Podcasts about worker safety

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   In this episode, Justin interviews Julia Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute, about her career, background, lifelong interest in agriculture and food, and how she joined the Meat Institute following a career in environmental law. The discussion covers the role of the Meat Institute in the food supply chain and how it serves member companies and the food industry in general, through its food safety best practices and a free online course, "The Foundations of Listeria Control." Julia reveals the Protein PACT initiative and explains how food safety relates to risk management with their shared values. She tells how meat processors are good community members. Listen for advice on the culture of safety and how it starts at the very top of the organization.   Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:17] About this episode of RIMScast. We will be joined by Julia Anna Potts, the CEO of the Meat Institute. We'll discuss food safety and education, and risk frameworks that the Institute uses to ensure that our food and supply chains are clean. But first… [:47] The next RIMS-CRMP-FED Exam Prep with AFERM will be held on December 3rd and 4th. The next RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA will be held on December 4th and 5th. These are virtual courses. [1:03] Links to these courses can be found through the Certifications page of RIMS.org and through this episode's show notes. [1:11] RIMS Virtual Workshops! On November 19th and 20th, Ken Baker will lead the two-day course, "Applying and Integrating ERM." [1:24] "Managing Data for ERM" will be led again by Pat Saporito. That session will start on December 11th. Registration closes on December 10th. RIMS members always enjoy deep discounts on the virtual workshops. [1:40] The full schedule of virtual workshops can be found on the RIMS.org/education and RIMS.org/education/online-learning pages. A link is also in this episode's notes. [1:52] This episode is released on November 18th, 2025, Day Two of the RIMS ERM Conference in Seattle, Washington. We've covered a lot of ERM ground in the last few episodes. For more ERM, click the link to the RIMS ERM Special Edition of Risk Management magazine in the notes. [2:18] RIMScast ERM coverage is linked as well. Enhance your ERM knowledge with RIMS! [2:24] On with the show! Our guest is Julie Anna Potts. She is the President and CEO of the Meat Institute. She leads the Institute in implementing programs and activities for the association. [2:38] She is an agricultural veteran, previously serving the American Farm Bureau Federation as its Executive Vice President. [2:47] With Thanksgiving coming up next week in the U.S., I thought this would be a great time on RIMScast to talk about food safety, food production, and what another not-for-profit is doing to ensure the safety of our products and the speed and efficiency of our supply chain. [3:07] We're going to have a lot of fun and talk turkey, so let's get to it! [3:12] Interview! Julie Anna Potts, welcome to RIMScast! [3:27] Julie Anna Potts and RIMS CEO, Gary LaBranche, are both part of the Committee of 100 with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. They get together with other association heads across industries. Julie Anna says it is very valuable. [3:44] Julie Anna and Gary were talking in the summer about food safety and about what the Meat Institute does, and Gary invited her to be on RIMScast. [3:57] Justin notes that it is the week before Thanksgiving in the U.S. Juliana says they are doing so much in Washington now, and food safety is always top-of-mind around the holidays. There are lots of turkeys and turkey products being sold in the United States. [4:45] Julie Anna says turkey is cultural for Thanksgiving, and poultry, and how you cook it and handle it in the kitchen is incredibly important for food safety. [5:01] Justin asks, Is fish meat? Julianna says fish is protein, but we don't classify it as meat or poultry. Justin wants to keep the argument going with his family at Thanksgiving. [5:31] Julie Anna says they have lots of arguments around the Meat Institute, like whether ketchup belongs on hot dogs. Julie Anna says the answer to that is no. [5:41] Julie Anna has been at the Meat Institute for a little over seven years. She came in as President and CEO. She has been in Washington for most of her career, since undergrad. She graduated from law school in D.C. and worked at a firm. [5:59] Julie Anna has been in agriculture, representing farmers for years. She went to the Senate as Chief Counsel of the Senate Agriculture Committee. She has been at the Meat Institute for the last seven years. [6:19] Food and agriculture have been central to Julie Anna's career and also to her family life. Her husband grew up on a farm. Julie Anna is two generations off the farm. [6:32] They love to cook, dine out, and eat with their children; all the things you do around the holidays, and gather around the Thanksgiving table. They have passed to one of their three children their love of food traditions. She's their little foodie. [6:52] Julie Anna has a career and a personal life that is centered around food. [7:11] The Meat Institute members are the companies that slaughter animals and do further processing of meat. They are in the supply chain between livestock producers and retail and food service customers. [7:35] To be a general member of the Meat Institute, you have to have a Grant of Inspection from the Food Safety Inspection Service of the USDA. The Federal Grant of Inspection is a requirement to be able to operate and to sell into the market. [7:56] When we look at the capacity we have at the USDA, in the last several months, we're not seeing a decline in capacity, but more emphasis on our Food Safety Inspection Service. [8:18] Through DOGE, voluntary retirements, through additional resources coming in with the One Big Beautiful Bill, and through recruiting, the Meat Institute is seeing its member companies have staffing, even through this government shutdown. They're considered essential, as always.  [8:54] The Meat Institute was established in 1906 for the purpose of addressing food safety and industry issues. Those are Jobs One, Two, and Three, every day. The Meat Institute has all kinds of education it offers to its members. [9:15] The members of the Meat Institute have strong food safety programs. They have HASSA Plans and third-party audits. The Meat Institute helps any member company of any size, from 25 employees to global companies, with education on, for example, Listeria training.   [9:53] The Meat Institute has just launched an online platform that has had great uptake. If you have associates in your business who have never had food safety training, for all levels of folks, there is online, free, and freely available training on how to deal with Listeria. [10:19] All the Meat Institute member companies have significant Food Safety staffing and Food Safety Quality Assurance Programs. Julie Anna praises the people throughout the industry who work in Food Safety for their companies. It's a life-or-death matter. [10:45] Food Safety staff are always seeking to become better, so the Meat Institute has a Food Safety Conference and Advanced Listeria Training (an in-person module). They interface with the regulators, who are partners with the Meat Institute in this.  [11:14] The Meat Institute is always striving for better Best Management Practices across everyone's programs, which are never just the minimum. A philosophy of doing just what is compliant does not get you into the best space. [11:36] The Meat Institute is here to encourage Best in Class, always. Food Safety is non-competitive in the Meat Institute. Everyone across the different-sized companies, from 25 employees to 100,000, can feel comfortable sharing what's working for them. [12:06] That is important when it comes to conferences and other things they do. Let's be candid with each other, because nobody can get better if you're not. [12:17] The Meat Institute has seen cultural issues where CEOs don't think about Food Safety and Quality Assurance because they have great people taking care of it. That's true a lot of the time, until it isn't. [12:42] The tone that needs to be set at the very top of the organization is that this is hugely important for risk management. Hugely important for your brand and your ability to operate. [12:56] The Meat Institute board asked, if we are pushing culture down through the organization, what kinds of questions do I need to ask, not just my Food Safety Team, but everyone, and demonstrating my knowledge, understanding, and commitment to governance of this big risk? [13:31] The Meat Institute created a template of a set of questionnaires for executives. It is a C-Suite document