Each month, the Safety+Health editorial team discusses important safety topics, and interviews leading voices in the profession.
Lori Guasta, senior director of consulting operations at the National Safety Council, joins us to discuss continuous improvement – one of the four weekly themes of National Safety Month (June). We also discuss content from the May issue of Safety+Health. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/26798-safe-side-podcast-continuous-improvement This episode is sponsored by Babbel for Business. Learn more about them at https://www.babbelforbusiness.com Published May 2025
Carl Heinlein, senior safety consultant at the American Contractors Insurance Group, joins us to discuss the impacts of fatigue on construction workers. We also discuss content from the April issue of Safety+Health. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/26670-safe-side-podcast-fatigue-construction
Jason Kunz, keynote speaker at the NSC Spring Safety Congress & Expo (set for April 24-25 in Charlotte, N.C.), joins the podcast to discuss habits of highly effective safety pros. We also discuss content from the March issue of Safety+Health, Distracted Driving Awareness Month and memories from our first five years of the podcast. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/26561-safe-side-podcast-top-habits-safety-pros
Kate Crawford, senior research manager for Workplace Safety Programs at the National Safety Council, joins the podcast to discuss tips and guidance on adopting new safety technologies in the “Five Questions With …” segment. We also discuss content from the February issue of Safety+Health, including our annual recognition of CEOs Who Get It when it comes to safety. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/26444-safe-side-podcast-episode-60-adoption-new-safety-technology Published February 2025
Veteran safety pro/speaker/podcaster/columnist Richard Hawk joins the podcast to discuss conflict resolution skills in the “Five Questions With …” segment. We also discuss content from the January issue of Safety+Health, including feature stories on OSHA's latest batch of most interesting cases and overlooked winter hazards for workers. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/26319-on-the-safe-side-podcast-episode-59-conflict-resolution-for-safety-pros-winter-hazards-for-workers Published January 2025
We discuss content from the December issue of Safety+Health, including feature stories on OSHA's Top 10 most cited standards and how safety professionals “sell” safety to leadership. Also, Tim Neubauer, joins us to discuss falls and how to protect workers in the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/26237-safe-side-podcast--preventing-falls-selling-safety This episode is sponsored by Cintas. Learn more about them at Cintas.com Published December 2024
We discuss content from the November issue of Safety+Health, including a feature story about combustible dust. Also, Eric Persaud, a health scientist with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' Worker Training Program, joins the podcast to discuss the safety concerns for workers after a natural disaster in the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/26134-safe-side-podcast-post-disaster-worker-safety This episode is sponsored by SafeStart. Learn more about them at safestart.com Published November 2024
We discuss content from the October issue of Safety+Health and share our thoughts on the 2024 NSC Safety Congress & Expo. Also, Jamie Osborne, a public health analyst at NIOSH, joins us to discuss recovery-friendly workplaces in the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/26032-safe-side-podcast-recovery-friendly-workplaces This episode is sponsored by The Hub. Learn more about them at bcsphub.com/ Published October 2024
In a live episode from the 2024 NSC Safety Congress & Expo in Orlando, FL, the S+H editorial team interviews the National Safety Council's Lori Guasta. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/25899-on-the-safe-side-podcast-episode-55-live-from-congress Published September 2024
We discuss content from the August issue of Safety+Health, including the latest details about the 2024 NSC Safety Congress & Expo. Also, Dale Lesinski, vice president of DiVal Safety, joins us to discuss how safety pros can get the most out of going to Congress & Expo in the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/25728-safe-side-podcast-get-the-most-out-nsc-congress-expo This episode is sponsored by SafetyHQ. Learn more about them at myhqsuite.com/safetyhq Published August 2024
We discuss content from the July issue of Safety+Health, including the latest news about musculoskeletal injuries. Also, National Safety Council Principal Consultant Rich Fairfax joins the podcast to discuss what safety pros should know about recent changes to OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard in the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/25646-on-the-safe-side-podcast-episode-53-hazcom-standard-updates-and-whats-new-with-msds This episode is sponsored by Gateway Safety. Learn more about them at Learn more about them at https://gatewaysafety.com/ Published July 2024
