BIO

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Sandra Whitaker, Certified Safety Health Official, as CEO of On-going Safety & Health Advice, evaluates and opines on workplace injury events based on the evidence presented and industry-recognized safety standards. Sandra has been retained by both Plaintiff and Defense attorneys to provide Expert Opinions, Written reports, and Testimony related to workplace injuries.

In forming her Expert opinion, Sandra Whitaker reviews any physical evidence (equipment, facilities, site locations), including photographs, drawings, and verbal or written descriptions of such physical evidence; available relevant documents, such as witness accounts (interviews, deposition testimony, statements, accident reports), safety manuals, equipment manuals, and any additional pertinent information available to assist in establishing facts surrounding an event; review of applicable codes, standards, regulations, authoritative guidelines, and good practice; and applies all information.

My journey in workplace safety began in 1970 as a Safety Coordinator at a small construction company in Dallas, overseeing a team of about 20 employees. It culminated in 2013 as the U.S. Director for Health, Safety & Environment, a role that entrusted me with the safety of approximately 50,000 workers across 350 (+/-) facilities. This extensive experience has honed my skills in workplace safety, training, and program development. 

In 2004 I became an OSHA Authorized General Industry Trainer (Trainer #25-000079217).  As an Authorized Trainer, I conducted 10-hour and 30-hour General Industry safety training courses to the Outreach Training Program requirements.  Recertification as an Authorized Trainer was required every four (4) years.  I allowed the certification to expire effective 7/29/2020.  

In 2005, I achieved a significant milestone in my career by earning the designation of Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO) – Certification #002924 from Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) The Texas A & M University System, OSHA Training Institute Southwest Education Center.   This prestigious designation, which I have upheld with dedication, underscores my commitment to safety and health regulations, training requirements, and program development. 

During my extensive career beginning in 1970, I have also designed and delivered safety training courses to several thousand employees and management personnel.  Those courses included but were not limited to: Powered Industrial Truck operations; Hazard Communication; Control of Hazardous Energy; Personal Protective Equipment; Fall Prevention & Protection; Recordkeeping; Exit Routes & Emergency Planning; Powered Platforms; Occupational Noise Exposure; Hazardous materials; Fire Protection & Prevention; Material Handling & Storage; Machinery and Machine Guarding; Welding, Cutting, Brazing; Electrical Safety; Signs, Signals & Barricades; Tools-Hand & Power; Scaffolding; Stairways & Ladders; Confined Spaces. 

My expertise is underpinned by a comprehensive array of training and education in workplace safety and health. I have completed rigorous programs such as Accident Investigation with the National Safety Council, Workplace Incident Investigation with US DOL OSHA, Risk Management with TEEX, Workers Compensation Adjuster with the Texas Dept. of Insurance, Advanced Accident (Collision) Investigation with the TX Dept of Public Safety, Aircraft Fuelers Fire Safety at San Antonio Intl Airport, Alcohol Misuse & Controlled Substance Use with the Federal Motor Carrier Assn, Principles of Ergonomics with US DOL OSHA, Electrical Standards with TEEX, Root Cause Incident Investigation with TEEX, and Train-T-Trainer Construction & General Industry with TEEX.

My formal education includes an Associate of Science degree from Texas State Technical College (1989) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Safety & Health from Southwest University (1994). 

In 2013, I established On-going Safety & Health Advice and became a private consultant and Expert Witness.  Between 2013 and 2016, in addition to providing the services of an Expert Witness, I provided assistance related to US DOL OSHA compliance to private sector employers.  That assistance included site-specific safety training, written HS&E programs, and workplace safety inspections.  I also offered assistance regarding response to US DOL OSHA citations, penalties, and abatement.  Between 2013 and the date of this document, I have been retained as an Expert Witness more than 50 times, completed more than 25 written reports and 10 depositions, and qualified as a testifying witness 3 times.  In the cases where I have been retained, approximately 40% were Defense and 60% Plaintiff.