Avoiding falls and improving process safety management in industrial, commercial and organizational settings will be the topics of two upcoming, no-cost classes at the Gulf Coast Safety Institute. Introduction to Process Safety Management will be Oct. 14 and Walking/Working Surfaces will be Oct. 28.

Introduction to Process Safety Management will dive into examples of process safety management, its importance and its regulations. The course will give participants tools to overcome the challenges of managing a process safety management program. Participants can share their experiences, offer insight and ask questions.

Instructor Brandy Hamilton received a Bachelor of Science in occupational health and safety and is currently working as a health, safety and environment manager at a chemical manufacturing company. A strong advocate for worker safety and continual improvement, she serves as the governmental affairs chair for the Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers.

The Walking/Working Surfaces workshop covers slips, trips and falls – the majority of general industry accidents. They cause 15 percent of all accidental deaths and only motor vehicles cause more fatalities. After the class, participants will better understand how to avoid walking/working surface hazards and follow recommended practices for using ladders and scaffolds.

Instructor George Njoku has a Doctor of Philosophy in public safety from Capella University, with a specialization in emergency preparedness. His 20 years of experience spans private and public sectors, and now he is the president and CEO of GS Health and Safety Training Inc. in Dallas.

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.