Chasing Zero: An Ozinga Safety Podcast
As a leader in ready mix concrete, energy and logistic solutions, Ozinga sees the call for safety being everywhere: Beyond the construction site, and well after we've punched out. On Chasing Zero, Ozinga Health & Safety VP Adam Pummer discusses the ways that industry experts and fellow coworkers are leading by example, to help increase safety and eliminate incidents and injuries. Find full video of every episode at http://youtube.com/OzingaRMC.
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How Wrestling Champ Jimmy Kennedy Turns Goals Into Gold
07/14/2026
How Wrestling Champ Jimmy Kennedy Turns Goals Into Gold
Jimmy Kennedy is legendary on the wrestling mat, as a member of the 2014 US World Team, becoming a 2015 US National champion and qualifying for the 2016 US Olympic Team Trials. Now an associate head coach at Oklahoma State University, he helped lead his team to a Big 12 championship in 2024. And while developing and mentoring some of the nation’s most elite young competitors, Jimmy has become a passionate advocate for athlete safety, bringing a unique perspective on injury prevention and training. This week, in conversation with Ozinga Health & Safety VP Adam Pummer, Jimmy shares what safety really means in one of the toughest sports on the planet, and why protecting athletes is essential to building a championship culture. Full video of this conversation can be found at . Follow OSU Wrestling: Follow Adam Pummer: Connect with Ozinga: Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company, leading the industry in ready mix concrete, energy and logistic solutions. From small town driveways to stadiums and skyscrapers, our purpose is to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and our community for generations. Each episode of Chasing Zero explores the real stories, strategies and innovations that drive us toward one powerful goal: Zero incidents and zero injuries.
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Saving Lives on the Great Lakes
06/16/2026
Saving Lives on the Great Lakes
After a near-death experience while surfing Lake Michigan in 2010, Dave Benjamin made it his mission to save lives and fight the staggering statistics of drownings (over 1,400 in the last 15 years) across all five Great Lakes. Dave joins us this week as the co-founder the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project — a non-profit advocating for legislation and water safety education — to discuss his own harrowing story of survival, and how he’s turned that life-changing moment into action alongside local lawmakers, fellow surfers and the families of drowning victims. Full video of this discussion, with visuals relating to water safety, is available at . Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project: Follow Adam Pummer: Connect with Ozinga: Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company, leading the industry in ready mix concrete, energy and logistic solutions. From small town driveways to stadiums and skyscrapers, our purpose is to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and our community for generations. Each episode of Chasing Zero explores the real stories, strategies and innovations that drive us toward one powerful goal: Zero incidents and zero injuries.
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Calculated Chaos: Safety in Hollywood Stunts
06/02/2026
Calculated Chaos: Safety in Hollywood Stunts
Fist fights. Car chases. Walking through fire. — It’s all in a day’s work for the LeFevours at Midwest Stunts Chicago. As stunt coordinators on the NBC dramas Chicago Fire and Chicago Med respectively, the father-son duo of Rick Sr. and Rick Jr. have done it all in film and television (whether hanging from buildings or flipping semi-trucks), while ensuring the safety of the cast, crew and their fellow stunt performers. Today, in conversation with Ozinga Health & Safety VP Adam Pummer, the pair give us a peek behind the curtain of their industry, explaining all the dazzle and dangers that come with it. Plus, stories from Rick Sr.’s 250+ film career, including Home Alone, The Dark Knight, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Groundhog Day. Watch Chicago Med, Fire and P.D. Wednesday nights on NBC, or stream them all on Peacock. Connect with Midwest Stunts Chicago: Watch Chicago Med, Fire and P.D.: Follow Adam Pummer: Connect with Ozinga: --- Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company, leading the industry in ready mix concrete, energy and logistic solutions. From small town driveways to stadiums and skyscrapers, our purpose is to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and our community for generations. Each episode of Chasing Zero explores the real stories, strategies and innovations that drive us toward one powerful goal: Zero incidents and zero injuries.
