The WorkSAFE Podcast | Workplace Safety Strategies
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© Missouri Employers Mutual
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As a leader, the safety of your employees is your top priority. But we get it - you have a lot on your plate. We've got you covered with interviews and insights to help you build a safer workplace. Published monthly by Missouri Employers Mutual and Previsor Insurance.
168 Episodes
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Considering a career in safety? Brandon Jones, MEM Director of Safety and Risk Services, shares insights from his 35-year career helping businesses create safer workplaces. Discover why communication skills matter as much as technical knowledge, how technology is changing the field, and why this profession offers meaningful opportunities to impact people’s lives.
When workplace injuries become complex, high-dollar work comp claims, the financial impact extends far beyond immediate medical costs. MEM’s claims experts Shannon Fox and Lyndi Barthel share strategies for recognizing warning signs, managing costs, and successfully navigating the most challenging claims.
Work zone deaths are on the rise, affecting construction crews and everyday drivers. MoDOT’s Jon Nelson shares critical safety practices, including training, risk assessment, communication systems, and accountability measures that can prevent work zone incidents and save lives.
Safety habits don't clock out when you do. The same hazards that cause workplace injuries occur just as frequently at home. MEM Safety and Risk Services Regional Manager Sheila Schmidt shares how to apply workplace safety principles at home, build a family safety culture, and create consistent awareness that protects you everywhere.
When treatment isn't progressing or complications arise in workers' compensation claims, second medical opinions can provide crucial clarity. MEM Claims Operations Manager Shannon Fox shares the warning signs that signal when a second opinion is needed, how state laws affect the process, and how employers can navigate these situations effectively to support your injured worker's recovery.
Most business owners know that payroll affects their work comp premium. Did you know it also determines who's covered if an injury happens? From naming the wrong business entity to classifying subcontractors, payroll mistakes can create coverage gaps and surprises at audit time. MEM Underwriting Specialist Tammy Canton shares how to protect your business with accurate reporting and proactive communication.
Workplace hazards like noise, chemicals, and poor air quality often go unnoticed until employees develop serious symptoms. These invisible risks can lead to permanent health conditions and costly work comp claims. Industrial hygiene specialist Rhonda Kaufman explains how to identify hidden workplace hazards, address them cost-effectively, and protect your most valuable asset – your employees – before they suffer permanent health issues.
In the world of workers compensation, loss runs affect a business's risk evaluation. Underwriters look carefully at a company's claim history. This process gives them an understanding of how frequently claims are happening, how severe they are, and if a business is putting effort into reducing workplace risk. Learn the differing impact of claim frequency versus claim severity on a business' s risk evaluation with Becky Duello, Senior Underwriter at MEM.
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 Balance Biomechanics.
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As the in-house safety trainer at my job, I really appreciate the quality of the information that this podcast brings every time! I have come to rely on it as a reminder for best practices and updates for the industry. Keep up the great work!
psychological effects, fatigue, cost/ benefit
Mental Health.
I enjoyed the discussion regarding the history of safety, minus the COVID comparison. Those that were not fixated and aroused by Leftist news outlets, propaganda and political figures promoting anxiety and reliance on government for answers - knew better. The disingenuous nature and fear that was created surrounding COVID, caused populations to cling to their useless masks and 6 ft distancing, while others capable of reading and research, maintained their course. IN HINDSIGHT, THOSE PATRIOTS AND INFORMED CITIZENRY, WE'RE RIGHT ALL ALONG.. AS SUCH USING A COVID EXAMPLE, IS AT THE VERY LEAST, MISGUIDED.