The Safety Consultant Podcast

The Safety Consultant Podcast

By Sheldon Primus, MPA, COSM, COSSBusinessEntrepreneurshipGovernment
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The Safety Consultant Podcast episodes

  • What do EHS Pros Think About AI: Understanding this Revolutionary Survey

    Are you ready to bridge the gap between traditional safety compliance and the cutting-edge world of artificial intelligence? In this episode, Sheldon Primus sits down with Hillary Waterhouse to explore how AI is reshaping the landscape for safety consultants and industrial hygienists. From OSHA litigation support to the latest trends in EHS technology, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for safety professionals.

    We begin by diving into Hillary's extensive background as a former OSHA compliance officer in New York and Georgia, offering a rare look at how to navigate informal conferences and agency interactions. The heart of the discussion focuses on a recent industry survey regarding AI adoption in the workplace. You will learn which tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot are leading the pack and how they can be used to manage heavy administrative workloads without sacrificing technical accuracy.

    Hillary and Sheldon also tackle the critical topic of AI ethics and the human in the loop philosophy. They discuss why AI should be treated as a highly capable intern rather than a final decision-maker, especially when dealing with high-hazard scenarios like process safety management. Whether you are curious about the future of technical writing or looking for ways to get back into the field by automating paperwork, this episode provides the roadmap you need to elevate your safety game.

    Chapters
    0:00 Intro and Welcome to the Safety Consultant Show
    3:15 Introducing Hillary Waterhouse and Her Background
    7:40 Working with OSHA in New York and Georgia
    11:50 Strategies for OSHA Informal Conferences
    16:15 The Direction of the Agency and New Programs
    21:30 VPP SHARP and the Safety Champion Initiative
    26:45 Mental Health and Psychosocial Hazards in Construction
    31:20 The Genesis of the EHS AI Questionnaire
    36:10 Analyzing Survey Demographics and Industry Use
    40:45 Comparing ChatGPT Gemini and Copilot for EHS
    45:30 Testing AI Confidence and Avoiding Hallucinations
    50:15 AI as a Team Member vs Decision Maker
    55:40 Effective Prompting for Industrial Hygienists
    1:00:20 Technical Writing and AI Ethics Codes
    1:05:10 Organizational Governance and AI Audits
    1:09:45 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Safety Events
    1:12:18 Closing Remarks

    If you enjoyed this deep dive into the future of safety consulting, please subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell. Visit our website for more resources on building your safety business and staying ahead of the curve!

    #safetyconsultant #oshacompliance #industrialhygiene #aiinsafety #ehsmanagement

    My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com/

    1 hr 13 min
  • How to Use AI for Safety Programs and EHS Training-Part 2

    Are you ready to revolutionize your safety consulting business with the power of artificial intelligence? In this episode, Sheldon Primus breaks down how AI is transforming the EHS field and why you need to treat it as a high level mentee rather than a replacement for your expertise. Learn how to stay ahead of the curve by integrating these cutting edge tools into your daily workflow while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

    Sheldon explores the practical side of AI for Environmental Health and Safety professionals. He discusses the importance of fairness, transparency, and accountability when using generative models. You will discover how to use AI for copywriting safety messages, creating sample programs, and even conducting deep dives into incident investigations. The episode also highlights advanced techniques like using AI to compare your current safety manuals against the latest OSHA regulations to ensure total compliance.

    Whether you are a seasoned pro or a fresh face in the industry, this guide will help you navigate the future of safety technology. Sheldon also shares details about his upcoming AI for EHS workshop and how you can use tools like Gemini to streamline your business operations.

    Chapters
    0:00 Welcome to the Safety Consultant Show
    2:15 Upcoming Guest and AI Workshop Details
    5:45 Recap of AI for EHS Basics
    8:30 Ethics Fairness and Accountability in AI
    12:00 How to Join the Safety Consultant Community
    15:15 Managing Your Time with AI as a Team Member
    18:30 Using the SMART Acronym for Better AI Prompts
    21:45 Hazard Recognition and Incident Investigation
    24:30 Building a Profitable Consulting Business
    27:15 Advanced AI for Policies and Regulations
    31:00 OSHA Audits and Image Recognition Tools
    34:15 Final Resources and Event Links
    36:44 Outro and Closing Remarks

    Don't forget to subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Join our Facebook group or connect with Sheldon on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and grow your safety career.

