Dangerous Jobs Podcast with Apolonia Rockwell

Hosted by True Safety

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Jun 2024

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Apolonia Rockwell is the founder of a company called True Safety based out of Colorado. True Safety specializes in safety training and consulting for the development of high performance companies. True Safety's mission is to bring workers home safely.

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June 13, 202448 min

Embracing Safety Evolution: Insights from Consultant Allison Short

In this episode, Apolonia and her guest, Allison Short, a safety professional and trainer, explore the evolution of safety training, the challenges faced by safety professionals, and the vital role of leadership buy-in in promoting safety culture Today’s topics include: * Allison's experience as a safety consultant. * How Rachel Housman and Ally Safety make safety interesting and fun. * Buy-in from management and employees. * Companies changing their safety culture. * Fostering a growing safety culture. * Mixed signals in organizations that lead to a confusing safety culture. * Setting expectations for new hires and retaining good employees. * Improving employee engagement and trust within organizations. * The need for honest feedback from frontline workers. Thanks so much to Allison Short for being a guest on our show! Connect with Allison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonshortcsp/ Listen to the “Illusion of Safety” podcast that Allison cohosts: https://www.iosafetypodcast.com/ Apolonia Rockwell is the Founder and CEO of True Safety Services, Colorado’s #1 provider in safety training and safety management services: https://www.truesafetyservices.com Connect with Apolonia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apoloniarockwell/ Subscribe to Apolonia’s YouTube (where we also post her podcasts): https://www.youtube.com/@apoloniarockwell7484 Follow True Safety Services: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/true-safety-services * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truesafetyservices * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truesafetyservices * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/true_safety Subscribe to the podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3M0N0Ip * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oES0BlrhFqsVdBgmAbOhp Chapters in this episode: 00:00 Alison Shot, CSP, CIT, safety management consultant. 04:09 The evolution of safety training. 12:46 Striving for growth. 17:56 A willingness to change for success. 20:23 Seeking clarity on workplace safety policies. 23:58 Addressing safety incidents. 31:29 Building relationships with your team members. 32:33 Employee engagement. 38:25 Building trust. This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com.

May 30, 202453 min

Psychosocial Hazards & Hidden Threats to Workplace Safety, w/ Dr. I. David Daniels

In this episode, Apolonia is joined by Dr. I. David Daniels. David is a safety expert, podcaster, consultant, thought leader, culture warrior, and CEO of ID2 Solutions, a workplace safety solutions provider. The banner image on his LinkedIn sums up his approach rather nicely: “Safety isn’t everything. It’s the only thing!” Today’s topics include: * How David's unique perspective on safety was influenced by losing 30 colleagues to workplace injuries or deaths. * How society conditions people to avoid talking about their feelings, leading to workplace incidents. * David shares his personal experience of his intuition warning him of a workplace hazard, despite management acceptance. * Why organizations must take responsibility for creating a clear roles and expectations to avoid confusion and accidents. * Workplace safety culture and the importance of taking safety seriously and not just checking boxes. * Advocating for honesty and openness in workplace safety culture. * Safety is an ongoing process, not a destination. * Safety is a psychosocial hazard that affects behavior, not just physical hazards. * The Occupational Safety and Health Act does not specifically address psychosocial hazards, but the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased attention on workplace mental health. * The importance of mental fitness in job candidates and why companies should prioritize vetting for compatibility in addition to checking resumes. Thanks so much to Dr. I. David Daniels for being a guest! Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/idaviddaniels/ Listen to David’s Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast: https://www.psychhealthandsafetyusa.com/ Learn about ID2 Solutions: https://id2-solutions.com/ Apolonia Rockwell is the Founder and CEO of True Safety Services and True Safety University. Learn more about “Dangerous Jobs with Apolonia Rockwell”: https://www.truesafetyservices.com/podcast Subscribe to Apolonia Rockwell’s YouTube channel (where we also post her podcasts): https://www.youtube.com/@apoloniarockwell7484 True Safety Services is Colorado’s #1 provider in safety training and safety management services. Learn more about True Safety Services: https://www.truesafetyservices.com True Safety University is a world-class virtual training platform for individuals and companies: https://www.truesafetyuniversity.com Connect with True Safety Services: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/true-safety-services * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truesafetyservices * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truesafetyservices * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/true_safety Subscribe to the podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3M0N0Ip * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oES0BlrhFqsVdBgmAbOhp This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com.

