AIHA University Webinar: The New Safety Standard: Mental Health as a Core Workplace Value

Earn 1 Contact Hour

Member $99 | Nonmember $130 | Student $25

Mental health is no longer a peripheral concern—it’s a critical component of workplace safety and organizational resilience. This dynamic panel discussion brings together three industry leaders who are redefining what “safe” means in today’s global workforce. From manufacturing floors to executive suites, they’ll share practical strategies to foster resilience and eliminate stigma around mental health.

You’ll gain real-world examples of policies, programs, and cultural shifts that align with OEHS principles and integrate mental well-being into safety metrics. Learn why prioritizing mental health is essential for compliance, productivity, and worker well-being—and leave with actionable ideas to strengthen your own organization’s approach.

Learning Objectives
After this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Identify employer-driven practices that effectively support employee mental health and resilience.
• Compare approaches used across diverse industries to normalize and sustain mental health conversations at work.
• Apply key takeaways to enhance or initiate mental health strategies within their own organizations.

Presenters

Megan Hammes, MS, MCHES 
Megan Hammes is the Owner and Founder of Hammes Homestead and Consulting. With over 20 years in employee health and well-being, she specializes in delivering evidence-based Mental Health First Aid and QPR Suicide Prevention trainings, along with customized workshops, to leadership teams and work groups across the United States. Megan’s work centers on integrating mental health into overall workplace safety, helping organizations build cultures where people feel supported, connected, and confident speaking up. Megan’s professional goal is advancing health and safety through prevention and supportive workplace cultures. Megan supports her own well-being by spending time with her family on their rural Iowa homestead and making daily space for the outdoors—reminding herself that connection, nature, and rest are essential parts of true health.

Anthony Panepinto, CIH
Anthony Panepinto is a Certified Industrial Hygienist with over 30 years of extensive experience in Health, Safety, and Environmental (HS&E) leadership across the steel, chemical, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors. In his role as Senior Technical Director of HS&E at Procter & Gamble, Anthony spearheads the implementation of health prevention, promotion, and human performance systems across more than 150 manufacturing and support operations globally. He collaborates closely with innovators and stakeholders to identify solutions that address technical, regulatory, and supply chain risks, ensuring that new products are 'HS&E Ready' for market launch. A recognized crisis management expert, Anthony has played a pivotal role in business continuity by leading the development of response plans for various infectious disease outbreaks and natural disasters. His HS&E strategies are founded on three core principles: safeguarding the health and well-being of P&G employees, serving consumers worldwide, and supporting communities and relief agencies on the front lines. In addition to his responsibilities at P&G, Anthony currently serves as the Chair of the International Detergent Industry Task Force on Enzyme Stewardship for the Fabric and Home Care business. He also provides technical leadership to several industry associations, including the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC). Anthony holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, a Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene and Public Health, and a Doctorate in Law. He further enhances his expertise with a diploma in ESG Governance from the Corporate Governance Institute in the United Kingdom. Outside of his professional commitments, Anthony actively contributes to the AIHA Human Capital Task Force, focusing on the safety and well-being pillars of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. He also lectures at the University of Cincinnati and other venues on topics related to health and safety, risk communication, and public health.

Dan Jennings
Dan Jennings is a safety and environmental engineer at Kemin Industries in Des Moines, Iowa. He has ten years of experience in manufacturing and production environments. He specializes in building strong safety cultures, improving risk recognition, and aligning frontline engagement with organizational leadership goals. hroughout his career, Dan has worked closely with leadership teams and hourly employees to translate regulatory requirements and safety principles into practical, sustainable practices on the shop floor. His approach emphasizes clear communication, employee empowerment, and continuous improvement. Dan is a graduate of Iowa State University. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Carly and two daughters, Maggie and Riley.

Kevin Glesener
Kevin Glesener serves as the Lead Chaplain at Vermeer Corporation and oversees a team of seven chaplains in four states.  He was the first workplace chaplain hired for Vermeer through Workplace and Family Life Services (WFLS) and launched the chaplain program in 2007. Kevin graduated with honors from Mt. St. Clare College with a B.A. in Business Administration. He completed his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree at Duke University. Kevin is an ordained Global Methodist pastor and has served churches in Iowa and North Carolina. He is endorsed as a workplace, civil air patrol, and military chaplain through the Global Methodist Church.  He is a professional member of the National Institute of Business and Industrial Chaplains (NIBIC) and serves as a chaplain endorser for the Global Methodist Church.  Kevin is entering his fourth decade of marriage and is the proud father of three and grandfather of five.  He is an avid cyclist, enjoys fishing, lure making, doing artwork, and kayaking.

**This live event will be administered in our LMS through zoom meeting. Please view our FAQ for additional information.**