OH&S SafetyPod
Episodes
Episode 228: Building Safety Programs for SMBs That Actually Work
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the OH&S SafetyPod, safety expert Greg Zigulis discusses the unique challenges small and medium-sized businesses face when building...
Episode 227: Ladder Safety Month — Turning Awareness into Safer Habits
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
March marks National Ladder Safety Month, and in this episode of the OH&S Safety Pod, we explore how safety leaders can reduce preventable ladder-rela...
Episode 226: Navigating the New Frontier of Maritime Safety Education
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Travis Smith and Bobby Oberlechner of Columbia Southern University discuss the university's new maritime safety concentration—a...
Episode 225: Opioids on the Job—Planning to Protect
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Content Editor Stasia DeMarco speaks with Claire Bryant, Senior Program Manager of Workplace Safety Programs at the National Safety Council, ab...
Episode 224: A+A 2025 Gears Up to Host Global Safety Community
30 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lars Wismer, Director of A+A at Messe Düsseldorf, joins Executive Editor David Kopf to discuss the upcoming A+A 2025 International Trade Fair and Con...
Episode 223: Building Trust -- Protecting Employees' Mental Health
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Increasing attention is being placed on workers' mental health, as well as their physical health, but how do safety managers approach this challenge? ...
Episode 222: AIHA Launches Heat Stress AP 2.0
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 221: The ISF and Moving Beyond Compliance
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jennifer McNelly, CAE, CEO of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), discusses the Intersociety Forum (ISF) and a recent report calling ...
Episode 220: The Importance of Safety Assessments
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Nick Brown, Senior Director of Ansell Services, explores why safety assessments are a foundational part of proactive hazard identific...
Episode 219: The Strategic Edge of Safety Staffing
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ethan Fight, Executive Director of Operations at Medcor Safety, joins the podcast to explore how strategic safety staffing can give h...
Episode 218: The Future of OSHA
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 217: The Importance of Women's PPE
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Properly fitting PPE is critical for ensuring comfort, effectiveness, and safety on the job, but for women in the workforce, sourcing PPE that is desi...
Episode 216: Understanding OSHA's Arc Flash Guidance
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 215: New Developments in Confined Space Entry Monitoring and Safety
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Workers entering and working in confined spaces face a number of potentially fatal hazards such as insufficient oxygen, physical hazards including fal...
Episode 214: 20 Years of Breakthrough Strategies
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you're a regular reader of Occupational Health & Safety, then you're probably familiar with Robert Pater. Pater is the managing director and creato...
Episode 213: How Certifications Transform Industries with NFPA's Top Expert
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Certifications in the fire, life, and electrical safety fields play crucial roles. Daniel Pickel, the Director of Certification and Accreditation at t...
Episode 212: Perspectives from 40 Years of the VPPPA
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association recently enjoyed its 40th anniversary as well as the 40th edition of its annual Safety+ Sy...
Episode 211: Inside the 2024 NSC Safety Congress & Expo
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the OH&S Safety Pod, OH&S Content Editor Robert Yaniz Jr. speaks with OH&S Executive Editor David Kopf about his experience at the ...
Episode 210: Enhancing Workplace Safety: How Digital Transformation Is Shaping Manufacturing's Future
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the OH&S SafetyPod, Robert Yaniz Jr. speaks with Eric Whitley, director of industrial transformation at L2L, about the role of digi...
Episode 209: ASSP Safety 2024 Highlights
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The American Society of Safety Professionals held its 63rd annual Safety conference and expo August 7-9 in Denver last week, and Occupational Health &...
Episode 208: Insights from ASSP's Corporate Listening Tour
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the past four years, the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has conducted an annual Corporate Listening Tour in which it surveys busi...
Episode 207: Assessing Respiratory Hazards and Risks During Disasters
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Various kinds of disasters pose a wide spectrum of respiratory hazards for first responders, so how can they be kept safe? Dennis Terpin, Ph.D. joins ...
Episode 206: Revolutionizing Safety: How AI Is Transforming the Workplace
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recent advancements in AI are already changing the way safety professionals protect their workers. But as the technology continues to evolve, the effe...
Episode 205: Going Beyond Compliance — Why Just Meeting the Requirements Might Not Be Enough
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to workplace safety, standards compliance only gets you so far. Bartholomew Jay from the NFPA joins the podcast to delve into the critic...
Episode 204: A Decade of Safety Achievement: Ten Years Without Incidents
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After ten years of accident-free operation at Leeco Steel's Houston facility, Chad Schuh and Ben Kincheloe — Leeco's VP of operations and director ...
