Safety Council FY26

Join us for our upcoming Safety Council meeting. These monthly meetings take place on the first Thursday of each month at the Neeley Center from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Just a friendly reminder, members of the safety council are required to attend a minimum of 10 meetings during the fiscal year 2026 to qualify for a rebate on their workers' compensation premium.

Topic of this meeting: Psychological Safety- Fight, Flight & Freeze: How Trauma Affects Your Workforce
Speaker: Mike Thompson, MBA, Owner: Mountain View Leadership

In this powerful and eye-opening session, Mike Thompson takes you on an unforgettable journey through the real-life stories of fight, flight, and freeze—the human responses to trauma that show up every day on job sites, in breakrooms, and behind safety violations. Backed by research and over 17 years of frontline experience, Mike reveals how unresolved trauma impacts focus, decision-making, and risk-taking behaviors at work.

You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the hidden struggles your team may be carrying—and why empathy isn’t just good leadership, it’s good safety. Most importantly, you’ll gain practical tools and strategies to reduce trauma’s impact and foster a culture of safety, resilience, and trust.

Learning Objectives:

· Define trauma and its hidden presence in the workplace—understanding what it is, where it comes from, and how it impacts the brain and behavior.

· Explain how trauma affects workers and safety—from impaired focus and decision-making to increased risk-taking and disengagement.

· Identify proven, practical strategies to reduce trauma’s impact and create a safer, more supportive, and resilient work environment.

Professional Bio:

Mike Thompson is a passionate coach, trainer, and consultant with over 17 years of experience in social services and workplace safety. With an MBA and certifications in Workplace Stability, Global Priority Solutions, and Bridges Out of Poverty, Mike blends expertise with heart. He has led over 1,000 support group sessions, empowering under-resourced individuals through life skills coaching and trauma-informed support.

Mike currently serves as the Coordinator of the Portage County Safety Council where he has facilitated more than 200 safety trainings and produced a 300-episode, award-winning safety podcast.

Now, as a leadership coach and business consultant, Mike helps organizations strengthen communication, connection and culture. His unique ability to connect people and purpose inspires real transformation and sustainable impact.