Awards to Fairways: A Standout March for ehsInc

March was a dynamic and incredible month for ehsInc, filled with opportunities to connect, contribute, and stay actively engaged in the communities and industries we serve. 

From celebrating excellence in environmental stewardship to supporting industry partners and championing impactful community events, our team was proud to be present and involved every step of the way. 

Here’s a look at how we showed up throughout the month.

SARBS Annual Awards Banquet

On March 14th, we had the pleasure of attending the CWEA Santa Ana River Basin Section (SARBS) Annual Awards Banquet and Board Installation at Fairview Green River Golf Course.

With nearly 200 attendees, the evening highlighted the dedication and achievements of professionals and agencies committed to protecting and enhancing our local water environment. It was a great opportunity to connect with many of our valued clients and industry partners, and an honor to spend time with CWEA President Kathryn Gies, P.E.

Congratulations to all the award recipients and newly installed board members. ehsInc is proud to support and sponsor such an impactful event that recognizes leadership and progress within our industry.

Hoag Classic

ehsInc was honored to support the Hoag Classic, with Marjorie Del Toro proudly representing our team at one of the premier events on the PGA TOUR Champions circuit.

Held at Newport Beach Country Club from March 22–29, the Hoag Classic brought together some of golf’s biggest legends for a week of world-class competition, along with an unforgettable performance from rising country music star Tyler Braden.

Beyond the excitement on the course, the Hoag Classic continues to make a lasting impact off the course. With Hoag Health System as the title sponsor and McCarthy Building Companies as the presenting partner, the event has raised more than $25 million to benefit Hoag, as well as local educational and military charities.

Traffic Control Awareness Training

We were also proud to deliver Traffic Control Awareness training at Pacific Products & Services’ Annual BBQ.

This event provided a great setting to engage with both familiar faces and new connections while reinforcing the importance of safety and awareness in the field. It was especially valuable to exchange insights and learn more about the latest products and technologies shaping the traffic control industry.

Opportunities like this allow us to continue strengthening relationships while delivering meaningful, practical training that supports safer job sites and better outcomes.

From industry recognition to hands-on training and community-driven events, March was a true reflection of what ehsInc stands for—community, partnership, and impact.

We’re grateful for the relationships we continue to build and the opportunities to contribute across the communities we serve. As we move forward, we remain committed to showing up, staying involved, and making a difference where it matters most.

Building Safer Communities: Highlights from Our Recent Industry Events

At ehsInc safety doesn’t just happen in the workplace—it’s something we actively support through partnerships, education, and community engagement. Over the past month, our team has had the opportunity to participate in a variety of industry events, outreach programs, and professional gatherings that all share a common goal: advancing safety and strengthening the construction and public works communities.

Here’s a look at some of the recent events we were proud to be part of.

Safety Chic: PPE Fashion Show & OSHA Violations Review

February 10, 2026

The NAWIC Orange County Chapter #91 hosted a creative and educational membership meeting titled “Safety Chic: Essential PPE Fashion Show & OSHA Violations Review.”

The event focused on the importance of properly fitting PPE for women in construction, highlighting how safety gear should support both protection and confidence on the jobsite.

During the meeting, our very own Eric Garcia, delivered a presentation reviewing Cal/OSHA’s Top 10 Most Cited Violations, helping attendees better understand the most common compliance issues and how to avoid them.

It was a valuable opportunity to share knowledge while continuing the conversation around workplace safety and inclusivity in the industry.

 

Wildlife Safety Training at the SARBS Winter Collections Seminar

February 19, 2026

Our team also participated in the 48th SARBS Winter Collections Seminar, an event that brings together public works personnel, wastewater professionals, and safety leaders from across the region.

Representing ehsInc were our very own Kaila Krichmar, who participated as an exhibitor, and Jon Haverkamp who delivered a presentation titled: “Stay Safe, Stay Aware: Wildlife Safety Training.”

The presentation focused on real-world hazards workers may encounter in the field and provided practical guidance on recognizing and safely responding to wildlife risks during outdoor operations.

The seminar created a valuable opportunity to connect with professionals across multiple industries while sharing knowledge that helps keep workers safe in the environments they operate in every day.

 

Celebrating Women in Construction Week

March 2–7, 2026

This year, we were proud to participate in Women in Construction Week (WIC Week®)—a national celebration recognizing the women who help build, protect, and lead the construction industry. Throughout the week, our team joined several events across Southern California.