Episode 203: Confronting Workplace Violence, Harassment and Mental Health
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Workplace violence, harassment and mental health continue to be key concerns for workers. But the big picture regarding the true state of these seriou...
Episode 202: Different Technologies for Drug Testing
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Workplace drug testing has existed for decades with lab-based urine testing being the dominant test method for much of that time. However, new technol...
Episode 201 - The Role and Value of Women in Worker Safety
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As Women's History Month and Women in Construction Week fall in March, OH&S's SafetyPod examines the role of women in worker safety. Shawna Fraser Nag...
Episode 200 - The Year Ahead for Workplace Safety
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Occupational Health & Safety's Executive Editor David Kopf and Content Editor Robert Yaniz, Jr. kick off the new year by talking about a few safety in...
The Role of Ergonomics in Your Employees' Health
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ergonomics continues to get increased attention in the workplace, but worker safety and health professionals face a number of challenges when trying ...
SDS Sections You've Been Ignoring
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Every section of a Safety Data Sheet is important, but there are several sections of SDS that often get less attention than they should. Well-known wo...
Prioritizing and Addressing Winter Hazards
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The winter months are now upon us, bringing in a range of seasonal safety hazards and risks that businesses and industries have to deal with in order ...
NSC Safety Congress & Expo 2023 Wrap Up
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Regular readers of Occupational Health & Safety's website, enewsletter and social media accounts saw our regular updates from the show floor and key c...
Powering Progress: The Power of Connected Safety
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Connected safety is coming — are you ready? Every business is responsible for employee safety, but that has become challenging in today's business c...
A New Educational Opportunity for Safety Professionals
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Columbia Southern University has unveiled a new program to help safety professionals take their expertise to the next level. CSU's new Doctor of Occ...
Public Works Employees as First Responders
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Public Works workers are often first on the scene at public emergencies and last to leave. Moreover, on any given day, they can be exposed to 50 diffe...
Ensuring Safe Rooftops for Workers
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Body: Fall protection consistently ranks first on OSHA's Top 10 safety violations, with many falls occurring from rooftops. Understanding these risks ...
A Changing of the Guard at OH&S Magazine
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our cast of editorial characters is slightly changing here at Occupational Health & Safety magazine. Associate Content Editor Alexandria Saurman will ...
Exploring Oral Fluid Drug Testing in the Workplace
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the last decade, the U.S. has seen much change when it comes the rules and laws about drugs. As the conversation around this topic—be it legaliza...
The Top Five OSHA Violations for Construction
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Zach Pucillo, the EHS compliance Manager with KPA, joins the SafetyPod to discuss the top five OSHA violations in construction. Pucillo answers pertin...
The Importance of Communication: Takeaways from ASSP Safety 2023
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
OH&S Executive Editor David Kopf sits down with OH&S Associate Content Editor Alex Saurman to discuss one of his key takeaways from the American Socie...
Trends in Lone Worker Safety
04 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lester Tiro of SafetyLine Lone Worker joins the podcast to talk about various issues and challenges of lone worker safety, as well as strategies and...
A Look at the Business of Safety: Protecting People While Driving Profitability
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Business and safety are two topics that go hand-in-hand. Yet, the business side of safety is not something that's often discussed. In this episode of ...
Preventing Arc Flash and Shock Hazards
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Electrical safety expert Zarheer Jooma, P.E., IEEE (SM'17), an electrical engineer with e-Hazard, which provides arc flash and electrical safety trai...
Prioritizing Mental Health in Workplace Safety
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Construction Safety Week runs May 1-5, and a big component of this year's event is how everyone involved in a construction project can own and act on ...
OH&S Changes: An Update from Our Editorial Team
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sydny Shepard says farewell and ushers in a new era of editorial leadership for Occupational Health & Safety.
Top Ways to Create a Healthier Workplace in 2023
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year! Listen in as Editor Sydny Shepard discusses ways to prioritize health at work in 2023.
Safety Goals: Resolutions Aren't Just for the New Year
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
2023 is upon us. Editor Sydny Shepard talks all about making New Year's Resolutions for safety and how to stick with them.
Profits over Protection: Companies Frequently Cited by OSHA in 2022
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Editor Sydny Shepard discusses some of the most cited companies in 2022.
The Right Testing Solution is Key to Your Hearing Conservation Program
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Let's talk testing for occupational hearing loss. Editor Sydny Shepard sits down with SHOEBOX's Alexa Gough to talk all about Hearing Conservation Pro...
