A Near Miss with Robert “Cujo” Teschner
NSSGA Podcast
Safety Shorts welcomes Robert “Cujo” Teschner to the podcast today to recount a harrowing “near miss” over the Atlantic that reshaped his view on risk and responsibility. A former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, Cujo offers powerful insights into the dangers of prioritizing performance over safety, underscoring the importance of keeping safety as the ultimate measure of success in any high-stakes environment. Reflecting on how competitive instincts nearly led to disaster, he highlights the need for clear priorities, a message that resonates across industries. Remember - true success...
info_outline
A Routine Scan with Rob Lanham
NSSGA Podcast
This week, Libby Pritchard welcomes industry veteran Rob Lanham back to the podcast to share his personal health journey following over 42 years in Virginia's transportation construction sector. Rob recounts how a routine medical check-up uncovered a life-threatening condition, highlighting the importance of early detection and regular screenings. After recovering from a heart attack in 2021, a prostate issue led to the discovery of a massive tumor, underscoring the unpredictability of health challenges. Rob reflects on his emotional journey through a cancer diagnosis and recovery, emphasizing...
info_outline
“How You Do Everything” with Ronn Lehmann
NSSGA Podcast
In this episode of Safety Shorts, host Libby Pritchard welcomes back safety consultant Ronn Lehmann, who delves into the critical relationship between safety and quality. Through a personal story about tree trimming near power lines, Ron illustrates the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards in all aspects of life, not just the workplace. He emphasizes that consumer decisions play a significant role in safety outcomes and that professional conduct is essential in ensuring both safety and quality. The discussion highlights how mindset and habits are foundational to a robust safety...
info_outline
Three Points of Contact with Jay Collup
NSSGA Podcast
Libby is excited to welcome Jay Collup, the founder of Collup Enterprises, to the show for this important episode. Boasting an extensive career in the industry and a passion for training, particularly in mobile equipment operator safety, Jay proves an invaluable guest. In this episode, he shares a compelling story that underscores the importance of maintaining three points of contact—a critical safety practice in the industry. Delving into the details of a severe accident he witnessed, our guest highlights the catastrophic consequences of not following proper safety protocols. He goes on to...
info_outline
A Concussion Safety Story with Dan Babish
NSSGA Podcast
Safety Shorts tackles the topic of concussion safety with Luck Stone’s Regional Sales and Operations Manager, Dan Babish, a seasoned industry professional with close to 20 years experience in the business. Dan's harrowing story about a concussion from a post-driver incident underscores the importance of safety precautions, especially for those new to farm work. The episode emphasizes the often-underestimated recovery time required for head injuries and the value of safety training. By applying workplace safety habits at home and utilizing a buddy system for risky tasks, listeners working in...
info_outline
Safety as Personal with Sarah D’Amico
NSSGA Podcast
In this episode of Safety Shorts, Libby welcomes Sarah D'Amico, Marketing Manager of Turner Mining Group and Turner Staffing Group, to discuss the deeply personal importance of safety in such industries as mining. Sarah shares how her perspective on safety evolved from a set of rules to an emotional priority, particularly with her fiancé being a project superintendent in mining. Coinciding with Safety Month, Sarah’s story underscores the life-changing consequences of neglecting safety measures as well as the importance of prioritizing workplace safety for everyone who cares for and counts...
info_outline
Thinking About Families Following Catastrophic Injuries with Bill Duguay
NSSGA Podcast
Bill Duguay brings his vast amount of industry experience back to the podcast today to discuss the importance of workplace safety, accident prevention, and the implementation of stringent safety protocols. Bill, who now advises leadership teams on running safety-oriented businesses, shares a personal and poignant story about a lockout/tagout procedure gone wrong, an incident that nearly cost his father his life, and that had a profound impact upon his family. Throughout the episode, he stresses the human element of workplace safety, advocating that the protection of workers extends...
info_outline
Do as I Say and Do with Aaron Witt
NSSGA Podcast
In a key Safety Shorts episode, Aaron Witt, CEO of Build Witt, shares crucial safety insights from his early construction days. Starting at 18 with no prior experience, Witt learned the hard way that following experienced workers without question doesn't guarantee safety. His narrative highlights the danger of neglecting safety protocols, especially around trenches, and the life-saving importance of adhering to guidelines. The discussion emphasizes the need for questioning, the courage to challenge unsafe practices, and the shared responsibility in promoting a safe work environment....
info_outline
Total Worker Health with Josh Ierna
NSSGA Podcast
Josh Ierna, Safety Manager at Tilcon Connecticut, joins Libby today to delve into the transformative journey of Total Worker Health and its profound impact on organizational wellbeing. Josh highlights the evolution of Total Worker Health, addressing multifaceted issues such as mental wellness, opioid overdose prevention, and suicide awareness, through proactive engagement with employees, fostering a culture of support and empowerment. Throughout the discussion, Josh elaborates on Tilcon Connecticut's journey, from raising awareness through dedicated training sessions to implementing...
info_outline
Why We Do Training with DJ Schmutz
NSSGA Podcast
This week, Libby reunites with DJ Schmutz, Director of Operations with MSHA Safety Services, as he delivers a compelling narrative that transcends workplace boundaries to underscore the real-world significance of safety training. DJ's harrowing personal experience from a year and a half ago vividly illustrates the importance of being prepared for emergencies, as his son's seizure becomes a poignant reminder that safety skills can be a lifeline in unexpected situations. As you will hear, this episode not only emphasizes the critical need for maintaining composure and relying on training in...
info_outlineWelcome to another impactful episode of Safety Shorts with your host, Libby Pritchard. In this episode, Libby welcomes back a special guest, Cal Beyer, Vice President of Risk, Safety, and Mental Well-Being at ethOs, who brings with him his extensive experience and knowledge in addressing mental health and critical incident response in the workplace. Today, he shares a pivotal moment when he realized the importance of psychological first aid and critical incident response, while also offering practical strategies that can transform the way organizations support their employees through challenging times.
Episode Highlights:
-
Prioritizing mental health for those responding to workplace trauma
-
Acknowledging vulnerability and reshaping workplace culture for well-being
-
Destigmatizing mental health discussions
-
Vital self-care practices: hydration, nutrition, sleep, and socialization
-
Industry-wide adoption of critical incident response protocols
-
Simple strategies for integrating mental well-being into crisis plans
-
Empowering employees to overcome workplace stress challenges
-
Fostering resilience in the workplace
Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions:
-
In this episode, Cal talks about how support has changed for those who respond to critical incidents. Have you noticed this change over the years? How?
-
Stress and trauma have physiological impacts on the body. What can we do to support and check in with team members who have responded to a critical incident?
-
Does anyone have a story about a time when they responded to a critical incident or saw how responding to a critical incident impacted someone else?
Quotes:
"I've always called those the unthinkable moments."
"We could normalize the conversation by teaching how the body and the mind respond to traumatic events."
"The goal of critical incident response is to let workers know that help is available."
"We're not babying you; we're humaning you."
"Getting these steps more normalized as part of our workplaces can really help change the culture."
Links:
National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website