MEMIC Safety Experts

On this episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast I am joined by MEMIC safety consultant Rose Wess and former WGME 13 news anchor Kim Block to talk about the critical importance of slip, trip, and fall prevention. Learn how these accidents happen, the devastating impact they can have, and practical strategies to keep yourself safe at work and home.

Reports of violence in the workplace have escalated over the last 10 to 20 years, despite laws and rules that have been put in place to prevent these situations from happening. So, as a business owner, supervisor or manager, what can you do? Are you prepared to manage a situation once it starts? Better yet, do you know the warning signs and have a plan to deescalate the situation before it starts? Today on the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast, Command Master Sergeant, United States Army Retired Bart Womack, author of the book, Embedded Enemy, and screenplay for the feature film of the same name, joins me to discuss the issue of workplace violence using his experience, expertise and knowledge from a survivor's perspective on insider threats. https://www.bartwomack.com/

Workplace safety isn't just about compliance; it's a reflection of leadership and a commitment to employee well-being. Leadership in the workplace plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of safety using leading indicators to identify problem areas as well as leadership strategies that support safety as the balancing point between productivity and quality.  Today on the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast, Shawn Galloway, CEO of the global consultant agency, ProActSafety joins me to discuss his insights on how business leaders can create and nurture a safer workplace through targeted leadership and the strategic use of leading indicators. Links: Home - Shawn Galloway, Speaker, Author, Consultant ProAct Safety - Experts in Behavioral Safety Safety Culture Excellence® on Apple Music

In this episode, we explore the fascinating realm of AI (artificial intelligence) with Lillith Chute, senior software engineer here at MEMIC. We will go from its basic concepts to its potential for revolutionizing industries.  Join us as we navigate the exciting and complex world of AI, exploring its potential, its limitations, and its impact on our future.

Every summer, MEMIC interns from across all departments dip their toes into the world of safety culture and Workers' Compensation insurance by working alongside industry professionals, both in the field and around the office. Join me as I chat with Isaac, our Loss Control intern, and Caitlin, or Communications intern.

Having the right hiring practices is critical for building an effective, productive, and safe team that will attract other quality candidates. In this episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast, I speak with Mark Walker and Luck Slabaugh of Safer Hire about using pre-hire surveys to identify applicants who best fit your company's needs and culture.

Slip and fall exposures exist everywhere and can easily be overlooked in the workplace until someone is injured.  Today on the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast, I have Tim McCarty, MSc, Senior Vice President – Safety & Risk Consulting for Clark Insurance, A Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company. Tim has expertise in many fields within the realm of safety, but one that he and I have collaborated on is slip and fall prevention and we are going to delve into the problem of slips and falls, why they happen, and talk about ways to prevent them. Episode Links: https://www.nsc.org/ https://nfsi.org/ https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/2018-12/fy07_sh-16625-07_slipstripsfalls.ppt https://www.osha.com/blog/slips-trips-falls-prevention https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2013-100/pdfs/2013-100.pdf https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2011-123/pdfs/2011-123.pdf https://memic.com/workplace-safety/resource-library/slip-trip-fall

Work, no matter what the work can be physically taxing.  That work can be at home in the yard or garden, working on the car or the place you live, or caring for kids and family.  Or it can be in the workplace – in the office, on the factory floor, on the construction site, in the lab, or on the manufacturing line.  No matter where it is, that work can be hard physically and mentally, the trades especially. On this episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast, I'm joined by Kelly Feldkamp of ProVention Plus, a woman-owned family business that is passionate about helping people move and feel better.

Many studies have been conducted to determine the efficacy of Virtual Reality (VR) as an educational tool. Results indicate that learning in a VR environment leads to higher rates of retention and recall when compared to computer-based learning. These engaging and controlled environments also allow tradespeople to gain experience in a safe, and cost-effective manner while simultaneously developing requisite skills and muscle memory. On this episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast, I sit down with Glen Hilt of Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, as we discuss how they are training the next generation of shipbuilders using this new, cutting-edge technology.

Noise in the workplace can be dangerous.  A loud environment can cause problems ranging from difficulties concentrating and stress to hearing damage and poor decisions.  Controlling noise through engineering controls such as dampening, absorption, or isolation and help reduce injuries and increase productivity. Episode Resources: DDS Acoustical - https://ddsacoustical.com/

Maryann Hoff, MEMIC's Vice President of Loss Control discusses how industry and safety professionals need to better understand the why behind a safe workplace and breaks it down into the Five Whys of Safety Commitment.

