NSSGA Podcast

News, updates, and much more from the National, Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA).

Thinking About Families Following Catastrophic Injuries with Bill Duguay 05/02/2024

Thinking About Families Following Catastrophic Injuries with Bill Duguay Bill Duguay brings his vast amount of industry experience back to the podcast today to discuss the importance of workplace safety, accident prevention, and the implementation of stringent safety protocols. Bill, who now advises leadership teams on running safety-oriented businesses, shares a personal and poignant story about a lockout/tagout procedure gone wrong, an incident that nearly cost his father his life, and that had a profound impact upon his family. Throughout the episode, he stresses the human element of workplace safety, advocating that the protection of workers extends beyond mere compliance with regulations—it is a fundamental duty of every employer. Bill’s powerful message here today underscores the necessity of constant vigilance to ensure the safety of all employees, ensuring they return home safely each day. Episode Highlights: Bill Duguay's extensive background in construction and road-building and his current role in enhancing business leadership and safety A detailed recount of a lockout/tagout incident involving Bill's father The evolution of safety measures over the years and the importance of modern safety equipment and procedures The emotional and long-term impacts of workplace accidents on victims and their families Strategies for improving workplace safety culture The role of personal stories in reinforcing the importance of safety and humanizing the implications of neglect The systemic changes needed to prevent similar incidents and the overarching responsibility of employers to safeguard their workers Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Bill talks about a lockout/tagout incident that happened years ago. How have you seen lockout/tagout safety practices change over the years? Bill said that his family didn’t receive emotional support from former coworkers following his father’s accident. Why do you think this is, and do you think it would be different today? Bill wants people to remember the human element following a catastrophic injury. How do you think we can learn from the accident while still remembering that real people were involved? Quotes: "It's so easy, as an employer, as an employee, when somebody is critically hurt, to lose track of what the impact on the family is from a catastrophic injury." "We work so hard on creating safe workspaces and having systems and processes and training.” "My message here is, when somebody suffers a catastrophic injury at work, it's so easy to forget that person, and we can't." "Every day, I thank the people who were there to help him, to get him out of that manhole, to restart his heart, the clinicians, the physicians, everybody involved in his journey." "It could be any one of us today, and our families impact the work that's required of us as employers to make sure we have identified and mitigated and eliminated hazards in our workplace." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/31082688

Do as I Say and Do with Aaron Witt 04/04/2024

Do as I Say and Do with Aaron Witt In a key Safety Shorts episode, Aaron Witt, CEO of Build Witt, shares crucial safety insights from his early construction days. Starting at 18 with no prior experience, Witt learned the hard way that following experienced workers without question doesn't guarantee safety. His narrative highlights the danger of neglecting safety protocols, especially around trenches, and the life-saving importance of adhering to guidelines. The discussion emphasizes the need for questioning, the courage to challenge unsafe practices, and the shared responsibility in promoting a safe work environment. Witt's story underscores that vigilance and speaking up are essential for accident prevention and worker safety. Advocating for a proactive safety stance, today’s episode transcends storytelling, advocating for a culture of safety that bridges generational gaps in the construction industry. Episode Highlights: Aaron Witt's transition into the construction industry at 18, bringing fresh eyes to the traditional practices of a pipe crew The inherent dangers of working in trenches and Aaron's initial oversight of safety protocols, influenced by the actions of more experienced coworkers A critical safety lesson learned: the importance of questioning and verifying the actions of others, especially in the context of construction safety The pivotal role of experienced workers in setting a standard for safety, emphasizing "do as I do," rather than "do as I say." The significance of speaking up when safety practices are in doubt, advocating for a culture of vigilance and responsibility in preventing accidents Aaron's perspective on the importance of leading by example and the responsibility veterans have in teaching the next generation the correct safety measures Libby Pritchard's reflection on the universal applicability of the episode's lesson, urging listeners to stay safe and proactive in their safety practices Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Aaron talks about doing what he saw others do when he was new on the job site. Does anyone have a story about a similar experience they would like to share? Aaron says his boss gave him the sternest talking-to of the crew. Why do you think he did this? We often talk about how we train the next generation. How do you think we can best convey important safety lessons to people without industry experience? Quotes: "Just because someone is doing something does not make it correct or safe." "Lead by example. It's not just a 'do as I say, not as I do' situation." "If you have that little voice in the back of your head questioning safety, speak up." "I needed to double-check what other people were doing to make sure I don't get myself into trouble." "You never know what kind of accident you could be preventing by speaking up." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/30669748

Total Worker Health with Josh Ierna 03/07/2024

Total Worker Health with Josh Ierna Josh Ierna, Safety Manager at Tilcon Connecticut, joins Libby today to delve into the transformative journey of Total Worker Health and its profound impact on organizational wellbeing. Josh highlights the evolution of Total Worker Health, addressing multifaceted issues such as mental wellness, opioid overdose prevention, and suicide awareness, through proactive engagement with employees, fostering a culture of support and empowerment. Throughout the discussion, Josh elaborates on Tilcon Connecticut's journey, from raising awareness through dedicated training sessions to implementing innovative programs like onsite athletic training, demonstrating a commitment to prioritizing employee health and safety. Their collaborative approach emphasizes engagement and empowerment, tailored solutions, and continuous improvement, ensuring meaningful impact and paving the way for a brighter future of employee wellbeing and organizational success. Episode Highlights: Tilcon Connecticut's path towards embracing holistic well-being beyond traditional safety measures with Total Worker Health Engaging employees in dialogue and empowering them to contribute to well-being initiatives Evolution of initiatives from awareness campaigns to practical programs like onsite athletic training Recognizing diverse workforce needs, and emphasizing personalized solutions and proactive support Fostering a culture of shared responsibility through collaboration between management, employees, and external partners Commitment to ongoing refinement through feedback solicitation The impact of initiatives The future of employee well-being Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Josh comes on the podcast to talk about his company’s total worker health journey. What do you think about health programs like this that include wellness? To get started on their total worker health journey, Josh’s company got buy-in from employees at all levels. Why do you think this kind of engagement is important? Total worker health is a program that varies from company to company. Where can we improve or make changes to our company’s health programs? Quotes: "We need to constantly engage with our employees... It's where we found the biggest value." "Taking safety, psychological safety, mental wellness, putting it all together into a program under total worker health's guidance benefits both the employee and us." "Engagement is the key... Talk to your people, ask them what's important." "Total Worker Health is about taking care of our workforce, both at work and at home." "By prioritizing employee well-being, we ultimately drive positive outcomes for the company as a whole." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/twh/default.html https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oep/twhcenters.html /episode/index/show/nssga/id/30263958

Why We Do Training with DJ Schmutz 02/01/2024

Why We Do Training with DJ Schmutz This week, Libby reunites with DJ Schmutz, Director of Operations with MSHA Safety Services, as he delivers a compelling narrative that transcends workplace boundaries to underscore the real-world significance of safety training. DJ's harrowing personal experience from a year and a half ago vividly illustrates the importance of being prepared for emergencies, as his son's seizure becomes a poignant reminder that safety skills can be a lifeline in unexpected situations. As you will hear, this episode not only emphasizes the critical need for maintaining composure and relying on training in high-pressure, adrenaline-fueled moments, but also stresses the value of regular practice to ensure readiness during crises both within the workplace and beyond. Episode Highlights: DJ recounts a family trip when his son experienced a sudden seizure in a remote area, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for emergencies wherever you are He reflects on his CPR and first aid training, acknowledging the hope never to use it but highlighting its life-saving potential DJ describes the intense moments when he had to administer CPR to his son, illustrating the significance of staying calm and following training protocols His story underscores the critical nature of checking for vital signs, initiating chest compressions, and maintaining focus during a crisis The episode stresses the need for ongoing practice of safety skills, as DJ's preparedness ultimately played a pivotal role in his son's recovery DJ's experience serves as a powerful reminder that safety training can be invaluable for family and friends, reinforcing its relevance outside of the workplace. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, DJ talks about needing to use his CPR/first aid training on a family member. Does this make you think about CPR/first aid training drills differently? DJ talks about needing to take a second to slow down and focus on his training. What can this tell us about how to react in a high-pressure situation? Does anyone have a story about a time when they needed to use their CPR/first aid training? Quotes: "It really highlights the importance of why we get safety training integrated. I've been CPR First Aid trained for about 15 years, and honestly, hope to never, ever have to do CPR on somebody." "Once you get into an emergency situation, your adrenaline is going, things are different. You need to be able to call on that training." "You don't know when you're going to need it. And who do you spend the bulk of your time with? You spend it with family and friends and outside of work. And that's really where a lot of that benefit can come in." "Everyone out there, keep practicing your CPR. You really never know when you might need it." "I'm so grateful that your son is okay and you had that training and it really kicked in." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website MSHA Safety Services /episode/index/show/nssga/id/29740483

