In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks with Ken Reed, VP at TapRoot about Root Cause Analysis (RCA). It's bad enough when an accident/incident occurs but companies should learn from it and make sure it never happens again. The point of RCA is to peel back the onion and figure out the root causes of the accident/incident. Never blame the employee. We d…

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the power of storytelling when presenting training in occupational safety. Storytelling helps make the safety training personal and helps keep employees engaged in learning.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the pitfalls of over commitment in occupational safety. A strategy is to use a method to risk rank the hazard or risk. Time, money, effort, etc. is a finite resource. All hazards cannot be tackled at the same time.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses that as Safety Professionals, we should expect hardship and stop thinking everything is so easy. Get input and buy-in from employees, then implement policies, training, etc. Then the employees have skin in the game.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks to Tracy Krieger of OC Safety about an incident she had at a company where an employee was experiencing a mental health crisis. Tracy goes into the response and the lessons learned from the incident. This was a great interview and outlines an area where Safety Professionals should have a plan ready in case such a…

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses a story with one of his old friends where he was accused of favoritism. We naturally become friends with employees in the workplace, but hazards and unsafe behavior cannot be overlooked just because you are friends.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses training for a new skill and bringing new hires onboard. Do we actually train employees or just assume they know what they are doing? Or do we put them with an "old-timer" to show them the ropes?By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses framing success when answer a safety question and beware of rabbit holes. Dr. Ayers is a recovering "Rabbit Hole Expert".By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses micromanagement. Is it the employee or the supervisors that needs help? I'd argue more that it's the supervisor who wants things done a certain way. Don't micromanage employees.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks about not being a ticket puncher. A ticket puncher is someone who cares about the next promotion as opposed to being focused on helping employees reduce hazards. Don't be a Ticket Puncher.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses a strategy to find employees who speak freely about hazards in the workplace. If you are a new safety person as the facility, have patience.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses a recent phone call with another safety professional expressing their concerns about being laid off and getting out of the safety profession. It hasn't been all rainbows and unicorns, but I think safety is a great profession and I have gotten a great deal of satisfaction from solving difficult and demanding h…

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers has Phil from Hazmat Scholars to discuss Universal Waste Management. Phil was also featured in episode 222 and 230 discussing hazardous waste management. Universal waste management is not always understood, and this is a can't miss episode.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses performing a gap assessment and getting to success in your safety programs. The first step is to frame success and then work towards that.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks about using the employee's safety plan. Review and ask for clarifications but they have already bought into their own plan. Use their safety plan.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses why he got into the field of Occupational Safety. For Dr. Ayers it's about helping people and reducing injuries and illnesses. There is no correct answer, this is an answer each Safety Professional must answer for themselves.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks about keeping your composure. As Safety Professionals, we need to have a level head. Employees look to us to have a plan.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers speaks to his younger self. If you don't know something, just own it. Ask questions, let employees explain the equipment and build relationships.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the dreaded "F" word in Occupational Safety. How are you getting "Focus" time at work?By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers asks the question, "Are you busy or productive?" In safety it's difficult to balance everything but are you avoiding issues by being busy?By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the various lists associated with tracking new hire orientation and training. Who is using software and saving time/effort?By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode older Dr. Ayers talks to young Dr. Ayers about avoiding the comfort zone. Growth does not happen in the comfort zone, get out.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers starts to peel back the onion on imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is generally expressed through self-doubt in your abilities even when you have shown a clear pattern of completed the tasks. Dr. Ayers discusses what he does to combat imposter syndrome.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers compares growing vegetables to rolling out safety programs. They both need plenty of light, rain, protection from animals and pulling weeds to thrive.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In todays' episode, Dr. Ayers discusses career skills with Dr. Megan Tranter. Dr. Tranter is a Safety Career Coach. She specializes in helping safety professionals go to the next level along with understanding what they really want from the safety profession.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks about not becoming a "Seagull Safety Professional". The seagull will swoop into a factory, lab or office; tell employees everything they have done wrong and fly away. Some Seagulls come to the facility, steal a good idea and promote it as their own. Don't be a "Seagull Safety Professional".…

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers asks the question about lone worker policies. Someone is always the first in the office as well as the last to lock up. What activities does your company allow employees to perform when they are the only one in the office?By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) and opioids used for pain (management/mismanagement) with Tim Pottoroff. "Ergo Tim" is a repeat guest and discusses early intervention to prevent MSDs along with using techniques found in Prevention through Design (PtD) to set the working environment up to reduce MSDs. Ove…

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers makes up a term "Hazard Correction Fixation Syndrome". this is when we as Safety Professionals get fixated on correcting a hazard and don't see other hazards in the area. Take a step back and see the whole picture, get input from employees on finding and correcting hazards.…

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discuss lithium fire hazards with Wendy Buckley of Stars Hazmat. Wendy has a lot of knowledge about lithium batteries. Wendy discusses the hazards along with the "extra" fire protection needed (class "D" Fire Extinguishers) and discusses best industry practices such as bringing your local fire department through the fa…

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses taking action. As Safety Professionals, we do a great job of identifying hazards and looking for ways to reduce injury. Take action, the plan is never going to be perfect.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses examining your life and way you work and make a list to stop doing. Take an objective deep dive and think about the things you want to change.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks to repeat guest Phil from HAZMAT Scholar. Dave and Phil discuss the topic of when a chemical is considered a hazardous waste along with strategies to dispose of the hazardous waste.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks about leaving the comfort of your desk and interacting with the workforce. Talk to the employees and eliminate the hazards.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

On today's episode, Dr. Ayers speaks to repeat guest Tracy Krieger of Safety OC. This is a continuation of episode 19 where we discussed psychological safety and what companies can do to help employees. Tracy discusses performing a baseline survey and then acting on those results.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discuss when deconstructive feedback is provided and strategies to peel the onion back and understand the feedback from the employee's perspective.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the need to have the correct tools to complete the task at hand. Talk to your employees and ensure they have the correct hand tools to get the job done.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the electrical hazards with Mike Starner of the National Electrical Contractors Association. We also discuss the performing risk assessments along with the lesser-known hazards of the industry such as vehicle accidents and operating the bucket trucks.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses making a decision. One of the ways to lose trust is to not make tough decisions.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's short and sweet episode, Dr. Ayers discusses taking your vacation and recharging. The work will be there when you get back.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers is joined by Phil from Hazmat Scholars. Phil explains the definition of hazardous waste along with great strategies for getting your questions answered.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses performing a risk assessment and having to decide whether to wear a helmet when swimming with horses.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, we discuss performing risk assessments while on vacation. We are always performing risk assessments.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's short and sweet session, Dr. Ayers discusses the safety initiative overload that some employees feel. Get buy-in from employees and stop chasing a magic bullet.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers asks the Safety Professionals if they know their companies risk appetite. Do you get mixed messages from management?By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the value of performing a job to really understand the hazards. I fixed my car but did not understand the ergonomics until I did the task.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses guarding your schedule. As a Safety Professional, it's hard to say "no". Time is a finite resource. Reduce/eliminate distractions from the main mission which is to reduce/eliminate hazards.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers speaks to his younger self. Do not let fate plan your future, take charge, ask difficult and uncomfortable questions and get better. Rise to the next level.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks to Wylie Davidson about his presentation on Leaving a Safety Legacy. Wylie is a terrific motivational safety speaker.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks about how there are no safety hacks, magic pills, magic risk assessments, etc. Just work hard and eliminate reduce hazards.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management