ASSP Long Beach September 2026 Educational & Networking Event

Join Us for an Informative ASSP Hybrid Event!

Event Title: PDR for the Construction Industry — Prevention, De-escalation & Resilience (PDR) Training Program Description

Construction safety is about more than physical hazards. Stress, fatigue, conflict, injuries, production pressures, personal challenges, and exposure to serious incidents can affect an employee’s judgment, communication, well-being, and ability to work safely. Prevention, De-escalation & Resilience (PDR) is an evidence-based, workforce-focused training program that integrates behavioral neuroscience, trauma-informed practices, and risk management to help employees and supervisors recognize concerns early, respond effectively, and build stronger, safer crews. PDR grew from prevention and de-escalation strategies developed and implemented in a high-risk workplace environment and has since been adapted for organizations across multiple industries. For construction, the program is tailored to the organization’s workforce, operations, incident experience, and specific risk priorities. The goal is simple: stronger crews, safer workplaces, and employees who go home safely, physically and psychologically.

Attendees will learn how to:
• Identify early warning signs of stress, fatigue, conflict, behavioral changes, emotional distress, and potential suicide risk before they contribute to a crisis, workplace incident, or unsafe decision.
• Apply practical de-escalation and communication strategies to manage conflict, difficult conversations, angry or distressed employees, and escalating situations.
• Respond effectively when a coworker may be in crisis and recognize when additional assistance is needed.
• Build resilience skills to manage cumulative stress, recover after difficult or traumatic events, support coworkers, and reduce stigma around asking for help.
• Connect employee behavior and well-being with safety, risk, and organizational performance across the crew and jobsite.

Featured Speakers: Dr. Sheila Mallett-Smith, DNP, RN, LNCC & Jiles Smith II, MBA, CPDM

Dr. Sheila Mallett-Smith, DNP, RN, LNCC, and Jiles Smith II, MBA, CPDM, developed PDR, combining decades of experience in workplace violence prevention, behavioral health, trauma-informed care, risk management, claims, and organizational safety. The program grew from prevention and de-escalation strategies developed in a high-risk emergency services environment, where proactive interventions measurably reduced workplace assaults and became the basis for published research. Dr. Mallett-Smith and Jiles Smith also wrote Prevention, De-escalation, and Resilience (PDR): Navigating Adversity, which further develops the principles and practical strategies underlying the training program.

Agenda

🕛 12:00 PM – Networking & Lunch (Provided FREE for all registered attendees)
🎤 12:30 PM – Educational Session Begins 

Tickets: 
In-Person: $15
Virtual: Free

🎓 CEUs Available — awarded for attendance at all ASSP LB Education & Networking Sessions during the 2026–2027 term

Venue & Parking
California State University Dominguez Hills – Extended Education Auditorium
1000 E. Victoria St., Carson, California, 90747

Attendees are encouraged to park in Lot 3 or Lot 6, closest to the Extended Education Classroom building. Parking is $10.00/day. Parking meters are located in the corners of each lot.