Critical Incident Response with Cal Beyer 01/11/2024

Critical Incident Response with Cal Beyer Welcome to another impactful episode of Safety Shorts with your host, Libby Pritchard. In this episode, Libby welcomes back a special guest, Cal Beyer, Vice President of Risk, Safety, and Mental Well-Being at ethOs, who brings with him his extensive experience and knowledge in addressing mental health and critical incident response in the workplace. Today, he shares a pivotal moment when he realized the importance of psychological first aid and critical incident response, while also offering practical strategies that can transform the way organizations support their employees through challenging times. Episode Highlights: Prioritizing mental health for those responding to workplace trauma Acknowledging vulnerability and reshaping workplace culture for well-being Destigmatizing mental health discussions Vital self-care practices: hydration, nutrition, sleep, and socialization Industry-wide adoption of critical incident response protocols Simple strategies for integrating mental well-being into crisis plans Empowering employees to overcome workplace stress challenges Fostering resilience in the workplace Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Cal talks about how support has changed for those who respond to critical incidents. Have you noticed this change over the years? How? Stress and trauma have physiological impacts on the body. What can we do to support and check in with team members who have responded to a critical incident? Does anyone have a story about a time when they responded to a critical incident or saw how responding to a critical incident impacted someone else? Quotes: "I've always called those the unthinkable moments." "We could normalize the conversation by teaching how the body and the mind respond to traumatic events." "The goal of critical incident response is to let workers know that help is available." "We're not babying you; we're humaning you." "Getting these steps more normalized as part of our workplaces can really help change the culture." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/29434478

Have a Plan, Get Home Safe with Bill Duguay 12/19/2023

Have a Plan, Get Home Safe with Bill Duguay With the holidays right around the corner, Libby brings us this special installment of Safety Shorts that is both timely and timeless. Today, the spotlight is on Bill Duguay, an industry veteran with an impressive 40+ years of experience in constructing roads and bridges across the nation. Beyond his career in construction, Bill now collaborates closely with leadership teams, aiding them in the pursuit of business excellence. The central theme of this episode revolves around a powerful safety narrative, as Bill shares a personal account that serves as an unwavering reminder of the grave dangers associated with drinking and driving during the holiday season and beyond. In a world where safety and responsibility are paramount, this episode serves as an imperative reminder of our individual and collective roles in ensuring safety on the roads. Episode Highlights: Bill recounts a tragic incident from his early career, where two coworkers lost their lives in a drinking and driving accident just days before Christmas With the holiday season approaching, Bill emphasizes the importance of planning for safe transportation after festive gatherings Bill urges us all to engage in open conversations about safety, both in the workplace and among loved ones Beyond drinking and driving, Bill emphasizes the need to address all forms of impaired and distracted driving Prevention is always preferable to dealing with the aftermath of poor decisions The importance of checking in with coworkers, friends, and family to ensure they have a safe plan for getting home after consuming alcohol The holiday season should be a time of joy, gratitude, and family bonding, not marred by avoidable accidents - by making safe choices, we can ensure happier memories for all Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Bill talks about an impaired driving accident that killed two coworkers over the holidays. Why do you think it is important to be especially vigilant around impaired driving during the holiday season? How can we apply the message of “Get home safe” to our personal lives? Does anyone have a personal story about impaired driving? Quotes: “They were fathers, they were husbands, they were coworkers, and they were friends. And sitting there sharing their pain, sharing their grief, knowing that their children were going to grow up without their fathers…it's just horrible that a season of joy turned into a season of misery for their families.” "I can't imagine the pain the family went through.”" "Find the courage. Find the time. Spread the message. Have a plan to get home safe and sound." "My ask is that as we come into the holiday season, a season of joy and giving and gratefulness that we find time to talk about having a plan to get ourselves home safe and sound to our families and loved ones." "Be brave and have hard conversations. Check in with your coworkers, your loved ones, your family, your friends." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/29138793

The Importance of Fall Protection by Jennifer Miles 12/07/2023

The Importance of Fall Protection by Jennifer Miles In another compelling episode of Safety Shorts, host Libby Pritchard introduces a special guest, Jennifer Miles, a seasoned safety professional with 16 years of expertise currently affiliated with Sales Solutions. Jennifer's passion for safety and her dedication to saving lives serve as a true source of inspiration. In this episode, the focus delves deeply into the critical topic of fall protection when working at heights, a subject that has witnessed a concerning increase in fatalities within the industry this year. Join Libby and Jennifer in this enlightening episode to help make a positive change in the mining industry and ensure that every miner returns home safely. Episode Highlights: The alarming statistics behind fall-related fatalities in the US The importance of having a comprehensive fall protection plan Best practices for reducing fall hazards in mining operations The significance of proper training and equipment usage The role of secure anchor points in fall prevention The benefits of mobile platforms and scaffolding The critical need for annual fall protection training Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Jennifer Miles talks about how slips, trips and falls are the leading cause of injuries and fatalities. What is one thing that we can do on a day-to-day basis to protect ourselves and our coworkers? Why do you think that many people believe that fall fatalities only happen at extreme heights? Does anyone have a story about a time where they were working at heights? Quotes: "Most people think that a fatality from a fall has to be from an extreme height to cause a death. That's not the case." "The mining industry is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world." "By providing them with the proper protection and training regarding slips, trips, and falls, we can help save these lives." "This can be a very dangerous industry. But we do have the controls to prevent these types of accidents and injuries." "Working at heights is something that we face often in this industry, and there's actions that we can take." "It is so important to reflect on those, to remember them, to take what we can from those." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/28966608

Epilepsy Awareness with Jason Epstein 11/02/2023

Epilepsy Awareness with Jason Epstein Welcome back to another impactful episode of Safety Shorts, where Libby welcomes Jason Epstein, NSSGA's Director of Membership, to delve into the significance of Epilepsy Awareness Month and explore Jason's own personal journey living with epilepsy. In this engaging conversation, they discuss the importance of dispelling myths about epilepsy, offer practical tips for assisting someone having a seizure, and highlight the broader impact of raising awareness about this neurological condition. As you listen in today, you are encouraged to remember that your knowledge can make a difference in someone's life, so stay informed, stay safe, and help raise awareness during Epilepsy Awareness Month. Episode Highlights: The significance of Epilepsy Awareness Month and its impact on millions of lives Jason's personal journey with epilepsy and his dedication to raising awareness Practical steps for assisting someone having a seizure Dispelling common myths about epilepsy The story behind the creation of the Epilepsy Alliance for Young Adults The importance of spreading knowledge about epilepsy for a safer world Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Jason shares some things everyone can know about epilepsy as well as some common myths about the disorder. Have you ever heard any of these myths? After listening to this episode, do you feel like you have the information necessary to assist someone experiencing a seizure? Does anyone have a story about a time where they witnessed a seizure? Quotes: "I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was eight years old. I was bullied by other students, treated differently by school administrators and teachers. I felt compelled to educate others so kids today wouldn't go through what I did." "Everyone has a safety story; you don't have to be a safety health professional to have a safety story." "You never know when someone will have a seizure, and it's good to know what to do. The more people know, the safer we all are." "Dispelling myths about people swallowing their tongue or putting something between their teeth is crucial." "You took it into your hands to do something you are passionate about, to help other people, and make the world a safer place." "From 2010 until this year, I founded and ran the Epilepsy Alliance for Young Adults, a local support group in the DC area that held small local events for those with the disorder and promoted epilepsy education." "Never put anything in their mouth and never hold them down. Time the seizure and remain calm. Stay with this person until their seizure has ended and they've regained consciousness." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/28491602

