Missouri Employers Mutual Podcasts

Heat stress is a hidden hazard that comes with warmer weather. The U.S Department of Labor reported 344 worker deaths related to heat exposure between 2011 and 2019. Learn how this common workplace risk can be avoided with return guest Rod Harvey, Director of Industrial Hygiene and Field Operations with RHP Risk Management.…

Drones are at the forefront of the new technology frontier. These high-flying machines range from the size of a small airplane to pocket-size. Available for non-military use for more than 15 years, they are used in many industry areas. Discover what drones are capable of, and how they can be used to increase safety on the job, with David Day, certi…

Running a business often requires an owner to wear many hats. Understandably, some details of workplace safety get lost in the mix. One area that is commonly overlooked is fire safety. Many people know the basics: fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency exits. However, there are a few items that go unnoticed. Learn how to check essential…

Have you ever been involved an incident that appeared to only be partially or completely not your fault? These situations can get complicated quickly. It can often become a he-said, she-said disagreement. Work comp insurance companies have tools and resources to help sort through the facts. When another party is liable for damage or injuries, an im…

Marijuana is more accessible than ever in Missouri. Residents can now purchase it for medical and recreational use. Cannabis in the workplace has significant implications. Learn practical ways to protect your business and your employees with Larry Lambert, General Counsel at Missouri Employers Mutual.…

Machines are an essential to getting a job done in many industries. But this energized equipment holds unseen hazards, and it only takes one moment to change a life. Discover how a lockout/tagout (LOTO) program can differ between an efficient workday and a catastrophic incident with Rod Harvey, Director of Industrial Hygiene and Field Operations wi…

Being tired on the job is nothing new for the average employee. But a fatigued employee can create liability for a business. But how do employers know when a worker has reached the tipping point - when being mentally and physically drained becomes dangerous? Learn how a new form of technology is bridging the gap with Jeff Akers and Jeff Sease, CEO …

The WorkSAFE Podcast began in 2017 as a way to spread workplace safety and workers compensation information to a broad audience. Join us for a special anniversary episode where host Heather Carl and Marketing Content Strategist and podcast producer Alan Combs share our top five episodes and some hidden gems.…

Insurance is something that provides protection against a possible eventuality. You can pay to insure just about anything you value: your home and health, even treasured possessions. Understand how a work comp policy protects your business with Christian DeLozier, Proactive Business Risk & Insurance Consultant for Mike Keith Insurance, Inc.…

What does it take to produce the goods that feed a nation? Further, what happens when your livelihood depends on it? Stress and uncertainty are a part of daily life in the agriculture industry. Learn how farmers and ranchers can get the support they need with Dr. Tara Haskins, Total Farmer Health Director for AgriSafe.…

The cost of goods and services is increasing, and buyers aren't the only ones affected. Businesses are also battling to maintain their bottom line. Understand how inflation impacts work comp and how claims costs are handled with Andy Ribaudo, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Missouri Employers Mutual, and Lyndi Barthel, Manager of Medi…

Getting employees to buy into safety can be a challenge for employers, no matter what industry they're in. But when you include them in the conversation, it isn't impossible. Learn how to use stories of risk and injury to fuel workplace change with Patrick Nelson, founder of Loyalty Point Leadership.…

Marijuana is legal in some form for more than 146 million Americans. As both state and federal governments continue to propose new amendments and laws, business owners are faced with an evolving legal landscape. Learn what these changes mean for employers and their safety culture with Larry Lambert, Associate General Council for Missouri Employers …

Labor shortages are frustrating for the average consumer. However, many employers are scrambling to meet demand. With fewer experienced team members to train new hires, the risk of injury is on the rise. Learn how to protect current employees from burnout and prepare incoming new hires with Aaron Paris, Director of Safety at the Robert E. Miller Gr…

Training is one of the most important things an employer can offer. Employers have a responsibility to give their teams the education they need to stay safe on the job. But how do they know if this training is making a difference? Discover seven signs of effective employee training with Sheila Schmidt, Safety and Risk Services Regional Manager at M…

Whether you drive for work or personal reasons, the consequences of being distracted behind the wheel can be life-altering. The price can be losing your life, or costing someone theirs. Discover how to change not just attitudes, but actions, with Joel Feldman, founder of the organization End Distracted Driving.…