and documentation. [13:47] It's a voluntary questionnaire for a CEO, regardless of company size, indicating that you understand how important this is in ensuring that everything that you push down through your organization, culturally, is focused on Food Safety. [14:05] The link to the Listeria Safety Platform is in this episode's show notes. [14:11] Justin says the structure of the Meat Institute is very similar to the structure of RIMS, with open communications and knowledge-sharing, or else the industry does not grow or improve. [14:27] Justin says it sounds like the industry executives are stepping up their game amid the tumult coming out of Washington. Julie Anna agrees. [14:47] Julie Anna says the Meat Institute has been driving that progress. It is incredibly important. Julie Anna thinks that in a lot of industries, there is a pull and tug between the companies and regulators. [15:07] In the case of meat and poultry inspection and what the Meat Institute does with FSIS, it is a collaboration. The inspectors verify for consumers what the companies are doing to keep food safe. [15:28] It is up to the company to decide how it is going to do this effectively and successfully and get better at it. [15:41] Numerous third parties do audits and help customers across the supply chain, but the responsibility rests with the companies. [15:59] The Meat Institute staff has highly technical people who come out of academia, out of the plant, having done FSQA, Legal, and safety regulations. There are folks who have been in inspection in the government at FSIS. [16:29] The Meat Institute has several staff whose job it is to stay on top of the latest improvements and ensure that everybody knows what those are, and in dialogue with our FSIS inspection leadership here in Washington, D.C. [16:46] The Meat Institute looks to FSIS to make sure that consumer confidence is there. It does nothing for our industry if consumers think that FSIS isn't being an effective regulator. [17:11] The Meat Institute companies have to be the ones that do more than the bare minimum to ensure they're doing the best they can. The Meat Institute's philosophy is always to push further and further. [17:25] There is an expense associated with that. The Meat Institute does its best to help manage that risk for its companies by giving them everything they need to be the best that they can be. [17:40] The Meat Institute has 36 employees. They are very transparent in the Food Safety world. They want non-members to take advantage of all their resources in Food Safety. A lot of the things they offer on education and regulations can be accessed without being a member. [18:14] The Meat Institute has recently joined an alliance to stop food-borne illness and is looking to get more engaged in that organization. That's across several segments, not just meat and poultry. [18:35] The Meat Institute has committed and re-committed over the years to the efforts it makes with its companies. The Meat Institute looks for its companies to be leaders in the Food Safety space. [18:53] Quick Break! The RIMS CRO Certificate Program in Advanced Enterprise Risk Management is our live virtual program led by the famous James Lam. Great news! A third cohort has been announced, from January through March 2026! [19:14] Registration closes January 5th. Enroll now. A link is in this episode's show notes. [19:22] Save the dates March 18th and 19th, 2026, for The RIMS Legislative Summit, which will be held in Washington, D.C. [19:31] Join us in Washington, D.C., for two days of Congressional Meetings, networking, and advocating on behalf of the risk management community. Visit RIMS.org/Advocacy for more information and updates and to register. [19:45] We've got more plugs later. Let's return to our interview with Meat Institute CEO Julie Anna Potts! [19:56] Julie Anna says a lot of our companies are also regulated by the FDA because they do further processing. For example, pizzas with pepperoni, or any number of mixed products that have both FDA and USDA regulatory personnel on site. [20:20] FSIS is, by far, more present and more in tune with what member companies are doing than the inspectors at the FDA. [20:30] Justin asks if restaurants can be members of the Meat Institute. There is a segment of membership called Allied Members, which includes restaurants and grocery stores. If they are not processors, but they are procuring meat and poultry for sale, they are in the meat industry. [21:09] The Meat Institute has had a great deal of interaction on many issues with its retail and food service customers. [21:25] Shortly after she joined the Meat Institute, Julie Anna was handed a mandate from the board to be proactive and lean in on the things consumers are interested in with an initiative to continue to maintain or rebuild trust. [21:48] These are things like food safety, animal welfare, environmental impact, and worker safety. They call this initiative Protein PACT (People, Animals, and the Climate of Tomorrow). Food Safety is front and center in Protein PACT. [22:13] The Meat Institute has a way of focusing its efforts through this lens of improvement in five areas that work together to reassure consumers. When they know that you're working on all these issues and trying to improve, it increases trust in all the above issues. [22:54] Retail and Food Service customers in the industry want to know more and more. They want to know upstream, what are you doing to get better? [23:05] They want to know how they can take the data that you are collecting anonymously and in the aggregate to communicate at the point-of-sale area to ensure that their customers, collectively, are getting what they need? [23:23] Julie Anna saw this recently at H-E-B, a popular grocer in Texas. Julie Anna walked through one of their huge, beautiful, newly renovated stores. The engagement the ultimate customer has is in the store, asking questions of the butcher. [24:07] It's wonderful to be able to say, If you have food safety concerns, we have a relationship that we can give you the knowledge you need to answer those concerns, and it's coming very consistently across the industry. [24:40] Justin asks, When the Meat Institute members lean in, are they leaning in at 85% or 93%? You'll only get ground beef jokes here, on RIMScast! Julie Anna says, it's all good. Justin says those kinds of jokes are called The Manager's Special. [25:17] One Final Break! RISKWORLD 2026 will be held from May 3rd through the 6th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. RISKWORLD attracts more than 10,000 risk professionals from across the globe. Guess what! Booth sales are open now! [25:37] This is the chance to showcase your solutions, meet decision-makers face-to-face, and expand your global network. Connect, Cultivate, and Collaborate with us at the largest risk management event of the year. The link to booth sales is in this episode's show notes. [25:53] Let's Return to the Conclusion of My Interview with Meat Institute CEO Julie Anna Potts! [26:16] Julie Anna was an environmental lawyer in private practice. Her work involved the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and Superfund. One of her clients was the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). [26:42] When Julie Anna left the firm, she moved in as General Counsel to the AFBF, the largest general farm organization in the U.S. Besides environmental law, she worked there in lots of other types of law as General Counsel. [27:06] At the Meat Institute, Julie Anna collaborates with the AFBF. The ag sector in Washington, D.C., is very collaborative. The Meat Institute works closely with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the National Pork Producers Council, and the commodity groups. [27:35] Everybody is connected. If you are working on an animal issue, you're going into crop groups and animal health companies. The Meat Institute works with everyone. Their philosophy is, We all get better when we share knowledge. [28:03] That's the basis of the conversation Julie Anna and Gary LaBranche had in the summer about this podcast. The Meat Institute has resources it would love to share on the risk management of food safety issues. [28:20] The Meat Institute also knows consultants and other help outside of the meat industry that they can point people to, as needed. The Meat Institute would love to be a resource to the listeners of RIMScast. You can check out the contact information in the show notes. [29:02] Julie Anna is familiar with risk professionals. She serves on the board of Nationwide Insurance. Nationwide Agribusiness has Food Safety expertise. When Julie Anna practiced law, she worked with clients on helping them manage risk and assess potential outcomes. [30:09] Julie Anna says risk management is one of her favorite topics. How do you plan to recover from a flood after a hurricane? How do you plan for farm animal disease? There are now three animal disease outbreaks that are constantly on their minds at the Meat Institute. [30:31] The Meat Institute helps run tabletop exercises with its companies, sometimes involving government officials, as well. It's New World Screwworm to the South. It's High Path Avian Influenza, which has crossed over from poultry to dairy and beef cattle.  [30:48] Julie Anna continues, We have African Swine Fever, which has not gotten to the United States, thank goodness! All of these require a certain level of preparedness. So we work on it as a policy matter, but we also need to operationalize what happens when this happens. [31:16] The pandemic is a good recent example of what happens when things fall apart. Member companies have a very limited ability to hold live animals if they're not going to slaughter. They don't have anywhere to go. [31:44] The pandemic was an example of what happens when something reduces capacity and the animals start backing up. It's incredibly important that things work. The pandemic was unimaginable to a lot of people. It tested our risk management models. [32:10] Once we were there, dealing with it, we had incredible adaptability to the circumstances we were facing. That only happens if you face certain problems every day to keep that plant running. For member companies, if the plants don't run, the animals don't have a place to go. [32:37] Farmers get a lower price for their animals, consumers have the perception that there's not going to be enough food, and there's a run on the grocery stores. During the pandemic, it righted itself really quickly, once we got some PPE, etc. in place, and some guidance. [32:59] The member companies relied heavily on the CDC to tell them how to get people in so the plants could run. It was difficult for everyone. Julie Anna thinks that we learned a lot from that experience on how to help your company troubleshoot in the moment to keep going. [33:37] Julie Anna addresses how PFAS issues are being handled. It's an EPA issue and a state's issue for regulations on packaging and recycling. The state issues are predominant. Environmental issues are being addressed at the state level. We could end with 50 regimes. [35:04] That's where there's more risk for the Meat Institute and its members, especially companies that sell nationwide. There is very little state regulatory work that the Meat Institute does directly. [35:26] The Meat Institute is examining how to utilize other resources to figure out, with a small staff, how to monitor and stay ahead of these things for our members. That's very much on their minds. The EPA's work has been swinging back and forth between administrations. [36:02] It's hard to convince a business of a good recommendation if the rules are going to change with the next administration. It's a problem of where to invest in things like measuring emissions and what to do to satisfy customers when the rhetoric changes dramatically. [37:04] Justin says we've had a different administration every four years for the last 16 years. He says if he were a business owner, he would do everything he could to make sure the water coming in and going out is clean to avoid verdicts. Nuclear verdicts are through the roof. [37:27] Julie Anna speaks of social inflation by juries wishing to send a message to big corporate entities. She says member companies are dealing with these issues all the time. What's the right amount of rulemaking for effluent limitation guidelines? [38:20] The Meat Institute had opposed what the Biden administration had proposed, given that the number of companies it estimated would not be able to stay in business was close to 80. The Trump administration has backed off and is leaving in place what was there before. [38:52] That's all part of the Federal policy debate in D.C. It does not diminish the commitment its members have to be good community members. They work in their communities. Julie Anna was just down in East Tennessee at a wonderful family company, Swaggerty Sausage. [39:16] They do water treatment. They are beloved in the community because of how they take care of people. They bring in pigs from North Carolina and turn them into sausage. Julie Anna met the fifth generation. He is eight months old. [39:40] Julie Anna had a great visit with people, understanding how their commitment to the environment and animal welfare, and the things they can show their community members that they are doing, works for them. Julie Anna saw how the sausage is made, Justin adds. [40:28] Justin says, You've been such a delight to speak with, and we've learned so much. Is this the busiest time of year for your members, with Thanksgiving coming up, the religious holidays coming up, and then New Year's? Are they keeping Safety at the top of their risk radar now? [40:59] Julie Anna says Our members, and we, keep Safety at the top of the risk radar every single day. It does not get harder during high-volume days. [41:15] There's a spike around Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. There's a lot more turkey happening around Thanksgiving and possibly Christmas, but certainly, hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, brisket, and all kinds of things. It's cyclical. [41:49] Julie Anna wishes Justin could come into a plant with her, walk through, and see the number of times there are interventions for food safety. X-rays for foreign material. Sprays for certain types of pathogens, and the ways in which the hide is treated. [42:14] It is such a huge part, and they are so proud of what they do. They are happy to show anybody how we continue to hold that up as the most important thing. Worker Safety is also hugely important. We're talking about our humans and what we do to protect them. [42:42] Safety is really important, and it does not receive any less attention at busy times. [42:50] Justin says that's a great sentiment to close on. It has been such a delight to speak with you, and I'm so glad we had the chance to do this. It's going to be especially impactful now, just ahead of Thanksgiving and the religious holidays, and the New Year. [43:16] Special thanks to Julie Anna Potts of the Meat Institute for joining us here on RIMScast just ahead of Thanksgiving 2025. Links to the Meat Institute resources are in this episode's show notes, as is RIMS coverage of Food Safety and related topics. [43:34] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [44:02] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [44:20] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [44:38] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [44:54] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [45:09] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. Please remember to subscribe to RIMScast on your favorite podcasting app. You can email us at Content@RIMS.org. [45:21] Practice good risk management, stay safe, and thank you again for your continuous support!   Links: RIMS-CRO Certificate Program In Advanced Enterprise Risk Management | Jan‒March 2026 Cohort | Led by James Lam RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy | RIMS Legislative Summit SAVE THE DATE — March 18‒19, 2026 RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) Reserve your booth at RISKWORLD 2026! The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center RIMS Diversity Equity Inclusion Council RIMS Risk Management magazine | Contribute RIMS Risk Management Magazine: "USDA Budget Cuts Present Food Safety Risks" (May 2025) Meat Institute Meat Institute — Foundations of Listeria Control RIMS Risk Management magazine ERM Special Edition 2025 RIMS Now Upcoming RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars   Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP-FED Exam Prep with AFERM Virtual Workshop — December 3‒4 RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA — December 4‒5, 2025 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule "Applying and Integrating ERM" | Nov 19‒20, 2025 | April 4, 2026 "Leveraging Data and Analytics for Continuous Risk Management (Part I)" | Dec 4. See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS-CRMP Prep Workshops   Related RIMScast Episodes: "Recipes for Success with Wendy's CRO Bob Bowman" "Franchise Risks with Karen Agostinho of Five Guys Enterprises" "Risk Insight with AAIN Leadership and Panda Express"   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: Secondary Perils, Major Risks: The New Face of Weather-Related Challenges | Sponsored by AXA XL (New!) 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RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS President Kristen Peed!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: Julie Anna Potts, CEO, The Meat Institute   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.  

