#32 Stop Fixing The Electric Cord: Maintenance Budgets, Cause Analysis & Behavior Based Safety Safe, Efficient, Profitable: A Worker Safety podcast

10:33

In this episode we're picking the top hot work safety risks that we've encountered over our careers that can create the perfect storm for a fire event during hot work activities, with luck playing a major role in why some buildings are still standing. Give this episode a listen, and see if your facility has any of these hot work process management risks: “Top Failures in Hot Work Safety – Not Your Typical Toolbox Talk” 🔥 Overview: In episode of Safe, Efficient, Profitable, hosts Joe and Jen of Allen Safety go beyond the basics of hot work training to uncover the top failures in hot work safety programs—the kind that can literally burn your facility down if left unaddressed. Forget the standard "check your extinguisher" talk—this is a real-world, experience-driven deep dive based on years of safety audits, incidents, and lessons learned on the ground. This episode is a must-listen for safety professionals, plant managers, contractors, and fire watch personnel looking to prevent catastrophic fire risks during welding, cutting, and grinding operations. 🔥 Key Points Covered: Fire Watch Confusion Many Fire Watch personnel don’t understand where to stand, how long to stay, or how to follow the work if it moves. Most training doesn’t address real-world logistics or site-specific protocols. Undefined Hot Work Areas Critical visibility issues arise when Fire Watch personnel are nowhere near the hot work. Real examples include watching welding work 50+ feet away or in confined spaces—ineffective and dangerous. Incomplete Permit Processes Hot work permits are often pre-filled, not site-specific, or treated as blanket 8-hour approvals. There’s a lack of accountability around evaluating new locations, travel paths, and potential hazards as work progresses. Distance & Multiple Weld Zones Welding that spans 200+ feet of conveyor systems or fencing requires multiple permits and Fire Watch assignments, not just one. Permits need to consider clearance areas (35 feet around each weld), extinguisher placement, and actual work duration. Shift Transitions & Breakdowns in Fire Watch Coverage Contractor Liability Gaps Confusion over who is liable—contractor vs. host site—especially when personnel change mid-project. This opens the door for unapproved hand-offs, missed hazards, and untracked accountability. The Root of It All: Lack of Planning Most issues stem from a lack of project planning. Pre-job assessments are rushed or overlooked, especially for multi-employer worksites. Without the right number and quality of trained personnel, hazards slip through the cracks. 🔍 SEO Keywords & Phrases: Hot work safety failures Fire watch best practices Welding permit compliance Preventing fires during hot work Hot work hazard assessment Allen Safety podcast Industrial fire prevention Safety planning for contractors Toolbox talk hot work OSHA hot work permit Real-world fire watch training 💡 Final Takeaway: “Hot work safety is about way more than checking extinguishers—it’s about people, planning, positioning, and responsibility.” If your team is unclear on any of those, it’s time to revisit your program. 🎯 For More Support: Visit AllenSafety.com for onsite training and safety services. Explore AllenSafetyCoaching.com for virtual coaching, resources, and free email support. This episode is intended for educational purposes. Solutions offered are not designed to take the place of an attorney or medical professional, and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. It is recommended that viewers consult a safety consultant, medical provider or an occupational safety legal team as applicable to help navigate their specific…

Safe, Efficient, Profitable: A Worker Safety Podcast

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Farm, Feed Lot & Feed Mill Safety: More Than Animal Handling & Moving Trailers 16:37

