NSSGA Podcast

Safety Shorts welcomes Robert "Cujo" Teschner to the podcast today to recount a harrowing "near miss" over the Atlantic that reshaped his view on risk and responsibility. A former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, Cujo offers powerful insights into the dangers of prioritizing performance over safety, underscoring the importance of keeping safety as the ultimate measure of success in any high-stakes environment. Reflecting on how competitive instincts nearly led to disaster, he highlights the need for clear priorities, a message that resonates across industries. Remember - true success means everyone returns home safe.

• Cujo's story of prioritizing safety over performance in high-stakes environments

• Impact of competitive instincts on risk assessment and decision-making

• The importance of post-mission debriefs for continuous learning and behavior change

• Reflecting on how prioritization impacts those close to us

• Lessons in responsibility that transcend industries, including mining

• The influence of near-death experiences on personal values and perspectives

• Redefining "winning" as the safe return of every team member

"In our squadron, we practiced that exact scenario every day… but that day was different."

"We almost had a spectacular mid-air collision, the likes of which hadn't been seen in quite some time."

"My opponent was only motivated with winning that day, and that shift almost cost us our lives."

"In that moment, the need to 'win' took precedence over the importance of safety, with near-tragic results."

"When you start putting performance over safety, the consequences can be horrific."

"He had a wife and children, and yet we nearly lost it all for the sake of a training exercise."

"We both learned from it, and I define learning as behavior change."

"For any high-risk job, true winning means everyone gets home safe."

"Safety should always come first; that's the only real definition of success."

Links:

National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website

Robert "Cujo" Teschner

This week, Libby Pritchard welcomes industry veteran Rob Lanham back to the podcast to share his personal health journey following over 42 years in Virginia's transportation construction sector. Rob recounts how a routine medical check-up uncovered a life-threatening condition, highlighting the importance of early detection and regular screenings. After recovering from a heart attack in 2021, a prostate issue led to the discovery of a massive tumor, underscoring the unpredictability of health challenges. Rob reflects on his emotional journey through a cancer diagnosis and recovery, emphasizing the life-saving impact of routine medical care and early intervention. His story serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize personal health, even when there are no apparent symptoms. Main Themes: The significance of routine health check-ups and early detection Rob's journey from a heart attack to discovering a cancerous tumor The emotional impact of waiting for a diagnosis and navigating the healthcare system The life-saving benefits of minimally invasive procedures like prostate arterial embolism (PAE) The importance of listening to your body and taking action when something feels off Rob's surgery to remove a 14-pound liposarcoma tumor and his fortunate recovery The ongoing process of regular scans and follow-up appointments to monitor his health Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Rob talks about how seeking treatment for a normal medical concern revealed a tumor he didn't know he had. What does this episode make you think about regular doctor's appointments? Speakers on this podcast have previously talked about listening to their bodies, but even when your body isn't telling you something is wrong, there are things you can do to support your health. What are some examples? Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about a relatively routine medical procedure that turned into a more serious health situation, for themselves or for others? Key Takeaways: "Life was pretty good last fall. Retirement was on the horizon, and then everything changed." "Choosing the PAE procedure probably saved my life because it required a CAT scan that uncovered a much bigger issue." "The scan read prostate enlarged... and additional findings, a large liposarcoma tumor." "That's probably the scariest words I've ever heard: 'We need to refer you to an oncologist.'" "The tumor weighed 14.92 pounds... I had no idea it was growing inside my body." "I went through weeks of waiting, scans, and appointments—it felt like time was moving so slowly." "Luckily, the cancer had not spread. The tumor was confined, and the surgery was successful." "It's a reminder to never skip a routine check-up, even when you feel fine." "Early detection saved my life—don't ignore routine health checks." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website

