November 13th, 2026 Chapter Meeting – Machine Safety

11:30-12 Networking

12-12:30 Lunch

12:30-1:30 Presentation

Speaker: Gerardo Lara Lenttini M.S., CSP, CCPS

Bio

Gerardo Lara is a Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) professional with extensive experience leading occupational safety, process safety, engineering risk management, and operational improvement initiatives across global manufacturing and industrial operations.

He currently serves as Global SHE Capabilities Manager – Occupational Health and Safety at Unilever, where he supports the development and implementation of global machinery safety standards, technical guidance, and organizational capabilities across a multinational manufacturing network.

His professional background includes leadership roles at Amazon and Ecolab, where he supported large-scale safety programs, process safety management, engineering risk reduction, and operational excellence.

Gerardo also serves as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force Reserve, bringing an additional perspective on leadership, organizational readiness, and continuous improvement.

His approach emphasizes practical engineering solutions, technical competence, risk-based decision-making, and integrating safety into everyday operations.

Session Description

An effective machinery safety program requires more than compliance with guarding requirements. It demands technical ownership, engineering competence, risk-based prioritization, and integration with everyday manufacturing operations.

This session presents seven practical keys to developing and sustaining an effective machinery safety program. Participants will explore how to establish technically competent program ownership, prioritize machinery risk assessments, implement engineered safeguards, and integrate machinery safety with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), autonomous maintenance, and preventive maintenance.

Using practical manufacturing examples, the presentation will demonstrate how organizations can move beyond isolated compliance activities toward a proactive, engineering-driven approach to machinery safety and hazardous energy control.

Walk-Ins are welcome.