At this year's NSC Safety Congress, Jill partnered with three other women in EHS to present "Female EHS Leaders: Leveraging Your Superpowers." The conference room was full of women and allies, and the topic was so well received, the presenters decided to continue the conversation! In this episode, Jill and Monique Parker, Chief Sustainability Officer and ASSP Board Member, further expand on communication strategies, setting boundaries, salary negotiation, and understanding your value, while also sharing personal experiences and examples from their own journey's to leadership positions. Take charge of your career growth and salary expectations with the provided worksheets linked in the show notes, and discover how to advocate for yourself and your future in EHS. Resources for Female EHS Professionals, including the Salary and Career Map worksheets. [https://goto.hsi.com/female-ehs-leaders-leveraging-superpowers]

With over 20 years of experience at industry giants like Caterpillar, Dow Chemical, and Merck, Dana Dawsey's career has been anything but comfortable—by design! Dana is currently the Vice President of Environmental Health and Safety at Pentair, but like most guests, she didn't see safety as her future when becoming an industrial engineering student. Since then, she has implemented life-saving ergonomic improvements and spearheaded global EHS strategies. Dana's story is one of resilience, continuous learning, and a people-centric leadership style, enriched by her certification as a John Maxwell leadership coach. Whether you're an EHS professional or someone interested in leadership and organizational culture, Dana's insights on embedding safety and well-being as core values will leave you motivated and inspired.

For the third year in a row, Jill sat down with EHS professionals who were attending this year's ASSP's Safety Conference and Expo in Orlando, FL. Jill had the pleasure of asking short form questions to EHS professionals who shared their thoughts on the future of EHS, attending conferences and making connections, how they found the profession, their favorite parts of the job, and more! Thank you to all who participated in this year's episode. We'll see you again soon at the NSC Safety Congress & Expo, September 15 - 17 in Denver, Colorado. Be sure to stop by the HSI booth, #3549, and say hi to Jill and others from HSI.

Initially aspiring to be a hip-hop music producer, PJ Gillam instead found his career in EHS through early experiences working in chemical and laboratory safety roles. With the encouragement of mentors, PJ continued down the path of EHS and transitioned to a leadership position in manufacturing, adapting as a one-person safety team and creating the "Safety After Dark" program for night shift workers. He advocates for using AI and data analytics to enhance safety and encourages EHS professionals to "find their hook," have conviction, and adopt new technologies. PJ stresses the importance of relationships, empathy, and prioritizing the well-being of others while sharing insights on overcoming challenges and making a meaningful impact in the safety field.

Ryan Word's journey began as a firefighter in Georgia, where a fire truck accident prompted his shift to working for his family's construction company. He eventually moved to a major construction corporation in Orlando, climbed the ladder to superintendent, and started taking notice of safety more while working on theme park jobsites. He played a crucial role in developing a safety plan for a BROWZ certification, and decided that would be his next career move. Ryan is now a Safety Manager at FTI and is active in the local ASSP chapter, currently serving as chapter president. He is passionate about discovering individuals' motivations for safety and advocates for human and organizational performance principles. Ryan also contributes to the ASSP Professional Safety Journal, sharing insights on various safety topics.

In today's ever-changing landscape, health and safety professionals need to practice resilience more than ever. For this special 7th anniversary episode, previous guest, Chip Hughes, discusses significant challenges in the industry, focusing on the evolving recognition of mental health's impact on workplaces, and the changes to critical government agencies like NIOSH. Jill and Chip share resilience practices, discuss the importance of resilience for safety professionals, and hit on the need to improve communication of complex health and safety information effectively.

Tune in to hear how the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) is shaping the future of occupational health and safety. CEO, Larry Sloan, shares with us AIHA's innovative initiatives, such as their heat stress monitoring app, collaboration with NIOSH on the Total Worker Health program, and AIHA's commitment to research, resource development, and training to elevate industrial hygiene practices. Larry and Jill discuss how AIHA is dedicated to advancing the health and safety of workers everywhere, making a difference through its membership of over 7,000 professionals. Find out how you can get involved in this mission to eliminate workplace injury and illness. AIHA [https://www.aiha.org/] Larry Sloan's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-sloan-mba-cae-fasae-bb88a6/] AIHA Heat Stress App [https://www.aiha.org/public-resources/healthierworkplaces/healthier-community-resources/thermal-heat-stress-resources-oehs-professionals] AIHA Total Worker Health Advisory Group [https://www.aiha.org/get-involved/volunteer-groups/advisory-groups-and-other-project-teams/advancing-the-science-and-practice/total-worker-health-advisory-group]