    #SafetyConsultant #AIinEHS #OSHACompliance #SafetyManagement #WorkplaceSafety

    My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com/

    37 min
  • How to Use AI for EHS: A Safety Professional's Guide

    Are you ready to level up your safety career by embracing the power of artificial intelligence? In this episode, Sheldon Primus breaks down how safety professionals can use AI as a high-powered team member rather than a replacement. Learn how to integrate tools like Gemini and ChatGPT into your daily workflow to save time and improve compliance.

    Coming to you from Cow Hollow Park in Oregon, Sheldon discusses the practical applications of AI for both independent consultants and in-house safety managers. The core message is clear: you are the decision-maker, and the AI is your assistant. You will learn the importance of being an expert editor to catch hallucinations and ensure your safety programs meet high standards.

    The episode covers specific ways to use AI, including crafting marketing copy for safety initiatives, building SMART incentive programs, and updating written compliance documents. Sheldon also walks through how to find reliable benchmarks on OSHA.gov to train your AI agents, ensuring the output is accurate and professional. Whether you are building a Hazard Communication curriculum or designing a PowerPoint presentation, this guide helps you navigate the new digital landscape of EHS.

    Chapters
    0:00 Welcome to Cow Hollow Park
    3:15 AI for EHS professionals event
    6:45 AI agents and the decision maker role
    10:20 Using AI for marketing and incentives
    14:00 Benchmarking and avoiding hallucinations
    18:10 Updating written safety programs
    22:45 Hazard Communication and training curriculum
    26:30 PowerPoint slides and presentation tools
    29:15 Final wrap up and event reminders

    If you want to dive deeper into these tools, scan the code mentioned in the video or visit the website to join the upcoming workshop on November 17th. Use the discount codes mentioned to secure your spot and start consulting like a boss. Don't forget to subscribe for more safety insights and updates on future episodes.

    #SafetyConsulting #AIforEHS #WorkplaceSafety #SheldonPrimus #SafetyManagement

    AI for EHS professionals Event: http:/safetyconsultant.ai/

    32 min
  • Global Networking with Shebin Abraham

    Are you a safety professional feeling limited by local resources and looking to expand your reach? Discover how to take your safety consulting business global and leverage the latest technology to save lives and streamline your workflow.

    In this episode of the Safety Consultant Show, host Sheldon Primus sits down with Shabin Abraham, the creator of the QHSE Directory. Shabin shares his professional journey from India to the Middle East, covering industries from manufacturing to offshore oil and gas. He explains why he felt the need to create a centralized global ecosystem where safety professionals can find products, apps, and consulting services regardless of their geographic location.

    You will learn about the transformative power of AI in the safety industry, including how to use technology for gap analysis against OSHA standards. The conversation also highlights the importance of peer-reviewed data and resources like the OHS Book of Knowledge. Whether you are an independent freelancer or a global solutions provider, this episode offers practical advice on raising your profile and connecting with a worldwide community of safety experts.

    Chapters

    0:00 Intro and Welcome to the Safety Consultant Show
    2:20 Introducing Shabin Abraham and the QHSME Directory
    5:10 Career Journey Across Global Industries
    8:30 Why a Global Safety Ecosystem is Essential
    12:00 Using AI for Gap Analysis and OSHA Compliance
    15:45 The Importance of Peer-Reviewed Safety Resources
    19:15 Live Walkthrough of the QHSE Directory
    23:30 How to List Your Business and Books Globally
    27:00 Adopting Technology to Save Lives at Work
    30:44 Conclusion and Final Disclaimer

    Ready to scale your safety consulting practice and gain more freedom? Visit sheldon.coach to take your consultant readiness audit and start your journey toward building a profitable business today.

