The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies

Many employers invest a lot of time in maintaining a safe workplace. They arrange safety training, buy personal protective equipment, and call out risky behavior with corrective action. But what impact do these efforts have beyond the business? Learn how employees take these safety lessons home and the benefit of applying them with return guest Aaron Paris, Director of Safety at the Robert E. Miller Group.

Safety in the job is widely associated with doing the right thing. That usually translates into performing our workplace duties in an ethical way. However, no one is perfect. Unexpected scenarios often require us to pivot from our usual way of doing things - and in reality, making the right choice is often more gray than black and white. Learn how to adapt to these challenges and gather the information you need to make the best choice with Dr. Dan Snyder, owner and founder of Safety Mentor.

Unless they are paid to compete professionally, most employees don't consider themselves to be athletes. However, manual labor and frequent movement are a requirement in many industries. Commitment to physical and mental health is critical to an athlete's success - and for any employee. Learn how using the industrial athlete mindset can kickstart the average employee's approach to work with Kelly Feldkamp, founder of ProVention Plus.

Getting employee buy-in is an essential step in building a safety culture. Forming a safety committee is a great way to engage with employees and empower them to work safely. Safety committees are considered so effective that in some states, they are actually required in the workplace. Learn how to start your own safety committee with Sheila Schmidt, Safety & Risk Services Manager at MEM.

Telematics is a form of technology that allows us to pass information over long distances. For an employer managing drivers, whether it's a single delivery driver or a fleet of truckers, telematics is a way to keep employees safe. Learn about the science of telematics and its benefits with Ryan McMahon, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development for Cambridge Mobile Telematics.

A safety plan is essential for any business owner who directs employees in the course of daily operations. Safety risks are present in every industry. Whether your employees use tools or equipment, operate company vehicles, or deal with the public, it's essential to outline safety expectations. Learn how a safety plan goes a long way in preventing injuries and reducing on-the-job incidents with Mark Woodward, Senior Safety and Risk Trainer at MEM.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are terms used increasingly in the workplace today. At the center of the movement is an effort to include employees from all different walks of life. However, these terms can often mean different things to different people. Learn what DEI efforts look like and how they can make a difference in your workplace with Dan Lester, Director of Vice President of Field Culture and Inclusion at Clayco, and Burnea Lester, Director of Communications and Community Relations at SITE Improvement Association St. Louis.

Employers shouldn't leave workplace safety down to luck. It's essential to measure risk exposure, or the potential that an incident might occur. Learn how to create safe environments where people want to work and be with Elizabeth Prazeres, organizational effectiveness and change management expert at DEKRA.

Struck-by incidents are a common workplace hazard in bustling industries. Where there is moving machinery, whirling equipment, or turning wheels, employees are at risk of being struck. Learn how to reduce this kind of exposure and keep employees safe with Terry Dussault, environmental health and safety professional and founder of Yellowknife Consulting Services.

A safe work environment is essential to running a business safely. The International Code Council is a collection of professionals who set building safety standards, from building design to codes and regulations. Learn how these standards shape the structural integrity of buildings today with Dominic Sims, Chief Executive Officer of the International Code Council (ICC).

Workplace violence is unique in that it's a hazard any industry is subject to. Certain employee groups are particularly at risk in today's workforce: those who serve customers or patients, handle a lot of cash, or are undocumented. Learn what an employer's role is in protecting these vulnerable groups with Yasmine Mustafa, co-founder and CEO of Roar, and workplace violence prevention expert Kimberly Urbanek.

Creating an effective safety plan can seem like a huge undertaking if you don't specialize in it. They are often made of multiple moving parts. Small- to medium-sized businesses are growing every year. How can they put together an effective safety plan for the first time, or even with limited resources? Learn about building an effective safety plan using safety rules - and what they can and can't do for your business, with Mark Woodward, Senior Safety and Risk Trainer at MEM.

Businesses often see workplace safety as something that requires a lot of time and money. They worry that the extra effort may threaten existing productivity and processes. However, studies continue to show that employees that feel safe perform better on the job than those who don't. Learn how leaders can leverage safety as a tool that provides for business growth with Greg Davis, CEO of Big Leaf Networks.

Mental health and work comp claims are often tightly intertwined. Many people think of only the physical side of a claim: the injury, the doctor's visits, and the rehabilitation. But an injured worker's mental health can actually become a documented part of a claim - with or without a physical injury. Learn how mental health claims are managed with Vickie Egan, Case Management Services Supervisor at Missouri Employers Mutual.

The impact of a toxic work environment can affect employees' mental health and a business's bottom line. But what's the difference between naturally-occurring differences and something more hazardous? Learn about the hallmarks of a toxic work enviroment with Jessica Childress, award-winning employment attorney.