On episode 271 of EHS On Tap, Dr. Christine Robinson, full-time faculty member of the College of Safety and Emergency Services, Columbia Southern University, talks about how communication barriers impact worker safety. This episode is sponsored by Columbia Southern University.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue is warning Minnesotans NOT to engage with text messages claiming to provide tax refunds. Work was paused today on road construction projects across the state... after two workers died in separate incidents in construction zones last week. MnDOT says the first-ever statewide safety stand-down was held in part to honor the lives lost. It also was a chance for workers to have discussions and share their experiences in an effort to recommit to and improve work zone safety.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The Producer Price Index is declining and the Purchasing Price Index has fallen a third time in 2025, all used to determine inflation, yet Gene Marks says the “Big I” isn't the huge threat everyone thinks it is. He looks at potential interest cuts as a possible result, which might help businesses. Also, a boon or manufacturing businesses is a new SBA loan program with less red tape and an 85% guarantee by the agency. Safety training programs are getting better funded, which is great news for workers and employers who want to avoid OSHA penalties. And talk about “safety net” but 67% of pet owners would switch jobs if they had to give up remote work and staying with their pets. Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

On episode 265 of EHS On Tap, Kacie terHorst, Human Resources Generalist and Safety Lead at Clark Land Resources, talks about her company's approach to worker safety.

On episode 264 of EHS On Tap, Ulrich Amberg, CEO of Swissdrones, talks about the impact of unmanned drone systems on worker safety.

Research from Professor Juliane Reinecke at the University of Oxford and Professor Jimmy Donaghey at the University of South Australia reveals how strategic ambiguity in international agreements can paradoxically strengthen rather than weaken collective action. Their eight-year study of the Bangladesh Accord for Fire and Building Safety demonstrates how deliberately vague language that initially enables difficult negotiations can evolve into robust, expanding commitments that exceed original expectations.