9 weeks ago16:37

16:37

Working at Farms, feed lots, and feed mills. They are absolutely an "if you know you know" type work place, which can create some risks if that person becomes a new hire! In this episode, Joe and Jen skip right over some of the more "traditional" Hazards and move right to things that make you go "huh."🤔 This was a fun one to make- we hope you guys enjoy it! Full episode summary below: Key Points: 1. Biosecurity & Industrial Hygiene Farm safety starts before driving onto the property—biosecurity measures require washing vehicles, showering in/showering out, wearing designated clothing, and sanitizing tools. 2. Safety Challenges in Farming Environments Hot Work (e.g., welding, grinding) is unique on farms due to open spaces, uncontrollable factors like ventilation, and farm managers (rather than safety officers) issuing permits. Training is often unrealistic—safety training (e.g., first aid/CPR) is typically taught in an office setting but must be applied in unpredictable farm conditions (e.g., near animals, in extreme weather, in remote locations). Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) issues—farms have stored energy hazards (e.g., augers retaining power), which may not be adequately addressed through standard LOTO procedures. 3. Equipment-Specific Hazards Leaf blowers pose a unique risk—they can catch long hair or loose clothing, an overlooked danger due to differences in PPE use on farms versus industrial sites. Tractors and equipment can vary significantly—workers may have to operate multiple brands and models, requiring flexible and adaptable training. Outdoor work adds risks—workers may be alone, exposed to extreme weather, or using outdated PPE/equipment. 4. Routine Tasks Can Be High-Risk Pest control, handling chemicals, and general hygiene practices pose hidden risks—workers may unintentionally contaminate themselves (e.g., scratching their nose while wearing contaminated gloves). People that have been at the faciality for many years may be accustomed to certain risks—they may develop unsafe habits over time due to familiarity with their tasks and environment. 5. Emergency Preparedness & Response Fires, tornadoes, and medical emergencies require special planning since farms are often rural and lack immediate emergency response access. During emergencies, animals must also be managed—creating additional logistical and safety concerns. Returning to normal operations post-emergency is often overlooked—many farm safety plans lack a structured approach for resuming work safely. 6. Housekeeping & Sanitation Differences Housekeeping expectations vary by farm type—some areas (e.g., mills) must be cobweb-free, while feedlots prioritize biosecurity. Inspection routines should be tailored to each location—ensuring electrical panels, PPE, and equipment cleanliness meet site-specific safety standards. Contractors & maintenance personnel need clear guidance—a well-planned inspection and task list can prevent biosecurity risks when bringing in external workers. 7. The Need for Better Training & Documentation Farm safety programs should be location-specific, as no two farms operate the same way. The training should be accessible at the farm- and not just at the main office. For more information, they direct listeners to AllenSafetyCoaching.com or Allen-Safety.com websites for training, evaluations, and audits tailored to farm safety. This video is intended for educational purposes. Solutions offered are not designed to take the place of an attorney or medical professional, and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. It is recommended that viewers consult a safety consultant, medical provider or an occupational safety legal team as applicable to help navigate their specific circumstances.…

Safe, Efficient, Profitable: A Worker Safety Podcast

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#72 Electrical Safety: A Shockingly Fresh Take On Training, Programs & Inspections 11:02

12 weeks ago11:02

11:02

We've all seen the boiler-plate electrical safe work practice & electrical awareness training. This isn't that. In this episode, we're challenging your program, what's covered in training, who gets training, and even your routine safety inspections to give you a fresh way to view electrical safety at your facility. If this helped you, please support us by liking and sharing the episode and thank you for listening! Full episode description below: This episode dives deep into common electrical hazards overlooked during inspections and audits, highlighting critical gaps in personal protective equipment (PPE), voltmeter use, and general facility maintenance. By emphasizing real-world scenarios, the hosts discuss how to strengthen electrical safety programs through collaborative efforts with electricians, maintenance and utilities departments. The episode is packed with actionable advice and key insights for improving electrical safety. Key Points: 1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Gaps: Improper use of arc flash clothing and untrained staff wearing non-rated clothing. Specific Concerns: Workers rolling up sleeves, incorrectly washing arc flash clothing, and mismatches in PPE due to gaps in supply and policy oversight. 2. Voltmeter Training and Misuse: Untrained or insufficiently trained personnel using voltmeters improperly, leading to dangerous arcing incidents. Training Gaps: Inconsistent policies on who should use voltmeters and when they should check for power. 3. Environmental Hazards in Electrical Rooms: Water and Corrosion: MCC rooms often have water ingress issues due to poor drainage, condensation, or wet cleanup areas. Impact: Water and chemical exposure can cause equipment failures and create shock hazards. 4. Dust and Explosive Risks: Dust accumulation near electrical equipment (e.g., mills, conveyor systems) increases fire risk from ignition sources such as motors, bearings etc. 5. Safety Program Ownership: Many safety programs are unclear and too vague or overly complex, with safety teams managing areas outside their expertise resulting in programs outlining processes the facility does not actually do. 6. Importance of Accurate Labeling: Incorrect labeling of electrical panels and disconnects can lead to dangerous situations where hazard levels are misunderstood. 7. Collaborative Risk Assessments: Engage electricians, maintenance staff, and safety teams in collaborative reviews and risk assessments tailored to specific locations. Keywords: Electrical safety hazards PPE gaps in electrical work Voltmeter safety training Lockout/tagout electrical safety Arc flash protection MCC room maintenance Electrical hazard inspections Housekeeping for electrical safety Dust explosion prevention Industrial electrical safety program This video is intended for educational purposes. Solutions offered are not designed to take the place of an attorney or medical professional, and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. It is recommended that viewers consult a safety consultant, medical provider or an occupational safety legal team as applicable to help navigate their specific circumstances. Specific job tasks shown are being completed by trained professionals, and should not be attempted without proper training and equipment under the supervision of a professional. Viewer discretion is advised.…