Healthy Workplaces: Protecting Workers from Seasonal Illnesses
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Keeping workers healthy though the unhealthiest season of the year is tough. Here's some ways to protect workers from seasonal illnesses.
Looking Towards the Future: How Safety Will Evolve
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Editor Sydny Shepard takes a look at what is in store for the safety and health industry in the future.
Protecting Data is Essential to Worker Safety
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Editor Sydny Shepard discusses how protecting employee data is essential to worker safety.
Choosing Effective Safety Training Methods
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone learns differently so it is important to incorporate different training styles for knowledge retention and safer work.
Staying Up to Date: How NFPA is Digitizing Codes and Standards
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Editor Sydny Shepard sits down with NFPA LiNK Director Kyle Spencer to talk all about NFPA's inspiration for LiNK, recent updates to the program and t...
Stop the Job: Don't Risk Injury for Productivity
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Encouraging employees to stop the job in an unsafe scenario comes with a long list of complications. Listen in as Editor Sydny Shepard discusses how y...
Enhancing Workplace Safety with the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence may sound like something from the future, but it is already changing the way companies enhance their workplace safety programs...
Part Two: Most Common OSHA Violations & How to Avoid Them
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Editor Sydny Shepard continues to count down the top five most frequently cited standards and what you can be doing to avoid being penalized for not c...
Most Common OSHA Violations & How to Avoid Them
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are a few standards that have dominated the most frequently cited standards list for years. In this episode, Editor Sydny Shepard breaks a few o...
Lockout Compliance: Finding the Right Blueprint for Success
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
OH&S Editor Sydny Shepard sits down with Bill Belongea, Safety Services Program Manager at The Master Lock Company to talk about effective ways to enh...
What's Going On? Updates on OSHA's Most Recent Decisions
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
OSHA has been making moves. Editor Sydny Shepard discusses the latest announcements, news and movements from OSHA in the last few months. A special th...
Mindset Matters: Just One Thought Can Halt Safety Progress
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Editor Sydny Shepard discusses why mindset matters, how external struggles can bring internal battles and how you can turn it all aro...
Protecting Frontline Workers in the Utilities Industry with Connected Safety
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Editor Sydny Shepard sits down with Blackline Safety's Sean Stinson and NiSource's Prajwal Deshpande to discuss practical implementations of connected...
Workplace Safety Inspections: Preparing for and Conducting Your Own
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, Editor Sydny Shepard discusses three ways that you can be ensuring your company is on track with safety and health com...
In Case You Missed It: Highlights from NSC Congress & Expo
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Editor Sydny Shepard touches on the Occupational Keynote from OSHA Head Doug Parker, NSC's Work to Zero Initiative and the unveiling ...
Surprise Inspections: What to Do If OSHA Comes Knocking
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
OSHA inspections are generally unannounced. Listen in as Editor Sydny Shepard discusses the do's and don'ts of a surprise inspection. A special thank ...
90 Years in OSHA: How Women's Roles Have Changed
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are more women in safety than ever before. In this podcast episode, OH&S Editor Sydny Shepard sits down with Columbia Southern University profes...
Creating an Effective AED Program in the Workplace
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
An AED can't save a life, if it cannot be found. In this podcast, listen to tips for an effective AED program. A special thank you to the National Fir...
Industrial Hygiene: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, Editor Sydny Shepard takes a look at Industrial Hygiene through the lens of the past and the future. A special thank y...
Seeing Safely: Tips for an Effective Vision Protection Program
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are many things that safety directors, managers and leadership can do to ensure that employees are adhering to a vision protection program. A sp...
Safety & Security: Tips for Preventing Workplace Violence
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lowering the number of instances of workplace violence is not only crucial to the health and safety of your workforce, but is also legally mandated by...
Modern-Day Trends: Testing for Workplace Impairment
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Marijuana is seeing more legalization throughout the country, THC products like Delta 8 are gaining popularity and more people than ever are working f...
Everything You Need to Know about Forklifts & Safety
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as Editor Sydny Shepard discusses everything you may need to know about forklifts and mitigating the risks associated with them. A special t...
Making Safety a Core Value in the Workplace
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Not having safety as a core value could be more detrimental than even trying to make it a core value to begin with. So, what are you waiting for? A...
The Progression of Hand Protection: Guarding Your Most Valuable Tools
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hand protection has come a long way since workers first used their hands. A special thank you to the National Fire Protection Association. NFPA LiNK®...