While Safety in Design is not a new concept, there is a resurgence of interest in this proactive design strategy that helps eliminate risks at the outset of a project. In this episode, we discuss Safety in Design across the world, diving into how it improves worker safety, construction schedules and financial outcomes. We hear from Alizabeth Aramowicz Smith, VP at Antea Group USA, Global Health & Safety Working Group Leader at the Inogen Alliance, as well as Arun Shourie, Senior Manager at Chola MS Risk in India, and Meng Liu, Senior Partner at Anew Global Consulting in China. ---------Guest Quotes“ This whole process of Safety in Design demonstrates the commitment of an employer towards an employee, towards the wellbeing of an employee.” - Arun“It's not only about safety, it is also about cost and schedule and efficiency.” Meng---------Time Stamps(00:00) Safety in Design and reducing risks (00:46) Meet the hosts and guests(04:38) Why Safety in Design matters now (09:55) Design decisions and risk prevention(18:10) Case studies from India and China(26:45)  Making the business case to leadership(32:20)  Phil and Alizabeth's key takeaways---------Sponsor copyRethinking EHS is brought to you by the Inogen Alliance. Inogen Alliance is a global network of 70+ companies providing environment, health, safety and sustainability services working together to provide one point of contact to guide multinational organizations to meet their global commitments locally. Visit http://www.inogenalliance.com/ to learn more. ---------Links Inogenalliance.com/resourcesInogenalliance.com/podcastPhil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phildillard/ Alizabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alizabeth-aramowicz-smith-61618615/ Meng on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mengliu/

The president of UAW Local 95 talks to Labor Radio as her union continues its strike against Mercy Health East in Janesville, faculty and staff at institutions of higher education across the US are organizing against federal cuts and academic interference, the NEA executive board backs off from its rank-and-file proposed ban of the ADL, an Australian journalist is awarded damages after being fired for commenting on Gaza, a Palestinian union federation issues a desperate call, Representative Ilhan Omar speaks on worker safety deregulation at the Trump Department of Labor, workers at a Tucson movie theater join IATSE Local 415, the Teamsters are striking Airgas across the US and the cops are investigating whether the company gassed strikers, Doctor Feroze Sidhwa addresses what he saw in Gaza, and the AFL-CIO has announced that John Smallwood is the new Community Services Liaison.

Comprehensive coverage of the day's news with a focus on war and peace; social, environmental and economic justice. Texas officials tell of harrowing rescue efforts as search continues for 161 missing in floods; Amazon workers in Staten Island rally for worker “safety bill of rights” during Amazon Prime Week; NOAA nominee Jacobs vows full staffing for Weather Service in senate confirmation hearing; Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez opposes boost in NATO funding despite Trump threats, urges suspending Israel trade deal; California proclamation recognizes Disability Pride Month; Miami-Dade County mayor seeks report on deaths in ICE custody amid reports of problems at “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility The post Amazon workers rally for worker “safety bill of rights” during Amazon Prime Week; Spanish Prime Minister urges suspending Israel trade deal – July 9, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

On episode 258 of EHS On Tap, Bailey Whitsitt, Compliance Counsel at Traliant, talks about how to improve retail worker safety.

Larry Sloan, CEO of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), joins the OH&S Safety Pod to discuss the evolving risks of heat stress and how AIHA's newly updated Heat Stress App is helping organizations protect workers in both indoor and outdoor environments. The app uses live weather data and user inputs to calculate wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), delivering personalized risk levels and clear, practical guidance. With multilingual support and a user-friendly interface, it empowers frontline workers, supervisors, and safety leaders to make smarter heat-related decisions. Larry explains why heat stress is often underestimated, how app feedback shaped its latest features, and why real-time tools like this are essential for modern safety programs. He also outlines the app's global usability, practical applications, and the role of prevention in reducing costly, often avoidable incidents. This episode offers timely insights for safety professionals preparing for peak heat season—and committed to keeping teams safe, alert, and productive.  

In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC), and Maria Ottati, Chair of the Socio-economic Analysis Committee (SEAC), to unpack the latest developments from the June committee meetings.We talk about:The evolving PFAS restriction proposal, with a focus on medical devices, lubricants, and the electronics and semiconductor sectorsSEAC's conclusions on the transport sector and the socio-economic analysis of PFAS usesThe new restriction proposal on Chromium VI substances and what the conformity check entailsA deep look at occupational exposure limits (OELs), including the latest recommendation for bisphenol A (BPA) and how these limits protect workers across the EUThe episode also touches on the challenges of group restrictions, the importance of stakeholder input, and how lessons learnt in Europe may shape global chemical safety standards.Subscribe and follow us for more updates on sound science and safer chemicals.Give us feedback June RAC and SEAC meeting highlights - ECHA news, 18 June 2025Useful linksRisk Assessment CommitteeSocio-Economic Analysis Committee**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:TwitterFacebookLinkedInBlueSkyVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Early voting starts Tuesday in New Jersey's primary for governor, with six Democrats and five Republicans on the ballot. In New York, transportation officials are calling on Albany to pass a bill requiring speed-limiting tech for drivers with repeated speeding violations. And a new state law goes into effect this week requiring large retailers to adopt workplace violence prevention plans and conduct safety training for employees.

Sen. Patty Murray's report exposes sweeping layoffs of occupational health researchers at Neogen and beyond. From Spokane to Pittsburgh, labs that keep miners, firefighters and first responders safe are shutting down — just as injury risks and counterfeit gear increase. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For all your health and safety needs, visit us at our website safetywars.com, contact us at Jim@safetywars.com or 845-269-5772.We have a regular broadcast on Safety FM, listen to us on your favorite Podcast platform and video network as Safety Wars.Tune into Safety Wars on your favorite podcast and video network for this and other safety stories. visit us at safetywars.com. like and share us on social media. If we run overtime our preferred network for video is Rumble :https://rumble.com/user/SafetyWars and you can see us there. Hour 2 will be uploaded to the regular podcast network.ALL MUSIC IS EITHER ROYALTY FREE, Copyright FREE, OPEN SOURCE OR WE OWN IT. All videos and music other than mine are used under fair use doctrine. We comment on all different kinds of stuff.