According to the CDC, 22 million American workers are exposed to noise levels above 85 decibels at work every year, and 30 million workers are exposed to chemicals that can be ototoxic. Add to that the 48 million Americans currently experiencing hearing loss to one degree or another, and the stats paint a grim picture. Noise Mapping, Sound Level Meters, audiometric testing, PPE, and hearing conservation programs are tools to help identify and control workplace noise exposure.

Maureen Anderson, MEMIC's Manager of Ergonomics discusses ergonomic risk factors and controls, body mechanics, assessment tools, and how future technology may shape our process for creating ergonomic solutions.

A team from the Maine Department of Labor discusses the overall challenge of young worker safety, what might be driving the injuries, and strategies for business to prevent them. Episode Resources: Fair Labor Standards Act Advisor: Prohibited Occupations for Non-Agricultural Employees Child Labor Violations Continue to Rise in Maine Child Labor Bulletin 102 - Child Labor Requirements in Agricultural Occupations Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.PDF Maine Department of Labor - Workforce Resources for Schools and Students Maine Department of Labor - SafetyWorks! Follow the Maine Department of Labor on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

New techniques, evolving technologies, and collaboration at the federal level have created tools like the National Incident Command System for organizing collaborative responses across agencies to large scale emergencies from natural disasters to terrorist attacks (domestic and foreign). Episode Resources: Command under attack: What we've learned since 9/11 about managing crises (theconversation.com)  How the 9/11 attacks changed emergency response (miami.edu)  9/11: A timeline of the September 11 attacks visualized | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)  https://www.tsa.gov/videos/911-events-unfold-0  FDNY Report_final.doc (mass.gov)  Microsoft Word - WTC_PENTAGON_OBSERVATIONS_A.doc (nrt.org)  National Incident Management System (fema.gov)  https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nims  https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/icsresource/assets/ics%20review%20document.pdf  Home | Maine Emergency Management Agency  

OSHA's new proposed clarification for PPE in the Construction standard reinforces that PPE MUST FIT. Failure to follow this simple statement is one the reasons why workers are injured when they believe they are protected. PPE shouldn't just be provided, it MUST fit the worker properly to function as it was designed! Joining me on the podcast to reveal the problems with poor fitting PPE and what can be done about it is Allison Short, Safety Management Consultant with MEMIC.  Episode Resources: DOL Proposal for Clarification of the Construction PPE Standard, 1926.95 : https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/national/07192023 OSHA's page on Women in Construction: https://www.osha.gov/women-in-construction/ppe NIOSH article on PPE Fit in the Construction Sector: https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2023/03/06/ppe-fit-construction/ ASSP's 2019 article on Fixing the Fit of PPE: https://www.assp.org/news-and-articles/how-can-we-fix-the-fit-of-personal-protective-equipment European Trade Union Institute article: https://www.etui.org/sites/default/files/ez_import/Hesamag_12_EN-34-37.pdf Business Insider article on Ukrainian uniforms: https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-rushing-women-uniforms-after-sizing-infection-complaints-military-war-2023-7 Neurosurgeon Dr. Grunch's tik tok video on radiation protection: https://www.tiktok.com/@ladyspinedoc/video/7246906972279377198 The Center for Construction Research and Training – great list of vendors, by clothing type, for construction PPE: https://www.cpwr.com/research/research-to-practice-r2p/r2p-library/resources-for-stakeholders-and-researchers/construction-personal-protective-equipment-for-the-female-workforce/  

Bees can swarm around trash areas in the summer, but businesses should be able to eliminate or reduce the bee population around dumpsters through good waste and trash management practices, dumpster and trash area maintenance, and staff training.

Heat stress occurs when environmental conditions, physical activity, and your own personal risk factors combine to cause your core temperature to rise in a manner where your body begins to struggle to compensate or regulate. 

It's the season for property maintenance.  Workers behind mowers or with a string trimmer in hand are common sights across the nation.    Training for staff assigned these jobs is usually weighted toward equipment operation and safety.  However, knowing “what” you are “mowing” can be just as important. 

Workplace Safety and Injury Prevention can be like trying to build a puzzle without the picture on the box.  All the pieces connect together, but in order for it to be a seamless picture, they have to connect in a particular way and order.  As a safety professional, you may have all the pieces but not the big picture on the box, or you have the picture but can make the pieces fit together. Joining Peter on the podcast to help paint a picture of the workplace injury prevention puzzle is Terry Dussault corporate Environmental Health and Safety professional and founder of Yellowknife Consulting Services in Southern California. 