May 16, 202458 min

From Navy to Oil & Gas: James Junkin's Journey & Safety Advocacy

In this episode, Apolonia is joined by James A. Junkin, the CEO of a risk management and occupational safety and health consulting firm in Louisiana. James is also an advisory board chair of Veriforce, which provides supply chain risk management solutions. Today’s topics include: * James shares his background in the Navy and how it led him to the oil and gas industry. * How James was part of the response to the BP oil spill (Deepwater Horizon oil spill) in the Gulf of Mexico. * Training oil spill response teams. * James’s mindset shift, which went from focusing on compliance to focusing on getting workers home safe. * James credits his success to his mentors and instructors for helping him gain knowledge and build his foundation in safety. * Workplace safety resistance and the importance of identifying hazards. * Apolonia shares her personal experience with the oil and gas industry, including losing her father's best friend in a rig accident when she was in third grade. * The resilience of blue-collar men in the oil and gas industry and their resistance to prioritizing safety. * James argues that some safety professionals have created an "us versus them" mentality, prioritizing worker safety over the system and that this approach hasn’t effectively reduced workplace incidents. * How focusing on hazard identification and risk assessment earlier in the process, rather than just at the job site, could lead to more effective safety measures. * The preventability of many workplace fatalities. * Traditional safety management systems often blame workers for incidents, while new systems prioritize a more holistic approach to safety. * Safety culture and leadership in high-hazard industries. * James emphasizes that there is no such thing as a separate "safety culture" siloed from the rest of the organization. * Why training programs should address real hazards and not just meet minimum requirements. * Organizations must learn from past mistakes and proactively plan for increased safety risks during peak work periods, such as holidays. * Proactive mitigation strategies versus reactive abatement after accidents. Thanks so much to James A. Junkin of Mariner-Gulf Consulting & Services for being a guest! Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-junkin-ms-csp-msp-sms-asp-csho-494a0046/ Apolonia Rockwell is the Founder and CEO of True Safety Services and True Safety University. Learn more about “Dangerous Jobs with Apolonia Rockwell”: https://www.truesafetyservices.com/podcast Subscribe to Apolonia Rockwell’s YouTube channel (where we also post her podcasts): https://www.youtube.com/@apoloniarockwell7484 True Safety Services is Colorado’s #1 provider in safety training and safety management services. Learn more about True Safety Services: https://www.truesafetyservices.com True Safety University is a world class virtual training platform for individuals and companies: https://www.truesafetyuniversity.com Connect with...

May 2, 202445 min

From Stigma to Support: Mental Health in the Workplace, w/ Tony Campbell

In this episode, Apolonia is joined by Anthony Campbell. Tony is a certified workplace violence and threat specialist and the founder of Workplace Violence Prevention Consultants, which trains people and organizations in mental health first-aid and helps them implement workplace violence prevention programs and investigations. Today’s topics include: * Mental health first aid in blue-collar industries, such as the construction, oil, and gas industries * Tony’s background in the military and transportation industries, where mental health was previously stigmatized, but is now seen as important for self-care and looking out for others. * Making training enjoyable and involving every participant, even those who are reluctant. * In Mental Health First Aid, participants learn to identify when someone is experiencing a mental health challenge, such as a difficult time in their personal life, and how to support them through connection and further resources. * How Tony’s classes have impacted people's lives in the workplace. * Empowering supervisors to support colleagues and veterans with mental health challenges. * Recognizing signs of distress in other people, such as withdrawal or changes in behavior. * How to approach someone in crisis, including offering a listening ear and connecting them with emergency responders, if necessary. * De-escalating conflicts. * Mental health first aid and suicide prevention. * How some Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) may not be effective in addressing workplace mental health issues due to stigma and lack of confidentiality. Thanks so much to Tony Campbell for being a guest! Connect with Tony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-tony-campbell-2870a915a/ Learn more about Tony’s company, Workplace Violence Prevention Consultant: https://www.wpviolencepreventionllc.com/ Apolonia Rockwell is the Founder and CEO of True Safety Services and True Safety University. Learn more about “Dangerous Jobs with Apolonia Rockwell”: https://www.truesafetyservices.com/podcast Subscribe to Apolonia Rockwell’s YouTube channel (where we also post her podcasts): https://www.youtube.com/@apoloniarockwell7484 True Safety Services is Colorado’s #1 provider in safety training and safety management services. Learn more about True Safety Services: https://www.truesafetyservices.com True Safety University is a world class virtual training platform for individuals and companies: https://www.truesafetyuniversity.com Connect with True Safety Services: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/true-safety-services * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truesafetyservices * Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/truesafetyservices/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

