In this episode of Workplace Matters, we examine hearing loss and the workplace. What are the causes, risks, and long-term impacts of noise-induced and chemically-induced hearing loss on worker health, safety, and well-being? We spoke with Kellsie Busho, an audiologist and a Director of Clinical Programs in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Iowa, about why hearing loss is 100% preventable and how employers can reduce hazardous exposures and protect workers.

Host: Michael Guhin

Guest: Kellsie Busho

In this episode of Workplace Matters we are looking at multiple generations of individuals in the workplace along with strengths and challenges of having different age groups working together. We spoke with Dr. Cal Halvorsen from the Washington University in St. Louis Schools of Social Work and Public Health and Harvard Center for Work, Health, and Well-being Project Lead and Investigator. Dr. Halvorsen’s work has centered around intergenerational initiatives and aging populations.

Guest: Cal Halvorson

Host: Michael Guhin

In this episode of Workplace Matters we talk about Musculoskeletal Disorders or MSDs. Musculoskeletal disorders are common, chronic health conditions which impact workers. Ann Marie Dale, a retired professor of medicine and occupational therapy at Washington University in St. Louis Missouri, spent years treating workers with Musculoskeletal disorders and researched how the workplace can play a role in prevention and slowing progression of these conditions.

Guest: Ann Marie Dale

Host: Michael Guhin

In this episode of Workplace Matters we are discussing psychological safety. Psychological safety is a key contributor to successful teams, and benefits extend to leadership, mental health, and more. We spoke with Rong Su from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business about how to develop psychological safety within the workplace.

Guest: Rong Su

Host: Michael Guhin

In this episode of Workplace Matters we are discussing safety culture. A key determining factor of injury rates and employee retention is the culture around safety in a workplace. Leadership and employee engagement, how the workplace responds to incidents, and includes worker input all define the safety culture. We spoke with safety manager and safety consultant Kirk Deighton from D.C. Taylor Co. about safety culture and how to develop it within a workplace.

Guest: Kirk Deighton

Host: Michael Guhin

An employee’s recovery journey does not stop once they enter the workplace. This episode focuses on the needs of employees in recovery, and how leadership and the work environment can have a positive impact.

Guests: Sarah Swearingin & Christina Bravata

Host: Michael Guhin

In this episode of Workplace Matters we are discussing how recovery friendly workplaces can retain employees with substance use disorders (SUDs). We spoke with Tim Dobblare, safety director of Tower Rock Stone in Missouri, who is committed to retaining highly skilled employees. Retaining these workers through recovery friendly workplace policies became critical to their workplace.

Guest: Tim Dobblare

Host: Michael Guhin

In this episode of Workplace Matters we are discussing the lifesaving drug that temporarily stops an opioid overdose, Naloxone. In the first quarter of 2023 the FDA approved naloxone to be sold over the counter. Dr. John Gaal is the director of worker wellness for the Missouri Works Initiative and is an advocate for supporting workers with substance use disorders and recovery friendly workplace policies.

Guest: Dr. John Gaal

Host: Michael Guhin

In this episode of Workplace Matters we are discussing an important part of Recovery Friendly Workplaces, Peers in Recovery. A peer in recovery is a co-worker who has been in recovery and is willing and able to support others who struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs). We spoke with Eric Cohen from Ace Pipe in Kansas City, Missouri about how his own recovery journey has allowed him to help others within his workplaces.

Guest: Eric Cohen

Host: Michael Guhin

In this episode of Workplace Matters we are talking with Healthier Workforce Center Director, Dr. Diane Rohlman about the health, safety, and well-being of young workers. Dr. Rohlman explains why youth are vulnerable, and how employers can effectively train and communicate with young workers to protect their health and ensure a safe workplace.

Full transcript available here: https://hwc.public-health.uiowa.edu/young-worker-safety-health-and-wellbeing/

Guest: Dr. Diane Rohlman

Host: Michael Guhin