On this, our 100th episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast, I spend an hour with MEMIC President & CEO, Mike Bourque, as we talk about what has changed during our 30 years in business, how MEMIC continues to innovate around workplace safety, and why a carrier's role in workplace safety should be as a partner with the employer and the agent. Check it out on memic.com/podcast.

Injury management is a key part of the workplace safety equation and getting the injured employee the appropriate level of care quickly and seamlessly is at the heart of the process. On today's episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Lara Heal, Senior Director of Managed Care at MEMIC and Jared Payton, Direct of Claim Services at MEMIC join me to discuss MEMIC's workplace injury tirage tool, First Call, how it works and why your business should enroll.

Continuous process improvement for your safety program can challenging.  However, with the right perspective, it can be integrated effectively and create an environment where quality and productivity thrive over the long term. To help provide that perspective is Sean Fields licensed professional engineer and certified Six Sigma Blackbelt with Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance. References mentioned during episode: https://quantumlean.wordpress.com/ https://www.okalliance.com/ https://www.beehivefund.org/

For some, a workplace inspection can be associated with a visit from OSHA or another certifying agency. Others may find them tedious and disconnected from expectations. However, workplace inspections can be a useful tool to connect what a business expects to the reality of the work being done.   On today's episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast, Rod Stanley, Director of Region 1 for Loss Control at MEMIC and I dig into the process and workflow of inspections and how they are an effective part of managing safety, quality, and productivity.

Did you know that the average OSHA Voluntary Protection Program worksite has a lost workday incidence rate at least 50 percent below the average of its industry? Curious about what it's like to go through the VPP process?   On today's episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast, Bob Thompson, former employee of a chemical manufacturer shares his experience of working on the volunteer team that brought the chemical plant into VPP compliance.

Ever wonder what a Safety person does all day?  Could be Training, or Safety by Walking Around, or completing a Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet, or even Relationship building. On today's episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast Tobi Bledsoe, talks how his experience in the Navy prepared him to be the Safety Office for the US Army's Pacific 10th Support Group.

Not all workplace violence happens with a weapon.  Sometimes it can be verbal or even psychological abuse from a customer or a fellow employee.  Regardless of the tool, violence at the workplace is on the rise.   On today's episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast Corey Jones, Owner of Safetyman Consulting and former shift commander of the SWAT team in Mount Laurel New Jersey joins me to discuss the problem of workplace violence and what you can do to prepare for and prevent it.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that in 2020 there were nearly a quarter million work related musculoskeletal injuries that resulted in days away from work with the average number of days away being 14 (1) .  Statistics also show that warming up properly can also increase performance and reduce the potential for injuries during physical activity. (2) On today's episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast Clayton Cartwright, Physical Therapist and Safety Management Consultant with MEMIC and I stretch the classic definition of a workplace stretching program and explore the benefits of one that is well executed. https://www.bls.gov/iif/nonfatal-injuries-and-illnesses-tables.htm#dafw https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1741-7015-10-75

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that in 2020 there were nearly a quarter million work related musculoskeletal injuries that resulted in days away from work with the average number of days away being 14 (1) .  Statistics also show that warming up properly can also increase performance and reduce the potential for injuries during physical activity. (2) On today's episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast Clayton Cartwright, Physical Therapist and Safety Management Consultant with MEMIC and I stretch the classic definition of a workplace stretching program and explore the benefits of one that is well executed. https://www.bls.gov/iif/nonfatal-injuries-and-illnesses-tables.htm#dafw https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1741-7015-10-75