April 18, 202434 min

Bring Your Full, Authentic Self To Work, w/ Bryce Griffler, Safety & DEI Expert

In this episode, Apolonia is joined by Bryce Griffler, a co-founder of Safety is for Everyone, an organization that believes everyone deserves a safe, inclusive workplace and community. Apolonia and Bryce explore: * How bringing your full authentic self to work means higher productivity, deeper engagement, and more innovation. * Bryce’s journey from engineer to safety practitioner. * Being empowered by diversity and inclusion. * Creating a safe and comfortable environment for employees to speak up about safety concerns. * Bryce shares that after a safety incident, one of the worst things to hear is "I knew that was going to happen," highlighting the need for a culture of safety. * How sometimes uncomfortable moments are necessary for growth and cultural change. * Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. * How cultural shifts in an organization can be precipitated by addressing DEI issues. * The importance of psychological safety in the workplace. * Gender imbalances in boardrooms, with women marginalized and underrepresented. * The creation of Safety is for Everyone, a consulting, training, and speaking service that fosters a culture of safety in the workplace for all employees. * Going outside of our comfort zones to grow and develop new solutions. Thanks so much to Bryce Griffler for being a guest! Connect with Bryce Griffler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bgriffler/ Learn more about Safety is for Everyone’s webinars, corporate trainings, and keynote engagements: https://www.safetyisforeveryone.com/ Apolonia Rockwell is the Founder and CEO of True Safety Services and True Safety University. Learn more about “Dangerous Jobs with Apolonia Rockwell”: https://www.truesafetyservices.com/podcast Subscribe to Apolonia Rockwell’s YouTube channel (where we also post her podcasts): https://www.youtube.com/@apoloniarockwell7484 True Safety Services is Colorado’s #1 provider in safety training and safety management services. Learn more about True Safety Services: https://www.truesafetyservices.com True Safety University is a world class virtual training platform for individuals and companies: https://www.truesafetyuniversity.com Connect with True Safety Services: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/true-safety-services * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truesafetyservices * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truesafetyservices * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/true_safety Subscribe to the podcast: *...

April 4, 202441 min

Tackling Workplace Violence through Communication & Collaboration, w/ Felix Nater

In this episode, Apolonia is joined by Felix Nater, president and owner of Nater Associates. Felix and his security management consulting firm work with clients to implement workplace security strategy with an emphasis on workplace violence prevention. Today’s topics include: * Workplace safety and violence prevention. * Felix’s approach to safety training, which emphasizes empathy and emotional intelligence. * The importance of practical and common-sense approaches to OSHA compliance, rather than a sledgehammer approach that doesn't invite dialogue or communication. * Frustration with inefficient safety meetings and HSE manuals that people rarely use . * The difficulty of communicating with some employees due to a lack of safety and openness in the workplace. * Workplace violence and the importance of communication and collaboration in addressing concerns. * How many employees feel out of control of their destiny at work, leading to anger and frustration. * The importance of addressing verbal abuse and bullying in the workplace, as it often leads to more severe incidents like workplace violence. Thanks so much to Felix for being a guest! Learn more about Felix Nater and Nater Associates: https://www.naterassociates.com/felix-nater/ Get Felix’s new book, “Combating Workplace Violence,” co-written with David Van Fleet and Ella Van Fleet: https://amzn.to/45UIemJ Connect with Felix Nater: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-p-nater-csc-71b9a/ Apolonia Rockwell is the Founder and CEO of True Safety Services and True Safety University. Learn more about “Dangerous Jobs with Apolonia Rockwell”: https://www.truesafetyservices.com/podcast Subscribe to Apolonia Rockwell’s YouTube channel (where we also post her podcasts): https://www.youtube.com/@apoloniarockwell7484 True Safety Services is Colorado’s #1 provider in safety training and safety management services. Learn more about True Safety Services: https://www.truesafetyservices.com True Safety University is a world class virtual training platform for individuals and companies: https://www.truesafetyuniversity.com Connect with True Safety Services: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/true-safety-services * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truesafetyservices * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truesafetyservices * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/true_safety Subscribe to the podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3M0N0Ip * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oES0BlrhFqsVdBgmAbOhp This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com.

