The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies

For many policyholders, the thought of a visit from a loss prevention or safety consultant feels intimidating. It's easy to assume a visit like this is all about finding mistakes or pointing out what's wrong. But these visits aren't about catching business owners off guard; they are about helping them succeed. Learn how customized recommendations make workplaces safer, reduce claims, and save businesses money with Tim Wilson, Safety and Risk Manager at MEM.

Many employers have misconceptions about how workers compensation actually works. Some don't understand what types of injuries are covered. Others aren't sure how claims impact their business - or how they can be involved in the process. These misunderstandings can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities to improve workplace safety. Separate work comp fact and fiction with Matt Speight, President and CEO of the Scott Agency.

Organizations are always looking for ways to be more efficient. While some of those efficiencies are gained through changing standard operating procedures, others come from technological advancements. Learn how artifical intelligence (AI) is set to change the work comp claim process, lowering costs and improving overall outcomes with Mark Phillips, Director of Claims at MEM.

If you're a business owner, you know that workers compensation isn't just a policy. It's a tool to protect your employees and your bottom line. But what happens after you receive your policy? How can employers control work comp costs and set themselves up for a smooth renewal at the end of the year? Follow each step of the policyholder journey and discove how to personalize your work comp experience with Lacey Hahn, Customer Engagement Strategist at MEM.

A claim that lingers for months—or even years—can create uncertainty, increase costs, and impact both the injured worker and the business. Several factors can keep a claim open longer than expected, such as medical complications or legal roadblocks. Learn why claims are often delayed, and what employers can do to help keep the process moving, with Shannon Fox, Claims Operations Manager at MEM.

Slips, trips, and falls are a persistent problem across industries. Despite extensive studies, detailed recommendations, and countless safety initiatives, these incidents continue to rank as the number one cause of workplace injuries. Learn how these safety risks can be symptoms of an unhealthy company safety culture with Tim Wilson, Safety and Risk Services Regiona Manager at MEM.

Year over year, new hires account for many on-the-job injuries. With increased turnover and higher expectations, employers often expect new hires to get right to work without proper onboarding and training. Expecting a new hire to use "common sense" while working is not a safety strategy. Learn how to properly onboard new hires and set them up for success with Sheila Schmidt, Safety and Risk Services Manager at MEM.

Across industries, many companies share a commonality: a multigenerational workforce. Whether it's fresh-from-school Gen Z new hires to seasoned baby boomers, employers face the challenge of creating a safety program that works for everyone. Learn how to bridge the gap between generations - and keep everyone safe - with Curt DeWeese of Briotix Health.

Every business faces safety challenges. For some companies, addressing those challenges can become difficult or cumbersome. The cost could potentially grow too high for them to afford. MEM offers an opportunity to help offset those costs and tackle safety challenges head-on. Discover how MEM's Safety Grant program offers businesses the opportunity to offset costs and tackle safety challenges head on with Tisha Greco, MEM's Resource and Support Center Manager.

In today's workplace, safety isn't considered a "sexy" topic. Some employers consider safety communication challenging, unengaging, and not always very impactful. What if there was a better way to engage employees? Learn how to plan your safety communication strategically and take your audience into consideration with Blaine Hoffman, host of the Safety Pro Podcast.

Consistent safety training is essential to protecting employees. Not only does it help prevent on-the-job injuries, but it also controls work comp costs. While much of today's training is regulatory or an industry requirement, it isn't always engaging. As a consequence, employees may unplug and miss critical information. Learn how fidget toys, and their alternatives, are increasing engagement and retention with Caitlin McNeese, owner of Walking Each Other Home Wellness.

At some point in our lives, we all experience aches and pains. Often, these pains are temporary. But at other times, the discomfort eventually becomes a part of our everyday lives. Understanding the source of the pain is important, but so is addressing it before it becomes difficult to manage. Learn the importance of early intervention in preventing future pain with Lori Frederic, founder of Balanced Biomechanics.