Having zero injuries in the workplace is the right goal for any business. But the reality is that occasionally people get hurt on the job. What happens after a claim is filed? Discover the benefits of getting employees back on the job sooner with Human Resources professionals Debbie Larsen and Pam McCracken of The Arc of the Ozarks.

Employee burnout affects nearly 77% of today's workforce. With such a large portion of employees affected, this issue is one employers should keep their eyes on. But what does the word 'burnout' really mean? Learn what burnout looks like in affected employees and the risks it brings to the job with Dr. Arpit Aggarwal, the Medical Director of Psychiatric Emergency Services at the Missouri Psychiatric Center.

From mass shootings to classroom assaults, schools today are fraught with violence. Studies show nearly half of all educators and a third of administrative and support staff are considering transferring or leaving the field for good. School violence poses a threat not just to students, but victimizes employees in the process. Learn how schools can support educators with Dr. Susan D. McMahon, Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Programs for the College of Science and Health at DePaul University and Chair of the American Psychological Association Task Force on Violence Against Educators

Safety in the workplace is critical for all businesses, regardless of the organization's size. Depending on your industry, hiring safety professionals, investing in equipment, or providing safety training may be part of a comprehensive safety plan. Learn how to find a solution that fits your business with Gavin Coyle, consultant and author of Workplace Safety on a Budget.

Heart health matters in the workplace. High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease go hand in hand. Many Americans are unaware they are affected by these conditions. Learn how preventative action and disease management save lives with Dr. Sudhi Tyagi, interventional cardiologist and board-certified provider in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, echocardiography and nuclear medicine.

Audits are an essential part of any work comp policy. This process helps employers pay the right amount of premium - nothing more, nothing less. Discover what an audit does for your business, and how to prepare for one, with Tina Austin, Premium Consultation Specialist at Missouri Employers Mutual.

Temporary employees are a much-needed solution in many industries. Extra hands help businesses get through the busiest times of the year. However, temporary employees can be much like new hires: untrained, unfamiliar with the industry, and unsure on the job. Learn how to reduce seasonal safety risk with Bill McDonald, Area Director of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) St. Louis office.

Heat stress is a hidden hazard that comes with warmer weather. The U.S Department of Labor reported 344 worker deaths related to heat exposure between 2011 and 2019. Learn how this common workplace risk can be avoided with return guest Rod Harvey, Director of Industrial Hygiene and Field Operations with RHP Risk Management.

Drones are at the forefront of the new technology frontier. These high-flying machines range from the size of a small airplane to pocket-size. Available for non-military use for more than 15 years, they are used in many industry areas. Discover what drones are capable of, and how they can be used to increase safety on the job, with David Day, certified drone pilot and co-owner of Altitude University.

Running a business often requires an owner to wear many hats. Understandably, some details of workplace safety get lost in the mix. One area that is commonly overlooked is fire safety. Many people know the basics: fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency exits. However, there are a few items that go unnoticed. Learn how to check essential requirements off your fire safety list with Tim Beam, Missouri State Fire Marshal.

Have you ever been involved an incident that appeared to only be partially or completely not your fault? These situations can get complicated quickly. It can often become a he-said, she-said disagreement. Work comp insurance companies have tools and resources to help sort through the facts. When another party is liable for damage or injuries, an important process begins: subrogation. Learn what the subrogation process is and how it benefits employers with Michelle Palmer, Subrogation Manager at Missouri Employers Mutual.

Marijuana is more accessible than ever in Missouri. Residents can now purchase it for medical and recreational use. Cannabis in the workplace has significant implications. Learn practical ways to protect your business and your employees with Larry Lambert, General Counsel at Missouri Employers Mutual.

Machines are an essential to getting a job done in many industries. But this energized equipment holds unseen hazards, and it only takes one moment to change a life. Discover how a lockout/tagout (LOTO) program can differ between an efficient workday and a catastrophic incident with Rod Harvey, Director of Industrial Hygiene and Field Operations with RHP Risk Management.

Being tired on the job is nothing new for the average employee. But a fatigued employee can create liability for a business. But how do employers know when a worker has reached the tipping point - when being mentally and physically drained becomes dangerous? Learn how a new form of technology is bridging the gap with Jeff Akers and Jeff Sease, CEO and COO at Predictive Safety.

The WorkSAFE Podcast began in 2017 as a way to spread workplace safety and workers compensation information to a broad audience. Join us for a special anniversary episode where host Heather Carl and Marketing Content Strategist and podcast producer Alan Combs share our top five episodes and some hidden gems.

Insurance is something that provides protection against a possible eventuality. You can pay to insure just about anything you value: your home and health, even treasured possessions. Understand how a work comp policy protects your business with Christian DeLozier, Proactive Business Risk & Insurance Consultant for Mike Keith Insurance, Inc.