The safety nets protecting America's agricultural workforce are unraveling. Dr. Jeff Bender, Director of the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH), reveals the far-reaching consequences of recent budget cuts to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - cuts that have already eliminated 85% of the agency's workforce.For fourteen years, UMASH has served as a vital resource for farmers, agricultural workers, and rural communities across the Upper Midwest, and beyond. Under the recent cuts to NIOSH, the center's funding is set to expire in September. Using a "One Health" approach and recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, the center has pioneered innovative solutions to complex problems. From training rural volunteer firefighters to handle farm emergencies to researching better respiratory protection in swine and dairy facilities, UMASH projects, past and present, address real-world challenges that commercial interests typically overlook.For more information on UMASH, visit: https://umash.umn.edu/about-the-center/

Graeme Raubenheimer is in conversation with Tony Ehrenreich South African trade-unionist and regional secretary of the Western Cape region of COSATU about their Workers' Day rally in Cape Town and the key labour issues facing South African workers in 2025. Afternoon Drive with John Maytham is the late afternoon show on CapeTalk. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, in an attempt to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live – Afternoon Drive with John Maytham is broadcast weekdays between 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) https://www.primediaplus.com/station/capetalk Find all the catch-up podcasts here https://www.primediaplus.com/capetalk/afternoon-drive-with-john-maytham/audio-podcasts/afternoon-drive-with-john-maytham/ Subscribe to the CapeTalk daily and weekly newsletters https://www.primediaplus.com/competitions/newsletter-subscription/ Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CapeTalk   CapeTalk on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@capetalk   CapeTalk on Instagram: www.instagram.com/capetalkza  CapeTalk on X: www.x.com/CapeTalk  CapeTalk on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this podcast, Karen Tynan (shareholder, Sacramento) sits down with Stefan Borovina (of counsel, New York) to discuss the New York Retail Worker Safety Act and provide essential information for New York retail employers. Stefan and Karen, who is a co-chair of the Workplace Violence Prevention Practice Group, discuss how to determine which businesses are subject to the act, the act's procedural history, key amendments, and compliance requirements. The speakers also take a deep dive into the act's training and notice provisions, which take effect on June 2, 2025.

In this week's episode of Only Human, Dr. Kern covers a couple of stories involving basic OSHA required safety precautions that were ignored in three incidents. The first involves a worker who fatally fell from a scaffold in Madison, WI, the second a hazardous chemical spill at a plant in Toledo, OH, and the last a grain elevator explosion in Nebraska. He also covers worker issues involving companies disguising the efforts of exploited call center workers in the Philippines as “AI” and arguments on both sides of the issue of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a potential solution to raise people above the “basic survival” level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to improve personal performance, self-actualization, and better contribute to society. Finally, he muses on the necessity of modern “technology detox” retreats versus building better daily habits which include breaks from technology to improve our focus and mental health.

On episode 246 of EHS On Tap, Heather Chapman, Head of Safety & Risk Strategy at Soter, talks about the impact of recently announced cuts at NIOSH on worker safety.

On episode 245 of EHS On Tap, Sam Towens, Lone Worker Product Marketing Specialist, EcoOnline, talks about how to keep lone workers safe.

Is the future of OSHA at risk? Samuel Pond, founding and managing partner of Pond Lehocky Giordano, joins the SafetyPod to discuss the future of OSHA under shifting political tides. With more than 30 years of experience representing injured and disabled workers, Pond offers a front-line perspective on how changes at OSHA could impact worker safety and employer accountability. The conversation explores political developments that could weaken the agency, the viability of the NOSHA Act, and the implications of President Trump's nomination of David Keeling as OSHA administrator. Pond also dives into the critical role of safety culture, the challenges of state-level enforcement, and what safety professionals can do to lead internally in times of regulatory uncertainty.

Cattle Market Risk and Consumer Debt Safety Training for Agriculture Vernal Ponds and Salamanders   00:01:05 – Cattle Market Risk and Consumer Debt: A cattle market update with University of Nebraska-Lincoln livestock economist, Elliott Dennis, begins today's show as he discusses the current market, trade, consumer confidence and debt.   00:12:05 – Safety Training for Agriculture: Justin Waggoner, K-State Extension beef cattle specialist, keeps the show moving as he explains the duty of safety agriculture employers have for their business. He also talks about an upcoming 30 hour OSHA training. OSHA General Industry Course KSUbeef.org   00:23:05 – Vernal Ponds and Salamanders: Concluding the show is K-State fisheries and aquatics Extension specialist, Joe Gerken, as he shares what vernal ponds are and what they provide to livestock and wildlife.      Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to ksrenews@ksu.edu.   Agriculture Today is a daily program featuring Kansas State University agricultural specialists and other experts examining ag issues facing Kansas and the nation. It is hosted by Shelby Varner and distributed to radio stations throughout Kansas and as a daily podcast.   K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan

In November 2024, OSHA released new arc flash guidance for the first time in almost 20 years. The guidance covered various areas of concern, including low-voltage hazards; PPE and arc-rated (AR) clothing; hierarchy of controls; worker training and establishing boundaries for arc flash hazards. Scott Margolin, Vice President of Technical at Tyndale and Chairman of the Board for the Partnership for Electrical Safety (PES), joins the podcast to discuss the key elements of the guidance, as well as why OSHA chose to release the guidance and how the PES is working to increase electrical safety for workers.  

Bringing autonomous technology to the farm can lead to not just labor savings, but a safer work environment.

On November 19th, 2010 a coal mining accident in Pike River Mine resulted in a methane explosion claiming the lives of 29 miners on the site. Now as the ten year anniversary has come and gone, the minister of Workplace relations, ACT MP Brooke van Velden read a statement commenorating the miners who have passed.  This comes after the minsters' actions on health and safety failed to understand the lessons of Pike River, the reduction of serious injuries and death at work, the harsh realities of workers needing safety standards.  Producer Yesenia spoke to Savage, Director of Organusations at E Tū about the core messages workers have for the ministry of Health, the high number of deaths occuring in a singular day and where the Work and Safety Act of 2015 could be improved ro reflect workers vitality. 