Working alone is a common task across different industries. This includes people who work with the public, high-risk individuals or in high-risk situations. Without a team, workplace - or even a phone handy - how can employers know when an employee is in trouble? Learn how technology bridges this gap with Serese Selanders, founder and CEO OF SolusG…

The cost of doing business - and life in general - is on the rise. And unfortunately, so is the severity and cost of workplace injuries. Learn how employers can rein in these expenses, and improve claim outcomes, with Kelli Lucas, Director of Claims at Missouri Employers Mutual.By Missouri Employers Mutual

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common conditions affecting the working population. They are also a major cause of lost time on the job. Discover how these painful injuries don't just affect physical health, but mental health, with Paul Krewson, founder and CEO of Peak Ergonomics.…

Work comp is a valuable form of protection. However, safety regulations are closely tied to work comp benefits. Learn about the connection between them and how they impact both employers and employees, with returning guest Rhonda Kauffman, Safety and Risk Specialist at Missouri Employers Mutual.By Missouri Employers Mutual

Noise levels are a safety concern that many employees think doesn't apply to them. In other industries, hearing loss is just an accepted part of the job. Hearing loss can and should be prevented by employers. Learn how to set safe sound standards on the job with Joe Czaicki, Senior Safety & Risk Consultant at Missouri Employers Mutual.…

Workplace culture is key to retaining employees. Learn how a positive environment reduces injuries and keeps employees around longer with Victoria Dew, founder and CEO of Dewpoint Communications.By Missouri Employers Mutual

Every day, we learn and understand how to keep people safer on the job. However, the road to safer workplaces has been a long one. It begins in a place where health and safety weren't always priorities. Learn how far the past has brought us, and where the future leads, with Rod Courtney, the Health, Safety and Environmental Manager at Ampirical.…

We've all seen vibrant yellow safety vests, bright orange barrels and neon stripes directing us to the safest path. In each of these situations, bright colors play an active role in keeping both us and employees safe - and there's more to them than meets the eye. Learn how high visibility gear makes an impact on the job with Matt Cowell, Director o…

Schools are full of opportunity, but they also present staff and students with safety risks. The number one way to be injured on the job in a school is a slip, trip or fall. Discover ways to eliminate hallway hazards with Edward Gray of Robson Forensic.By Miss

Tower climbing crews keep us, and our devices, connected to important networks. These sky-high workplaces face unique hazards. Learn the risks they face working at heights, and how they are mitigated, with Kathy Gill, owner of Tower Safety.By Missouri Employers Mutual

Driving defensively is key to staying safe on the road. However, the average American doesn't know how to operate a vehicle in a high-risk situation. With motor vehicle crashes still the leading cause of death on the job, learn how to take defensive driving to the next level with Josh Palmer, Chief Instructor at AS3 International Inc.…

According to the American Trucking Association, the U.S. needs about 80,000 more truck drivers than are actually in the workforce now. Any industry with a shortage of employees means more stress on those who currently work in it. Join Dr. Chuck Hollister, Executive Director of the Missouri Psychological Association, to discuss the common stressors …

Struck by incidents are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. Learn how to protect employees - and businesses - from unexpected impact with Jessica Bunting, Director of the Research to Practice Program at the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) and Brad Sand, Senior Vice President of Safety and Education at the A…

More than 80% of today's U.S. workforce is made up of sedentary jobs. Staying seated for hours isn't great for the human body. It can cause constant aches, pains and even long-term physical damage. Discover how to reduce sitting time and improve the overall well-being of employees with Dr. Stefan Zavalin, physical therapy professional and founder o…

Now, more than ever, employees start their day with a lot of stress. Add this stress to the typical workday, and the chance for incident and injury increases. Learn five ways to reduce stress, and safety risks, on the job with returning guest Dr. Richard Gasaway, founder of Situational Awareness Matters!™.…

Branson, MO is a popular vacation destination. But it takes a team to maintain the thriving community of 10,000 year-round residents. Learn what it takes to manage risk and promote safety at the lakeside locale with Bob Smither, Risk Manager for the City of Branson.By Missouri Employers Mutual

Many projects require multiple trades. But when it comes to multi-employer worksites, who is responsible for safety? The answer: everyone. Learn how to prioritize the safety of every business on the job site with Senior Safety & Risk Services Trainer Mark Woodward and Premium Consultation Manager Chonna Patterson.…

