Are you planning your 2026 safety strategy, or is 2026 planning you?

Dr. Martin and James break down the 7 safety trends you need on your radar this year: heat standards moving to states, AI making bad decisions, enhanced OSHA penalties, mental health enforcement gaps, and whistleblower protection. From conference planning strategies to real client AI failures, this episode is your roadmap for 2026.

INSIDE THE EPISODE

• Professional Development Planning: Put 2026 conferences and training on your calendar now (AIHA Connect, ASSP, VPPPA, NSC, BCSP Global Summit) - if it's not scheduled, it won't happen
• AI in Safety: Real client story about pre-qual AI tool that flagged nonexistent gaps. AI is decision support, not a decision maker - don't let it make consequential safety decisions without oversight
• OSHA Enhanced Penalties: Penalties for 2026 correspond with inflation. Review OSHA's Top 10 violations and national emphasis programs now to prepare for enforcement in amputations, falls, and trenching

RESOURCES

• James's LinkedIn article on 2026 Professional Development Planning
• Conference calendar: AIHA Connect (June 1-3, New Orleans), ASSP (June 15-17, California), VPPPA (August), NSC (Sept 11-17, Indianapolis), BCSP Global Summit (online, $25)

ABOUT THE RISK MATRIX PODCAST

Weekly masterclass in risk management from industry titans Dr. L.F. Martin (32-year veteran, Board of Global EHS Credentialing Impact Award winner) and James Junkin (trainer of 40,000+ safety professionals, ASSP's 2024 Safety Professional of the Year).

Every Tuesday: The tough conversations safety managers need to have. Critical insights from safety experts. Real-world strategies. Actionable solutions.

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