Conference Delivers Industry-Specific Insights to Help Pest Control Companies Build Safer, Stronger Workplaces
Designing and implementing an effective safety program requires all the right pieces working together. That was the focus of the 2025 PestSure Safety and Loss Prevention Conference, held September 9-10 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The annual event brought together representatives from more than 60 insured companies across the country for two days of interactive sessions, peer-to-peer networking, and practical takeaways tailored specifically to pest management companies. With 15 breakout sessions and multiple keynote addresses, attendees left with proven strategies to strengthen their safety programs and reduce risk.
“The Safety and Loss Prevention Conference is part of PestSure’s unique value proposition to our insureds,” said Todd Burke, COO of PestSure. “There is no other event in the industry like it. The program is packed with timely, relevant education that directly addresses the challenges our insureds face every day in the field. Our insureds receive tremendous value by attending.”
Linda Midyett, vice president and loss control director for PestSure, updated attendees on the captive’s cell-free initiative introduced in spring 2024. One year into the program, Midyett reported that PestSure has seen a 14 percent decline in auto crashes compared to the previous year, a reduction largely attributed to the early success and strong adoption of the initiative by its insureds.
“Our goal with the cell-free initiative was to change behavior and create safer driving habits across our member companies,” added Midyett. “Seeing a measurable reduction in auto crashes in just one year shows that our insureds are embracing the program and making safety a true priority on the road.”
Key Educational Highlights
- The Science Behind Distracted Driving – Dr. Paul Achley - Returning speaker Dr. Paul Achley reinforced the dangers of distracted driving, reminding attendees that “no one is a multi-tasker.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting while driving is six times more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol. Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds - equivalent to driving the length of a football field at 55 mph while blindfolded. Texting isn’t the only culprit when it comes to distracted driving. A phone conversation requires cognitive brain activity, and a cognitive distraction is the worst form of distraction because it interferes with all of the tasks that drivers must perform to drive safely.
- Driver Coaching Panel - A panel featuring Mike Fearns of Hulett Environmental Services, Annie Dahl of Sprague Pest Solutions, and Jorge Ortega of ABC Home and Commercial Services shared proven approaches to improving employee driver coaching. They highlighted how telematics and dash cam technology can be leveraged to enforce no cell phone use policies, ensure consistency, and close gaps in driver safety programs.
- Why Do We Train? – Clay Williams, PestSure - PestSure’s own Clay Williams challenged attendees to consider whether their companies are “training or teaching.” He emphasized the importance of aligning training with measurable outcomes and holding teams accountable to ensure safety programs achieve their intended results.
“PestSure provides this conference to help members reduce exposures and improve safety practices, creating safer workplace environments that save money and allow companies to reinvest in their growth,” said Kristen Healey of Town & Country Pest Solutions in Rochester, New York who has attended multiple PestSure events.
Frank Fowler of Forshaw has attended and presented at several PestSure Safety and Loss Prevention Conferences over his career added, “To be successful in anything, you need to do things a little differently and PestSure does just that by providing conferences like this one, giving insureds the opportunity to learn and share valuable information that benefits everyone.”
Building Safer Companies, Together
The PestSure Safety and Loss Prevention Conference continues to be the only event of its kind in the pest management industry. By delivering industry-specific safety content, sharing real-world examples, and fostering collaboration among insureds, PestSure reinforces its commitment to creating safer workplaces and reducing risk for pest control companies nationwide.