March 21, 202435 min

How Tree Climbing Work & Cybersecurity Inform Safety Strategies, w/ Andrew Boyd

In this episode, Apolonia is joined by Andrew Boyd, a former cybersecurity consultant who ditched his desk job, strapped on a helmet and a harness, and found a more fulfilling career in the trees. What can safety professionals learn from a man who prunes trees, chops down trees, removes deadwood and trees, and grinds tree stumps? A lot, apparently! Listen to this episode to find out! Today’s topics include: * Andrew started in software engineering but found the desk job isolating, leading him to explore tree climbing as a way to combine problem-solving and physical activity. *Andrew’s transition from a desk job to tree work, and how his analytical mindset has helped him in this new field. * How many tree workers lack proper training and safety practices, leading to injuries and bad habits. How Andrew started his own business to prioritize safety and best practices, despite potential slower work rates. * Stories of unethical company cultures and near-incidents, highlighting the importance of setting one's own rules and regulations. * Andrew recounts a dangerous tree climbing experience with a colleague who made multiple mistakes, including not tying the rope properly and not paying attention. * The importance of building confidence and comfort level in a safe manner, while also respecting individual boundaries and not pushing people to do something they're uncomfortable with, even if it's not a safety issue. * Safety protocols and leadership in a tree service industry, including how layered safety measures, such as wearing chaps, are important for preventing accidents. * How leaders set the tone for their organization's culture by their actions and behaviors. * If leadership doesn’t prioritize safety standards, it may be a sign that the company doesn't truly care about its workers. * The importance of standing up for safety and leading by example, even if it means pausing a project or speaking up when someone is not following safety protocols. Thanks so much to Andrew Boyd for being a guest! Check out Andrew’s business: Southern Pines Tree Service: https://www.southernpinestreeservice.com/ Apolonia Rockwell is the Founder and CEO of True Safety Services and True Safety University. Learn more about “Dangerous Jobs with Apolonia Rockwell”: https://www.truesafetyservices.com/podcast Subscribe to Apolonia Rockwell’s YouTube channel (where we also post her podcasts): https://www.youtube.com/@apoloniarockwell7484 True Safety Services is Colorado’s #1 provider in safety training and safety management services. Learn more about True Safety Services: https://www.truesafetyservices.com True Safety University is a world class virtual training platform for individuals and companies: https://www.truesafetyuniversity.com Connect with True Safety Services: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/true-safety-services * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truesafetyservices * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truesafetyservices * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/true_safety Subscribe to the podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3M0N0Ip * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oES0BlrhFqsVdBgmAbOhp This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com.

April 20, 202327 min

Bridging the Gap Between Safety, Growth, and Time Management

In this episode, Apolonia is joined by Gary Bonnett, a Motivational Speaker and the Principal Consultant at G2 Safety Solutions. With over 30 years of safety experience, Gary dedicates his days to helping leaders and organizations take their culture and safety performance to the next level. He’s here to share the key to understanding frontline workers and creating a safe work environment without sacrificing the needs of the business. Today’s topics include: * Providing a roadmap for blue-collar workers to advance beyond their positions * The hardships that come from trying to do more with less * Three pivotal steps to understanding a frontline worker * Bringing in new systems to create accountability * Learning how to combat complacency Thanks so much to Gary Bonnett for being a guest! Connect with Gary: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-bonnett-4901818/ Apolonia Rockwell is the Founder and CEO of True Safety Services and True Safety University. Learn more about “Dangerous Jobs with Apolonia Rockwell”: https://www.truesafetyservices.com/podcast . Subscribe to Apolonia Rockwell’s YouTube channel (where we also post her podcasts): http://bit.ly/subscribe-Apolonia-Rockwell-YouTube . True Safety Services is Colorado’s #1 provider in safety training and safety management services. Learn more about True Safety Services: https://www.truesafetyservices.com . True Safety University is a world class virtual training platform for individuals and companies: https://www.truesafetyuniversity.com . Connect with True Safety Services: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/true-safety-services . * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truesafetyservices . * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truesafetyservices . * Twitter: https://twitter.com/true_safety . Subscribe to the podcast: * Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/True-Safety-Apple-Podcasts . * Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/True-Safety-Google-Podcasts . * Spotify: http://bit.ly/True-Safety-Spotify . This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com .