In Episode 52, the S+H team examines content from the June issue, including a feature story with tips on keeping your safety committee fresh and effective. Also, Iowa OSHA Bureau Chief Peggy Peterson joins the podcast to discuss how to keep workers safe in the heat during the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/25519-safe-side-podcast-keeping-workers-safe-in-heat This episode is sponsored by Babbel for Business. Go to babbelforbusiness.com to learn more. Published June 2024
In Episode 51, the S+H team examines content from the May issue, including a feature story on five reasons why falls in construction have remained persistent, and what to do about it. Also, National Safety Council senior consultant Richard Flynt joins the podcast to discuss the four weekly themes of National Safety Month – coming in June – during the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/25401-safe-side-podcast-national-safety-month Published May 2024
In Episode 50, the S+H team celebrates a milestone and examines content from the April issue, including the results of the annual Training Survey, safety and health for remote workers, and work zone safety. Also, SafeStart's Tim Page-Bottorff joins the podcast to preview his presentation on Safety I vs. Safety II, in partnership with Corrie Pitzer, to be made at the 2024 NSC Spring Safety Conference and Expo – set for May 14-16 in Rosemont, IL – during the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/25282-safe-side-podcast-episode-50-safety-i-vs-safety-ii Published April 2024
In Episode 49, the S+H team examines content included in the March issue, such as a quiz on ladder safety, advice on having difficult conversations at work and issues for women in construction. Also, National Safety Council colleague Amy Artuso joins the podcast to discuss Distracted Driving Awareness Month in the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/25139-safe-side-podcast-ladder-safety-distracted-driving
In Episode 48, the S+H team examines the February issue's CEO's Who “Get It” feature and some of OSHA's most unique cases. Also, National Safety Council colleague Maria Cordova joins the podcast to discuss the benefits of first aid at work in the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/24994-safe-side-podcast-first-aid-workplace
In Episode 47, the S+H team examines the January issue's feature story on how the safety and health professional's job has changed over the years. Also, National Safety Council colleague Rich Fairfax joins the podcast to discuss changes to OSHA's recordkeeping requirements in the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/24911-safe-side-podcast-changing-safety-pro-job
In Episode 46, the S+H team examines the December issue's feature story on best practices for preventing workplace violence. Also, Atanu Das, owner of MSDS Writer, a consulting company, joins the podcast to discuss Safety Data Sheets in the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/24825-safe-side-podcast-workplace-violence
In Episode 45, the S+H team examines the November issue's feature story on common electrical safety errors. Also, T.J. Lentz, a lead health scientist at NIOSH, joins the podcast to discuss workplace chemical safety in the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/24723-safe-side-podcast-common-electrical-safety-errors-chemical-safety
In a special episode live from the 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo in New Orleans, the S+H editorial team interviews Jane Terry, National Safety Council vice president of government affairs, on pending OSHA regulations, NSC's naloxone initiatives, and more. Taped October 23, 2023. Follow all of the news coming out of the 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/congress-live
In Episode 44, the S+H team examines the October issue's feature story on respirable crystalline silica. Also, Suzi Craig, vice president of workplace mental health at Mental Health America, joins the podcast to discuss normalizing conversations and attitudes around mental health in the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/24576-safe-side-podcast-respirable-crystalline-silica
In this special episode, the S+H team looks ahead to the 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo, set to take place Oct. 20-26 in New Orleans. The team discusses daily highlights and interviews keynote speaker Cam Stevens about the intersection of technology, innovation, and safety and health. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/24531-safe-side-podcast-nsc-congress-preview
In Episode 43, the S+H< team examines the September issue's feature story on aerial lifts. Also, Ryan Pietzsch, a program technical consultant for driver safety at the National Safety Council, joins the podcast to discuss fleet safety in the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/24431-safe-side-podcast-episode-43-aerial-lifts-fleet-safety
In Episode 42, the S+H team examines the August issue's feature story on math for safety professionals. Also, Kenna Carlsen, research associate for the National Safety Council Work to Zero initiative, joins the podcast to discuss wearable technologies in the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, visit links, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/24282-safe-side-podcast-math-wearable-technologies
