The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), formed in 1972, serves as a way to ensure the safety of America's workforce. Every state has its own unique work comp laws; OSHA provides a set of standards. Managing the requirement, and protecting employees, can seem like a daunting task for employers. Learn how safety rules, standards, laws and regulations work together to keep employees...

Trauma is a term we hear used more often today than ever before. It can lead to a ripple effect, impacting everything from a person's ability to make decisions to how they handle stress. What qualifies as trauma? And how to employers prevent it from leading to distraction and an uptick in injuries on the job? Learn what these stored experiences mean for our minds, bodies - and our safety - with Ke...

Work-related injuries present a substantial hurdle to companies across all industries. Not only do they sap time, productivity, and financial resources, but they also damage employee morale. These issues are intensified when injured workers choose to pursue additional legal action. Learn how to prevent and prepare for litigation in your workplace with Laura Sides-Cooper, Managing Attorney at MEM.

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. Mill...

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 inform...

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...

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 Ma...

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 Fiel...

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 Kimber...

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...

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...

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...

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 Psychiatr...

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, Assoc...

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. Lo...