Many of MEM's policyholders have found ways to go above and beyond keeping their employees safe - they help them work with confidence. At one organization, safety isn't just a concept - it's a core value and a daily commitment made by each employee. Discover why Watson Concrete has become a standout in its industry for its safety culture with its owner, Mark Watson.

Farmers kickstart the journey many essential goods make from the field to the table. While farming is the backbone of many communities and economies, it is also one of the most dangerous professions. From heavy machinery and hazardous chemicals to unpredictable weather conditions, farm workers face safety risks at every turn. Learn how to reduce risk and introduce innovation with Brad Minor, Senior Safety and Risk Consultant at MEM.

Injuries and emergencies happen in the workplace. Critical minutes pass between calling for help and first responders arriving. First aid skills, such as CPR and giving rescue breaths, often make the difference between life and death. Learn the invaluable role of healthcare literacy for employees with Drew Toma, career paramedic, educator, and creator of Save with CPR.

As costs continue to rise, many business owners are looking for ways to save money and confirm their expenses reflect their priorities. Most businesses are legally required to have workers compensation insurance. Payroll and employee classifications play an important role in how much work comp premium costs. Learn why keeping accurate records is essential and can save you money on premium with Tina Austin, Premium Consultant Supervisor at MEM.

Planning ahead for workplace incidents is an essential task for any business. Despite safety rules and risk reduction, getting injured on the job is still a possibility. Emotions run high in the immediate aftermath of an injury. Learn how to put a plan of care in place ahead of time with Lyndi Barthel, Manager of Medical Services and Case Management at MEM.

Handling animals comes with unique risks and challenges. It's essential to equip yourself with the right knowledge and techniques to protect yourself. Join Dale Muenks, Safety and Risk Specialist at MEM, to learn about everything from understanding animal behaviors to implementing proper safety protocols.

Women are a growing employee community in the traditionally male-dominated field of construction. There are countless advantages to diversifying a company's workforce. With those advantages, there are also opportunities to make sure everyone is working in a safe and healthy environment. Discover how an increasing number of women in the construction industry is sparking new and important conversations with Susan Hart, Vice President of Reinhardt Construction.

The 2024 Show Me Your Score contest encouraged employers to hone in on driving safety by tracking and rewarding safe driving behaviors. The city of Ashland, MO took home the prize with a score of 97.3 out of 100 possible points. Learn more about their contest experience and how they keep their employees safe with Kyle Michael, Administrator for the city of Ashland.

In the past few years, marijuana use in Missouri has been a changing landscape. First, medical use of marijuana became more readily available. Then, recreational use was legalized. In a short window of time, how and when marijuana can be used has changed quite a bit more Missouri residents - and what that means for Missouri employers. Take away seven practical tips from Larry Lambert, a member of MEM's legal team and Director of Legal and Compliance.

Everyone deserves to work in a safe and healthy workplace. The health of a workplace's culture either contributes to the risk of on-the-job injuries or preventing them. Cultures are complex by nature and often feel difficult for employers to address. Learn practical ways to foster a culture of well-being in any workplace with Andrea Neal, Senior Health Management Consultant at Marsh McLennan Agency.

In today's world, neurodivergence impacts an estimated 15 - 20% of the world's population. Neurodivergent conditions include dyslexia, ADHD, ADD, social anxiety, or sensory processing disorder disorders. Employees impacted by one or more of these bring some unique strengths - and have some unique challenges - in the workplace. Discover how an understanding of different ways of processing and thinking can help ensure the success of a business in multiple ways with Daniel Wysocki, board-certified therapist with more than ten years of experience providing counseling and pyschological services.

When it comes to work comp, a common saying rings true: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The best way to ensure employees make it home safety every day is to prepare. However, injuries do happen. At the time of injury, choosing the right next step is crucial. Learn how a nurse triage program helps injured workers and their employers navigate what comes next with Lyndi Barthel, Manager of Medical Services and Case Management at MEM.