Who is Responsible for Your Safety? 10/05/2023

Who is Responsible for Your Safety? In yet another compelling episode of Safety Shorts, Libby welcomes DJ Schmutz, an advocate from MSHA Safety Services, to highlight the paramount importance of fostering a strong workplace safety culture and encourage individuals to assert their Stop Work Authority in hazardous situations. DJ's gripping personal story vividly illustrates the human inclination to yield to external pressures, emphasizing that safety ultimately rests in one's own hands. This episode underscores the significance of personal responsibility in safety, the role of leadership in shaping a safety-oriented environment, and the fact that safety is not just a job - it's a mindset and a commitment. Join Libby and DJ on this enlightening journey, and remember, your safety journey begins with you. Episode Highlights: Cultivating a robust workplace safety culture Asserting one's Stop Work Authority in unsafe situations Taking personal responsibility for safety. Sharing personal safety narratives Self-reflection and learning from past mistakes The role of leadership in promoting a culture of safety The need for continuous education and advocacy in the realm of occupational safety Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, DJ shares a story where he was asked to do something he felt uncomfortable doing and the results. How do you think he could have avoided this situation? How do you feel our company culture honors and supports worker’s Stop Work Authority? Do you feel like you have the skills and the support to use Stop Work Authority? Does anyone have a story about a time where you advocated for yourself and your safety? Quotes: "At the end of the day, the safety person is the one looking back at you from the mirror." "It's hard sometimes to use our Stop Work Authority, but being in a culture and a position to be able to say that if I feel unsafe, I'm not going to do something, I think is what we're all really striving for." "We have to be responsible, take ownership for our safety." "Safety is not just a job; it's a mindset, a responsibility, and a commitment to protecting oneself and others." "Owning a mistake and sharing our stories can be powerful tools for creating a culture of safety." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/28230431

Workplace Accident and Lessons Learned with Travis Wilson 09/07/2023

Workplace Accident and Lessons Learned with Travis Wilson Travis Wilson, a former member of the 82nd Airborne, joins Libby on the podcast this week. As an army veteran with extensive experience in safety and health, Travis brings his wealth of knowledge in hazardous waste management, chemical safety, and industrial hygiene to share a cautionary tale that highlights the importance of safety basics and staying vigilant in the face of potential hazards. As you will, Travis’ story serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of adhering to safety protocols, maintaining effective communication, and understanding the importance of emergency equipment. Episode Highlights: Travis's story demonstrating the need to slow down and always wear PPE The importance of PPE and its application even when not directly involved The role of communication in preventing accidents Being vigilant about emergency equipment locations The pitfalls of rushing through tasks Lessons from military training: "slow is smooth, and smooth is fast" The necessity of preventive maintenance for emergency systems Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Travis shares a story that highlights several important safety basics. How do you think different safety issues layer onto each other to create more complex situations? Take the time to reflect on emergency management systems near you. How can we better our knowledge of where they are and ensure that we know how to use them if necessary? Does anyone have a story to share about a lesson learned about communication and taking the time to work safely? Quotes: "I learned to always wear my PPE, regardless of whether I was the one that was working or not, if I was near any sort of chemical that was being touched. “I also learned to always be aware of where an eyewash station was or any sort of emergency equipment, so that if we had another situation like that where I had to get someone to an eyewash station or a safety shower, I could do it quickly.” “We learned that in these types of situations, to slow down. This all really happened because he felt anxious and he felt like we had to get to the next job. In the army, we have a saying - ‘slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.’” "You can't rush the job. Communicate and prioritize safety." "Making sure that you're doing maintenance on those emergency management systems and ensuring that everything's going to work properly in an emergency situation." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/27959652

Developing a Workplace Peers Program with Kyle Zimmer 08/03/2023

Developing a Workplace Peers Program with Kyle Zimmer In this latest episode, Libby is joined by Kyle Zimmer, Health and Safety Director with the Operating Engineers at Local 478, who has been passionately working towards improving worker well-being, mental health, and addressing substance abuse issues for over 15 years. Today, Kyle shares his journey of developing a peer program for both construction and general industry to tackle addiction, suicide prevention, and mental health challenges. His conversation with Libby highlights the cultural changes in the industry over the years and the importance of workplace peers who care, show compassion, and provide support to their colleagues. They also discuss the impact of the opioid crisis and how it brought awareness to the need for assistance programs and resources. Emphasizing the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health, Kyle is here today to encourage more peers on the job site to provide support and recommend further care when needed. Episode Highlights: Kyle Zimmer shares his 20-year journey with Local 478 Operating Engineers and the focus on worker well-being, mental health, and substance abuse issues Cultural changes in the construction and general industry over the years and how they addressed the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) The emergence of lifestyle issues, such as addiction, suicide prevention, and mental health, and the industry's response to tackle these challenges The role of workplace peers in supporting colleagues, recognizing struggles, and providing help and resources The three C's and the three R's that define a workplace peer's approach to providing support and care to those in need The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and the importance of continuing to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues The accessibility of being a workplace peer and the significance of staying with the person, having conversations, and recommending resources for further care Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Kyle talks about some of the changes in workplace culture he has seen over his career. Have you noticed any of the cultural shifts he spoke about, or any others? Kyle describes what it means to be a workplace peer. Does anyone have a story about a time where they were supported by their peers, or they gave support to others? How do you think a formal workplace peer program would work at our site? Would you be interested in participating, why or why not? Quotes: "The biggest cultural change I was involved in was in the late 70s, early 80s, when we went to shore up the wearing of PPE... That was probably the biggest thing that started changes in both construction and general industry." "The opioid crisis surely played a big part in people reaching out for help... things started happening. People were reaching out for help, both on the labor side and the management side. We realized we had a problem. We couldn't continue this way." "The best way to address this is through workplace peers, people that care about other people." "Being a peer is not rocket science. It's caring, compassion, and concern. And we all have that in us." "Encourage people to be peers, be there for their coworkers and friends, and then help them take that next step in making recommendations for further care." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/27625749

Skin Cancers and Sun Protection with Dr. Lynne Morrison 07/06/2023

Skin Cancers and Sun Protection with Dr. Lynne Morrison Welcome to another episode of Safety Shorts, in which Libby is joined by Dr. Lynne Morrison, a renowned medical dermatologist with over 30 years of experience. Today’s focus is on the importance of skincare, particularly in preventing skin cancer as Dr. Morrison shares valuable insights into recognizing it early, as well as the risks associated with sun exposure. She also highlights the significance of practicing sun protection, sharing the story of a remarkable patient who exemplifies the effectiveness of best practices in this area. For everyone who works outdoors, and, really for anyone who wants to maintain healthy skin, today’s episode provides essential information and practical tips you simply can’t afford to miss. Episode Highlights: Dr. Morrison emphasizes the need for regular skin examinations and awareness of changing moles or new spots that persist The case study of a patient with an inherited disease underscores the power of sun protection in preventing skin cancer Practical tips are provided for reducing sun exposure, such as avoiding midday sun and utilizing sunscreen and protective clothing The episode addresses the challenges faced by workers who are exposed to the sun during peak hours and the importance of implementing proper sun protection measures Dr. Morrison's expertise and personal experiences shed light on the significance of skincare and the positive impact of practicing sun protection Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Dr. Morrison talks about the importance of catching skin cancers early. How can we relate catching health risks early to the rest of our safety practices? We can’t always avoid midday sun, but how can we add sunscreen and sun protective clothing into our regular routines? Does anyone have an experience with skin cancers that they’d like to share? Quotes: "Skin cancers usually occur in middle-aged to older individuals on sun-exposed areas of their skin." "Catching melanoma early is really important. If it's diagnosed and treated when it's early, it is entirely curable." "The main thing we can do to prevent skin cancer is to reduce the amount of sun we get." "Sun protection actually works. She is an amazing example of living with a challenging disease and she does show us that sun protection actually works." "Practicing good skin protection, including wearing sunscreen and the right PPE, will really help, especially for workers exposed to the sun during peak hours." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/27322743