Safe, Efficient, Profitable: A Worker Safety Podcast

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Trending Safety, EHS & PSM Risks Managers Must Mitigate in 2025 11:30

14 weeks ago11:30

11:30

Where will the top safety risks and threats fall in 2025? Joe and Jen throw out their predictions for 2025. Let us know in the comments what your predictions are! 1. The Continuation of Key 2024 Trends into 2025 The episode kicks off with a reflection on 2024’s biggest safety and compliance trends, including the growing complexity of safety protocols and the rise of multi-stakeholder involvement in documentation. Predictions for 2025 include heightened emphasis on process ownership and the need for more specialized training amidst rising turnover rates. 2. Who Should Be Signing Off on Safety Documents? Understanding Documentation Responsibility: The discussion highlights the challenges of ensuring that the right individuals are signing critical documents like PSM protocols, environmental safety validations, and lockout/tagout procedures. Role-Based Validation: Different documents require different expertise. 3. The Importance of Qualifications and Expertise The team stresses the need for honesty in evaluating one’s qualifications. Managers and employees alike must assess their ability to handle specific responsibilities, from evaluating tie-off points for elevated work to managing ammonia refrigeration systems. They discuss scenarios where managers are assigned tasks outside their expertise, highlighting the risks of improper sign-offs and the need for ongoing technical training. 4. Addressing the Experience and Training Gap As turnover rates rise and companies promote from within, a critical gap in industry-specific knowledge is emerging. 5. Process Safety Management (PSM) Challenges The conversation touches on the growing complexity of PSM responsibilities and the struggle to assign ownership. Many organizations are stretched thin, with roles like safety, environmental, and even HR managers taking on PSM duties without sufficient training. The hosts emphasize the need for subject matter experts (SMEs) who understand the technical aspects of systems like thermodynamics and leak mitigation. 6. Why Document Signatures Matter Signing off on a document is more than just an administrative step—it signifies ownership, responsibility, and accountability for safety and compliance. 7. Practical Solutions for Safety Challenges in 2025 The episode closes with practical advice for organizations facing these challenges: Conduct evaluations of education and baseline knowledge to ensure the right people are signing critical documents. Develop training plans for onboarding. Utilize personnel at sister plants, or location subject matter experts to help fill in knowledge gaps. Call to Action: This episode is packed with practical insights for professionals navigating the dynamic safety and regulatory challenges of 2025. For tailored support, visit AllenSafety.com or AllenSafetyCoaching.com to explore on-site evaluations and training options or access over 100 lessons on Allen Safety’s virtual coaching platform. If this episode was helpful, please like, subscribe, and share to help others stay informed and improve workplace safety! This video is intended for educational purposes. Solutions offered are not designed to take the place of an attorney or medical professional, and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. It is recommended that viewers consult a safety consultant, medical provider or an occupational safety legal team as applicable to help navigate their specific circumstances.…

Safe, Efficient, Profitable: A Worker Safety Podcast

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2024 Safety Wrap-Up: Top Safety Failures, Trends & Solutions 12:38