90% of all Physical and Occupational Therapists will suffer an occupational injury in their career.  One in every six will change jobs or careers as a result of a work-related musculoskeletal injury.  There are tools available such as lift, slides, and slings, but they are not always used. On today's episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast Susan Diffenderfer, Physical Therapist and Safety Management Consultant with MEMIC and I explore Safe Patient Handling tools, ergonomics, and how a change in a point of view can help prevent Physical and Occupational Therapist injuries. Links and resources: ·         Cause, Prevalence, and Response to Occupational Musculoskeletal Injuries Reported by Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants | Physical Therapy | Oxford Academic (oup.com) - Holden ·         Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among physical therapists - PubMed (nih.gov) – Bork, B.E. ·         Work-Related Activities Associated with Injury in Occupational and Physical Therapists - PMC (nih.gov) – Darragh, Amy ·         Effect of a safe patient handling program on rehabilitation outcomes - PubMed (nih.gov) – Campo, Marc ·         SPH Techniques Video 5: Strategies for rehab nursing and rehab therapists - YouTube – NYSLabor safe patient handling techniques video series  www.dol.ny.gov ·         Safe Patient Handling and Movement | APTA – American Physical Therapy Association ·         policy-e14-20211115.pdf (aota.org) – American Occupational Therapy Association Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Policy ·         Safe Patient Handling Toolkit | ARN (rehabnurse.org) – Association of Rehabilitation Nurses ·         Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in physical therapists: prevalence, severity, risks, and responses - PubMed (nih.gov) – Cromie, JE ·         Healthcare - Safe Patient Handling | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov) ·         Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) | NIOSH | CDC ·         ASPHP | Association of Safe Patient Handling Professionals ·         Implementation of a Safe Patient Handling Program in a Multihospital Health System From Inception to Sustainability: Successes Over 8 Years and Ongoing Challenges (sagepub.com) – Olinski, Christine ·         Safe-patient-handling equipment in therapy practice: implications for rehabilitation - PubMed (nih.gov) – Darragh, Amy ·         OSHA3708.pdf – Safe Patient Handling Fact Brochure ·         Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in physical therapists: a prospective cohort study with 1-year follow-up - PubMed (nih.gov) – Campo, Marc

Behavioral economics looks at how the decisions we make are influenced by our human cognitive processes.  While there are many ways to impact choices, social marketing and nudging are two that can be implemented on the workplace safety front. On today's episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast we have part two of my conversation with the Director of the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety, Dr. Julie Sorenson about how a simple nudge can help change the architecture of choice.in workplace safety.

Behavioral economics looks at how the decisions we make are influenced by our human cognitive processes.  While there are many ways to impact choices, social marketing and nudging are two that can be implemented on the workplace safety front. On today's episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast we have part two of my conversation with the Director of the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety, Dr. Julie Sorenson about how a simple nudge can help change the architecture of choice in workplace safety.

The year is coming to a close and if you haven't already, you, or someone at your company should be preparing to update your OSHA log and generate your OSHA 300a summary to post at your establishments. On today's episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast I speak with Stephen Badger, CSP and Safety Management Consultant with MEMIC about the OSHA recordkeeping standard, what is required of business, different scenarios for recording injuries, and the changes to the electronic submission portion of the standard.

Non-impact musculoskeletal injuries from overexertion cost billions of dollars each year. New data is showing that better core activation and pelvic stability increases performance and reduces knee, back, and shoulder pain in firefighters. Interventions that helped them can also help industrial athletes across the globe. On today's episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast Dr. Trent Nessler and I discuss how movement patterns and data can help prevent injuries. https://readyrebound.com/

Non-impact musculoskeletal injuries from overexertion cost billions of dollars each year. New data is showing that better core activation and pelvic stability increases performance and reduces knee, back, and shoulder pain in firefighters. Interventions that helped them can also help industrial athletes across the globe. On today's episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast Dr. Trent Nessler and I discuss how movement patterns and data can help prevent injuries. https://readyrebound.com/

Choosing the right respirator is not simple as the act of taking a breath, but it will make breathing easier if you do it right.  On today's episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast I get to talk to Chad Wedding PhD, from Bullard about the challenges of respiratory protection and state of the art solutions.

On this episode, I sit down with Gary Bonnet, Head of Customer Engagement at SafetyCulture, and chat about how data can help identify leading indicators that could lead to proactive and effective safety solutions around the workplace.

Inattentive blindness, complacency, and the OSHA's Fatality Inspection Data.  What could make a Halloween episode more scarry? On today's Fractional Safety episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast killer causes and how to avoid them are the topic of discussion.

Many companies have state of the art solutions for communications, productivity, and financial process. As safety professionals or as managers and supervisors, it's time push the boundaries of our safety solutions bag of tricks and consider the feasibility and appropriateness of implementing new technology. On today's episode, Part Two of Send in the Drones, I continue the conversation with Dr. Wanda Minnick, Dr. Tracey Cekada, and Dr. John Benhart, from Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Safety Sciences and Geography and Planning Departments about how drones are being used in the workplace to enhance worker safety.

Many companies have state of the art solutions for communications, productivity, and  As safety professionals or as managers and supervisors, it's time push the boundaries of our safety solutions bag of tricks and  consider the feasibility and appropriateness of implementing new technology. On today's episode I get to talk to Dr. Wanda Minnick, Dr. Tracey Cekada and Dr. John Benhart, from Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Safety Sciences and Geography and Planning Departments about how drones are being used in the workplace to enhance worker safety.