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 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

Workers entering and working in confined spaces face a number of potentially fatal hazards such as insufficient oxygen, physical hazards including falls, and toxic or flammable atmospheres. Fortunately, new technology innovations are helping to improve their safety. Todd Connelly, Rental Sales Manager for Blackline Safety, joins the podcast to discuss why confined space entries persist as a safety concern; key considerations when evaluating CSE approaches; and how smart, connected safety solutions can help manage confined space hazards. This episode is sponsored by Blackline Safety. Over 2 million workers in the United States conduct permit-required confined space entries per year and can face life-threatening challenges. The threat of toxic and explosive gases, oxygen deficiency, and extreme temperatures mean working conditions can quickly turn deadly. But thanks to innovations in smart technology, times have changed—and safety has improved. Learn more at www.blacklinesafety.com.

Certifications in the fire, life, and electrical safety fields play crucial roles. Daniel Pickel, the Director of Certification and Accreditation at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), joins the podcast to discuss topics such as how certifications help safety professionals stay up-to-date, how is technology influencing the certification landscape, and recent trends in certifications and emerging certifications that should professionals be aware of. Sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global self-funded nonprofit organization, established in 1896, devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. NFPA delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering their mission. Visit www.nfpa.org to learn more.

The Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association recently enjoyed its 40th anniversary as well as the 40th edition of its annual Safety+ Symposium, which ran Aug. 25-28 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colo. VPPPA Executive Director Chris Williams, CAE, joins the podcast to discuss how the association and the show have evolved over time; significant takeaways and highlights from the event; and the future of safety and the role of innovations such as artificial intelligence in safety. Listen in on this far-reaching discussion about the milestone anniversary and safety as a whole. Sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global self-funded nonprofit organization, established in 1896, devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. NFPA delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering their mission. Visit www.nfpa.org to learn more.  

In this week's episode, Gene Marks discusses concerns from a recent Wall Street Journal report about rising credit card delinquencies and higher interest rates, noting that banks, including Citibank, are worried about consumer's abilities to manage their debts. This could lead to decreased consumer spending, which impacts businesses across various sectors. Additionally, a new PYMNTS' report highlights cash flow issues for small businesses, showing that 70% have less than four months of cash reserves, with many owners foregoing their own paychecks due to financial strains. Gene also covers New York State's recently passed Retail Worker Safety Act where businesses with 10 or more employees must train workers in de-escalation techniques and those with 500 employees nationwide must also install panic buttons in retail stores for enhanced worker safety.   DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

In this episode of the "Safety Consultant Show with Sheldon Primus," we dive into OSHA's open comment period for the upcoming Heat Stress Standard, a critical issue for both indoor and outdoor workers. As temperatures continue to rise, it's important for safety professionals to understand the impact of this new regulation and how to prepare their organizations for compliance. I also discuss the potential future of OSHA depending on the outcome of the upcoming US elections. If Vice President Kamala Harris wins, OSHA is expected to ramp up compliance enforcement. On the other hand, if former President Donald Trump returns to office, the Project 2025 agenda could lead to the defunding or deregulation of OSHA. This episode encourages listeners to stay informed and proactive as these developments will directly impact worker safety regulations.

We're seemingly full of towering yellow cranes and active construction sites busy with workers using hefty machinery and hoisting heavy materials – often several hundred feet in the air. Tragically, Tennessee is one of the most dangerous states when it comes to construction worker on-the-job injury and deaths. In recent years, the city of Nashville and the State of Tennessee have not seen eye-to-eye on how to improve safety for workers. Today, we're speaking with reporters, local advocates and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development about the sometimes deadly problems workers face, how they're working to make construction sites safer, and what to do if you get injured on the job.This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Mary Mancini. Guests: Molly Davis | Growth and Development Reporter, The Tennessean  Cynthia Abrams | Metro Reporter, WPLN Sandra Sepulveda | Metro Councilwoman, District 30 Charlie Rodriguez | Organizer, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Troy Haley | Administrator, Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development

On episode 219, we welcome Alice Driver to discuss the widespread labor violations of the meatpacking industry, Tyson's treatment of its workforce, how the company is able to employ undocumented immigrants, the Arkansas law that allows child labor, how prison labor is used to keep company costs low, the political power of the industry and how government subsidies help sustain it, and the various personal stories of the people working in Tyson's factories. Alice Driver is a James Beard Award-winning writer from the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. She is the author of More or Less Dead (University of Arizona, 2015) and the translator of Abecedario de Juárez (University of Texas, 2022). In 2024, she won the Lukas Work-in-Progress Prize from Columbia Journalism School and the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard for her newest book, a: The Immigrants Taking on America's Largest Meatpacking Company (One Signal Publishers). | Alice Driver | ► Website | https://www.alicedriver.com ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/alice__driver ► The Life and Death of the American Worker | https://amzn.to/3X5tpeR Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast | ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMoment ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/seize_podcast  ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoment ► TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@seizethemomentpodcast  

Implementing a safety management system may seem daunting to small and mid-sized businesses, but there are resources that can help. Greg Zigulis, president of Sixth Sense Safety Solutions, joins our latest episode to share how to get on a path to continuous improvement. Zigulis discusses how taking a systems thinking approach can help organizations assess […]