In this episode of Safety Shorts, host Libby Pritchard welcomes back safety consultant Ronn Lehmann, who delves into the critical relationship between safety and quality. Through a personal story about tree trimming near power lines, Ron illustrates the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards in all aspects of life, not just the workplace. He emphasizes that consumer decisions play a significant role in safety outcomes and that professional conduct is essential in ensuring both safety and quality. The discussion highlights how mindset and habits are foundational to a robust safety culture, underscoring that a commitment to safety is a commitment to excellence. Main Themes: Ronn's stories of tree trimming near power lines The vital connection between safety and quality The influence of consumer decisions on safety outcomes The importance of professional conduct in safety practices How mindset and habits shape safety and quality The risks of cutting corners in safety and their broader implications Personal responsibility in ensuring safety in everyday situations The role of safety culture in professional and personal settings Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: 1. Ronn says, "The way that you do anything is the way that you do everything." What does this mean to you? 2. This story shows us that quality and safety are related. How does safety relate to the quality of our work on an every-day basis? 3. Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about a time when they, as a consumer, took safety practices into consideration? Key Takeaways: "Safety and quality are interconnected. You can't be safe and ignore quality. Nor can you claim quality work if you ignore safety."

"The way you do anything is the way you do everything. It's driven by mindsets and habits."

"Every hazard that can be controlled should be controlled."

"Safety can be in our hands. Even if we're not the ones doing the work, we can make good decisions."

"If someone is detail-oriented around their safety, their quality will likely be better too."

"The more you focus on the mindset and habits of safety, the safer you'll be and the better your quality will be."

"Safety and quality go hand in hand. You can't separate the two."

"If a worker is willing to cut corners on safety, they're likely willing to cut corners on quality as well."

"We have power as consumers to influence safety. Our decisions matter."

"The mindset of safety and the habits of safety are crucial for both safety and quality." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Ronn Lehmann

Libby is excited to welcome Jay Collup, the founder of Collup Enterprises, to the show for this important episode. Boasting an extensive career in the industry and a passion for training, particularly in mobile equipment operator safety, Jay proves an invaluable guest. In this episode, he shares a compelling story that underscores the importance of maintaining three points of contact—a critical safety practice in the industry.

Delving into the details of a severe accident he witnessed, our guest highlights the catastrophic consequences of not following proper safety protocols. He goes on to explain the correct steps to maintain three points of contact, emphasizing the need for careful and methodical adherence to these guidelines. Jay's insights offer a detailed and practical approach to improving workplace safety, aiming to reduce the high rate of recordable accidents associated with getting on and off machinery.

• The importance of maintaining three points of contact in mobile equipment operations

• The consequences of neglecting safety protocols

• Detailed steps to ensure proper adherence to safety practices

• Real-life example of an accident resulting from improper safety measures

• The significance of methodical and careful execution of safety steps

• Reducing recordable accidents in the industry

• Jay's passion for training and improving industry safety standards

Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions:

1. Jay describes a graphic accident that resulted from a failure in three points of contact. How does a story like that make you feel about the importance of this basic safety practice?

1. Jay walks through the correct steps to keep three points of contact. Are there any steps that you've not heard explained before?

1. Does anyone have a story they would like to share about keeping three points of contact?

"Three points of contact is a cornerstone of safety practices in our industry. Maintain it every single time."

"The worst accident I witnessed was from someone not maintaining three points of contact."

"Always face the machine when climbing. It's crucial for safety."

"Most recordable accidents happen getting on and off the machine. Up to 75%."

"Ensure both hands are on the grab arms before a foot comes off the ground."

"You need to be slow and methodical. Think through your steps to ensure safety."

"Set anything in your hands to the highest point possible before climbing."

"Pay attention to the first step and the last step. That's where injuries occur."

"Training should break down each step to ensure proper safety practices."

"Visualize the consequences of not maintaining three points of contact. It reinforces the importance."

Links:

National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website

Jay Collup

Safety Shorts tackles the topic of concussion safety with Luck Stone's Regional Sales and Operations Manager, Dan Babish, a seasoned industry professional with close to 20 years experience in the business. Dan's harrowing story about a concussion from a post-driver incident underscores the importance of safety precautions, especially for those new to farm work. The episode emphasizes the often-underestimated recovery time required for head injuries and the value of safety training. By applying workplace safety habits at home and utilizing a buddy system for risky tasks, listeners working in any industry can minimize accidents and prioritize their well-being.