16 weeks ago12:38

12:38

Join us for this 2024 worker safety trend wrap-up, where we're discussing the top worker safety gaps and opportunities we personally saw ourselves in the field as safety experts. Is this reviewing OSHA's list from Sept 2024? No. Is what we're listing possibly some of the root causes for why OSHA issued the citations they did? Maybe. Stick with us until the end to see the actionable, budget conscious safety strategies for 2025 and let us know if we missed any that you saw! Full episode description below: Key Points: OSHA 2024 Most-Cited Issues- this video isn't covering that list released in Sept 2024 due to that can be looked up, but the gaps we saw likely contributed to system breakdowns that resulting in the citations they ended up issuing. 1. Significant Procedure gaps were seen in confined space assessments, lock out tag out procedures, PPE assessments, SOPs, task procedures etc. 2. Stakeholder Involvement and Documentation- Importance of engaging qualified stakeholders for accurate hazard evaluation, program and procedure development, and overall program engagement. 3. Critical Technical Experience-Based Knowledge Was Lost to Turn Over & Retirement- Addressing the loss of knowledge due to retirements and high turnover rates. 4. Risks in Non-Routine Tasks, Team Members in Support Roles, and Multi-Employer Worksites- Identifying overlooked hazards in tasks performed during off-hours or by contractors and support roles at the facility. 5. Technological Advances and Safety Challenges- Integrating robotics, AI, and advanced systems into safety protocols- implementation of new technology prior to the development of safety protocols and program updates. Resources: Visit AllenSafety.com for in-depth audits, evaluations, and training. Explore AllenSafetyCoaching.com for over 100 videos, free email coaching, and step-by-step safety guidance. This video is intended for educational purposes. Solutions offered are not designed to take the place of an attorney or medical professional, and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. It is recommended that viewers consult a safety consultant, medical provider or an occupational safety legal team as applicable to help navigate their specific circumstances.…

Safe, Efficient, Profitable: A Worker Safety Podcast

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The Cost of Personal Agendas May Be Safety: BONUS Episode 3:32

16 weeks ago3:32

3:32

This video is intended for educational purposes. Solutions offered are not designed to take the place of an attorney, career advisor, or medical professional, and should not be taken as legal, career, or medical advice. It is recommended that viewers consult a safety consultant, career advisor, medical provider or an occupational safety legal team as applicable to help navigate their specific circumstances.…

Safe, Efficient, Profitable: A Worker Safety Podcast

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Is Your Safety Consultant Ethical? 4:34

19 weeks ago4:34

4:34

It seems like there are people claiming to be "experts" everywhere- so how do you spot the true experts among all the noise? This video helps you identify exactly that with some red flags and key questions to ask then next time you hire a third party for PSM or Safety audits or training. This video is intended for educational purposes. Solutions offered are not designed to take the place of an attorney or medical professional, and should not be taken as legal advice. It is recommended that viewers consult an occupational safety legal team as applicable to help navigate their specific circumstances.…

Safe, Efficient, Profitable: A Worker Safety Podcast

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#67: Is Your Safety Culture Stressing Your Employees Out? 14:09

