Episode 233: How Connected PPE Is Changing Worker Safety
OH&S SafetyPod
PPE has traditionally focused on protecting workers from hazards, but connected technologies are adding a new dimension: real-time information that can help safety professionals understand incidents, respond faster and make better-informed decisions. In this episode of the OH&S SafetyPod, Editor David Kopf talks with Dan Birch, Category Manager at PIP Global Safety, and Ani Surabhi, CEO and Founder of Quin, about the evolution of connected PPE and the growing role of data in workplace safety. The conversation explores Quin’s connected safety ecosystem, including technology capable...
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Episode 232: Managing Safety in the Modern Contract Workforce
OH&S SafetyPod
In this episode of the OH&S SafetyPod, Scott DeBow, CSP, ARM, Director of Health, Safety & Environmental at Avetta, joins the podcast to discuss how today's increasingly contractor-driven workforce is changing the way organizations approach workplace safety. DeBow explains why compliance remains an essential foundation but is no longer sufficient on its own, and why leading organizations are adopting systems-based safety management strategies to better identify and control risk. The conversation explores serious injury and fatality (SIF) prevention, evolving safety metrics, findings...
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Episode 231: A Conversation with OSHA's David Keeling
OH&S SafetyPod
At ASSP Safety 2026 in Anaheim, OH&S Executive Editor David Kopf sat down with Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health David Keeling for a wide-ranging conversation about OSHA's priorities and direction. Keeling discusses the status of OSHA's heat stress rulemaking efforts, the agency's renewed focus on small and medium-sized businesses, the new Safety Champions initiative, hiring efforts to rebuild agency expertise, the role of AI and emerging technology, and his vision for strengthening relationships between OSHA, employers and safety professionals. The discussion...
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Episode 230: Preparing Safety Professionals for the AI Era
OH&S SafetyPod
In this episode of the SafetyPod, Columbia Southern University Faculty Lead Dr. Bart Eltz joins OH&S editor David Kopf to discuss how artificial intelligence is changing the occupational safety profession. Eltz explores emerging applications for AI in safety management, risk assessment, and program development while emphasizing the continued importance of foundational safety knowledge, critical thinking, and professional judgment. The conversation also examines how safety educators are teaching students to use AI responsibly and what safety professionals can do today to prepare for an...
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Episode 229: Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety in the Workplace
OH&S SafetyPod
In this episode of the OH&S SafetyPod, CSA Group Fire Test Specialist Josh Dinaburg joins the podcast to discuss the growing presence of lithium-ion battery systems in workplaces and the unique fire safety challenges they create. Dinaburg explains how thermal runaway events occur, why lithium-ion battery fires differ from traditional fire hazards, and what safety professionals need to understand about toxic gases, electrical hazards, re-ignition risks, and post-fire cleanup. The conversation also explores the evolving standards and large-scale fire testing efforts helping make modern...
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Episode 228: Building Safety Programs for SMBs That Actually Work
OH&S SafetyPod
In this episode of the OH&S SafetyPod, safety expert Greg Zigulis discusses the unique challenges small and medium-sized businesses face when building effective health and safety programs. Drawing on insights from his new book, “,” Zigulis explains how limited resources, lack of formal training, and competing priorities often lead organizations into reactive safety practices. He shares practical guidance on how to prioritize risks, understand injury causation, and develop a structured approach that goes beyond compliance to create meaningful, sustainable safety outcomes.
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Episode 227: Ladder Safety Month — Turning Awareness into Safer Habits
OH&S SafetyPod
March marks National Ladder Safety Month, and in this episode of the OH&S Safety Pod, we explore how safety leaders can reduce preventable ladder-related injuries through better habits, training, and daily reinforcement. Pat McAuliffe of the American Ladder Institute and Ryan Mittelmeier of Werner share insights on common ladder safety mistakes, practical jobsite corrections, and how employers can use free Ladder Safety Month resources to strengthen their programs year-round. Sponsored by the American Ladder Institute: The American Ladder Institute is proud to celebrate the 10th...
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Episode 226: Navigating the New Frontier of Maritime Safety Education
OH&S SafetyPod
In this episode, Dr. Travis Smith and Bobby Oberlechner of Columbia Southern University discuss the university’s new maritime safety concentration—a program designed to equip safety professionals for one of the world’s most complex and high-risk environments. They explore why maritime safety has historically lacked academic focus, how CSU’s curriculum bridges that gap, and what students can expect to learn about global regulations, port operations, and systemic risk management. The conversation also highlights how this program helps shape the next generation of safety leaders both on...
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Episode 225: Opioids on the Job—Planning to Protect
OH&S SafetyPod
Content Editor Stasia DeMarco speaks with Claire Bryant, Senior Program Manager of Workplace Safety Programs at the National Safety Council, about a new tool designed to help manage the opioid epidemic in the workplace. With overdoses now linked to nearly one in ten workplace deaths, NSC has launched a free Overdose Emergency Planning Tool to help employers prepare for opioid emergencies and determine how much naloxone to keep on hand. Bryant also highlights the importance of quick response and recovery-supportive workplace policies to save lives and prevent future crises. ...
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Episode 224: A+A 2025 Gears Up to Host Global Safety Community
OH&S SafetyPod
Lars Wismer, Director of A+A at Messe Düsseldorf, joins Executive Editor David Kopf to discuss the upcoming A+A 2025 International Trade Fair and Congress for Safety and Health at Work, happening November 4–7 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Wismer shares insights on the theme People Matter and previews highlights including global exhibitors, PPE innovations, exoskeletons, smart technology, and congress sessions on climate, mental well-being, and AI. It’s a truly global event, with the 2025 edition expected to attract roughly 65,000 visitors and 2,200 exhibitors.
info_outlinePPE has traditionally focused on protecting workers from hazards, but connected technologies are adding a new dimension: real-time information that can help safety professionals understand incidents, respond faster and make better-informed decisions. In this episode of the OH&S SafetyPod, Editor David Kopf talks with Dan Birch, Category Manager at PIP Global Safety, and Ani Surabhi, CEO and Founder of Quin, about the evolution of connected PPE and the growing role of data in workplace safety.
The conversation explores Quin’s connected safety ecosystem, including technology capable of detecting impacts, falls and other events; collecting information surrounding an incident; monitoring conditions such as temperature; and helping connect injured workers with assistance. Birch and Surabhi also discuss implementation, applications for lone workers, and where connected PPE could be headed next.
Sponsored By PIP Global Safety
PIP Global Safety is the independent leader in personal protective equipment, trusted for over 40 years by workers and safety professionals worldwide. We deliver deep expertise in head-to-toe safety solutions across every major industry. Our global reach, manufacturing scale, and technical expertise allow us to deliver more than products - we deliver solutions that help raise industry standards. Learn more at https://us.pipglobal.com/en/