Preparing individuals to be aware of and combat hazardous workplace situations, the Center for Risk Management will host two no-cost classes at the Gulf Coast Safety Institute: Surviving Violent Encounters Nov. 6 and How to Improve Your Company’s Driver Safety Program Nov. 20.

Surviving Violent Encounters helps anyone with an interest in personal safety learn the five basic indicators of potential violent encounters and what one needs to do to survive one. Besides the general public, human resources, chemical plant, oil and gas, health care and public safety employees, correctional officers and other high-risk employees will benefit from this class. The thought-provoking class includes practice drills with real-life scenarios.

Peter Harrell Jr., president of Harrell Communications, teaches this class. A senior consultant for Verbal Defense and Influence, Harrell was certified 15 years ago as a master in Verbal Judo. He has created, implemented and delivered leadership training in seven of the largest agencies in Texas.

How to Improve Your Company’s Driver Safety Program will examine current safety issues in detail. Topics include road rage, DUI, zigzagging, speeding, texting while driving, traffic violations, roadway hazards, animals, natural elements, construction work and vehicle inspection.

Dr. Aiman Kuzmar will be teaching this course. Kuzmar is an Associate Professor of Construction Management and Engineering Technology at the Department of Agricultural and Industrial Sciences at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. He is a licensed professional engineer and was an engineering faculty member with Penn State University for 10 years.

All classes are sponsored by Texas Mutual Insurance Company and presented at the Gulf Coast Safety Institute, located at 320 Delany Rd. in La Marque. 

Classes are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m. To register, contact SeAlice Hemphill at 409-933-8365 or riskmanagement@com.edu.