Join us as we discuss how businesses are responding to changing marijuana laws with impairment detection technology to keep their workplace safe. In this episode, Ken Fichtler, Founder and CEO of Gaize lays out the case for detecting drug impairment, rather than using traditional chemical drug tests.

This episode is with repeat guest, Dr. Drew Hinton.  Dr. Hinton discusses NFPA 70E and provides a lot of great examples of the standard in action.  Electrical safety permits are covered along with PPE for performing live electrical work.  Dr. Hinton is a great resource on this topic and an expert in the field of Occupational Safety.

Do you know the difference between a hazard and a risk? In today’s episode, Dr. Ayers breaks down the difference and provides a practical example. A hazard is something has the potential to cause injury while the risk is the severity of the injury.

In today’s episode, older Dave talks to his younger self about personal development.  Areas such as diet, nutrition, sleep are stressed by our doctors, but we don’t always follow their advice.  Personal development will help you in your personal life as well as professional life.

In today’s episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the importance of professional development.  Look at the areas you struggle in professionally and shore up those areas.

In today’s episode, Dr. Ayers talks about having a growth mindset.  Looking at challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.  Be the figure it out person.

In today’s episode, Dr. Ayers speaks to his younger self about facing your fears.  Whether it’s public speaking or tackling an unfamiliar project.  Take an inventory of the ”things” you have been avoiding at work and use it as professional development.

In today’s episode, Dr. Ayers discusses how his ego was holding back the goal of keeping people safe.  As soon as he let go of his ego, he got increased buy-in from employees along with a lot more work done.  I wasn’t the gate keeper anymore.

In today’s episode we continue discussing Rod Courtney’s book ”* Habits of a Highly Effective Safety Culture.”  Today’s episode is part 3 and we focus only on habit 5.  Previous episodes include 268 when habit 1 and 2 are discussed and episode 274 where habit 3 and 4 are discussed. I really enjoyed Rod’s book and a must read for Safety Professionals.

In today’s episode, Dr. Ayers speaks to his younger self about public speaking.  Public speaking can be uncomfortable but a great way to get the safety message out.  I wish I hadn’t dodged public speaking and probably lost some great opportunities.  Seek opportunities to do public speaking.

In today’s episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the role of the formal leader in occupational safety.  The formal leader is there to support the safety function but that doesn’t mean issuing out blank checks.  Talk to the formal leaders about your assessment techniques, walk them to the hazard to better explain the issue.

In today’s episode, Dr. Ayers talks about ”Explaining Why” to employees and management.  Talking about rules and regulations does work a little but explaining why lets employees understand the intent of the training and regulations.  Help employees understand why it’s important to follow procedures.

In today’s episode, Dr. Ayers talks with Rod Courtney about his book, ”8 Habits of a Highly Effective Safety Culture.” This is a continuation of Episode 268 where we covered the first two habits.  In this episode, we cover habit 3 and 4.  I really enjoyed Rod’s book and I’m happy to have him as a repeat guest.

In today’s episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the importance of informal leaders and the positive role they play in the site’s occupational safety.  Informal leaders are open and honest and it’s imperative to get their perspective.

In today’s episode, Dr. Ayers talks to Dr. Christopher Warren about his views on the additional duties of Occupational Safety.  Safety is seen as the catch all at a lot of companies.  Additional duties can include environmental, DOT, fire, emergency planning, mental health champion, and the list goes on and on.

In today’s episode, Dr. Ayers discusses DOT Safety with Brent Sanger.  Brent has been in transportation safety for the last 10 years.  We discuss DOT physicals, hours of service along with drug/alcohol testing.  Brent is a wealth of knowledge on transportation safety.

In today’s episode, Dr. Ayers discusses empowering employees to correct hazards.  If they cannot correct the hazard themselves, contact their supervisor and Safety Professional for help.  Employees are the true experts at hazards they face along with correcting those hazards.

In today’s episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the difference between hearing and listening to employees discuss hazards.  Hearing is passive whereas listening is active.  Listen to the employees concerns and solutions and ask any clarifying questions to ensure you (the Safety Professional) clearly understands the hazards and proposed corrections.

In today’s episode, Dr. Ayers talks to Rod Courtney about his book ”8 Habits of a Highly Effective Safety Culture”.  I really enjoyed the book and Rod’s real world practical knowledge for safety professionals to work with operations.

On today’s episode Dr. Ayers speaks to Matt Herron of the Southwest Research Institute.  We discuss ergonomics and awkward postures along with garnering management support for correcting hazards.  Matt was also featured on Episode 91 where we discussed the basics of ergonomics and cabinet lasers.  Matt is a wealth of knowledge and a legend in the Occupational Safety field.