21 weeks ago14:09

14:09

Could something as simple as a microwave be driving up injuries at your manufacturing facility? We think it very well could be, but it goes deeper than that. It goes all the way to the culture and environment your employees are working in. Does your facility have any of these top risks that can drive up stress, and in turn risk of injury? Join us with special guest George Mazzuca this week where we break it all down, and talk about our experiences working in the plants, along with what stressed us out! Full episode summary below: Key Discussion Points: 1. Smoking Areas: Smoking areas can inadvertently increase stress when they are too far from workstations or in poor weather conditions. Solutions: Install additional smoking areas closer to key work areas or provide sheltered, weatherproof spaces to reduce break-time inconvenience. 2. Guard Shack Delays: Long lines at guard shacks during shift changes create delays and anxiety about clocking in on time. Solutions: Increase the number of lanes during peak times, streamline inspections with clear bag policies, and optimize staffing for guard duties. 3. Parking Lot Challenges: Large parking lots often mean lengthy walks to entrances, exacerbated by weather conditions. Solutions: Designate closer parking spots for different shifts or implement shuttle services to ensure timely access. 4. Cafeteria Microwave Shortages: A lack of microwaves leads to long lines and rushed meals during short break periods. Solutions: Invest in additional microwaves to accommodate all employees or stagger break times to minimize congestion. 5. Wet Floors: Wet floors during pre-op and sanitation increase the risk of slips and add to morning stress. Solutions: Use squeegee teams to quickly dry floors, lay down anti-slip mats, and clearly mark safe walkways. 6. Leaving Work on Time: Employees often leave a few minutes early to avoid parking lot traffic, creating coverage gaps and added stress for remaining staff. Solutions: Stagger end times to reduce bottlenecks and improve parking lot flow. 7. Pre-Op Stress: Pre-op sanitation and equipment setup delays affect the entire production schedule, increasing stress levels for all involved. Solutions: Build buffer times into the schedule, ensure communication between teams, and prioritize efficient setups. 8. Lockout Accessibility: Hard-to-reach lockout points deter proper compliance and increase frustration. Solutions: Relocate lockout points to more accessible locations and provide practical solutions for elevated equipment. 9. Holiday Season Stress: The holidays bring additional pressures with altered schedules, family obligations, and increased travel. Solutions: Encourage flexibility, stagger schedules, and prioritize employee well-being during this busy time. SEO Keywords: Workplace safety stress, employee morale, guard shack delays, wet floors safety, parking lot management, lockout safety tips, cafeteria solutions, pre-op sanitation stress, holiday workplace stress, Allen Safety podcast, safety protocols improvement. This video is intended for educational purposes. Solutions offered are not designed to take the place of an attorney or medical professional, and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. It is recommended that viewers consult a safety consultant, medical provider or an occupational safety legal team as applicable to help navigate their specific circumstances.…

Safe, Efficient, Profitable: A Worker Safety Podcast

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#67 Safety Managers: Is it Time For A Job Change? 10:16

23 weeks ago10:16

10:16

Its the holiday season, a dinner topic that may be brought up at a lot of tables centers around job and career changes. For safety managers, a driving force for contemplating a job starts with if they feel the company they work for doesn't have safety values that align with their own. Is it the company, or is it how the manager is presenting the concept of safety? Listen to this episode to learn more! This video is intended for educational purposes. Solutions offered are not designed to take the place of an attorney, career coach, or medical professional, and should not be taken or acted upon as legal, career, or medical advice. It is recommended that viewers consult a safety consultant, career advisor, medical provider, and/ or an occupational safety legal team as applicable to help navigate their specific circumstances.…

Safe, Efficient, Profitable: A Worker Safety Podcast

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#66: Safety Training- Are You Overpaying For What You're Getting? 13:08

25 weeks ago13:08

13:08

In this episode, Joe and Jen dive deep into the world of training costs and provide practical insights on how to manage your facility’s training budget without sacrificing quality or compliance. From in-house vs. third-party training to hidden fees and travel expenses, they break down the key factors that can make or break your training program. As a plant manager or safety leader, it's essential to ask the right questions when evaluating training vendors. The episode touches on everything from the true cost of training (including travel and overtime) to how to ensure your team receives effective, hands-on learning that directly applies to your operations. Jen shares real-world examples of the challenges that arise when hiring external trainers and the surprising additional costs, like billing for travel time or the risk of not getting full value from PowerPoint-heavy sessions. They also discuss the importance of customizing training to your specific needs, whether it’s for confined space entry, lockout/tagout, or specialized equipment, and how to ensure your team is actually getting the skills they need—not just a certification. Joe emphasizes the importance of hands-on training and competency verification, while Jen explains how management can be more involved in the training process to ensure it delivers real value. Ultimately, the episode gives a no-nonsense approach to managing training costs, understanding bids, and evaluating whether the training you're paying for meets your facility’s needs. With tips on how to get the most out of your training investment, this episode is a must-listen for anyone responsible for safety and compliance training at their facility. The episode walks through key questions you should ask when selecting a training provider, including: In-house vs. Third-Party Training: Should you keep it internal or bring in external experts? How do you evaluate the expertise of external trainers? Customization of Training: Is the training tailored to your specific industry, plant, and job functions, or is it generic and broad? Understanding the True Costs: Get clarity on whether you're paying for travel time, overtime for your employees, and potential hidden fees. Hands-On vs. PowerPoint Training: Is the training interactive and relevant to your team's daily tasks, or are you getting a generic, one-size-fits-all presentation? Managing Competency and Verification: What does competency verification look like, and how do you ensure your team actually learns and applies the training? For more details, check out their website at Allen-Safety.com or connect with Joe and Jen on LinkedIn. SEO Keywords: training costs, safety training, in-house vs external training, plant training budget, safety training budget, training vendors, hands-on training, competency verification, safety compliance, industrial training, industrial safety training, confined space training, lockout/tagout training, arc flash training, maintenance team training, training customization, hot work, welding, liability, risk mitigation, risk reduction, safety manager, safety budget This podcast is intended for educational purposes. Solutions offered are not designed to take the place of an attorney or medical professional, and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. It is recommended that viewers consult a safety consultant, medical provider or an occupational safety legal team as applicable to help navigate their specific circumstances.…

