Ep. 170: The Gig Economy and Work Comp | The Latest Updates for Employers
The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies
Release Date: 01/06/2026
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.
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Ep. 165: Careers in Safety and Risk | Making an Impact and Saving Lives
The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies
Considering a career in safety? Brandon Jones, MEM Director of Safety and Risk Services, shares insights from his 35-year career helping businesses create safer workplaces. Discover why communication skills matter as much as technical knowledge, how technology is changing the field, and why this profession offers meaningful opportunities to impact people’s lives.
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Ep. 164: Complex Workers Compensation Claims | High Risk, High Dollar
The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies
When workplace injuries become complex, high-dollar work comp claims, the financial impact extends far beyond immediate medical costs. MEM’s claims experts Shannon Fox and Lyndi Barthel share strategies for recognizing warning signs, managing costs, and successfully navigating the most challenging claims.
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Ep. 163: Working Near Roads | Safety Essentials to Reduce Roadside Risk
The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies
Work zone deaths are on the rise, affecting construction crews and everyday drivers. MoDOT’s Jon Nelson shares critical safety practices, including training, risk assessment, communication systems, and accountability measures that can prevent work zone incidents and save lives.
info_outlineWhen 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.