Safety as Unusual with Cal Beyer 06/01/2023

Safety as Unusual with Cal Beyer Welcome to a special episode of Safety Shorts where Libby is joined by Cal Beyer, Vice President of Workforce Risk and Worker Wellbeing at Holmes Murphy and Associates. The focus today is squarely on the crucial topics of mental health and reframing safety, as Cal shares valuable insights and thought-provoking perspectives gleaned over his extensive 30+ years of experience in workplace mental health. Together, he and Libby explore the importance of integrating mental health into safety practices and creating a culture of care in the workplace. Episode Highlights: Celebrate and recognize the significance of health and safety throughout the entire year, not just during National Safety Month Embrace a fresh approach to safety by breaking away from traditional norms and emphasizing mental health as an integral aspect Understand the historical separation between occupational safety and health, and the importance of bridging the gap for overall well-being. Explore the impact of workplace mental health and the significance of addressing mental health issues to promote a caring culture Discover how education and awareness play a vital role in achieving voluntary compliance and preventing occupational injuries Recognize the necessity of reframing safety practices to include mental health and suicide prevention, creating a holistic approach to well-being Understand the importance of involving families in safety initiatives to foster a comprehensive understanding of the significance of safety in all aspects of life Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Cal discusses reframing safety to involve not just getting people home safely but getting them back to work safely the next day. What do you think of this mindset? What safety elements can you use at home? Does anyone have a story about rethinking and reframing safety? Quotes: "What I learned over time, the way to win the hearts of employees, to win their minds, was to talk about safety as unusual." "It was time to change and reframe safety 24/7 culture... We could offer workers hope, help, and recovery not only for themselves, their peers, but their families." "There's always been this stigma around it, but we're, I think, finally making some strides into breaking into that space, normalizing it more." "The importance of bringing in the family and the importance of bringing safety into the home... you're starting to get into people's minds of, 'Oh, this is really important for my overall life.'" Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/26980452

The Importance of First Aid, CPR and AED Training with Steve Benton 05/04/2023

The Importance of First Aid, CPR and AED Training with Steve Benton Welcome to the latest episode of Safety Shorts, where the special guest today is Steve Benton, the Corporate Director of Safety with Peckham Industries, who has 25 plus years of experience in construction materials and both operations and safety. Today, he shares the story of a recent life-saving event involving one of their owner-operator truck drivers, which highlights the importance of investing in training and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices. Steve concludes by also examining the mental health aspects of traumatic events and the need for debriefing and support for employees. Episode Highlights: Peckham Industries invests in first aid, CPR, and AED training for their employees well beyond compliance standards One of their truck drivers was saved from a heart-related emergency due to the quick response of their employees and the use of an AED device AED devices are affordable and easy to use, resulting in an 83% increase in survival rate Investing in first aid, CPR, and AED training and devices is crucial for workplaces to save lives. Mental health support and debriefing are essential for employees involved in traumatic events. The stigma around mental health needs to be removed, and support should be offered to employees Making training situations as realistic as possible helps employees better execute in stressful situations Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Steve describes what happened when a colleague suffered a cardiac event while on-site. How do you feel about our current first aid training? Is there more we can train for? Reflect on Steve’s statement that “It’s important that you train regularly, making the situation as realistic as possible.” Does anyone have a story about advanced first aid training? Quotes: "When someone suffers from cardiac arrest, typically there is only a 7% survival rate. However, when an AED is used within the first minute, the survival rate increases to 90%." "We encourage everyone listening to make first aid, CPR and AED training a priority and to invest in having several AED units at your facilities." "Mental health seems to be a trending topic lately. However, in reality, we're still probably not doing enough to offer support and take away the stigmas." "These events are obviously stressful, and the better prepared you are, the better you will execute." "It's important that you train regularly, making the situation as realistic as possible." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/26708604

The Positive Interaction Process with Justin Ganschow 04/06/2023

The Positive Interaction Process with Justin Ganschow Justin Ganschow, Business Development Manager for Caterpillar Safety Services, is back on the podcast again today. In case you missed his first appearance, Justin has been in the industry for almost 20 years and has a formidable wealth of stories and presentations to offer. Today, he shares a story that is all about accountability and catching the things that people are doing right rather than focusing on compliance or the things maybe they’re doing wrong. Episode Highlights: Justin got his start in the safety profession working in Environmental Compliance with Caterpillar As part of his duties, he was required to complete monthly behavioral observation forms about the welders in the facility He didn’t like the process and neither did the employees At the time, his facility was embarking on a safety culture transformation process which involved the formation of cross functional employee teams This behavioral observation process was the aspect identified by the employees in these teams as the first thing they wanted to change As a result, they worked together in the team to create the Positive Interaction Process which would instead begin by highlighting the positive actions of all employees By starting with what people were doing, they could have a more coaching focused conversation afterwards if something needed improvement This process started to change everything because when they started by talking about what's right, it puts people in a positive frame of mind, and there's a cascade of hormones that are released (dopamine) that puts people in a state where they can receive feedback This resulted in staff becoming more resilient, more creative, and more cooperative Now when Justin does his audits and inspections every month it has started to get really hard to find anything wrong - staff have for the most part stopped doing the negative behaviors Consequently, his facility has gone from the fourth worst performing manufacturing plant in all of Caterpillar to number one with zero recordable injuries for almost three full years The lesson we can take from this is: don't underestimate the power of positive recognition Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Justin describes a shift in the company’s safety mindset to catching the things people are doing right. Would this mindset appeal to you? Why or why not? Reflect on Justin’s statement that “Most of the time, we’re doing things right.” Does anyone have a story about receiving feedback that started with what you were doing right? Quotes: “I didn't grow up in the safety profession. I didn't go to school to become a safety professional. But now there's nothing else I would rather be doing. There's nothing I can imagine myself doing, actually.” “I checked a bunch of boxes, I go back to my office, I put the forms on my boss's desk, and that was the last time I ever heard about it until the next month when I hadn't completed it yet.” “I didn't like this process, it felt very confrontational.” “The old behavioral observation process had good intentions, but it was viewed very negatively by the employees, and they said, ‘That's the first thing we want to change.’” “The way it worked was when somebody saw somebody doing something else out on the shop floor, they would always start with something they were doing correctly, because there's always an opportunity to notice something that is right. Most of the time we're doing things right.” “It became harder and harder to find anything wrong, and it was just the start of our cultural transformation.” “When we turn the lens and really look for the positives, we get so much bang for our buck in looking for the good that is being done with our people.” Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/26459592

Supporting Trucker Safety and Success with Scott Levine 03/02/2023

Supporting Trucker Safety and Success with Scott Levine In this episode of Safety Shorts, Libby is joined by Scott Levine, a product manager at Materially, who has five years of project management experience for a large general contractor under his belt. Today, Scott shares the story of an unfortunate incident which highlights the importance of having the right tools for everyone to be safe and successful on the job. Episode Highlights: Scott’s story about an incident on a construction site involving a trucker who entered through the exit gate and was hit by a loader Truckers are often overlooked in the construction industry, and their jobs are not made easier or safer in the same way that other skilled laborers' jobs are Technology solutions, like those available in other industries, can be used in construction to make truckers' jobs easier and safer At Materially, the team is building a software platform that increases connectivity and efficiency in the bulk materials supply chain. The app allows buyers to set an exact pin for the drop-off point and provide delivery instructions, which the trucker can see in their app to ensure they deliver correctly Scott argues that if other skilled laborers are given support and access to tools to do their job correctly, then truckers should be supported in the same way . Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Scott describes a truck driver entering a site through an exit only gate (an example of a fairly common issue of truckers not having enough information about the site). How can we make sure truckers, contractors and other site visitors have all the information they need? How does this story encourage us to think about problem solving? Does anyone have a story about noticing a common problem and innovating a solution? Quotes: "What almost always gets overlooked is the hundreds of truckers making deliveries to the site each week. And because we overlook these truckers, we often don't think about how to make their jobs easier or better or safer in the same way we do for an iron worker or an electrician." "This is completely unfair to the truckers and to everyone else on site." "If the plumbing subcontractor, for example, was laying out pipe incorrectly, we would stop and make sure they have the right support. We'd give them access to a planning app like Pro Core or Field Wire. We'd offer training on how to read plans correctly and so on. Truckers should be supported in the same way." "The most frustrating part of all this is that this problem is easily solvable. Just look at the technology solutions available for drivers in other industries." "We're working to solve this problem in construction. Using the app, a buyer can set an exact pin for the drop-off point and provide delivery instructions like, 'Please enter through gate two.' Today, the trucker can see those details in their app to ensure they deliver correctly." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/26101875

