Technology might have been the most essential tool over the past year. For those in the safety and risk management industry, that was no different. Host of Straight Outta Crumpton, Greg Crumpton, talked with Abby Ferri, Senior Risk Control Consultant, at Gallagher about safety and risk management, technology and podcasting in the pandemic world.

Gallagher Worldwide “is an American global insurance brokerage and risk management services firm.”

Crumpton and Ferri met in the safety world when Ferri was brought into Crumpton’s office as a consultant. Crumpton, a self-described “safety cheerleader,” noted the importance of safety in the workplace. Ferri’s job is to work with clients to minimize risk, which Crumpton said is vital because companies should promote workplace safety.

“I grew up in the field working with tools and climbing ladders, scaring the crap out of our safety guy,” Crumpton said. “We’ve evolved.” He noted how much more aware and cautious his company is, and instead of dodging a safety expert, they celebrate folks who do things the right way.

Technology is another vital aspect of the pandemic world. Ferri talked about the importance of knowing, understanding, and using these tools to communicate and work in a world where we are apart. What she didn’t realize, though, is that all her years spent learning these tools was crucial.

“I think this is the moment I was preparing for but didn’t realize it,” Ferri said. “I try to be the technology whisperer for other safety professionals. In that sense (technologically) the pandemic, while an awful, challenging event, I’ve been able to shine through it.”

Crumpton noted Ferri’s ability to focus on the positive in the world. While many bad things are increasing, such as liquor sales, Ferri turned to producing and investing in good things. One of those things is her podcast, Safety Justice League podcast, which she co-hosts.