    #safetyconsultant #healthandsafety #AIinsafety #QHSE #safetybusiness

    My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com/

    31 min
  • Grow Your Safety Consulting Business by Hosting Your Own Events

    How to Grow Your Safety Consulting Business by Hosting Your Own Events

    Are you ready to take back control of your schedule and unlock your true income potential as a safety professional? Hosting your own events is one of the fastest ways to build authority and turn your expertise into a thriving, independent consulting practice. 🚀

    In this episode, Sheldon Primus shares the blueprint for organizing and hosting successful events that attract your ideal clients. You will discover why building your own platform is more beneficial than just working for other organizations and how to use these events as the top of your sales funnel. 📈

    We dive into the technical side of event planning, including how to use advanced artificial intelligence tools to find trending topics and how to monitor regulatory agencies like OSHA, the EPA, and the DOT for content ideas. Sheldon also breaks down his personal pricing strategy, explaining how he tested different rates to find the sweet spot for his audience. 💡

    Whether you are interested in finding corporate sponsors, repurposing your video content for social media, or building a massive email list with free guides, this episode provides the actionable steps you need. Stop being a passenger in your career and start leading the conversation in the safety industry. 👷‍♂️

    Chapters
    0:00 Intro and Welcome from Palm Beach
    3:15 Why You Should Host Your Own Events
    7:30 Solving Problems and Building Your Reputation
    11:45 Using AI and Regulatory Data for Research
    15:20 Building a Strategic Sales Funnel
    19:45 Coaching Resources and the Consultant Blueprint
    24:10 Pricing Strategies and Testing the Market
    29:30 How to Secure Sponsors for Your Events
    33:15 Promotion Tips for LinkedIn and YouTube
    37:00 Closing Remarks and Future Schedule

    If you are ready to elevate your career and start your own practice, visit SheldonPrimus.com to explore the Safety Consultant Blueprint and our personal coaching programs. Let us get to work! 🤝

    #safetyconsultant #oshacompliance #businessgrowth #safetyprofessional #webinarstrategy

    My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com/resources

    39 min
  • Burnout is Real! What do you do for fun? I play poker.

    Being a safety consultant is high-pressure work, but if you do not take time to recharge, you are on a fast track to burnout. In this episode, Sheldon Primus explores why fun is a critical component of your business strategy and how stepping away from the audit sheet can actually sharpen your professional skills.

    We often focus so much on safety sparks and business brilliance that we forget to nurture our own interests outside of the industry. Sheldon shares his personal journey of finding balance while living the RV life, from hiking near the Grand Tetons to the surprising patience required for baking sourdough bagels. These moments of downtime are not just distractions; they are necessary resets for a high-performing analytical brain.

    A significant portion of this episode dives into Sheldon's love for poker, specifically Omaha High-Low. He breaks down why he views poker as a premier mind game that helps develop executive decision-making skills. You will hear about the math involved, the psychological aspects of the game, and how he uses a specific poker app to stay sharp. Sheldon even provides details on how you can join his private league if you are looking for a way to engage your brain outside of your typical work hours.

    The core message is simple: if you do not take time for yourself, burnout will eventually change how you see your business. Whether it is playing an instrument, hiking, or gaming, find what works for you and make it a priority. Tune in to learn how to keep your safety game elevated while keeping your sanity intact.

    Chapters
    0:00 Intro and the Importance of Fun
    2:45 Hobbies from RV Life to Sourdough Baking
    5:30 Why Poker is the Ultimate Mind Game
    8:15 Joining the Agents of Poker League
    11:00 Poker Math and Executive Decision Making
    14:30 Avoiding Professional Burnout
    17:45 Final Thoughts and Outro

    Subscribe for more insights on the business of safety consulting and visit our website for additional resources.

    #safetyconsultant #burnoutprevention #businessmindset #pokerstrategy #worklifebalance

    My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com/poker

    19 min
  • Up Your Training Game With These Tips

    Welcome to another empowering episode of The Safety Consultant Podcast, hosted by Sheldon Primus. Whether you're a seasoned EHS professional, building your own consulting business, or new to the field, this episode is packed with practical strategies to elevate your training effectiveness and sharpen your consulting edge. Broadcasting from a small town in Minnesota, Sheldon Primus revisits and upgrades his classic "5 Tips to Be the Favorite Instructor," now including essential guidance for both in-person and online safety training. Tune in as Sheldon Primus walks you through actionable steps to engage learners, handle unexpected disruptions, and deliver value that gets you invited back time and again.