Safety hazards always seem to be overlooked around the workplace until an incident happens. But what if employers could teach their teams to see and search for safety risks with new eyes? Discover the value of visual literacy with Doug Pontsler, Chairman and Managing Director of the COVE Center of Visual Expertise.…

News coverage of workplace violence incidents often leave us wondering what we would have done in the same situation. Learn how the right planning and training can minimize casualties - and even limit potential incidents - with William Flynn, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at The Power of Preparedness.…

Employers can teach their teams how to work safety on the job. But what if there were a way to prevent potential injuries before an employee's first day on the job? Discover the benefits of a post-offer employment testing (POET) program with Rocky Newsome, EHS Supervisor for US Tool Group.By Missouri Employers Mutual

Safety rules and processes are vital for a safe workplace. But some employers haven't changed the way they share them in decades. How can they prevent employees from tuning out during these important conversations? Learn how to encourage employees to engage in safety with Kevin Burns, published author and CEO of KevBurns Learning.…

In 2017, we featured the St. Louis Zoo in our very first episode. Bringing together guests, staff, and animals - the center of the experience - means zoo safety is a big priority. Discover how safety efforts have evolved in the midst of a global pandemic with Domini Montgomery, Director of Safety and Risk Services for the St. Louis Zoo, and our ver…

Company culture is important to today's employees. Many are taking a second look at their work situation. Learn how to create a culture of care to retain the right talent for your business with Len Tenjes, President of the Missouri Chapter of Associated General Contractors of America (AGCMO).By Missouri Employers Mutual

As the demand for goods and services rises, so does the need to work. Many employers turn to longer shifts, but more hours can come with serious safety concerns. Learn how too much time on the job puts employees, and workplace safety, at risk with Brye Lynn, safety educator and creator of The Safety Geek.…

Clean air is key to a productive workplace. But it's easy to overlook safety hazards we can't even see. Discover how to improve air quality for your employees with Rhonda Kauffman, Safety and Risk Specialist at Missouri Employers Mutual.By Missouri Employers Mutual

Suicide is a growing problem in construction. The industry has the second-highest rate of suicide amongst all occupations in the U.S. Discover how to support employees who may be struggling with Brandon Anderson, Vice President of the Missouri chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGCMO).…

Work comp may seem like just another expense. But it protects your business and team, and is one of the most important investments you'll make. Learn what finding the right policy for you looks like with Christian Delozier, Proactive Business Risk & Insurance Consultant for Mike Keith Insurance, Inc.…

Hitting a utility line while digging can result in serious injury and serious costs. 811 is a free service that can help you eliminate safety risks when digging. Discover how one call can prevent costly mistakes with Derek Leffert, Director of External Affairs at Missouri One Call and Executive Director of the Missouri Common Ground Alliance.…

We've all had close calls when it comes to safety. In the workplace, these moments are called near misses. Even though they don't cause an accident at the time, we can use these moments of gratitude to teach us the power of prevention - and note the warning they provide. Learn about near misses and the impact they can have on safety with Mark Woodw…

Trauma can affect our ability to think, learn, and manage change. It can also make it hard to relate to others. All of these skills play an important role in employees working safely and efficiently on the job. Discover how to build a trauma-informed workplace and support employees with Randy Grieser, Founder & Chief Vision Officer of ACHIEVE Centr…

Are your employees empowered to speak up when they see risks on the job? A Stop Work Authority program allows them to step in during unsafe situations. Learn how it can have a positive impact on your business with Rhonda Kauffman, Safety and Risk Specialist at Missouri Employers Mutual.By WorkSAFE Podcast

Trench collapses happen all too often, and can result in serious injury or death. As the construction industry continues to grow, so do the risks involved with trenching. Dig into the safety steps employers should take to keep workers safe with Rick Plocinski, Customer Training Specialist at United Rentals.…

Almost 21 million American have at least one addiction. But only 10% of them receive treatment for it. Substance misuse can spill over into the workplace. Learn how to support struggling workers and keep safety in mind with Nicole Dawsey, Executive Director of Prevent+Ed.

Every on-the-job fall is preventable. But they continue to be a leading cause of death in many industries. Learn how to commit to fall protection from OSHA Area Director Bill McDonald during their National Safety Stand-Down week.