The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies

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. 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.