    Sequence of Topics Covered

    1. Introduction to the Podcast and Host

    • Sheldon Primus welcomes listeners to the Safety Consultant Podcast 01:03
    • Emphasis on blending safety expertise with business acumen
    • Audience: Safety professionals, new consultants, and those interested in safety

    2. Purpose and Content of the Podcast

    • Teaching the business of being a safety consultant 01:42
    • Coverage of OSHA compliance, regulatory requirements, and safety management systems

    3. Setting and Personal Context

    • Sheldon Primus records from Magnolia, Minnesota 02:14
    • Reflection on life as a traveling safety consultant and RVer
    • Mention of previous episodes with industry peer Jill James and her association

    4. Revisiting a Previous Episode: “5 Tips to Be the Favorite Instructor”

    • Reference to episode 106, originally aired in 2021 03:58
    • Outline of the five original tips:
      • Know your material inside out
      • Be prepared for disasters
      • Don’t preach but teach
      • Be respectful and personable to facility staff
      • Always help set up and tear down

    5. Expanded Tips for Modern Safety Training

    a. Know Your Material Inside and Out 07:11

    • Importance of deep knowledge for flexibility and engagement
    • Being able to go off script to clarify or elaborate for learners
    • Using real-world analogies and stories
    • Visualization techniques to prepare for training sessions
    • Taking students on a storytelling journey (hero, villain, conflict, resolution) 11:03

    b. Be Prepared for Disasters 12:49

    • Carrying backup equipment and connectors
    • Having a long HDMI cord and other AV tools
    • Bringing personal hotspot and backup devices 13:59
    • Arriving early to account for technical or logistical issues

    c. Don’t Preach, Teach 15:19

    • Avoiding a lecturing or punitive delivery
    • Relating OSHA standards to on-the-job realities
    • Incorporating practical examples and engagement
    • Minimizing reading directly from PowerPoint slides

    d. Be Respectful and Personable 17:31

    • Treating the training site as someone else’s space 17:41
    • Cleaning up, resetting the room, and showing courtesy to staff
    • Bringing personal supplies (markers, erasers, etc.)
    • Being polite and helpful beyond just teaching delivery

    e. Always Help Set Up and Tear Down

    • Actively involve yourself in logistical tasks before and after training 19:13

    6. Additional Tips for Online Training

    • Engaging online learners through chat and direct questions 19:24
    • Encouraging use of chat features to foster participation 19:40
    • Utilizing break-out rooms for peer-to-peer learning 20:18
    • Using online games (e.g. Game Show Pro via learningware.com) to boost testing and engagement 21:04
    • Offering digital raffles and prizes

    7. Business Calls to Action

    • Inviting listeners to enroll in the Safety Consultant 101 Course at safetyconsultantblueprint.com 23:23
    • Encouraging prospects interested in coaching to visit sheldon.coach and fill out the intake form 24:07

    Each segment is filled with structured, actionable advice aimed at elevating safety consultants’ training delivery and supporting their business growth.


    Ready to unlock the next level in your consulting business?
            ~Explore the Safety Consultant 101 Course at
    safetyconsultantblueprint.com, or get one-on-one business coaching with Sheldon at sheldon.coach.

    26 min
  • Mock OSHA Audits: How Safety Consultants Find Clients, Price the Work, and Deliver Value

    In this episode of The Safety Consultant Show with Sheldon Primus, Sheldon explains how safety consultants can approach mock OSHA audits and other mock regulatory agency audits as professional consulting services.

    Sheldon covers how to find clients, use OSHA inspection data, evaluate NAICS codes, think through pricing, review administrative controls, inspect physical worksites, and deliver a report that gives the client clear findings and practical remediation steps.