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Dispatch Demystified: Inside Chicago 911
05/19/2026
Dispatch Demystified: Inside Chicago 911
Imagine 20,000 calls per day. On average, that’s what Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is handling, from minor disturbances to life-and-death situations. And as a decorated 911 dispatcher with nearly 30 years experience, Amy Lovell’s insight and contributions have helped shape the way police and fire teams respond. A go-to dispatcher for any major event where the eyes of the world are on Chicago — from parades to protests — Amy has won Illinois’ Telecommunicator of the Year award twice, specifically for her professionalism and leadership during 2024’s Democratic National Convention and the NATO Summit of 2012. Joined this week by Ozinga’s Health & Safety VP Adam Pummer and Safety Manager Steve Lindley, Amy helps us learn what to expect on the other end of the line in an emergency, and how she’s mentoring the newest generation of dispatchers. Full video of this conversation is available at . Follow Amy Lovell: Connect with Chicago OEMC: Follow Adam Pummer: Follow Steve Lindley: Connect with Ozinga: --- Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company, leading the industry in ready mix concrete, energy and logistic solutions. From small town driveways to stadiums and skyscrapers, our purpose is to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and our community for generations. Each episode of Chasing Zero explores the real stories, strategies and innovations that drive us toward one powerful goal: Zero incidents and zero injuries.
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Why Walsh Construction Puts Its People First
05/05/2026
Why Walsh Construction Puts Its People First
Having been in construction since his teens, Hank Botterman has seen every angle of the industry and has remained a leader in safety culture for decades. As former Health & Safety Director/VP of Walsh Construction — a consistent recipient of major industry safety awards and named by Forbes this year as one of America’s best large-scale employers — Hank has been central to the company’s ongoing strong safety performance and large-scale project delivery excellence, including a new multi-billion dollar data center campus for Microsoft in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. This week, he joins Ozinga Health & Safety VP Adam Pummer to talk about his journey, why his approach to elevating the perception of risk has worked over the years, and why “people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Full video of this conversation is available at . Follow Adam Pummer: Follow Hank Botterman: Connect with Walsh Construction: Connect with Ozinga: --- Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company, leading the industry in ready mix concrete, energy and logistic solutions. From small town driveways to stadiums and skyscrapers, our purpose is to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and our community for generations. Each episode of Chasing Zero explores the real stories, strategies and innovations that drive us toward one powerful goal: Zero incidents and zero injuries.
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Ready Mix Round Table, Part 2
04/21/2026
Ready Mix Round Table, Part 2
In the second half of a two-part discussion, Ozinga co-workers Mick Jansey (ready mix driver), Caleb Callaway (safety trainer) and Bill Cheeks (safety manager) speak with Ozinga Health & Safety VP Adam Pummer about how safety culture has improved over the years, the tech upgrades that have assisted that process and what exactly makes a top driver. Plus, obstacles and near-misses they’ve encountered in their respective careers. If you missed Part 1, make sure to go back in our feed and check out that conversation as well. Full video of this conversation can be found at Follow Adam Pummer: Connect with Ozinga: --- Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company, leading the industry in ready mix concrete, energy and logistic solutions. From small town driveways to stadiums and skyscrapers, our purpose is to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and our community for generations. Each episode of Chasing Zero explores the real stories, strategies and innovations that drive us toward one powerful goal: Zero incidents and zero injuries.
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Identifying Aches vs. Injuries, via The Chicago Fix
04/07/2026
Identifying Aches vs. Injuries, via The Chicago Fix
With over two decades of experience providing medical care to athletes of all stripes, Dr. Sargon Benjamin Odisho founded The Chicago Fix in 2016, combining chiropractic care, physical therapy, sports rehab and other services. But what sets Dr. Odisho's company apart is its mobile unit, which allows him to provide worksite wellness and on-the-job care in industries like construction, which is how he began working with Ozinga in 2022. His expertise -- partnered with equipment on the bus -- has led to significant efficiency improvements and less injuries. During today's conversation, led by Ozinga Health & Safety VP Adam Pummer, Dr. Odisho defines his approach, and provides information about how and why our bodies indicate pain, and what can be done about it before minor issues become major setbacks. Connect with The Chicago Fix: Follow Dr. Sargon Benjamin Odisho: Follow Adam Pummer: Connect with Ozinga: --- Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company, leading the industry in ready mix concrete, energy and logistic solutions. From small town driveways to stadiums and skyscrapers, our purpose is to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and our community for generations. Each episode of Chasing Zero explores the real stories, strategies and innovations that drive us toward one powerful goal: Zero incidents and zero injuries.
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Ready Mix Round Table, Part 1
03/24/2026
Ready Mix Round Table, Part 1
In the first half of a two-part discussion, Ozinga co-workers Mick Jansey (ready mix driver), Caleb Callaway (safety trainer) and Bill Cheeks (safety manager) speak with Ozinga Health & Safety VP Adam Pummer about creating stability in an unstable environment, with a day-to-day schedule that’s constantly changing. With 65+ years combined industry experience between them as drivers, they’ll also educate us on what new hires should expect in their line of work, and how attitude, work ethic and a safety-focused mindset lead to success. Full video of this conversation can be found at , with the second half airing soon. Follow Adam Pummer: Connect with Ozinga: --- Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company, leading the industry in ready mix concrete, energy and logistic solutions. From small town driveways to stadiums and skyscrapers, our purpose is to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and our community for generations. Each episode of Chasing Zero explores the real stories, strategies and innovations that drive us toward one powerful goal: Zero incidents and zero injuries.
