NSSGA Podcast

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:

1. 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?

1. 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?

1. 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 website

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 website

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 website

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 website

National Epilepsy Awareness Month

Epilepsy Alliance for Young Adults

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 website

MSHA Safety Services

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 website

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 website

Mental Health Resources

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 website

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 website

Cal Beyer

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 website

Peckham Industries, Inc.