Does your EHS program have a negative reputation within your organization? Are you tired of always just being associated with regulations, instead of being seen as an integral business driver? Welcome back Subena Colligan, a seasoned industrial hygienist and safety professional, who leads EHS professionals towards becoming strategic business partners. Her approach focuses on developing elite EHS programs by aligning them with business outcomes and risk tolerance. She advises on how to engage with C-suite executives by understanding company priorities and building trust. Subena employs an audit-strategize-resolve model to gather data, create strategic plans, and implement quick wins, facilitating transformation over an 18-month period. She also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and concentrating on controllable factors during periods of change and uncertainty. Subena Colligan's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scolligancoaching/] Ernst & Young EHS Maturity Model [https://www.ey.com/en_us/services/assurance/ehs-maturity-model] McKinsey & Company [https://www.mckinsey.com/] The Changing World Order by Ray Dalio [https://www.amazon.com/Changing-World-Order-Nations-Succeed/dp/1982160276/ref=asc_df_1982160276?mcid=d734f90756b7340a8bf52732aade2618&hvocijid=8544190473519060932-1982160276-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8544190473519060932&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026757&hvtargid=pla-2281435180538&psc=1] Wall Street Journal Article: It's Called a Premortem—and It's the Most Productive Thing You'll Do All Year [https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/books/new-years-resolutions-ron-shaich-cava-panera-c0fb7922] The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace [https://5lovelanguages.com/store/the-5-languages-of-appreciation-in-the-workplace]

Dr. Fran Scott-Diehl, who embarked on her journey in the safety profession in the mid-1990s, initially intended to study architecture but was steered towards occupational safety and health by encouraging female professors. Her career began in claims processing, a role she found emotionally taxing, prompting her to transition to the utility industry and private sector positions, including at Sysco Foods and PODS. Dr. Fran underscores the necessity of establishing a robust safety framework, particularly when integrating new safety professionals lacking traditional backgrounds, emphasizing that effective safety leaders require strong interpersonal skills, curiosity, and a commitment to hard work. As an educator, she encourages upcoming safety professionals to be independent thinkers who challenge authority and innovate, while also highlighting the importance of self-reflection and self-care to prevent burnout. She advises safety professionals to prioritize nurturing themselves to enhance their leadership in the new year. Dr. Francene Scott-Diehl, PhD, MPH,CSP, CIT, CDS [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-francene-scott-diehl-phd-mph-csp-cit-cds-3a760915/] Franny the Safety Nanny Books [https://www.amazon.com/Franny-Safety-Nanny-Francene-Scott/dp/1737834502]

The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates of any occupation, with 6,000 workers dying by suicide in 2022. Sondra Lavoie knows how difficult it is to have "THE" conversation around mental health, but emphasizes the importance of building trust, using the right language, and providing resources to support workers' wellbeing. Sondra is an assistant vice president risk control specialist with Sompo, but started her journey as a construction company receptionist. She earned her degrees and certifications later in life, including a CHST and CSP, and has since produced award-winning work in the safety and mental health spaces. Sondra is passionate about mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry, and she shares strategies for having difficult conversations with workers and company leadership to address these issues. She also discusses the value of public speaking skills and mentorship for safety professionals to improve their communication abilities. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, reach out for help immediately by calling or texting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. This service provides 24/7 confidential support for anyone experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts. Episode links: Sondra's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sondra-lavoie-csp-arm-asp-chst-b3593110/] Sondra Lavoie - How to have "THE" Conversation - Suicide Prevention [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XF0a88Lxf4] NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. About NAMI | NAMI [https://www.nami.org/about-nami/?msclkid=f40f256c9cf411b6679042e9a520c958&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=REV%20Evergreen%20Donate%202025&utm_term=NAMI&utm_content=2025&utm_source=globalNav&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=DonationTracking&c_src=25ED] 988- Using the 988 Lifeline is free. When you call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline, your conversation is confidential. The 988 Lifeline provides you judgment-free care. Talking with someone can help save your life. Get Help - 988 Lifeline [https://988lifeline.org/get-help/] Mental Health First Aid - Identify. Understand. Respond. Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based, early-intervention course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use challenges. Mental Health First Aid [https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/]

Many find OSHA inspectors to be intimidating, but this week's guest credits them for inspiring his true passion. Jill chats with Randy Milliron, safety manager for the city of Gillette, Wyoming, about starting his career in quality control before moving into a safety role. He talks about receiving mentorship from OSHA inspectors early on (to which he credits his success and longevity) and discusses the new types of challenges he faced when he joined the government sector, including salary negotiations and the daunting task of managing a tight budget. Plus, tune in to get a sneak peek into the book Randy is writing about his insights after 27 years in the safety industry. Enjoy this early dropped episode while traveling during the holiday week. Wishing all of our listeners a safe and happy holiday!