    Topics covered include:

    •  Finding mock OSHA audit clients 
    •  Friends, family, referrals, and past coworkers 
    •  Using OSHA establishment search data 
    •  Looking at OSHA emphasis programs 
    •  Using NAICS codes and frequently cited standards 
    •  Pricing based on urgency, hazard level, and company size 
    •  Why not to default to hourly pricing 
    •  50/50 payment structure 
    •  Administrative review: written programs, OSHA logs, and training records 
    •  Physical site walkthroughs 
    •  Taking photos and connecting findings to standards 
    •  Creating remediation recommendations 
    •  Turning mock audits into follow-up services 

    This episode is especially useful for safety consultants, EHS professionals, OSHA compliance trainers, and anyone building a safety consulting business.

    Learn more at safetyconsultantblueprint.com

    32 min
  • The Digital Nomad Safety Consultant: Work and Travel Secrets

    Ever wondered if you can run a successful safety consulting business while traveling the country in an RV? Sheldon Primus shares his personal journey and the exact tools he uses to maintain a professional consulting practice from the road. 🚐✨

    In this episode of the Safety Consultant Podcast, Sheldon breaks down the logistics of being a mobile safety professional. He discusses everything from downsizing your life to managing 50/50 contracts that keep cash flow steady while you move between locations. You will learn about the essential tech stack required for remote work, including satellite internet, portable power stations, and high-quality audio gear. Whether you are looking to reduce your overhead or simply want more freedom, this guide provides the blueprint for a location-independent consulting career. 🛠️💼

    Chapters
    0:00 Intro and Life in South Dakota
    4:10 Transitioning to Full-Time RV Life
    8:25 Financial Planning for Mobile Consulting
    12:15 Securing Training Contracts and Online Work
    15:30 Digital Tools and Resource Recommendations
    19:45 Building an Online Learning Management System
    23:10 Marketing Strategies and QR Code Tracking
    26:50 Behind the Scenes: Audio and Video Gear
    31:20 Staying Connected with Starlink and Hotspots
    35:04 Video End

    Sheldon also reviews his favorite resources for safety pros, including matchmaking platforms like Yellowbird and interactive training tools like GameShow Pro. Discover how to leverage technology to provide top-tier service to your clients without being tied to a traditional office. By focusing on virtual training and digital program reviews, you can reclaim your time and travel the world while helping companies stay OSHA compliant. 🌐📈

    If you found this video helpful, please hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the latest in safety consulting and business brilliance. Visit sheldonprimus.com/resources for more resources and to join our community of safety professionals.

    #safetyconsultant #rvlife #occupationalsafety #businessofsafety #remotework

    My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com

    36 min
  • Navigating a Slow Economy: How to Keep Your Safety Consulting Business Thriving

    📉 Navigating a Slow Economy: How to Keep Your Safety Consulting Business Thriving

    When the economy slows down, corporate budgets freeze, and external contracts are often the first to face scrutiny. But a slow market doesn't mean your safety consulting pipeline has to dry up.

    In this episode of the Safety Consultant Podcast, host Sheldon Primus breaks down exactly how to pivot your business strategy to thrive in a down market.

    🔍 What you’ll learn in this stream:

    • The Shifting Mindset of Corporate Buyers: Understand how risk aversion and cash flow panic change how companies hire.
    • Reframing Your Value: How to speak the language of CFOs, sell ROI, and shift to "fractional" or modular safety services.
    • Leaning Out Your Expenses: Practical, actionable ways to audit your tech stack, minimize travel overhead, and stay highly profitable between clients.

    🚀 Business Resources Mentioned:

    • Grab your Recession-Proof Consulting Framework: safetyconsultantblueprint.com
    • Take the Readiness Assessment for One-on-One Coaching: sheldon.coach

    Don't just survive the downturn—learn how to build a resilient, recession-proof consulting business. Hit play and let's get started!

    35 min

About The Safety Consultant Podcast

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The Safety Consultant Podcast with Sheldon Primus is your ultimate weekly guide to starting or growing a profitable occupational safety and health consulting business. Are you ready to be your own…