Focusing in on Eye Health with Dr. John Morrison 02/02/2023

Focusing in on Eye Health with Dr. John Morrison Today, Libby welcomes Dr. John Morrison to the podcast. In addition to being an ophthalmologist and glaucoma researcher at Oregon Health and Sciences University with over 40 years of experience, Dr. Morrison is also Libby’s father! He joins her here today to discuss the importance of taking care of our eyes in general, and more specifically, to share important information regarding glaucoma. Episode Highlights: Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the world, with approximately 80 million people affected globally. 33 million adults over the age of 40 in the United States have glaucoma and it is four times more prevalent in the African American population. The main cause of glaucoma is increased eye pressure which damages the optic nerve fibers, causing vision loss. Unlike most other causes of blindness, people often don't know they have glaucoma as it is painless, slow-moving, and affects peripheral vision before causing central vision loss. Treatments are available for glaucoma, including drops, surgery, and laser surgery. The story of a patient who had severe vision loss and did not realize it until it was too late. Regular eye exams are important to catch glaucoma early. Peripheral vision is affected before central vision, which is why people may not realize they have glaucoma. Dr. Morrison also shares how he has seen the field of glaucoma research and treatment change over the course of his career. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Dr. Morrison shares information about glaucoma. Have you ever heard of this condition and how it can impact people before they even know they have the condition? How does this story encourage us to take steps to protect our health in the future? Does anyone have a story about a good catch in their own health experience? Quotes: "Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world." "The main cause of glaucoma is increased eye pressure which damages the optic nerve fibers, causing vision loss." "Unlike most other causes of blindness, people often don't know they have glaucoma as it is painless, slow-moving, and affects peripheral vision before causing central vision loss." "It's estimated that half of all glaucoma patients don't know they have it." "We have good treatments that are available. We have drops, surgery, and laser surgery that can all be used to lower the pressure." “When it comes to our eye health and when it comes to glaucoma, even if you don't know and there's nothing going on, we still need to go and get that check up, and it's something that's really important and preventative.” Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/25774458

Being an Intentional Safety Leader with Justin Ganschow 01/12/2023

Being an Intentional Safety Leader with Justin Ganschow Justin Ganschow, Business Development Manager for Caterpillar Safety Services joins Libby for today’s episode. Justin has been in the industry for almost 20 years, and, as a result, has a wealth of stories and presentations to offer. In this episode, he shares a story about the human side of safety and about being an intentional safety leader. Episode Highlights: Several years ago, Justin was working with a company that, after suffering a pretty traumatic injury involving six of their employees, embarked on a safety culture improvement journey with him Part of the journey was developing cross functional teams to build meaningful safety activities that govern how everybody worked in the field, shop, and office Many of the field workers were not excited about taking part in these RJ was one field worker who had grown up in the industry, and who began sharing his ideas about safety, gaining the attention and support of his colleagues and leaders alike. Eventually, RJ decided to go back to school and get a degree in safety because he was now in a culture that supported him and his peers, and really empowered them to make the changes needed to take ownership of safety RJ’s best friend and longtime colleague, Josh, didn’t really support RJ’s decision to do this Years later, though, Justin was pleasantly surprised to see that Josh paid his own way to support RJ as he presented at an executive safety leadership summit in a different city - Josh now saw RJ as his ally and advocate within the company The lesson that Justin feels can be learned from this is that, while safety is often viewed as something that needs to be enforced by ‘safety cops’, it doesn't have to be that way. It can be a lot more effective when we have courageous safety leaders. RJ cared so deeply that he changed his life to have the backs of the men and women that worked around him - a lesson that we can all take to heart Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode Justin shares about RJ who was initially reluctant to participate in the meetings, but later became really involved in safety trainings. How can we reach those who are initially resistant to participate? How can this story encourage us to engage in cross-department safety discussions? Does anyone have a story about how their safety mindset has changed over their career? Quotes: “I've had the distinct privilege of working with a lot of companies and different industries over the years to improve safety, culture and leadership abilities.” “After suffering a pretty traumatic injury that injured six of their employees, this organization embarked on a safety culture improvement journey with us.” “RJ… had seen safety programs come and go in the past, but he decided he would try it. And throughout the week, he kept leaning in and leaning in and speaking up, giving us his ideas about how to develop this new safety process for safety training.” “I saw him come alive and realize that his voice mattered. And his ideas were then adopted by his peers. They were cheered on by leadership.” “It was about a year later that I got a phone call from RJ. And he shared with me that he decided he was going to go back to school and get a degree in safety.” “That was amazing to me that someone who had spent their whole career in the trades, was going to, midlife, go back to school to support the people that they work with every day.” “So many times safety is viewed as something that needs to be enforced… it can be a lot more effective when we have courageous safety leaders.” “This is somebody he now saw as his ally, as his advocate, within the company.” “I hope that's a lesson that all of us can take to heart when we show up on the job site. Are you there for policies and procedures? Are you there for your people?” “At the end of the day, safety is about people, it's about the 24/7. Are we living it? Are we really owning it?” “Safety leadership is about doing, it's about being proactive, and it's about people. It's about caring.” Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/25579965

Communicating Safety Concerns with Emily Haas 12/01/2022

Communicating Safety Concerns with Emily Haas Today, Libby is joined by Emily Haas, a research health scientist for NIOSH, which is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Emily earned her PhD in Health Communications from Purdue University, and she has become a fantastic partner with NSSGA and a great advocate for this industry. In this episode, she shares her story about communicating health concerns. Episode Highlights: In 2004, Emily’s cousin died in a motorcycle accident After realized that she didn't know how to appropriately or accurately communicate her safety concerns to even close family member, she wanted to learn how to communicate with other people who were engaging in risky behaviors This led to study Health Communications and eventually conduct research about several areas of risk communication and risk management She started with motorcycle safety specifically, but then, really started to focus on issues of Occupational Safety and Health specifically Emily has learned that, to communicate effectively, we really have to know and understand our workforce as a collective unit, but also individually, and that what may be a personal value to you may not be a personal value to your employee She believes that the job of leaders is to know and subsequently tailor the health and safety messages that they share The blurring of boundaries between work and personal life over the past couple years has resulted in leaders knowing a little bit more about their employees in terms of their unique struggles or motivators which can be helpful when trying to understand ways to encourage adoption of a new safety program or safety initiative Emily believes that now is the time to lead boldly with that balance of empathy based on who you're talking to, and to embrace changes that have happened the last couple of years Leaders must ask themselves, “What might my employees be receptive to and ready for in the workplace that I maybe didn't think was possible?” Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Emily shares about how she came to her career in communicating about safety. Does anyone want to share a story about safety communication in their own lives? How can we communicate about safety while using language that the audience can easily understand? Do you have a story about wanting to confront someone about a potentially unsafe practice, but not being sure how to do it? Quotes: “After my cousin's death, I really wondered what role I could have had in preventing that accident. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that even if I wanted to communicate with him about motorcycle safety or risky driving, I really didn't know what to say.” “I wanted to learn how to communicate with other people who were engaging in risky behaviors.” “Over the years, one of the things I've experienced is really the value of a different mantra, which is: I wanted to avoid telling people what to think, but rather what to think about.” “Now's the time to lead boldly with that balance of empathy based on who you're talking to, and embrace changes that have happened the last couple of years.” “What might your employees be receptive to and ready for in the workplace that you maybe didn't think was possible?” “I think the message is really good, not just that we need to communicate about safety, but the ‘how we do it’, and even more importantly, ‘how it's landing on someone’. That piece really is a critical part of the puzzle.” Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/25182048