Episode Highlights: Dan's personal experience of a severe concussion from a farming accident while using a manual post driver The risks of working alone, and the importance of having a lifeline or someone present during potentially hazardous tasks The significance of applying safety training learned at work to home environments, particularly for those in heavy industry or farming Recovery from brain injuries requires patience and rest, countering the outdated notion of quickly returning to normal activities His story is a reminder of the common dangers in industries such as slips, trips, and falls, urging consistent safety practices Dan's journey from a suburban upbringing to managing a farm The importance of continuous safety awareness and practices both at work and home Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Dan talks about a head and neck injury that he sustained and lots of lessons learned. What is your takeaway from this episode? Dan says that the brain is a muscle, and that it needs time to heal. Does this perspective change how you think about head injuries? Does anyone have a story they want to share about applying a safety practice at home? Key Takeaways:

"The brain is a muscle that takes time to heal. For me, my headaches were so intense that I couldn't even lay my head down on a pillow for the first 48 hours."

"There are risks to working alone. If I hadn't been able to get to my phone, I don't know how long I would have been laying there by myself."

"You need time to heal, you need time to rest after any kind of brain injury. Thankfully, our society is really moving away from 'get back up and keep going.'"

"Working on a farm has been a great learning experience for me and my family. I grew up in the suburbs, where we only had two indoor cats when I was a kid."

"A manual post driver is essentially a pipe with two handles with one open end and one closed weighted end. The rod I was hammering on ricocheted off a rock and hit me in the face."

"At first, I didn't feel anything or realize what had happened. I started to hear a loud humming noise, almost like an electric guitar playing in my ears."

"Slips, trips, and falls are one of the biggest causes of injuries in our industry. This is a good reminder to take what you've learned on the mine site and apply it at home." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Dan Babish

In this episode of Safety Shorts, Libby welcomes Sarah D'Amico, Marketing Manager of Turner Mining Group and Turner Staffing Group, to discuss the deeply personal importance of safety in such industries as mining. Sarah shares how her perspective on safety evolved from a set of rules to an emotional priority, particularly with her fiancé being a project superintendent in mining. Coinciding with Safety Month, Sarah's story underscores the life-changing consequences of neglecting safety measures as well as the importance of prioritizing workplace safety for everyone who cares for and counts on us.

Episode Highlights:

Sarah's initial unfamiliarity with the mining industry and how she approached safety from a logical standpoint

Her relationship with her fiancé, who works in mining, and how it transformed her view on safety, making it an emotional priority

The importance of safety training, reviewing national year-to-date fatalities, and the personal reflections that arise from these sessions

The significant contributions of workers in trades and mining, and the importance of their safety

The human stories behind safety statistics, emphasizing that every worker is crucial to someone

Libby and Sarah encourage listeners to consider who they are being safe for and to continually prioritize safety in their daily routines

Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions:

In this episode, Sarah talks about how her perspective shifted and she started to look at safety as personal. Have you ever experienced this kind of shift, and why?

What do you think changes in our safety training when we shift our perspective to safety as personal?

Does anyone have a story about a loved one or family member working in the field?

Key Takeaways:

"Safety is one of our company's core values. It's ingrained in us to keep that top of mind."

"You don't put yourself or others in danger. Be aware of your surroundings."

"The 'why' behind adhering to safety regulations is as important as the 'how'."

"'Everybody is somebody's everything.' This took on a very personal meaning for me."

"Safety became much more of an emotional priority as opposed to pure logic."

"Remind your coworkers: Who are you being safe for right now?"

"Safety is not just about following SOPs but about protecting our families and those who rely on us."

Links:

National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association

website

Sarah D'Amico

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 website

Bill's LinkedIn

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 website

BuildWitt

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

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