March 23, 202328 min

Making It Safe for Employees to Fail with Tyler Traweek

In this episode, Apolonia is joined by Tyler Traweek, the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Manager at Conco Services LLC. Tyler is passionate about the mental and psychological side of safety and creating a safety culture that protects workers' bodies and minds. He wants to eliminate the blame of human error and encourage safety professionals to look at their systems and how they can account for the inevitable mistakes humans make. Today’s topics include: * How standards for safety culture have changed over time * Why human error isn’t the root cause of accidents * Fixing the system instead of blaming the employee * Building relationships and gaining trust as a safety professional * Being a leader that can adapt * How safety culture is what your employees do when you’re not there Thanks so much to Tyler Traweek for being a guest! Connect with Tyler: Website: https://conco.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-traweek-asp-a5a07b99/ Apolonia Rockwell is the Founder and CEO of True Safety Services and True Safety University. Learn more about “Dangerous Jobs with Apolonia Rockwell”: https://www.truesafetyservices.com/podcast . Subscribe to Apolonia Rockwell’s YouTube channel (where we also post her podcasts): http://bit.ly/subscribe-Apolonia-Rockwell-YouTube . True Safety Services is Colorado’s #1 provider in safety training and safety management services. Learn more about True Safety Services: https://www.truesafetyservices.com . True Safety University is a world class virtual training platform for individuals and companies: https://www.truesafetyuniversity.com . Connect with True Safety Services: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/true-safety-services . * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truesafetyservices . * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truesafetyservices . * Twitter: https://twitter.com/true_safety . Subscribe to the podcast: * Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/True-Safety-Apple-Podcasts . * Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/True-Safety-Google-Podcasts . * Spotify: http://bit.ly/True-Safety-Spotify . This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com .

March 9, 202337 min

Lead With Understanding: How to Connect With Your Workers on a Deeper Level with Daniel Yates

In this episode, Apolonia is joined by Daniel Yates, who owns his own video production and media company dedicated to blue-collar workers- especially in construction. He is passionate about highlighting the experience of the blue-collar worker, and making them feel seen, valued, and heard. Today’s topics include: * Making sure safety professionals truly understand who they’re serving * The brotherhood and connection between blue-collar workers * What an outsider can learn from being on a job site * The biggest pain points of career paths in construction * Not just building, but developing * How the treatment of employees affects the company as a whole * Mental health stigmas in the construction workplace * So much more! Thanks so much to Daniel Yates for being a guest! Connect with Daniel: Website: mediaonedge.com/construction LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieljyates/ Instagram: instagram.com/bluecollarbrands Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UCIt8z50i_h45hU5WOWueZxA Apolonia Rockwell is the Founder and CEO of True Safety Services and True Safety University. Learn more about “Dangerous Jobs with Apolonia Rockwell”: https://www.truesafetyservices.com/podcast . Subscribe to Apolonia Rockwell’s YouTube channel (where we also post her podcasts): http://bit.ly/subscribe-Apolonia-Rockwell-YouTube . True Safety Services is Colorado’s #1 provider in safety training and safety management services. Learn more about True Safety Services: https://www.truesafetyservices.com . True Safety University is a world class virtual training platform for individuals and companies: https://www.truesafetyuniversity.com . Connect with True Safety Services: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/true-safety-services . * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truesafetyservices . * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truesafetyservices . * Twitter: https://twitter.com/true_safety . Subscribe to the podcast: * Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/True-Safety-Apple-Podcasts . * Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/True-Safety-Google-Podcasts . * Spotify: http://bit.ly/True-Safety-Spotify . This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com .