The Dangers of Pride with Jim Anderson 11/03/2022

The Dangers of Pride with Jim Anderson Jim Anderson, Safety Superintendent at Mitsubishi Cement, joins Libby on the podcast today. From doing Search and Rescue all the way to being a Chief at the volunteer fire department where he worked, Jim has always been involved in health and safety for his entire career. In this episode, he shares one of the many safety stories he has accumulated over the years that is really quite personal for him. Episode Highlights: One July day, Jim was made aware that Luther, a shipping clerk at their plant whom he has known for decades was displaying some unusual symptoms Luther had been to the hospital a couple times for the same symptoms, but they were not considered an emergency so the ER team did not dig any deeper This time, Luther had been told by EMS that he was not having a heart attack or cardiac event, and to go see a doctor after he got after work but his coworker who knows him well was uncomfortable with this advice and contacted Jim about it When Jim got to the plant and talked to the clerk, and he was uncomfortable with that plan as well When questioning him, Jim discovered that the clerk had been gardening all day in the July sun and heat the day before To Jim, his symptoms were characteristic of electrolyte imbalance, particularly cramping and pain in his legs But he also had some lower left lung pain which didn’t make sense to Jim, so he talked Luther into going to the hospital Jim drove him there as ambulances were hours away for a variety of reasons The hospital they went to took the time to explore even further than the emergency rooms had been able to previously, and found that Luther was suffering from Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - clots in the leg that can migrate to other areas (lungs, brain, etc).becoming truly life threatening While Luther has survived, Jim learned of another person experiencing similar symptoms on the same day who sadly didn’t go to a hospital and ended up dying Thanks to the fact that there were people who knew Luther well enough to see that he just wasn’t acting himself, and that Luther listened to Jim to go to the hospital to get checked out, he is alive today, and has since given Jim permission to share his story Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this story, we hear the story of Luther, an employee who is experiencing medical symptoms but wasn’t sure if it was serious enough to go to the doctor. What does this tell us about listening to ourselves and taking medical threats seriously? How can this story encourage us to check in with one another and stay well at work and at home? Do you have a story to share about taking a medical threat seriously? Quotes: “I didn't feel comfortable with just letting him go to the doctor after work and chances are he wouldn't have gone and in later conversation with him, he confirmed that.” “He said he'd actually been to the hospital twice before for the same symptoms and they weren't able to figure it out.” “He wasn't in really bad shape, but he was in bad enough shape.” “There's a 95% chance that this is nothing but there's a 5% chance that this is something.” “I knew this individual, that he needed somebody to dig a little deeper because the hospitals that he had gone to, they, their primary concern is,’Okay, is the guy going to die immediately?” Emergency Rooms are to treat emergencies but they didn't quite dig deep enough.” “And there's a condition called DVT, or deep vein thrombosis, and it's clots in your leg, and those clots had migrated. And they cause what would be called a pulmonary embolism or a clogged artery in the lungs. And that is truly a life threatening issue.” “Because of the personal relationship that the gentleman had at the plant with Luther, knew him well enough to call me at home going, ‘Hey, I'm not comfortable with EMS getting turned around. Can you dig into this a little deeper?’” “By the grace of God, he listened to me going, ‘Okay, there is a 5% chance that this could be bad.’ But that 5% wound up being the suspicions that we had.” Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/24883260

Our Good Catch Journey with Jay Canada 10/06/2022

Our Good Catch Journey with Jay Canada Joining Libby today is Jay Canada, VP of Safety and HR at Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel In this episode, Jay shares details about his company’s Good Catch program, including its journey all the way from its origins up to the current day, and the remarkably positive impact it continues to have. Episode Highlights: While the Good Catch program officially started in 2009, it really has its roots in a 2007 presentation by Ron Lehmann regarding culture, skill sets, and mindsets This presentation got Jay and others at Pine Bluff thinking about their culture, and they decided to become more proactive about safety After consulting with Cajun Industries about their Good Catch program, Pine Bluff decided to start their own Over the years the program has gone through an evolution regarding why they do what they do, and how to do that better Any idea which notes how things can be safer where their employees are working everyday is deemed a ‘Good Catch’ They have been doing this for over 10 years and are committed to continuing it In 2021 alone, they harvested 946 good catches, many of which dealt with potential serious injuries or fatalities By focusing on the prevention and the proactive side in the Good Catch program, they have very positively affected incidents and events They now get together every six months, and instead of having a safety meeting, they have a culture meeting where they talk about good catches more and celebrate those, recognizing people and giving them awards and recognition for the good catches that they've submitted They still talk about incidents as well, of course, but they have fewer to talk about now Like any safety journey, the Good Catch journey never ends Jay definitely encourages others to take consider implementing some kind of Good Catch program or process Their Good Catch program is forward thinking, it’s looking before something happens; even more than that, it is a mindset, a part of their culture, and it is empowering to employees to find those things that might be unsafe for their worksite Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: At Pine Bluff Facility, they look at their safety culture and shift the focus to proactivity. What are your thoughts on this? How can we work to build this type of mindset among ourselves? Does anyone have a good catch that they’d like to share with the group? Quotes: “How do we think about safety? And how do we think about our culture? And how do we move into people's mindsets? And how do we look at the decisions that our team members make when they are at work?” “But how do we get upstream? How do we become more proactive and get into the equation of the decisions they're making when that incident happens? And so we decided to think about Good Catch.” “It's gone through an evolution, it's gone through many changes.” “Tell us what your ideas are, and tell us how this thing can be safer where you're working every day.” “It'll evolve and change, but it's something we believe we're going to do for a very long time.” “We have not had a lost time at a quarry since April 20, of 2016, and we have greatly reduced our ‘recordables’ or ‘reportables’.” “It's really a mindset.” Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/24597777

Embracing and Internalizing Training with Steve Trussell 09/01/2022

Embracing and Internalizing Training with Steve Trussell Embracing and Internalizing Training with Steve Trussel On today’s episode, Libby is joined by Steve Trussell, Executive Director of the Arizona Rock Products Association & The Arizona Mining Association. Early on in his 25+ year career in both hard rock and aggregates, Steve learned that “we do not rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training”. Today, he shares a valuable story regarding the importance of training in ice climbing which has universal applications. Episode Highlights: Steve was fortunate enough to have an ice climbing instructor named Mark Miller who has decades of experience in military public safety, search and rescue, and as a climbing guide Mark really focused on safety and systems and taught Steve how to climb with two axes, one ax, and without any tools at all While Steve didn't quite understand why that was important at the time, and didn't know why he would need it, he followed along, and did everything he could to get better at climbing Mark continually emphasized that ice climbing can be exhilarating but it also has its inherent dangers - the high altitude, the cold, the possibility of pain About a year ago, Steve was climbing an 800 foot frozen waterfall called Stairway to Heaven, in Eureka Canyon outside of Silverton, Colorado At a daunting stretch of ice near the top of the climb, Steve dropped his ax and started freaking out until he remembered that Mark had prepared him for this This realization calmed him down and he was able to complete the climg to the amazement of his guides There were three things that Steve took away from that day: First: always pay attention to the training, even if it's something you think is mundane, or you'll never need. Second: when you're in a situation, just stay calm. Third: allow what you've learned, or have been trained to do to take over Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: It’s important to be prepared for situations where everything goes according to plan, and for situations where the plan falls apart. How are we as a company doing this? In this story, Steve stayed calm and remembered his training. How can we keep ourselves calm and level-headed if we’re in a tough situation? Does anyone have a story about a time where their training kicked in? Quotes: “He taught me how to climb with two axes, one ax, and without any tools at all, because at any given time, any number of things could happen. And I didn't quite understand why that was important at the time, and didn't know why I would need it. But, you know, I followed along.” “You're climbing on a frozen column of ice, you're using crampons that are attached to your boots and these tools and you're relying on them and your systems to be safe.” “It's an adrenaline rush, and you just feel so alive, you know. Your legs are burning, your forearms are burning, you're climbing up there, you're just you're really pushing yourself and testing your limits.” “I'm making it to the top, I'm on the last pitch, and I'm thinking I'm actually going to do this. And just at that moment, I dropped my ax, and so I'm freaking out because I'm thinking I can't finish this climb without an ax.” “I ended up thinking about ‘What would Mark do in this situation?’ And all of a sudden, I realized, ‘Wait a minute, he's prepared me for this. He's trained me to do this.’ And so I calmed myself down.” “Whenever I ask ex-military, public safety, or industry professionals, when they were in a tough situation, how they dealt with it, I was never surprised to hear the response: ‘It's because my training kicked in.’” “It can be terrifying, but your losing your head might mean losing your life.” “Training is so important - it's the cornerstone of what we do.” “When it comes to even small things or big, you know, potentially life threatening situations, having good training, making that the muscle memory, you know, can really make or break a situation.” Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/24232284