As the cost of doing business continues to rise, employers are always looking for ways to ensure their operations are efficient and cost effective. Workplace wellness focuses finding areas to invest in, rather than simply cutting costs. The return on those investments can be substantial - not just for operations, but also for employees. Learn how to implement a workplace wellness program with Paula Nicholson, Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), formed in 1972, serves as a way to ensure the safety of America's workforce. Every state has its own unique work comp laws; OSHA provides a set of standards. Managing the requirement, and protecting employees, can seem like a daunting task for employers. Learn how safety rules, standards, laws and regulations work together to keep employees safe with Sheila Schmidt, Safety and Risk Services Manager at MEM.

Trauma is a term we hear used more often today than ever before. It can lead to a ripple effect, impacting everything from a person's ability to make decisions to how they handle stress. What qualifies as trauma? And how to employers prevent it from leading to distraction and an uptick in injuries on the job? Learn what these stored experiences mean for our minds, bodies - and our safety - with Kelly Campbell, certified trauma-informed leadership coach, author, and keynote speaker.

Work-related injuries present a substantial hurdle to companies across all industries. Not only do they sap time, productivity, and financial resources, but they also damage employee morale. These issues are intensified when injured workers choose to pursue additional legal action. Learn how to prevent and prepare for litigation in your workplace with Laura Sides-Cooper, Managing Attorney at MEM.

Many employers invest a lot of time in maintaining a safe workplace. They arrange safety training, buy personal protective equipment, and call out risky behavior with corrective action. But what impact do these efforts have beyond the business? Learn how employees take these safety lessons home and the benefit of applying them with return guest Aaron Paris, Director of Safety at the Robert E. Miller Group.

Safety in the job is widely associated with doing the right thing. That usually translates into performing our workplace duties in an ethical way. However, no one is perfect. Unexpected scenarios often require us to pivot from our usual way of doing things - and in reality, making the right choice is often more gray than black and white. Learn how to adapt to these challenges and gather the information you need to make the best choice with Dr. Dan Snyder, owner and founder of Safety Mentor.

Unless they are paid to compete professionally, most employees don't consider themselves to be athletes. However, manual labor and frequent movement are a requirement in many industries. Commitment to physical and mental health is critical to an athlete's success - and for any employee. Learn how using the industrial athlete mindset can kickstart the average employee's approach to work with Kelly Feldkamp, founder of ProVention Plus.

Getting employee buy-in is an essential step in building a safety culture. Forming a safety committee is a great way to engage with employees and empower them to work safely. Safety committees are considered so effective that in some states, they are actually required in the workplace. Learn how to start your own safety committee with Sheila Schmidt, Safety & Risk Services Manager at MEM.

Telematics is a form of technology that allows us to pass information over long distances. For an employer managing drivers, whether it's a single delivery driver or a fleet of truckers, telematics is a way to keep employees safe. Learn about the science of telematics and its benefits with Ryan McMahon, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development for Cambridge Mobile Telematics.

A safety plan is essential for any business owner who directs employees in the course of daily operations. Safety risks are present in every industry. Whether your employees use tools or equipment, operate company vehicles, or deal with the public, it's essential to outline safety expectations. Learn how a safety plan goes a long way in preventing injuries and reducing on-the-job incidents with Mark Woodward, Senior Safety and Risk Trainer at MEM.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are terms used increasingly in the workplace today. At the center of the movement is an effort to include employees from all different walks of life. However, these terms can often mean different things to different people. Learn what DEI efforts look like and how they can make a difference in your workplace with Dan Lester, Director of Vice President of Field Culture and Inclusion at Clayco, and Burnea Lester, Director of Communications and Community Relations at SITE Improvement Association St. Louis.

Employers shouldn't leave workplace safety down to luck. It's essential to measure risk exposure, or the potential that an incident might occur. Learn how to create safe environments where people want to work and be with Elizabeth Prazeres, organizational effectiveness and change management expert at DEKRA.

Struck-by incidents are a common workplace hazard in bustling industries. Where there is moving machinery, whirling equipment, or turning wheels, employees are at risk of being struck. Learn how to reduce this kind of exposure and keep employees safe with Terry Dussault, environmental health and safety professional and founder of Yellowknife Consulting Services.