Safe, Efficient, Profitable: A Worker Safety Podcast

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The Real Cost of Work Place Injuries: What You're Not Calculating 14:10

27 weeks ago14:10

14:10

In this episode, Joe and Jen cover all of the tangible costs of an injury, but dive deep into the intangible costs that injuries bring that are typically not calculated. These underlying costs can cause the start of a cycle that can end up repeating for years to come. Is your business in one of these cycles? Episode summary below: Cost of Workplace Injuries: This episode focuses on the cost of workplace injuries, highlighting both tangible and intangible expenses such as medical bills, management time, lost productivity, and knowledge gaps. Management Time: Injuries lead to additional management responsibilities, including investigations, retraining, and compensating for absent employees, which disrupts regular workflows. Loss of Productivity: When injuries occur, productivity is impacted. Managers often spend 100% of their time running the business rather than improving it, and the absence of skilled workers further affects operations. Employee Morale and Retention: Extended work hours and the stress of compensating for injured colleagues cause employee fatigue, reducing morale, increasing turnover, and lowering engagement. Knowledge Gaps: Injured workers often possess critical skills that cannot be easily replaced. Their absence creates knowledge gaps, especially in specialized areas like maintenance, which can lead to further risks and inefficiencies. Fatigue and Mental Health: Fatigue due to extended work periods and increased workloads without recovery time heightens the risk of injuries and affects employees' mental health. Customer and Public Relations: Injuries can lead to bad PR and strain customer relations, adding pressure to the business to maintain productivity while addressing safety concerns. Regulatory and Legal Costs: Managing workers' compensation claims, regulatory compliance, and potential legal fees adds to the financial burden caused by injuries. Proactive Prevention: The podcast emphasizes the importance of preventing injuries by improving communication, addressing risks early, and ensuring employees feel heard to avoid burnout and maintain safety. Closing Remarks: Hosts Joe and Jen Allen remind listeners to assess all costs (tangible and intangible) associated with workplace injuries, encouraging businesses to prioritize safety not only for moral reasons but also to maintain control over their operations. This video is intended for educational purposes. Solutions offered are not designed to take the place of an attorney or medical professional, and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. It is recommended that viewers consult a safety consultant, medical provider or an occupational safety legal team as applicable to help navigate their specific circumstances.…

Safe, Efficient, Profitable: A Worker Safety Podcast

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Is Ergonomics A Waste of Money? #64 16:31

29 weeks ago16:31

16:31

In this episode, Joe and Jen debate if making changes based on ergonomic evaluations are worth the money, and how to get a return on any ergo projects. If you're wondering if JHAs, JSAs, and Ergo assessments are worth the time and effort, this one is for you! Key Takeaways: Ergonomics Is Often Overlooked: When businesses are under pressure, ergonomic improvements are frequently postponed, yet neglecting them leads to higher injury rates and long-term costs. New Hires at Risk: In physically demanding industries like poultry processing, new hires are particularly vulnerable to ergonomic injuries, especially if proper work hardening and ramp-up processes are not followed. Broaden Ergonomic Understanding: Ergonomics isn't just about repetitive tasks; it involves the entire work environment, including awkward movements, environmental factors, and poorly designed equipment. PPE and Ergonomics: Ill-fitting PPE can cause significant ergonomic problems, especially for women or other employees whose body types differ from the "standard" sizing used for most PPE. ROI of Ergonomic Solutions: Investing in ergonomic solutions can deliver a solid ROI by reducing injuries, improving productivity, and even lowering turnover in high-risk roles. Work Design Matters: Ergonomic assessments should include the broader context of the worker’s environment, not just isolated tasks. Fatigue Increases Risks: Ergonomic risks increase toward the end of a shift when workers are fatigued, making tasks like lifting heavy hoses more dangerous.…