In Episode 41, the S+H team examines the July issue's feature story on influence in safety. Also, Mike Kassman from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training discusses trenching and excavation safety in the “Five Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/24182-safe-side-podcast-episode-influence-trenching
In Episode 40, the S+H team examine the June issue's feature story on eye and face protection. Also, Tarah Kile, director of Michigan OSHA's Consultation, Education and Training Division, discusses safety walkarounds in the “5 Questions With …” segment. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/24051-on-the-safe-side-podcast-eye-face-protection
In this special 2023 National Safety Month episode, the S+H team examines the four weekly themes for this year's NSM – emergency preparedness; slips, trips and falls; heat-related illness; and hazard recognition – with special guest David Consider, a senior safety consultant at the National Safety Council. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/23990-safe-side-podcast-special-national-safety-month
In Episode 39, the S+H team examines the May issue's feature story on workplace violence prevention. Also, Cal/OSHA Heat and Agriculture Program Coordinator David Hornung discusses heat illness awareness in the “5 Questions With …” interview. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/ext/resources/Podcasts/on-the-safe-side/safe-side-ep39-may2023-workplace-violence.mp3
In Episode 38, the S+H team examines the April issue's feature story on workplace fire drills. Also, Lori Guasta, senior director of consulting services at NSC, discusses fatigue in the workplace and beyond in the “5 Questions With …” interview. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/23812-safe-side-episode-38-fire-drills
In this special episode, the Safety+Health team previews the 2023 NSC Spring Safety Conference & Expo – set for May 17-19 in Indianapolis – and interviews keynote speaker Brandon Schroeder. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/23779-safe-side-podcast-2023-spring-conference-preview
In Episode 37, the S+H team celebrates the third anniversary of the podcast by diving into the March issue's feature story on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Additionally, Reginald Jackson, a safety and health specialist in OSHA's Office of General Industry and Agricultural Enforcement, discusses loading dock safety in an expanded “5 Questions With …” interview. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/23669-safe-side-podcast-pregnant-workers-loading-dock-safety
In Episode 36, the S+H< team dives into the February issue's feature story on the hazards of working in cold weather. Additionally, Mike Kassman, director of OSHA and disaster response training at CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training, discusses ladder safety. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https:///safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/23545-safe-side-podcast-working-cold-weather-ladder-safety
In Episode 35, the S+H team dives into the January issue's feature story on adoption and acceptance of safety technology. Additionally, senior safety consultant and keynote speaker Jack Jackson discusses how safety professionals can use storytelling to spread safety messages. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/23417-on-the-safe-side-podcast-episode-35-safety-technology-and-the-value-of-storytelling
In Episode 34, the S+H editorial team dives into the December issue's feature story on head protection. Additionally, veteran safety expert and keynote speaker Richard Hawk discusses how safety professionals can enhance their listening skills. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/23325-safe-side-podcast-episode-34-head-protection-lessons-listening
In Episode 33, the S+H editorial team dives into the November issue's feature story on OSHA's Multi-Employer Citation Policy. The team also discusses how to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs, in the workplace with Jack Lu, co-manager of NIOSH's Musculoskeletal Health Program. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/23214-on-the-safe-side-podcast-episode-33-osha-multi-employer-citation-policy-msds
In Episode 32, the S+H editorial team dives into the the October issue's feature story on how to help reduce the stigma around workers' mental health. The team also discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced changes in safety training with Douglas Castro, operations manager of EHS911 and Global ERA Training. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/23122-safe-side-podcast-episode-32-reducing-stigma-mental-health
The S+H editorial team interviews OSHA Administrator Doug Parker live at the NSC Safety Congress & Expo in a special episode of the magazine's "On the Safe Side" podcast taped Sept. 19 in San Diego. Follow all of the news coming out of the 2022 NSC Safety Congress & Expo. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/congress-expo-live-feeds
In Episode 31, the S+H editorial team dives into the September issue's feature story on setting up a volunteer first aid response team in your workplace, and discusses the ins and outs of worker engagement and buy-in with Shawn Galloway, CEO of ProAct Safety. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/22989-safe-side-podcast-episode-31-first-aid-response-teams This episode is sponsored by Bulwark FR. Learn more about them at bulwark.com/wearefr.html