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How Caterpillar is Paving Stronger Safety Cultures
03/10/2026
How Caterpillar is Paving Stronger Safety Cultures
As the world’s leading manufacturer of construction equipment, Caterpillar knows a thing or two about safety, which led to the eventual creation of Caterpillar Safety Services, helping companies — especially those in heavy industry — reduce serious injuries and fatalities through intentional, top-to-bottom cooperation amongst departments. Shae Birkey, the company’s Safety Culture and Leadership Advisor, accomplishes this through educating supervisors on positive accountability practices, and supporting leaders in being visibly committed to improving their safety culture overall. Today, in conversation with Ozinga Health & Safety VP Adam Pummer, Shae explains how to embed accountability for safety at every level — from the job site to the C-suite. Follow Adam Pummer: Follow Shae Birkey: More info on Caterpillar Safety Service: Connect with Ozinga: --- Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company, leading the industry in ready mix concrete, energy and logistic solutions. From small town driveways to stadiums and skyscrapers, our purpose is to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and our community for generations. Each episode of Chasing Zero explores the real stories, strategies and innovations that drive us toward one powerful goal: Zero incidents and zero injuries.
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Why BIOKINETIX Urges “Prehab, Not Rehab” for Industrial Athletes
02/24/2026
Why BIOKINETIX Urges “Prehab, Not Rehab” for Industrial Athletes
Since 2004, BIOKINETIX has been using their expertise in kinesiology, sports medicine and occupational health to develop preventative programs and create better work environments for risk-prone industries like manufacturing, utilities and construction. Joined today by Ozinga Health & Safety VP Adam Pummer, BIOKINETIX founder and president Jon Kabance and prevention project manager Farence Rogers break down their process, and the results they’ve seen for Ozinga’s “industrial athletes.” Follow Adam Pummer: Follow Jon Kabance, RKT: Follow Farence Rogers, CPT: Connect with BIOKINETIX: Connect with Ozinga: -- Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company, leading the industry in ready mix concrete, energy and logistic solutions. From small town driveways to stadiums and skyscrapers, our purpose is to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and our community for generations.
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Injuries That Echo: Life After 12,500 Volts
02/10/2026
Injuries That Echo: Life After 12,500 Volts
In 1992, working as an industrial electrician, Gary Norland came in contact with a live power line, sending 12,000+ volts through him instantly. Sustaining electrical burns over more than a third of his body, and undergoing 60+ surgeries, Gary now tours the country presenting safety workshops and inspiring a new generation of tradespeople to always be aware of what cutting corners can cost. Gary’s wife Jeanne also joins him for these speaking engagements, detailing the ripple effects that an accident can have on one’s family, their co-workers and their community. After their recent presentation at last month’s Ozinga Safety Summit, we thought it important to bring Gary and Jeanne into our studios for an in-depth discussion with Ozinga Health & Safety VP Adam Pummer on safety culture, and their journey through this life-altering experience. Full video on YouTube: Follow Adam Pummer: Connect with Gary Norland: Connect with Ozinga: -- Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company, leading the industry in ready mix concrete, energy and logistic solutions. From small town driveways to stadiums and skyscrapers, our purpose is to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and our community for generations.
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The Realities of Railroad Safety with James Kornas
01/20/2026
The Realities of Railroad Safety with James Kornas
Thanks both to improvements in technology and sustained, intentional safety protocols, the railroad industry has lowered employee fatalities by 94% in the last four decades. But, what had to happen for these changes come to fruition? In conversation this week with Ozinga Health & Safety VP Adam Pummer, James Kornas — Executive VP of Ozinga Rail — walks us through the lingo and logistics of railroad safety, and the evolution of a nearly-200 year industry. Full video on YouTube: Follow James Kornas: Follow Adam Pummer: Connect with Ozinga: -- Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company, leading the industry in ready mix concrete, energy and logistic solutions. From small town driveways to stadiums and skyscrapers, our purpose is to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and our community for generations.
