Ep. 156: Separating Fact and Fiction | Busting 7 Common Work Comp Myths
The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies
Release Date: 06/02/2025
Ep. 175: Safety vs. Production | Why the Tradeoff is a Myth
The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies
When deadlines tighten, safety is often the first thing that slips. But the cost of that tradeoff adds up. Sean Galloway, CEO of ProAct Safety, shares how leaders unintentionally undermine safety culture, why the absence of injuries isn’t the right success metric, and what practical steps actually move businesses toward safer, more productive operations.
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Ep. 174: Home Health Safety | Building Culture Beyond Compliance
The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies
Home health caregivers face unique safety challenges working independently in uncontrolled environments. Kristin Wamsley, Director of Facilities and Fleet at Emmaus Homes, shares how building a genuine safety culture, implementing mandatory equipment protocols, and addressing top risks has helped the organization achieve an injury rate significantly lower than industry averages.
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Ep. 173: Safety Mentorship | How Relationships Strengthen Safety
The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies
When experienced safety professionals leave, their knowledge often leaves with them. Mentorship keeps that expertise in-house through both structured programs and organic relationships. Domini Montgomery from the Saint Louis Zoo explains how effective mentorship builds psychological safety, improves retention, and creates cultures where people feel confident asking questions and sharing ideas.
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Ep. 172: AI-Powered Workplace Safety | From Reactive Response to Proactive Prevention
The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies
AI-powered safety tools are making workplace injury prevention more precise and effective. Brandon Jones, MEM’s Director of Safety and Risk Services, shares how predictive analytics, automated compliance monitoring, and personalized training can help you identify emerging risks before injuries occur – using the data you already have.
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Ep. 171: Work Comp Claims Settlements | What Employers Need to Know
The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies
In workers compensation, settlement simply means closing a claim – either naturally when an injured worker recovers, or through negotiated agreement for complex injuries. MEM Claims Operations Manager Shannon Fox explains the two settlement types, how amounts are determined, what protections exist for injured workers, and how employers can support the process without overstepping their limited role.
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Ep. 170: The Gig Economy and Work Comp | The Latest Updates for Employers
The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies
When does gig work need work comp coverage? This classification determines who’s responsible when someone gets hurt. MEM’s Tina Austin breaks down the employee vs. independent contractor distinction, coverage gaps with platform-based workers like DoorDash drivers, and documentation strategies to protect your business as regulations continue to evolve.
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Ep. 169: Protecting Young Employees | Safety Training Essentials
The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies
Young employees experience injury rates 1.2 to 2.3 times higher than the average adult popular. MEM Nurse Case Management Supervisor Lauren Mattes shares how proper training, hands-on practice, and creating a speak-up culture can dramatically reduce these risks. Learn age-appropriate safety strategies, mentor assignment best practices, and documentation requirements that protect young team members while building their confidence.
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Ep. 168: Post-Incident Drug Testing | A Guide for Employers
The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies
Employers need a clear drug testing plan before incidents occur to make informed decisions quickly. Amy Wimer from Premier Biotech shares practical tips to implement a testing program that incorporates on-site rapid oral fluid testing.
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Ep. 167: Wearable Safety Tech | How Smart Devices Cut Work Comp Claims by 90%
The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies
Wearable safety technology helps businesses identify workplace hazards before they cause injuries. Tom West of MākuSafe explains how data-driven safety approaches reduce work comp costs, improve productivity, and cut safety incidents by 50-90%.
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Ep. 166: Ask the Right Questions | School Safety Starts with "Why"
The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies
From slips and falls to emergency preparedness, schools face diverse safety challenges. Zac Rantz, Nixa Public Schools Chief Communications Officer, shares his people-first approach to preventing workplace injuries. By asking the right questions, creating sustainable systems, and addressing the root causes behind unsafe behaviors, administrators can build a collaborative safety culture that protects everyone on campus.
info_outlineMany employers have misconceptions about how workers compensation actually works. Some don't understand what types of injuries are covered. Others aren't sure how claims impact their business - or how they can be involved in the process. These misunderstandings can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities to improve workplace safety. Separate work comp fact and fiction with Matt Speight, President and CEO of the Scott Agency.