The Importance of Workplace Examinations with Dr. Hunter Clymore

Dr. Hunter Clymore, Director of Safety with Vista Minerals, joins Emily to discuss proactive safety through the lens of workplace examinations. As part of NSSGA’s recognition of National Safety Month, Hunter shares his expertise on how companies can move beyond the "check the box" mentality to develop a culture that identifies and addresses hazards before they lead to injuries, accidents, or citations.

 

This vital conversation explores the difference between reactive and proactive risk management. Hunter highlights the dangers of "pencil whipping" examinations and explains why MSHA inspectors look for the "weak signals" that indicate a failing safety system. This episode serves as a guide for leadership and frontline workers alike to strengthen their hazard recognition and ensure that safety remains a dynamic, living part of daily operations.

 

Main Themes:

 

• Moving beyond "pencil whipping" workplace examinations to ensure true regulatory compliance and safety.

• The importance of identifying "weak signals" and industrial challenges before an accident occurs.

• Adapting safety practices to the dynamic and ever-changing environment of a mine or quarry.

• The critical role of leadership visibility and field interactions in fostering a proactive safety culture.

• Engaging employees through open communication and active participation rather than passive attendance.

• Shifting the operational mindset from tracking incident numbers to monitoring trends and improving controls.

Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions:

 

• Hunter joins the podcast to talk about the importance of workplace examinations as tools for proactive safety. How does this mindset of proactivity contribute to your understanding of risk management? 

• Hunter shares that proactive safety involves engaging with employees working throughout the site. Why do you think it’s important to include this kind of feedback? 

• Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about their experience with proactive workplace examinations? 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

"To have true proactive safety it needs to be more than just going through the exams and filling those out, and going through the motions and checking the boxes."

"The best safety programs are not built around accident investigations. They’re built around identifying weak signals before the accident happens."

"You cannot change mining safety effectively with a static approach in a consistent changing environment. You must have a consistent finger on the pulse of safety."

"Leadership must be visible out in the field. Employees notice where leaders spend their time. Safety cannot just exist in policies and meetings."

"Engagement is not checking a box, signing training sheets, or passive participation. It’s engaging everyone to help create a safety culture."

"The goal is to build an operational system that consistently recognizes and controls risk before people get hurt."

Links:

• National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Website: https://www.nssga.org/

• Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities

•  Dr. Hunter Clymore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-clymore-m-s-csp-bab40049/

•  Vista Minerals: https://vistaminerals.com/