A Shifting Landscape: The Importance of a Safety Management Partner
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
OH&S Editor Sydny Shepard sits down with Wesco's Ines Sira to discuss how safety professionals can stay current with new technologies and innovations....
Rise in Trench-Related Fatalities Results in Increased Enforcement, Education
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fatalities from trench-related incidents are on the rise. OSHA is now calling on increased enforcement efforts to protect workers. A special thank you...
Underestimating PPE Fit and Size Can Impact Worker Safety
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The last thing you want PPE to do is create more risk for incidents. That's why size and fit matter when selecting the right gear for the job. A speci...
Consistency is Key to Effective Safety Programs
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are many ways to ensure a successful safety program, but there is one key to ensuring that it is effective: consistency. In this episode of the ...
Updates from OSHA Head Doug Parker at ASSP Safety 2022
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Editor Sydny Shepard discusses the highlights from DOL Assistant Secretary of Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker's session at Safety 2022. A...
Delivering Effective Feedback to Instigate Change in Safety
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as Editor Sydny Shepard discusses best practices in delivering feedback for instigating change in employee involvement in safety programs. ...
Getting the Most Out of Your Incident Investigations
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as Editor Sydny Shepard discusses best practices for conducting effective Incident Investigations. A special thank you to the National Fire ...
Safety Performance Indicators: The Value of Tracking Progress
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Safety performance indicators can be very beneficial to any company looking to measure their safety and health improvement efforts. A special thank ...
How to Avoid Safety Blind Spots
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Safety blind spots in the workplace may be more prevalent than you think. In this episode, Editor Sydny Shepard discusses how safety blind spots devel...
Historically High Heat: How Temperatures Influence Safety Programs
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The summers are not getting any cooler. Listen in as Sydny Shepard discusses predicted high temperatures and what you can do—now—to ensure workers...
Ever-Present Threats: Why Daily-Wear FR/AR PPE Programs Work
25 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Even if you've never seen an arc flash, you still need to protect against thermal hazards. Listen in as Scott Francis of Westex: A Milliken Brand disc...
The Workplace, Substance Abuse & Staying Safe
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
2021 was the deadliest year for drug overdoses in America. Listen in as Editor Sydny Shepard describes signs of substance use and effective drug-free ...
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Risk Assessment and Control Methods
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Recognition and prevention of MSDs in the workplace is critical to employee safety and health. A special thank you to Big Ass Fans For more than 20 ...
Mitigating Risks that Lead to Slips, Trips & Falls
09 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as Editor Sydny Shepard discusses one of the most common reasons why severe injuries and fatalities happen on a job site.
The Past, Present & Future of Respiratory Protection
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A look back at the history of respiratory research and standards is eye-opening when you consider how much respiratory protection has done for us in...
Beat the Heat: Planning for Extreme Temperatures & Reducing Productivity Loss
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The conversation about keeping workers safe in extreme temperatures is heating up. On this episode, Alex Risen from Big Ass Fans discusses how airflow...
How to Support Employee Mental Health & Wellness
25 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mental health support is no longer about managing existing conditions, it's about creating spaces that allow workers to set strong boundaries and work...
The Qualities of a Great Safety Leader
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As a safety leader, you are the point person for all safety initiatives. Listen in as Editor Sydny Shepard discusses the traits a great leader should ...
What is a Safety Culture?
11 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Editor Sydny Shepard defines, describes and explains how a safety culture can be the backbone of safe operations at your facilities and job sites.
The Right to Know: How Hazard Communication Became Standard
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Editor Sydny Shepard takes a look back at the history of the Hazard Communication Standard and its recent alignment with the Globally Harmonized Syste...
Two Years Later: How a Pandemic Turned Our Lives Upside Down
28 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Editor Sydny Shepard takes a look back at the Covid-19 pandemic two years ago... and now.
Confined Spaces: How to Consider and Manage Human Factors
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Editor Sydny Shepard discusses hazards found in a confined space and how human factors should be considered with Chason Coelho, Senior Managing Scient...
Implementing Safety: Effecting Change at Your Organization
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Change is scary, it invites in the unknown leading to uncertainty, anxiety and stress. Despite how it makes you feel, however, change is bound to happ...
Ensuring Proper Use of Ladders on Your Worksite
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's National Ladder Safety Month! Listen in as Editor Sydny Shepard discusses how to properly and safely choose, set up and ascend a ladder. If you...
Taking Safety to New Heights
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing our 90th Anniversary coverage, Editor Sydny Shepard takes a look at the history of fall protection and the evolution of PPE.