What does it take to produce the goods that feed a nation? Further, what happens when your livelihood depends on it? Stress and uncertainty are a part of daily life in the agriculture industry. Learn how farmers and ranchers can get the support they need with Dr. Tara Haskins, Total Farmer Health Director for AgriSafe.

The cost of goods and services is increasing, and buyers aren't the only ones affected. Businesses are also battling to maintain their bottom line. Understand how inflation impacts work comp and how claims costs are handled with Andy Ribaudo, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Missouri Employers Mutual, and Lyndi Barthel, Manager of Medical Services.

Getting employees to buy into safety can be a challenge for employers, no matter what industry they're in. But when you include them in the conversation, it isn't impossible. Learn how to use stories of risk and injury to fuel workplace change with Patrick Nelson, founder of Loyalty Point Leadership.

Marijuana is legal in some form for more than 146 million Americans. As both state and federal governments continue to propose new amendments and laws, business owners are faced with an evolving legal landscape. Learn what these changes mean for employers and their safety culture with Larry Lambert, Associate General Council for Missouri Employers Mutual.

Labor shortages are frustrating for the average consumer. However, many employers are scrambling to meet demand. With fewer experienced team members to train new hires, the risk of injury is on the rise. Learn how to protect current employees from burnout and prepare incoming new hires with Aaron Paris, Director of Safety at the Robert E. Miller Group.

Training is one of the most important things an employer can offer. Employers have a responsibility to give their teams the education they need to stay safe on the job. But how do they know if this training is making a difference? Discover seven signs of effective employee training with Sheila Schmidt, Safety and Risk Services Regional Manager at Missouri Employers Mutual.

Whether you drive for work or personal reasons, the consequences of being distracted behind the wheel can be life-altering. The price can be losing your life, or costing someone theirs. Discover how to change not just attitudes, but actions, with Joel Feldman, founder of the organization End Distracted Driving.

Working alone is a common task across different industries. This includes people who work with the public, high-risk individuals or in high-risk situations. Without a team, workplace - or even a phone handy - how can employers know when an employee is in trouble? Learn how technology bridges this gap with Serese Selanders, founder and CEO OF SolusGuard.

The cost of doing business - and life in general - is on the rise. And unfortunately, so is the severity and cost of workplace injuries. Learn how employers can rein in these expenses, and improve claim outcomes, with Kelli Lucas, Director of Claims at Missouri Employers Mutual.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common conditions affecting the working population. They are also a major cause of lost time on the job. Discover how these painful injuries don't just affect physical health, but mental health, with Paul Krewson, founder and CEO of Peak Ergonomics.

Work comp is a valuable form of protection. However, safety regulations are closely tied to work comp benefits. Learn about the connection between them and how they impact both employers and employees, with returning guest Rhonda Kauffman, Safety and Risk Specialist at Missouri Employers Mutual.

Noise levels are a safety concern that many employees think doesn't apply to them. In other industries, hearing loss is just an accepted part of the job. Hearing loss can and should be prevented by employers. Learn how to set safe sound standards on the job with Joe Czaicki, Senior Safety & Risk Consultant at Missouri Employers Mutual.

Workplace culture is key to retaining employees. Learn how a positive environment reduces injuries and keeps employees around longer with Victoria Dew, founder and CEO of Dewpoint Communications.

Every day, we learn and understand how to keep people safer on the job. However, the road to safer workplaces has been a long one. It begins in a place where health and safety weren't always priorities. Learn how far the past has brought us, and where the future leads, with Rod Courtney, the Health, Safety and Environmental Manager at Ampirical.

We've all seen vibrant yellow safety vests, bright orange barrels and neon stripes directing us to the safest path. In each of these situations, bright colors play an active role in keeping both us and employees safe - and there's more to them than meets the eye. Learn how high visibility gear makes an impact on the job with Matt Cowell, Director of Environmental Health and Safety for Emery Sapp & Sons.

Schools are full of opportunity, but they also present staff and students with safety risks. The number one way to be injured on the job in a school is a slip, trip or fall. Discover ways to eliminate hallway hazards with Edward Gray of Robson Forensic.

Tower climbing crews keep us, and our devices, connected to important networks. These sky-high workplaces face unique hazards. Learn the risks they face working at heights, and how they are mitigated, with Kathy Gill, owner of Tower Safety.

Driving defensively is key to staying safe on the road. However, the average American doesn't know how to operate a vehicle in a high-risk situation. With motor vehicle crashes still the leading cause of death on the job, learn how to take defensive driving to the next level with Josh Palmer, Chief Instructor at AS3 International Inc.

According to the American Trucking Association, the U.S. needs about 80,000 more truck drivers than are actually in the workforce now. Any industry with a shortage of employees means more stress on those who currently work in it. Join Dr. Chuck Hollister, Executive Director of the Missouri Psychological Association, to discuss the common stressors truck drivers face and how their employers can support them.