A safe work environment is essential to running a business safely. The International Code Council is a collection of professionals who set building safety standards, from building design to codes and regulations. Learn how these standards shape the structural integrity of buildings today with Dominic Sims, Chief Executive Officer of the International Code Council (ICC).

Workplace violence is unique in that it's a hazard any industry is subject to. Certain employee groups are particularly at risk in today's workforce: those who serve customers or patients, handle a lot of cash, or are undocumented. Learn what an employer's role is in protecting these vulnerable groups with Yasmine Mustafa, co-founder and CEO of Roar, and workplace violence prevention expert Kimberly Urbanek.

Creating an effective safety plan can seem like a huge undertaking if  you don't specialize in it. They are often made of multiple moving parts. Small- to medium-sized businesses are growing every year. How can they put together an effective safety plan for the first time, or even with limited resources? Learn about building an effective safety plan using safety rules - and what they can and can't do for your business, with Mark Woodward, Senior Safety and Risk Trainer at MEM.

Businesses often see workplace safety as something that requires a lot of time and money. They worry that the extra effort may threaten existing productivity and processes. However, studies continue to show that employees that feel safe perform better on the job than those who don't. Learn how leaders can leverage safety as a tool that provides for business growth with Greg Davis, CEO of Big Leaf Networks.

Mental health and work comp claims are often tightly intertwined. Many people think of only the physical side of a claim: the injury, the doctor's visits, and the rehabilitation. But an injured worker's mental health can actually become a documented part of a claim - with or without a physical injury. Learn how mental health claims are managed with Vickie Egan, Case Management Services Supervisor at Missouri Employers Mutual.

The impact of a toxic work environment can affect employees' mental health and a business's bottom line. But what's the difference between naturally-occurring differences and something more hazardous? Learn about the hallmarks of a toxic work enviroment with Jessica Childress, award-winning employment attorney.

Having zero injuries in the workplace is the right goal for any business. But the reality is that occasionally people get hurt on the job. What happens after a claim is filed? Discover the benefits of getting employees back on the job sooner with Human Resources professionals Debbie Larsen and Pam McCracken of The Arc of the Ozarks.

Employee burnout affects nearly 77% of today's workforce. With such a large portion of employees affected, this issue is one employers should keep their eyes on. But what does the word 'burnout' really mean? Learn what burnout looks like in affected employees and the risks it brings to the job with Dr. Arpit Aggarwal, the Medical Director of Psychiatric Emergency Services at the Missouri Psychiatric Center.

From mass shootings to classroom assaults, schools today are fraught with violence. Studies show nearly half of all educators and a third of administrative and support staff are considering transferring or leaving the field for good. School violence poses a threat not just to students, but victimizes employees in the process. Learn how schools can support educators with Dr. Susan D. McMahon, Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Programs for the College of Science and Health at DePaul University and Chair of the American Psychological Association Task Force on Violence Against Educators

Safety in the workplace is critical for all businesses, regardless of the organization's size. Depending on your industry, hiring safety professionals, investing in equipment, or providing safety training may be part of a comprehensive safety plan. Learn how to find a solution that fits your business with Gavin Coyle, consultant and author of Workplace Safety on a Budget.

Heart health matters in the workplace. High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease go hand in hand. Many Americans are unaware they are affected by these conditions. Learn how preventative action and disease management save lives with Dr. Sudhi Tyagi, interventional cardiologist and board-certified provider in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, echocardiography and nuclear medicine.

Audits are an essential part of any work comp policy. This process helps employers pay the right amount of premium - nothing more, nothing less. Discover what an audit does for your business, and how to prepare for one, with Tina Austin, Premium Consultation Specialist at Missouri Employers Mutual.

Temporary employees are a much-needed solution in many industries. Extra hands help businesses get through the busiest times of the year. However, temporary employees can be much like new hires: untrained, unfamiliar with the industry, and unsure on the job. Learn how to reduce seasonal safety risk with Bill McDonald, Area Director of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) St. Louis office.

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.