March 2 – Networking Event

Corrie Chan and Marjorie Del Toro kicked off the week at a networking event hosted at McCarthy’s office, where industry professionals gathered to connect and celebrate women in construction. The evening also included a special moment of recognition with Stephanie Klopfenstein.

    

March 3 – City Club Luncheon & Panel Discussion

The City Club Luncheon featured a panel moderated by Ileana Holguin, where experienced leaders shared insights on leadership, career pivots, and navigating the construction industry. The event also included an inspiring keynote from Danielle Sprouls, author of WTF: Women That Flourish, who spoke about resilience, personal growth, and redefining success.

     

March 5 – Job Site Tour

The PENTA Building Group hosted a job site tour of their University Student Union project at California State University. Attendees gained a behind-the-scenes look at the planning, collaboration, and execution required to bring major construction projects to life.

March 6 – 2nd Annual WIC Week Charity Golf Tournament
Corrie joined NAWIC Orange County’s foursome for the 2nd Annual WIC Week Charity Golf Tournament. Thanks to sponsors and participants, the event raised over $20,000 in scholarships to support students pursuing careers in construction.

March 7 – SoCal Chapter Celebration

The week concluded at Peltzer Winery, where NAWIC Southern California chapters gathered to celebrate the continued growth and impact of women across the construction industry.

   

Our Continued Commitment

Each of these events reflects something we believe deeply at ehsInc: safety is built through education, collaboration, and community involvement.

Whether we’re supporting industry leaders, teaching the next generation about jobsite safety, or sharing expertise with professionals in the field, our mission remains the same—to help create safer workplaces and stronger industries.

We’re proud to stand alongside our partners and peers in advancing safety across construction, public works, and beyond.

Kaila Krichmar - Featured in CWEA Clean Water Issue #4 2025

 

Our very own Kaila Krichmar was featured in CWEA's Clean Water Magazine (Issue 4 2025) where she spoke about her experiences working with the association and how safety is of the greatest importance.

Learn how you can be a part of CWEA by clicking here.

September 19th, 2025 - Concussion Awareness Day

 

How to Avoid Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) at the Workplace

1. Hazard Identification & Control
• Conduct a job hazard analysis (JHA) to identify risks of falling objects, slips, trips, falls, and struck-by incidents.
• Implement engineering controls (guardrails, netting, tool tethering) before relying on PPE.
2. Fall Protection
• TBIs are most often caused by falls. Ensure fall protection systems (harnesses, lanyards, anchors) are used properly and consistently.
• Provide slip-resistant surfaces and housekeeping to reduce trip hazards.
3. Training & Awareness
• Train workers on recognizing struck-by and fall hazards.
• Reinforce proper ladder, scaffold, and equipment use.
4. Head Protection: Hard Hats vs. Safety Helmets
• Traditional Hard Hats:
• ANSI Type I protects from top impact only.
• Limited side impact protection.
• Lacks chin strap — can fall off in a fall or impact.
• Modern Safety Helmets (Climbing/Mountaineering Style):
• Meet ANSI Z89.1 (and often additional EN standards).
• Provide top and side impact protection.
• Equipped with chin straps to stay secure during falls.
• Often have integrated slots for eye, face, or hearing protection.

Best Practice Today: Many industries (construction, utilities, energy, telecom) are shifting toward safety helmets instead of traditional hard hats because of their enhanced protection against TBIs. OSHA doesn’t currently require helmets over hard hats, but more employers are making them the standard.

Recommendation

• Use engineering and administrative controls first, but for PPE:
• If your workforce is exposed to fall risks, struck-by hazards, or working at height → safety helmets with chin straps are strongly recommended.
• Traditional hard hats are still compliant, but they provide less protection, especially from side impacts and falls.

Click here to download our fact sheet.

Contact us today to schedule your next PPE safety class where we cover this in greater detail.

949.540.6800 • info@ehsinc.org

Click here to get a free quote

CEO Speaking to the next generation of safety leaders!

ehsInc CEO Marjorie Del Toro had the incredible opportunity to speak to high school students at the AGC-CA Build California Summer Camp!

She shared the importance of safety in construction, and how the skilled trades offer rewarding and essential career paths.

We’re proud to help inspire the next generation of builders and safety leaders!

Learn more about AGC-CA Build California Summer Camp by clicking here.