Worker Safety - Managing Stress And Weather Ensuring the safety and well-being of your team is paramount. Stress and weather conditions can significantly impact productivity and safety, so implementing strategies that effectively address these challenges is crucial. 1. Recognize and Manage Stress: Warehouse work is demanding, and stress is often a byproduct of high temperatures, physical labor, and tight deadlines. Make it a priority to recognize these stressors and provide employees with regular breaks, encourage open feedback, and offer access to mental health resources. 2. Adapt to Weather Conditions: Extreme weather can drastically affect warehouse operations and worker safety. Whether dealing with intense heat, biting cold, or high humidity, adjusting your work practices to keep your team safe and efficient is essential. 3. Operational Changes for Weather: To mitigate the impact of extreme weather, consider adjusting shift times to avoid peak temperature periods. Ensuring all equipment is well-maintained and properly functioning is also critical in these conditions. 4. Review and Adjust Clothing Standards: Proper clothing can significantly improve worker comfort and safety. Regularly review and update clothing requirements to match current weather conditions and operational demands. As always - be sure to follow the rules and regulations of your specific facility. Keeping your warehouse operations safe and within guidelines requires a proactive approach. You can create a safer and more efficient workplace by managing stress and adapting to weather conditions. Thank you for being part of another episode of Warehouse Safety Tips. Until we meet next time - have a great week, and STAY SAFE! #Safety #SafetyFIRST #SafetyALWAYS #SafetyCoordinator #SafetyManager #WarehouseSafety #WorkplaceSafety #StressManagement #WeatherSafety #WarehouseOperations Audio: https://jo.my/tnrmtt Video: https://vimeo.com/1003395759

Paul Murnane and Budd Mishkin have the morning's top local stories from the WCBS newsroom.

The American Society of Safety Professionals held its 63rd annual Safety conference and expo August 7-9 in Denver last week, and Occupational Health & Safety's Robert Yaniz, Jr. and David Kopf discuss Safety 2024's highlights, including its record-breaking attendance, the offerings on the expo floor, the conference, and the compelling opening keynote address. For anyone who couldn't make the show, this episode is jam-packed with details on what made Safety 2024 event so compelling. Sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global self-funded nonprofit organization, established in 1896, devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. NFPA delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering their mission. Visit www.nfpa.org to learn more.

For the past four years, the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has conducted an annual Corporate Listening Tour in which it surveys business leaders on their safety concerns. It then releases an annual report based on that tour. The 2024 edition of that report yielded some eye-opening and helpful workplace safety insights. Jennifer McNelly, the Chief Executive Officer of ASSP, joins the podcast to discuss what the association learned from corporate leaders this year, and the trends are thought-provoking, to say the least. They cover workplace safety applications of AI, empowering workplace safety and health leaders in the changing workplace, and much more. This is a conversation you don't want to miss.

After taking a month off, Catherine and Sean discuss the changes they made to improve their podcast. They explore the topic of building infrastructure for the Olympics and the efforts to reduce waste and be more environmentally friendly. They discuss the construction process, the use of undocumented and migrant workers, and the controversy surrounding worker safety. They also touch on the cost of hosting the Olympics and the reuse of facilities after the games. The conversation concludes with a discussion about their favorite Olympic events and which events they would participate in if given the chance. In this conversation, Sean and Catherine discuss various topics including Trinity Rodman's performance in the Olympics, new heat safety rules in construction, and a construction trivia game. They aim to create a sense of community for listeners in the construction industry and provide both educational and entertaining content.

August 1, 2024 - Assemblymember Karines Reyes, a Bronx Democrat, discusses retail worker safety, including tougher criminal penalties and workplace training to avoid violence.

We're seemingly full of towering yellow cranes and active construction sites busy with workers using hefty machinery and hoisting heavy materials – often several hundred feet in the air. Tragically, Tennessee is one of the most dangerous states when it comes to construction worker on-the-job injury and deaths. In recent years, the city of Nashville and the State of Tennessee have not seen eye-to-eye on how to improve safety for workers. Today, we're speaking with reporters, local advocates and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development about the sometimes deadly problems workers face, how they're working to make construction sites safer, and what to do if you get injured on the job.This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Mary Mancini. Guests: Molly Davis | Growth and Development Reporter, The Tennessean  Cynthia Abrams | Metro Reporter, WPLN  Sandra Sepulveda | Metro Councilwoman, District 30 Charlie Rodriguez | Organizer, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Troy Haley | Administrator, Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development

Adele Abrams started as the sole female DJ at Maryland's WHFS-FM, one of the country's founding progressive radio stations, and is featured (with Phil) in the recent documentary movie, Feast your Ears: The Story of WHFS.   Adele is now a leading employment safety attorney, advocate, author, and a member of multiple state bars and federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. Adele's many specialties include mine safety. She explains how your life at work could be affected by the outcome of this year's elections. 

Leslie is joined by Liz Shuler, president of the 60 unions and 12.5 million members of the AFL-CIO, and the first woman leader of America's labor movement. The two discuss the Union's 2024 'Death on the Job Report,' the recent UAW win in Tennessee and what it means for the broader Union movement in the South, as well as the Inaugural 'Climate, Equity and Jobs Launch' held by the AFL-CIO on Earth Day this year. The 2024 'Death on the Job Report' can be read here: https://aflcio.org/press/releases/afl-cio-releases-2024-death-job-report-ahead-workers-memorial-day A visionary leader and longtime trade unionist, Liz Shuler believes the labor movement is the single most powerful vehicle for progress and that unions are a central force in leading lasting societal transformations. She is committed to busting myths about labor, leveraging the labor movement's diversity for innovative approaches to social justice and making the benefits of a union voice on the job available to working people everywhere. The website for the AFL-CIO is http://www.AFLCIO.org and their handle on X is @AFLCIO. Liz's handle is @LizShuler.

In this episode, Lori Taylor interviews Amy Duda Kinder, the Vice President of Food Safety, Worker Safety, and Sustainability at A Duda and Sons. They discuss the importance of sustainability in farming, Amy's family farming story, the challenges faced in farming, innovation in celery, product development, and female empowerment in the industry.

Heat is the second-leading cause of injury to postal workers after slips and falls. Letter carriers are supposed to receive training for dealing with high temperatures, but the Postal Service acknowledged to E&E News that it had in some cases falsified training records, reporter Ariel Wittenberg tells host Kelly Hooper.