**EARLY DROP ALERT!** Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels to our listeners who celebrate the holiday. Are your employees in a physically demanding occupation? This episode is for you! Jill is joined by Jason Bacigalupo, a human performance coach at Vimocity. Jason discusses his role in helping utility workers, manufacturing employees, and others reduce musculoskeletal injuries. He describes how diaphragmatic breathing, dynamic joint mobility, and other strategies help workers feel better and perform their jobs more safely. In fact, Jason shares success stories of reducing injury rates by over 40% and helping workers regain mobility and reduce daily pain! Tune in now to learn how doing the little things every day add up to big health and safety gains in the long run. Jason's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-bacigalupo/] Vimocity [https://www.vimocity.com/]

Meet Dr. Jan Handwerk, Associate Professor of Occupational Safety at the University of Central Oklahoma. Dr. Handwerk discusses the challenges she faced throughout her diverse career in male-dominated industries, from teaching physical education to working as a utility substation mechanic, including issues with properly fitting PPE. She emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills for safety professionals and shares insights on the evolving safety landscape, noting the shift from reactive to more preventive approaches. Dr. Handwerk also discusses the "Safety Olympics" she helped establish, which allows safety students from various universities to compete and network. Listen now to hear about the experiences and perspectives of a seasoned safety professional dedicated to educating the next generation of EHS leaders. University of Central Oklahoma Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety [https://www.uco.edu/programs/ceps/adult-ed-safety-sci/occupational-safety] NSC Student Membership [https://www.nsc.org/nsc-membership-teaser-pages/student-membership] Improve your communication skills with the HSI Communications Cafe [https://goto.hsi.com/ehs-professional-communications-cafe]

This week, Jill sits down with a truly accidental safety professional. Catherine West now serves as senior director of global health and safety for a business consulting company, but she never intended to get into this industry. After deciding to leave her sales role, she quickly discovered an unexpected love for safety, where she gets to work closely with employees to better their experience and the workplace. Tune in to hear her discuss the four key pillars of employee wellbeing, learn about some of the programs she has implemented to support those needs, and find out why she thinks a "culture of caring" is crucial to workplace safety. Also discover some advice she has for safety professionals on tying personal factors into employee health and safety!

It's back! Jill sat down with EHS professionals who were attending this year's ASSP's Safety Conference and Expo in Denver, Colorado. She talked with people from many different industries and asked what their favorite part of being a safety professional, advice for other professionals, favorite success stories, and what the future of EHS looks like to them. thank you to those EHS pros who stopped by the HSI booth and contributed to this podcast. See you again next year!

Jill had the pleasure of speaking with ASSP's 2024 Outstanding Safety Educator, Dr. Leslie Stockel! Leslie is an associate professor of professional practice at Oklahoma State University, and teaches in the Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology program. She shares how her father helped her find her passion through firefighting, which lead to her experiences as a safety professional in various industries. Leslie also talks about her journey to becoming an educator and the importance of teaching safety management and prevention activities. She highlights her recent research on significant incident and fatality (SIF) precursors in incident investigation reports, revealing the lack of consistent identification and addressing of these precursors. Leslie emphasizes the need for better investigations and communication of findings in the field of safety, and also mentions her upcoming research on virtual reality scenarios related to hazard events. 

Monique Parker, senior vice president of EHS at Piedmont Lithium, hesitantly accepted a job early in her career that moved her across the country to Salt Lake City, Utah. Little did she know, that move would open her eyes to a career-defining passion: Diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this episode, Monique chats with Jill about her accidental journey into EHS, starting with her passion for chemical engineering and environmental science. They discuss the importance of building relationships, adapting to different cultures, and the role of DEI in the safety profession. Monique concludes by encouraging women in EHS to be authentic, confident, and find advocates and allies for growth and support.

On episode 207 of EHS On Tap, Jill James, Chief Safety Officer at HSI, talks about common misconceptions regarding safety training. This episode is sponsored by HSI. OSHA Safety Training Needs Assessment [https://hsi.com/assessments/osha-safety-training-assessment#step-1]

To celebrate the Accidental Safety Pro's 6th birthday, Jill sat down with HSI CEO Chad Birckelbaw to discuss the importance of the podcast in supporting the EHS profession and how it aligns with HSI's mission of making the workplace safer and smarter. They talk about the challenges and responsibilities of EHS professionals, the importance of aligning with leaders, and the need for continuous learning and personal development. Chad gives insights on decision-making, the value of having mentors, and shares three key takeaways for EHS professionals: be proud of the profession, stay curious, and manage the three E's as a leader.

Don't let her city roots fool you. Lisa Blotsky, a casualty risk consultant with AXA XL, got her start in safety by putting on her boots (PPE-approved, of course) and working at a large-scale poultry processing facility. In this episode, listen as Jill chats with Lisa about her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian, her 24 years spent working in the poultry industry, and how she transitioned into insurance. Lisa also talks about her involvement with the American Society of Safety Professionals, her passion for advocating for agriculture, and the importance of safety in caring for human life. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? [https://www.sciencefocus.com/nature/which-came-first-the-chicken-or-the-egg] ASSP WISE (Women in Safety Excellence) [https://www.assp.org/membership/communities/common-interest-groups/women-in-safety-excellence] NSC Safety Congress and Expo 2024 [https://congress.nsc.org/nsc2024/public/enter.aspx]