Heat Stress with Dr. Eric Lutz 08/04/2022

Heat Stress with Dr. Eric Lutz Libby is very excited to welcome Dr. Eric Lutz, Director of the Mining Safety Center of Excellence at the University of Arizona to the podcast today. Formerly the Mining Research Director at Spokane, Dr. Lutz has gained a vast amount of expertise, knowledge and experience in his more than 20 years in the mining industry. In today’s episode, he shares a story highlighting the importance of heat safety. Episode Highlights: One summer many years ago, a friend of Eric’s was working as a field geologist supervising a drill operation in the intense Texas heat She got overheated and started feeling unwell and faint - a condition called syncope related to heat strain She was able to recover by cooling off in air conditioning and hydrating On her next rotation, she had another heat stress event, and it was a little more severe than the last one This continued on for years where each subsequent event of getting overheated happened a little sooner, and it was a little more severe when it did happen Now it's to the point where she has a very high level of heat susceptibility When she gets overheated now, she is basically sick for 24 hours - feeling miserable, vomiting, feeling very sick, completely fatigued and wiped out Everyone needs to understand that when you get heat stressed, it is a cascade of events that occurs physiologically with your body reacting to trying to manage that overheating; that each time you're subsequently exposed to excessive heat, it'll be more severe and you'll be more susceptible to it We have to proactively manage our heat stress and keep ourselves cool when we're working in these very extreme environments From subsequent exposures, your body goes through that cascade of events from heat cramps all the way through heat stroke, which is 90%, fatal and very severe Through that cascade, you can intervene at any moment to get your body cooled off Eric recommends that, if you're feeling hot, put your arm under cold water, run cold water over your left wrist, and, since there's a tremendous amount of blood flow through your left arm, you'll find that it cools you very rapidly Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Work must continue even when it’s hot outside. How can we check in with team members to ensure that everyone is safe in the summer? Part of keeping yourself safe is knowing your own body and response to heat. Does anyone have a story about getting acclimated to heat? Does anyone have a story about an experience with heat stress they’d like to share? Quotes: “She was working in the middle of nowhere outside of Midland, Texas in the middle of summer and supervising a drill operation there and she got overheated - started not feeling very well, she started feeling faint.” “Then the next rotation, she had another heat stress event, and it was a little more severe than the last one. She ended up feeling not only a little faint, but she had a headache that went with it that was quite extreme. And then that evening, after work back at the hotel, she was vomiting and felt extremely fatigued.” “Each time you're subsequently exposed to excessive heat, it'll be more severe, and you'll be more susceptible to it.” “As we work through our careers, we have to manage proactively our management of heat stress.” “I live in Arizona. So certainly living in southern Arizona in the middle of summer, it's not unusual at all to be working in an environment that's basically 120 degrees Fahrenheit all day long when if you have any kind of physical demand, that increases that risk of heat strain that can occur.” “Work on getting yourself cooled off and try to mitigate your heat risk.” “It’s so important to remember that not only do we become more susceptible to heat illness, the more we're exposed to it, but also that you can really progress through the different levels of heat illness very quickly.” Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/23925522

A Safety Huddle Best Practice with Ronn Lehmann 07/07/2022

A Safety Huddle Best Practice with Ronn Lehmann Safety Consultant, speaker, writer, and facilitator Ronn Lehmann returns to the podcast today, fully armed with his more than 35 years experience as a safety consultant focusing on the human elements of work. As many will remember, Ronn has worked all over the world helping organizations and individuals acquire the mindsets, skill sets, and tool sets necessary to achieve success. He is back today to share another one of his many safety stories and offer his sage advice to listeners. Episode Highlights: Ronn's story today was shared with him by a foreman who did a safety huddle every morning but was worried that because he was the only one talking for the most part, those present weren't paying full attention to the safety message He wanted to shake these huddles up to solve that issue and others such as making employees more aware of safety issues and having employees educate themselves and others on the reasons behind their safety rules To resolve these issues, he decided that, any time he came across a safety infraction, he would give the employee involved the information behind that particular safety rule, and had them present it to the rest of the team at the next safety huddle The results were that safety violations dropped almost immediately, the people who had to do the presentations learned so much about the safety rule and the reason behind it, the group listened more closely during huddles, and the staff started closely monitoring the foreman's own safety practices Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Sometimes safety talks can feel monotonous. How can we implement these kinds of ideas to keep our safety talk engaging? Safety is everyone’s responsibility. How can we keep each other accountable for our team’s safety? Does anyone have a story about a safety lesson that has really stuck with you? Quotes: “Since it was always him talking, people were sort of checking out.” “For instance, if he found one of his crew wasn't wearing their eye protection, he would say, 'Okay, at tomorrow's safety huddle, you're going to present on the topic of eye protection.' And he would give them a sheet of paper that had the information. And he'd say just 'I want you to look this over and then share this with our team and talk about why it's important to wear your safety protection.'” “As we humans know, nobody wants to present, nobody wants to talk in front of the group. So in order to avoid that they all got really much better about their safety.” “A very interesting side effect was the whole team was super vigilant to try and catch the foreman, and they did one day. He didn't have his hard hat on, and they caught him and said, 'You have to present tomorrow on why we wear hard hats.' And he did. And so the whole team kind of really rallied around that.” “I just think it's a wonderful best practice, and I share it as much as I can because we're all trying to learn from each other.” “In my world, a great leader is... not going to ask someone to do something that you're not willing to do yourself.” Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/23582444

The Dangers of Distractions at Work with Bill Doran 06/02/2022

The Dangers of Distractions at Work with Bill Doran It's always a good time to focus on focusing, especially with June being National Safety Month, so today's episode is all about the serious consequences that can occur when we become distracted at work. And there are few, if any, people who are more qualified to discuss this than today's guest, Bill Doran, an Occupational Safety and Health lawyer with Ogletree Deakins. Bill shares one of his many safety stories which he has collected over his almost 30 years in the industry with listeners here today. Episode Highlights: Bill has unfortunately had to participate in a large number of accident investigations whose goal is to identify an unsafe condition/work practice that can be eliminated to ensure that a similar accident never happens again. Often, decisions are made when we are distracted by any number of factors that could be surrounding events, personal thoughts, stress, or just eagerness to get a job accomplished. One such situation that Bill remembers involves an individual and his crew who were involved in the task of refurbishing sections of the metal shell of an elevated kiln which required removing structure and material from both the outside and inside of the kiln shell. This individual was intent on completing the job, and, at one point after passing a sign warning of an open inspection door, he began removing the last debris and material from inside the kiln that needed to be cleared. While doing this, he focused on the plywood board that was covering the opening, picked it up, and then he inadvertently walked forward into the opening, suffering fatal injuries from the 20 foot fall. He wasn't taking shortcuts or risks he was an experienced professional who just lost his focus for a moment. This emphasis on getting the job done is the bedrock of the mining industry - it's the key to the industry success - but that same strength, overcoming all the challenges to complete the task can sometimes be a weakness in hindering your ability to see the more immediate hazards before you. You can't let your guard down - the job will get done, but it may be necessary to take a breath and an extra few minutes to consider the world around you. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this story, an experienced miner suffers a fatal fall from a momentary distraction. He wasn’t rushing or being negligent, he just missed a hazard right in front of him. What can we learn from this story? As good as we think we are at multitasking, the brain can miss important pieces of information when you’re jumping between tasks. How can we remember to focus back on the task at hand? Would anyone like to share a story about a distraction or something that took away your focus from a task? Quotes: “These experiences have taught me that no matter who you are, at any given moment, you can be just a split second decision away from a serious injury.” “No one is immune to these distractions. It doesn't matter how experienced you are, people concentrating on getting the job done, or solving a problem can focus their attention in one way and miss the hazard directly in front of them.” “That's the point. It's not easy, and it wasn't obvious. His focus was on completing the job. Everything that he did after leaving the outside area around the opening... took his attention away from the hazard that was waiting for him.” “One of the real challenges is constant vigilance, always being aware, slowing down, taking a minute.” “Distraction is human, and it's something that we all struggle with, and something that we want to really emphasize and highlight so we can try and prevent distractions in the workplace in any way we can.” Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/23289062

