The Center for Risk Management will offer two September classes on ways companies and organizations can increase safety and reduce costs.

“How to Create and Manage an Effective Back-to-Work Program” will be taught by Dr. Poorvi Sandesara Sept. 2. Organizations traditionally use return-to-work programs solely to reduce workers compensation costs. However, return-to-work programs offer other benefits such as an improvement in productivity, a boost in employee morale and the prevention of costly turnover. This course will focus on building return-to-work and transitional duty programs.

Sandesara received her doctorate in chiropractic and currently holds a certification as a National Medical Examiner. Her well-rounded background has proven to be beneficial in recognizing various health conditions and she aims to treat each patient as an individual.

“Are You a Team Player or a Player?” will be taught by Denis Baker, CSP Sept. 16. Teamwork is critical to the success of all organizations, but what does it take to be an effective team player? The instructor will identify the characteristics every safety professional must model. Attendees will learn how to increase personal influence with others, ultimately creating a sustainable safety culture and helping achieve goals.

Denis Baker serves as the vice president of health, safety and environmental for Flogistix LP. A certified safety professional, he has worked in multiple industries including manufacturing, chemical, construction and oil and gas. Baker has taken his passion and conviction for leadership to a higher level by becoming a certified Business Coach, Trainer and Keynote Speaker for the John Maxwell Group. 

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.

College of the Mainland is one of six community colleges in Texas, in addition to El Paso Community College, Kilgore College, Midland College, Del Mar College in Corpus Christi and Amarillo College, that provides safety classes via funding from Texas Mutual Insurance Company.

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.