Safe, Efficient, Profitable: A Worker Safety Podcast

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What to do After A Regulatory (OSHA) Inspection: A Step by Step Guide 14:59

31 weeks ago14:59

14:59

In this episode, Joe and Jen try to give you a step by step guide on how to manage the chaos that can be left after regulators visit your facility. What do you do next? Where do you start? It can be so overwhelming, and this episode was designed to help you sort through it all. Initial Preparation and Documentation: Jen and Joe emphasize that businesses should have a pre-existing plan in place to handle regulatory inspections. A key point here is that the plan should clearly outline how to interact with regulatory bodies when they arrive on-site. This includes establishing protocols for security, communication, and credential verification when the agency shows up. The plan is typically a few pages long but should be detailed enough to provide clear guidance on procedures to follow. The Importance of Rapid Action: Joe stresses the urgency of addressing the problem immediately, whether it’s a chemical leak or other significant issue. He explains that actions must be taken within minutes to mitigate risks, even if regulatory agencies take longer to conduct their investigations. The goal is to prevent further incidents by quickly implementing temporary solutions. Evaluating Systems and Gaps: Joe points out that companies often face difficulties when an incident occurs because they may have been following the same systems for years without issue. When an event happens, it’s an indication that the system failed in some way, and now the company must figure out what went wrong and address the gaps. Jen adds that it's tough for people who have been working in the same environment for years to think creatively about how to solve these problems, which is why an external review is often necessary. Long-term Solutions and Prioritization: The discussion moves toward implementing long-term solutions. Jen and Joe emphasize that the fixes need to be sustainable—not just temporary patches. Joe explains that companies should consider a timeline for implementing changes, from immediate actions to more permanent solutions that can last for months or years. They stress that companies should avoid trying to tackle everything at once, but instead prioritize issues based on risk and severity. Joe also advises companies to document their progress, showing regulatory agencies that they are making consistent efforts toward improvement. Systematic Approach and Testing: The hosts advocate for regularly testing safety systems and processes, even when there hasn’t been an incident, to ensure they’re still effective. Joe explains that businesses should run their operations as if they expect failures to happen, and then prepare to address those failures. This approach helps uncover hidden gaps before they become serious issues. Involving Contractors: Jen and Joe also discuss the importance of considering contractors in safety systems. If contractors are involved in high-risk activities like confined space work or hot work, companies need to have different safety protocols in place than for regular employees. These contractor-specific risks should also be addressed in post-incident evaluations and corrective actions. Budgeting and Financial Considerations: Another major point is how to handle the financial side of implementing fixes. Joe notes that while fixing all issues may add up to a large sum, businesses need to prioritize spending based on risk and necessity. He spends a lot of time analyzing risk levels and timelines to figure out which part of the corrective actions should be tackled first. Documentation and Follow-Up Visits: The episode closes with advice on documenting every step of the corrective action process. Jen stresses that companies should keep detailed records of what they’re doing to address issues, as regulatory agencies will often make follow-up visits to check on progress. Showing intent through documentation is key to demonstrating compliance and effort.…

Safe, Efficient, Profitable: A Worker Safety Podcast

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SDS & Chemical Safety Toolbox IN SPANISH: Hojas de Datos de Seguridad... ¿Quién las entiende? 17:05

31 weeks ago17:05

17:05

Esta semana tuvimos un episodio extra en español con nuestro consultor de seguridad George Mazzuca. Nos divertimos mucho haciendo esta breve capacitación sobre HAZCOM y Hojas de Datos de Seguridad (SDS). ¡Déjanos un comentario abajo y cuéntanos qué te pareció y si quieres más capacitaciones cortas de seguridad en español como esta!…

Safe, Efficient, Profitable: A Worker Safety Podcast

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#62: Eliminating Language Barriers in Worker Safety 9:20

33 weeks ago9:20