Safety Unleashed Podcast

What happens when two safety professionals with very different backgrounds sit down and compare the paths that brought them into the industry? In this episode of Safety Unleashed, Chris and Drew step away from procedures and regulations to talk about something just as important: the real journeys that shape safety professionals. From growing up in the swamps of South Louisiana to working NASCAR pi...

What does it take to safely operate one of the busiest transportation highways in the world — the Mississippi River? In this episode of Safety Unleashed, Drew and Chris dive into the demanding world of maritime and waterfront operations, covering barge work, shipbuilding, dock operations, and vessel traffic along major waterways. Drawing from their own experiences working around marine environment...

What really happens behind the scenes before a roller coaster launches, a ride opens, or thousands of guests walk through the gates of an amusement park? In this episode of Safety Unleashed, Drew and Chris step outside the traditional jobsite and explore an industry built entirely around experience, entertainment, and massive public safety responsibility: amusement parks. As Chris prepares for a t...

Operations and safety are often framed as if they are working against each other, but this conversation challenges that idea head- on. In this episode of Safety Unleashed, the discussion continues around the " muscle and hustle" concept by exploring how operations, safety, HR, quality, and leadership all influence workplace culture, accountability, and performance. While their priorities may look...

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What happens when an unexpected fire erupts at an industrial facility and the cause is still unknown? In this episode of Safety Unleashed, Drew and Chris break down the real-world safety questions that surface when a major fire occurs at an oil and lubricant facility in southeastern Louisiana. As reports emerge about explosions, smoke plumes, and nearby evacuations, the hosts examine the complex c...

What happens when the air you're breathing at work looks fine… but hasn't been properly tested? In this episode of Safety Unleashed, Drew and Chris dig into one of the most misunderstood gray areas in industrial safety: Grade D Breathing Air. They break down what "proper breathing air" really means across different applications, why testing and verification matters, and where companies get stuck b...

What happens when a simple dinner conversation turns into a full-blown debate about insurance, fault, and responsibility? Andrew and Chris explore how to navigate this sensitive part of the occupational health, safety, and environmental profession while intertwining human resources and legal factions. It's about taking care of the employee first—while also protecting the company, the community, an...

What happens when cold weather hits—and you're not ready for it? In this episode of Safety Unleashed, Drew and Chris take a real-world look at what happens when fall turns to winter and travel, work, and holiday traditions collide. From rodeos in the Florida Parishes to snowstorms in New Hampshire and brutal wind off Lake Superior, this episode blends stories, laughs, and practical safety reminder...

In this quick safety soundbite, Chris shares practical Mardi Gras tips you can use immediately. Whether you're heading to a parade route, riding a float, or bringing the kids out for the first time, this episode is all about simple preparation that prevents unnecessary risk. This isn't about stopping the fun. It's about thinking ahead so the celebration stays enjoyable. What we cover: Bees before...

Mardi Gras Safety: Plan Smart. Celebrate Safer. It's Carnival Time. Whether you're headed to the parades in New Orleans or celebrating elsewhere, the key to enjoying Mardi Gras is simple: plan like a pro. In this episode, Andrew and Chris share practical safety strategies for families, visitors, and seasoned parade-goers alike. From parade routes to power banks, they cover what too many people for...

Carnival season is here — king cake, parades, balls, beads, and big crowds. In this episode, Chris and Drew talk through how to enjoy Mardi Gras while staying aware, prepared, and safe. They cover the real-world stuff people forget until it's a problem: parade routes, crowd movement, float hazards, where to park, what to carry, and what not to do when the energy is high and the streets are packed....

Episode Description In this episode of Safety Unleashed, Drew and Chris unpack the difference between "doing it the easy way" and doing what it takes to reset a struggling safety culture. The conversation starts with a real-world look at the chaos safety and operations leaders deal with daily, from inconsistent leadership expectations to workplace behaviors that sabotage quality, production, and m...

In this episode of Safety Unleashed, Drew and Chris talk through how to work (and live) safely during extreme heat whether you're on an industrial jobsite, at an amusement park, on a tarmac, or sitting in the stands at an outdoor event. They break down practical heat controls (hydration, shade, scheduling, clothing, acclimatization), how to recognize heat illness early, and what to do when symptom...

Episode Description In this episode of Safety Unleashed, hosts Andrew Collins and Chris Maise break down the real-world realities of isolating equipment and controlling hazardous energy in high-risk work environments. They discuss why proper isolation measures are critical to preventing serious injuries and fatalities, and why assumptions like "it's just water" can lead to catastrophic outcomes. D...

Episode Summary In this episode of Safety Unleashed, Drew and Chris unpack what really drives people to show up, stay engaged, and keep a strong safety mindset at work. They connect motivation to the realities of mental load, fatigue, morale, and the daily pressures workers and leaders carry—especially when the job demands weekends, early mornings, and constant problem-solving. The core message is...

Episode Summary In this episode, Drew and Chris dive into the often-misunderstood relationship between safety and operations and why departmental alignment is critical to building a strong safety culture. Framed around their recurring concept, "Safety is the hustle, operations is the muscle," they explore how safety teams frequently handle the behind-the-scenes work that qualifies companies for co...

Episode Summary In this episode of Safety Unleashed , Chris and Drew share practical, real-world guidance on how companies should interview and onboard safety professionals in today's evolving workforce. Drawing from decades of field and leadership experience, they discuss what hiring teams should look for beyond resumes and certifications, including hands-on field experience, communication skills...

Episode Description In this episode of Safety Unleashed, hosts Andrew Collins and Chris Maise break down how workplace safety is shaped by risk, attitude, and the daily decisions people make when nobody is watching. They talk about why safety matters beyond compliance, including protecting lives, protecting families, and reducing the real costs that hit companies after incidents. Andrew and Chris...

Episode Description In this first episode of Safety Unleashed, hosts Andrew Collins and Chris Maise kick off a conversation that sets the tone for the series. Safety culture is really company culture, and it lives or dies in the daily behaviors people tolerate, correct, and repeat. They unpack the foundation of culture building through accountability, transparency, and responsibility, and talk thr...