesn’t have to feel overwhelming for you or your team.
About Our Speaker: Howard (Howie) Eberts, Vice President of Expert Witness, SCR Safety Solutions
Education:
University of Notre Dame, Bachelor of Science (Biology) – 1987
Background:
US Department of Labor / Occupational and Health Administration (OSHA) – (1988-2024)
- Started with OSHA as a Compliance Officer (Industrial Hygienist) in the Columbus Area Office in 1988 through 2001.
- Worked for OSHA in the Chicago Regional Office from 2001-2006 as Assistant Regional Administrator for Cooperative and State Programs.
- Returned to the OSHA Columbus Area Office in 2006 through 2010 as a Compliance Assistance Specialist.
- Promoted to Area Director of the Cleveland Area Office in 2011 through 2024. Managed a staff of 25-27 employees, including Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), Assistant Area Directors, Compliance Assistance Specialists (CASs), Whistleblower Investigators, Safety Technicians, and Management Program Assistants.
SCR Safety Solutions – (2025-Present)
- After retiring from OSHA in December 2024, I started in February 2025 as VP Expert Witness for SCR Safety Solutions.
- Presently direct and oversee the expert witness program for SCR Safety Services and have provided consultation services in the safety and health arena in Ohio, West Virgina, Pennsylvania, California, Hawaii, and beyond.
Monthly Meeting Agenda
11:30am - 12:00pm - Sign-in/Networking/Lunch Buffet
12:00pm - 1:00pm - Announcements/BWC updates/Presentation
$20.00 PER PERSON
ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED. NO WALK-IN REGISTRATION ON EVENT DAY.
Please note ~ NO SHOWS will be billed
Cancellations must be received by our office by 2:00 pm the FRIDAY PRIOR to the event to avoid being charged for this event.
For your convenience, payment with VISA / MC/Discover/AMEX can be made when registering online through the Chamber website.
787 Lafayette Road
Medina, OH 44256 United States
Monthly Meeting Agenda
11:30am - 12:00pm - Sign-in/Networking/Lunch Buffet
12:00pm - 1:00pm - Announcements/BWC updates/Presentation