From keynote sessions to the announcement of OSHA's Top 10 most cited standards in fiscal year 2022 and a history lesson, the Safety+Health team breaks down what's ahead at the 2022 NSC Safety Congress & Expo – set for Sept. 16-22 in San Diego – in this special episode of the “On the Safe Side” podcast. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe: https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/22959-safe-side-podcast-nsc-safety-congress-expo-2022-preview-episode
In Episode 30, the S+H editorial team dives into the August issue's feature story on effective incident investigations, and discusses the legal issues surrounding impairment in the workplace with employment law attorney Faye Caldwell, a member of the National Safety Council's Alcohol, Drugs and Impairment Division. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/22876-on-the-safe-side-podcast-episode-30-incident-investigations
In Episode 29, the S+H editorial team discusses the prevention of serious injuries and fatalities, or SIFs, as well as hazard communication with consultant and expert Chandra Gioiello, a vice president and senior consultant at Industrial Health and Safety Consultants. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/22774-safe-side-podcast-episode-29-sif-prevention
In Episode 28, the S+H editorial team discusses the safety impacts of inexperienced workers in various industries amid COVID-19 pandemic labor shortages, as well as housekeeping with Cary Usrey, vice president of operations at SafetyStratus. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/22640-on-the-safe-side-podcast-episode-28-inexperienced-workers-and-housekeeping-tips
David Consider, a senior safety consultant at NSC, shares his insights on protecting workers from falls; offers recommendations for employers and workers; and explains the importance of planning and training to prevent slips, trips and falls. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/22553-safe-side-podcast-national-safety-month-mini-episodes#week4
JoAnn Dankert, senior safety consultant at NSC, describes steps employers and workers can take to help prevent injuries on the job. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/22553-safe-side-podcast-national-safety-month-mini-episodes#week3
Rebecca Martin and Claire Stroer, program managers in the impairment practice initiative at NSC, discuss an array of impairment issues that can affect workers, the impact of COVID-19 and how to overcome the stigma of asking for help. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/22553-safe-side-podcast-national-safety-month-mini-episodes#week2
National Safety Council experts Lisa Brooks and Ram Maikala discuss common causes of and potential solutions for MSDs – the leading cause of workplace injuries. MSDs cost billions of dollars each year in workers' compensation and lost productivity. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/22553-safe-side-podcast-national-safety-month-mini-episodes#week1
In Episode 27, the S+H editorial team discusses lightning safety for workers as the summer months approach. The team is also joined by NIOSH social scientist Gigi Petery, co-director of the agency's National Center for Productive Aging and Work, to discuss how aging workers can enjoy success on the job. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/22546-on-the-safe-side-podcast-episode-27-lightning-safety-aging-workforce
In Episode 26, the S+H editorial teamexamines how language barriers can affect workplace safety. In addition, Jessica Bunting, director of the Research to Practice initiative at CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training, discusses the ninth annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, set for May 2-6. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/22443
In Episode 25, the S+H editorial team celebrates the two-year anniversary of the podcast with a discussion on the many safety hazards facing storm recovery workers. In addition, Nicole Randall from the International Safety Equipment Association discusses various aspects of personal protective equipment for workers, including some challenges facing women on the job. Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/22353
In Episode 24, the S+H editorial team discusses some frequently asked questions about how OSHA emergency temporary standards and regulations work. Also, Christina Socias-Morales, an epidemiologist in the NIOSH Division of Safety Research, joins us to discuss National Ladder Safety Month, coming in March. Read episode notes https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/22247
In Episode 23, the S+H editorial team discusses the role of artificial intelligence in safety and its potential impacts. Also, safety leadership expert Rajni Walia of DEKRA answers questions on the safety benefits for organizations that achieve a “just culture.” Read episode notes, sign up to be notified by email when each new episode has been published, and find other ways to subscribe. https://safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/22101