Trees, terrain, weather, equipment, you name it. Any combination of these can conspire to put the logger in harm's way. There is some new evidence that these traditional hazards might not be the only things killing loggers today and the results of these new studies may surprise you.  On today's episode I have Erika Scott, PhD, Deputy Director at the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) and the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing to discuss a new study on logging hazards in Maine and some of the surprising results.

Most people consider Labor Day as the official last hurrah before kids return to school full time.  However, the history of Labor Day in the US and is tied to workplace safety past, present, and future. On today's episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast, we take a quick look at the history around Labor Day and how it ties into workplace safety. Episode links: https://www.history.com/topics/us-states/new-york-city

Need a refresher on the OSHA standards?  Or maybe your company is starting a initiative around workplace safety inspections.  Or are the supervisors in your company required by the contractor you are working for to have a an OSHA 10hr Outreach Card?  Not all OSHA Outreach classes are local and learning online can be a challenge. On today's episode I have Laurie Nolt, Justin Banks, and Randy Morehouse,  Safety Management Consultants here at MEMIC to discuss MEMIC's journey into video conference versions of the OSHA 10hr class, what they do to keep the learners engaged, and tips to get the most out of the one you attend.

Due to the current heatwave sweeping the nation, we have decided to re-air our episode on heat stress and exhaustion with Tom Bernard. Heat stress is no joke.  Exposure to excessive heat and working in hot environments can cause Heat Exhaustion, Heat Cramps, and even Heat Stroke. The stress that heat puts on the body can be deadly if not identified and addressed.  On this episode, Thomas Bernard, PhD, CIH, CSP, and PE talks about heat stress, it's effect on the body and how to prevent it.  Tom is a professor at the University of South Florida, College of Public Health and director of the Sunshine ERC a NIOSH Education and Research Center.  He has done extensive work studying the components of heat stress and has helped develop heat stress management programs for a variety of occupations. Episode Resources: Heat Resource Sheet - July 2022 OSHA Heat National Emphasis Program https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/default.html#:~:text=Workers%20who%20are%20exposed%20to,heat%20cramps%2C%20or%20heat%20rashes https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatapp.html https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3154.pdf https://www.coeh.berkeley.edu/20ihw1013 https://health.usf.edu/publichealth/erc

Whether it is required by your state or a contractor you're working with, or because want to expand your team's knowledge of workplace safety and how to identify and control hazards, an OSHA 10hr class just might fit the bill. On today's episode I have Stephen Badger, and Richard Berthiaume, both Safety Management Consultants here at MEMIC and Authorized OSHA Outreach Trainers to discuss the ins and outs of an OSHA Outreach class, who should attend one, and tips to get the most out of an in person class or a Video Conference style class.

The 4th of July is time for families, friends, and good food.  However, stats predict that many of us will be finishing our holiday celebrations in the bathroom or worse yet, in the ER.  That same hot summer weather that makes for a great BBQ also provides the right environment for bacteria multiplication. On today's episode Natalie Campaneria, Safety Management Consultant at MEMIC discusses food safety and the hazards that can be lurking on your buffet table this holiday.

Sometimes life gets in the way, and now matter how well you planned, designed, or trained, you will be faced with moments where, at least on the surface, it's not possible to put into play picture-perfect ergonomics. On today's episode I have Clayton Cartwright, PT, and Safety Management Consultant with MEMIC here to discuss challenging ergonomic situations, how to identify what's missing, and strategies to make the best out of it.. 

On today's episode I have Clayton Cartwright, PT, and Safety Management Consultant with MEMIC here to discuss why good movement matters and how using body mechanics, like proper alignment and good balance when moving can help reduce stress, fatigue, and increase health. 

Are you a business leader or a supervisor struggling to find the key to your company's success over the long term?  Well, have you checked in with your team?  How connected to your purpose are they?  According to Gallup's State of the American Workplace Report, 51% of the U.S. workforce is not engaged. These employees can make the difference between success and failure. On this episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast, I speak with Randy Klatt, Director or Region 2 in Loss Control at MEMIC about the how business problems have human centric solutions and the role leaders play in successful companies.

The diesel fuel purchased and used for most on and off-road applications has changed substantially over the years. The removal of sulfur and other substances in the refinement process has made it more ecologically friendly and allow it burns cleaner when combined with modern diesel engines.  But these changes have also introduced hazards and exposures that may not be on your radar. On this episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast, I speak with Andy Wood, MEMIC's Forest Products Programs Manager about the how diesel fuel has changed and the hazards that it presents to workers that fuel and service diesel powered vehicles.