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Monday Morning Quarterbacks, Making the Call
12/09/2025
Monday Morning Quarterbacks, Making the Call
Ozinga’s Monday morning safety call — attended by hundreds of co-workers, from owners to the frontlines — has led to a nearly 40% reduction in incident claims this year alone. Today, Ozinga Health & Safety VP Adam Pummer -- along with Chad Herst, Executive Vice President of Ozinga Chicago, and Director of Safety and Compliance at Ozinga, Jeff Emrick -- discuss implementing this approach, and how strategies like this can have positive effects, company-wide. Follow Chad Herst: Follow Jeff Emrick: Follow Adam Pummer: Connect with Ozinga: -- Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company, leading the industry in ready mix concrete, energy and logistic solutions. From small town driveways to stadiums and skyscrapers, our purpose is to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and our community for generations.
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How Communication Saves Lives with Jim Sibley
11/18/2025
How Communication Saves Lives with Jim Sibley
Because communication is a vital component to safety, Ozinga comms and public affairs director Jim Sibley and his team are a key part in helping deliver pertinent information to job sites — and the company at large — clearly and concisely. With over 35 years experience in his field, Jim brings to the table a strategic approach to messaging, whether through media relations, crisis management or any type of information that needs to be spread and understood. Today, with Ozinga health and safety VP Adam Pummer, he’ll walk us through some of these approaches and how implementing them has changed, and even saved, lives. Follow Jim Sibley: Follow Adam Pummer: Connect with Ozinga: -- Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company, leading the industry in ready mix concrete, energy and logistic solutions. From small town driveways to stadiums and skyscrapers, our purpose is to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and our community for generations.
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OSHA’s Here, Now What? with John Newquist
11/04/2025
OSHA’s Here, Now What? with John Newquist
Over 50,000 people trained. That’s the incredible reach of John Newquist, former assistant regional administrator for OSHA. With over 30 years experience as a certified safety professional, he continues to help the industry by offering study guides and daily quizzes online at no cost. These efforts, as we’ll learn today, have literally changed lives — for example, when a student halfway around the world using John’s methods became the first-ever CSP in their home country. Today, John sits down with Ozinga Safety Training Manager Steve Lindley to offer an education on OSHA inspections, handling potential citations and fines, and what drives John’s efforts to help others through his vast knowledge. Full video of this conversation is available at . Follow Steve Lindley: Follow John Newquist: Get daily duizzes from John on YouTube: -- Connect with Ozinga: -- Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation, family-owned American company, leading the industry in ready mix concrete, energy and logistic solutions. From small town driveways to stadiums and skyscrapers, our purpose is to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and our community for generations.
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Training Ozinga's Next Generation of Drivers
10/21/2025
Training Ozinga's Next Generation of Drivers
With a combined 28 years at Ozinga, Barry Luchene and Ritchie Dembinsky lead the charge for Ozinga's driver apprenticeship program. Today, in conversation with Ozinga Health and Safety VP Adam Pummer, they'll share what it takes to break down silos through this structured, intentional approach, while providing leadership opportunities, as well as camaraderie and relationship-building, for the next generation of drivers. Full video of this episode can be viewed at . Follow Adam Pummer: Connect with Ozinga:
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Safety Pathways: From Compliance to Culture with NRMCA
10/07/2025
Safety Pathways: From Compliance to Culture with NRMCA
Even if you're not in the construction world, safety in your line of work should be of key importance to your employer for a variety of reasons. Operations and Compliance EVP Kevin Walgenbach of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association joins Ozinga Health & Safety VP Adam Pummer this week to delve into ten worthwhile safety pathways, derived from NRMCA's Think First initiative. They'll discuss why each of these pathways can affect your business’ culture and bottom line, and how they can apply to all careers, not just within construction. Full video of this conversation can be found at . -- Follow Adam Pummer: Follow Kevin Walgenbach: More on NRMCA: -- Connect with Ozinga:
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Construction's Mental Health Crisis
09/23/2025
Construction's Mental Health Crisis
On our debut episode, Ozinga Health & Safety VP Adam Pummer and Safety Trainer Steve Lindley are joined by Teri McKean, Director of Crisis and Support Operations at NAMI Chicago. Founded in 1979, the National Alliance on Mental Illness is dedicated to providing mutual support, education and advocacy for those affected by mental illness, as well as their friends and families. With suicides in the construction industry at a tragically record high, Adam and Steve discuss these statistics with Teri in an effort to reduce stigmas and offer insight as to what Ozinga is doing to assist our drivers and fellow coworkers. You'll also learn more about the various ways NAMNI offers help, and hear Steve's own mental health journey. Find full video of this conversation at . -- Follow Adam Pummer: Follow Steve Lindley: Follow Teri McKean: More on NAMI Chicago: Dial or text 988 if you or someone you know needs mental health assistance. -- Connect with Ozinga:
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