Take the Time to Work Safely with Madalynn Habron 05/05/2022

Take the Time to Work Safely with Madalynn Habron Today, Libby is joined by Madalynn Habron, NSSGA’s Digital Communications Manager. Madalynn is the tech guru behind the scenes of these safety shorts, and without her none of these episodes would happen. In this episode, she shares a story about safety that she learned from her husband and father-in-law regarding the importance of taking the time to work safely. Episode Highlights: Madalynn’s father-in-law has worked for a beer distributor for the last 20 some years who is now in his late 50s and experiencing some health consequences from his decades of work. He's had knee replacements, injuries to his hands and fingers, and now suffers from constant back pain Five years ago, her husband started working for the same beer distributor, and her father-in-law started to notice him doing those same sort of risky lifts that he had done when he was younger Her father-in-law then shared with her husband the adage ‘do as I say, not as I do’ and taught him some of the lessons he learned later in his career: to plan ahead so you never have to rush, that it's better to do things right the first time instead of having to go back because you miss something, and that it's easier to make a second trip than to struggle through just one trip These lessons have applications to everyone working in the aggregates industry, from haul truck operators to office workers - anyone Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: We expect a lot of our bodies. How can we implement this idea of taking care of the body that we’ll have for the rest of our lives? It’s better to do it right the first time than to have to come back and do it over again. How might this work on a day-to-day basis? Does anyone have an example of a time they chose to work slower or more safely? Quotes: “These two men have learned the lesson the hard way, and I'm grateful to be able to implement this in my own life.” “He was a legend in his heyday, throwing 260 pound kegs over both shoulders, and carrying them several blocks to a restaurant or bar.” “He can still do all the things that he wants to do, but he knows that he could be healthier today, if he'd worked a little smarter when he was younger.” “My father-in-law started to notice my husband, a young man himself, doing those same sort of risky lifts that he had done when he was younger.” “It's worth taking a few more minutes if it keeps everyone involved, safe and healthy.” “You're making sure that you take the time to do things safely and make sure you're thinking ahead to what life is going to be like living in your same body 30, 40 years from now.” Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/23006945

‘We’re Still Learning’ with Ronn Lehmann 04/07/2022

‘We’re Still Learning’ with Ronn Lehmann Safety Consultant, speaker, writer, and facilitator Ronn Lehmann joins Libby on the podcast today. A student of the human elements in work, Ronn has worked for over 40 years with organizations of all sizes in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, helping organizations and individuals acquire the mindsets, skill sets and tool sets necessary to achieve success. He has accumulated a number of stories over his extensive career, and he shares a truly tragic one about safety, along with the lessons learned from it, with listeners here today. Episode Highlights: Ronn learned about the story he shares here today when he was conducting a cultural audit of an organization, and it has always stuck with him over the years The story takes place during a renovation project for a large power plant where painters were using mobile scaffolding which they repeatedly set up, took down, and moved to a number of different locations After several incidents occurred during this process where painters could have been seriously injured, everyone was required to attend scaffold safety training A little over an hour after the training ended, one of the painters who had attended it died after his scaffold collapsed while he was working The lessons Ronn learned from this incident are that simply providing training isn't enough; it has to be designed and presented well; workers must be able to demonstrate what they learned and that they can work safely; and maybe most importantly, it has to be reinforced by the leaders According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, scaffold related accidents result in roughly 60 deaths and 4500 injuries every year When It comes to scaffold and fall protection, we're still learning Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this story, a fatal fall happens just an hour after a scaffolding safety training. How can we create and maintain a company culture where safety trainings aren’t a box to check? What you learn in a safety training must be reinforced in the field. What are some examples of this we can see in our daily work? Does anyone have a story about safety culture they’d like to share? Quotes: “There were these repeated incidents where painters could have been seriously injured, almost falling off or slipping or any number of close calls. So eventually, they had a general stand down, and everyone had to attend scaffold safety training.” “He went to a training session, and about an hour later, he was dead.” “The investigation revealed that the painter wasn't following safety procedures. And, perhaps more importantly, his supervisor allowed that the rigging was supposed to be checked after each move, and it wasn't being checked, there was no fall protection harness.” “The questions that I had when I heard this story was: Was the training done? Well, what's the problem? The training? And if it was done, well, why didn't it prevent this fatality? Were supervisors part of the training? And did they go back and insist on following what they had just learned?” “You can't be just using training as checking the attendance box and say, 'Yeah, they attended.'” “No matter how good the training is, how much I want to follow it. If I go back into the workplace, and it's not reinforced or even mentioned by my leader, I'll tend to go away from it.” “Safety is personal. It is a decision we make every day from the person doing the work to the supervisors.” “Everyone needs to make sure that we maintain a great culture and an attitude towards safety.” Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/22679276

'Am I Being Understood?' with Dave Cress 03/03/2022

'Am I Being Understood?' with Dave Cress Today, Libby is joined by Dave Cress, a safety consultant who has worked in the safety field for decades. His experience includes being a safety officer for the US Army Corps of Engineers and an inspector for the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy for 28 years, after which he has provided safety training for over 15 years. In this episode, Dave discusses hosting safety training and how important it is to ask yourself when training, 'Am I being understood?'. Episode Highlights: Once, when Dave was hosting a refresher training, he noticed some students talking amongst themselves throughout the presentation It turned out that English was their second language, and they were actually helping each other by translating the training information so they all could understand it This experience highlighted for Dave the fact that presenters must be flexible in their training styles to meet the needs of the audience, and when they hear people talking to one another during their presentation, it's important to check in and see what's going on One technique Dave uses is to print out materials in English and Spanish for students to read and review Dave’s advice to presenters is to “Learn about your audience before you arrive, have handouts and presentations in multiple languages, use many graphics and have any necessary translators available. As a safety trainer, ask yourself, 'Am I being understood?'” Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Clear communication is essential to ensure that the team understands all safety discussions. How are we doing as a company at being understood when it comes to safety procedures? How could we improve? People learn differently; for instance, some prefer written communications and others learn best by listening. How can our company convey safety messages that work for various learning styles? Does anyone have a story about a miscommunication that led to unsafe practices, or successful communication that improved safety? Quotes: “They weren't loud or distracting to others, but I worried they weren't paying attention. It was not until later that I realized that the students were helping each other translate my presentation, English was their second language.” “They were asking each other questions, double checking to see that they understood the training properly.” “This turned out to be an 'aha moment' for me. As a safety trainer, it's my responsibility to communicate important information, I have to be flexible in training styles and meet the needs of the audience.” “Maybe there's a translation issue. Maybe there's a clarity issue that you can help clarify. You now also need to make sure the translator, if you're using a translator, properly understands the material and can successfully explain it to the co-worker. “ “Making sure that that message really comes through is so essential because so much of what we do comes down to communication.” Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/22314671

Being Mindful of Safety Equipment with Ericka Baxter 02/03/2022

See Something, Say Something with Chris May 01/06/2022

See Something, Say Something with Chris May Libby is joined today by Chris May, Vice President of Safety and Environmental Operations at CRH in Atlanta, Georgia. Chris shares a powerful story with listeners today about taking action and doing the right thing, even when it's not easy – a story from which we can all learn a valuable lesson. Episode Highlights Chris’ story begins when she was fairly new to her job and noticed a 30 year veteran roller operator not wearing a seatbelt while working While she initially passed by without comment, she decided to listen to the voice in her head and go back to speak to him about the need to wear a seatbelt, eventually convincing him to do so Two months later she received a phone call telling her that this employee had been in a serious rollover, that his seat belt had saved his life, and that he wanted to thank her for what she did The impact of safety training, reminders, and innovations The importance of taking action even when it’s not easy Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions It's not always easy to ask someone to do stop what they're doing. What do you think is the hardest part about confronting someone about safety? How is our company culture around encouraging people to confront potential safety hazards? Does anyone have a story about "See Something, Say Something" they’d like to share? Quotes: “He's been doing this for 30 years, and he has to know all the risks involved. And who am I to question that? So the easiest thing for me to do was just keep walking. But then, as it probably happens to many of you, I had that little voice inside me that told me to turn around.” “The roller had traveled out in an embankment, completely flipping three times and eventually landing upside down.” “Please call that little lady and tell her that I said ‘Thank you. That seatbelt saved my life.’” “You never know when an accident can happen, and even doing the mundane tasks that you've done for 30 years, you always need to take your safety precautions seriously.” “The trainings that we conduct, the gentle reminders that we provide to our employees, the safety innovations that we put in place, all of these things are working to ensure that we provide a safe workplace for our employees.” “Things changed for me that day, I realized that, you know, I have an obligation to act - it’s not just a choice. And so I realized I couldn't take the path of least resistance, that I had to do what was right.” “I think about what the consequences would have been if I hadn't taken action.” “I hope that this will inspire you to do something and to take action, even when it's not easy.” Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association /episode/index/show/nssga/id/21684452

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