NSSGA Podcast

Hosted by National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA)

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Nov 2026

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News, updates, and much more from the National, Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA).

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November 5, 20267 min

Preparing for Winter with Steve Benton

Steve Benton, Corporate Director of Safety at Peckham Industries, joins Emily to discuss the safety challenges of shutting down seasonal mining operations for the winter. Steve shares a story about a team member finishing a large project who stepped onto a snow-covered pile of frozen spillage, breaking his ankle and leaving the team down a welder. Winter conditions turn overlooked details into severe hazards. They cover how to plan and communicate when preparing a site for the season's end. Steve explains how operators can secure their sites: conduct workplace exams, clean up spillage, and barricade highwalls against freeze-thaw hazards. He also covers how to adapt PPE for the cold and dark so workers stay safe and visible. Main Themes: How seasonal shutdowns introduce tasks and hazards distinct from day-to-day operations. Engaging the team to identify risks, train workers, and implement protocols like lockout/tagout before closing for the season. Preparing the site through housekeeping, clearing spillage, and managing frozen stockpiles for loadouts. Protecting against freeze-thaw cycles by berming off highwalls and access points. Winterizing mobile equipment and updating PPE with pull-on cleats, insulated gloves, and high-visibility clothing. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Emily and Steve discuss important steps to prepare a seasonal or intermittent facility for winter. What first comes to mind when you think of preparing an operation for winter? Steve shared the story about snow covering a pile of frozen spillage. How do winter conditions create a new layer of risks that operators must navigate? Does anyone have a story they would like to share about getting an operation ready for winter? Key Takeaways: "What's different is the process itself, and the tasks involved may be a little different from what our members are used to doing daily." "We like to call it 'engagement' at Peckham - identifying the potential hazards and working through a plan to successfully and safely complete." "The freeze-thaw process can wreak havoc with highwalls and your faces." "It's really important this time of year too, where we lose so much daylight, to keep our members visible." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Website: https://www.nssga.org/ Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities Steve Benton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-benton-5703a613/ Peckham Industries: https://www.peckham.com/

October 1, 20266 min

How a Near Miss Led to a Better Process with Kyle Hunter

Kyle Hunter, Head of Sales and System Specialist with CheckProof, joins Emily to share a gripping safety story from early in his career working at a quarry. When a medical emergency struck and a coworker experienced chest pains, the team quickly realized a serious gap in their safety plan: they knew an AED was on-site, but nobody knew exactly where it was. This episode explores how to turn a near miss into a life-saving system. Kyle details the internal deep-dive his team conducted to overhaul their emergency preparedness. From standardizing defibrillator kits with essential supporting tools to implementing weekly inspections and assigning specific roles during crises, Kyle shares actionable steps any site can take to ensure they are actively ready for the unexpected, rather than just compliant on paper. Main Themes: Turning a near miss or close call into a catalyst for systemic safety improvements. The critical difference between simply having safety equipment on-site and actually being prepared to use it. Building a comprehensive emergency kit that accounts for environmental factors (e.g., adding shears, ground sheets, and razors to AED stations). Establishing routine maintenance and inspection processes to ensure batteries and pads are always in-date and ready. Conducting safety drills and assigning specific emergency roles to eliminate confusion and panic during a crisis. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Emily and Kyle discuss how a near miss with a medical event at a quarry led them to examine their safety process. How do near misses and close calls highlight where safety processes need improvement? This episode points out that it's not enough to know that there's an AED at your site; you also have to know where it is, how to use it, and if the battery and equipment are up-to-date and sufficient. Do you know where the equipment is on our site? Does anyone have a story they would like to share about making a safety process stronger following a near miss? Key Takeaways: "Safety is more than policy. It's about people, it's about commitment, and everyone has a safety story." "You have to learn from every near miss or accident or situation." "Time is everything in that kind of situation." "Walk around your site and ask, 'If this happened right now, would the folks know where the kit actually is and would it work?'" "We realized there was a real shortfall from us. We were not prepared for that kind of situation." "Just take a look internally, make sure your site's prepared." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Website: https://www.nssga.org/ Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities Kyle Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-hunter-63973622b/ CheckProof: https://www.checkproof.com/

September 3, 202615 min

Safety and Advocacy with Holly Poplawski

Holly Poplawski of AlignOps joins Emily to discuss the vital role of advocacy in building a resilient safety culture. In recognition of NSSGA's advocacy month this September, Holly shares her unique perspective on how safety professionals can influence change, build organizational support and help companies of all sizes strengthen their safety programs from the ground up. This episode explores the four most common situations where organizations seek help - ranging from rapid growth and manual process fatigue to responding to serious incidents or audit findings. Holly explains why safety professionals should act as "internal investigators" to identify the gaps between written procedures and field reality. They also discuss the transition from speaking the "language of safety" to the "language of leadership," ensuring that safety goals are seamlessly aligned with operational success. Main Themes: Identifying the four common triggers for organizational change The safety professional's role as an internal investigator to bridge the gap between "paper safety" and field operations. Why technology is a tool for visibility but not a standalone solution for a broken process. Scaling safety programs to ensure that standardization supports growth rather than creating bureaucracy. Moving beyond "checking the box" after an audit to address the systemic causes behind a symptom. Developing the four essential traits of an effective safety advocate Building trust through one-on-one conversations and active listening. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Emily and Holly Poplawski explore the connections between advocacy and safety and how being a safety professional means advocating for your coworkers. Have you ever thought about this connection? Holly describes how safety professionals can advocate for shifting mindsets from compliance to risk management. How do you think this kind of safety culture would impact the rest of the company? Does anyone have a story they would like to share about advocating for a safety issue on the jobsite? Key Takeaways: "Safety professionals are advocates every single day. They're advocating for employees, for better processes, for resources, and for training." "You don't have to win the entire argument on day one. You just need to create enough momentum for the next conversation." "Standardization isn't bureaucracy. It's what allows you to maintain the same expectations across the organization." "The best system is the one that makes the right thing easier to do." "The goal is to move from 'How do we close this finding?' to 'How do we make sure this doesn't happen again?' That's a completely different conversation." "Trust is one of the foundations of safety culture. You don't have to transform the entire culture tomorrow. Start by finding one gap, have one conversation, and create one improvement." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Website: https://www.nssga.org/ Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities AlignOps: https://alignops.com/ Could you prove it if OSHA or MSHA walked in tomorrow? Find out where you're already solid and where you're not. Take the 2-minute Safety Leader Self-Assessment → https://alignt.co/nssga-safety

August 6, 20268 min

MedicAlert Awareness Month with NSSGA Staff

NSSGA colleagues Adam Pugh, Director of Government Affairs, and Laura Henry, Senior Director of Political Advocacy, join Emily to discuss the lifesaving importance of medical ID bracelets. In honor of National MedicAlert Awareness Month, they share personal stories and professional insights on how these simple wearable devices can be a game-changer in emergency situations, both at home and on the job site. This episode explores the history of the MedicAlert foundation, which began with a 14-year-old's 'near-miss' in 1956. Adam and Laura discuss the practical necessity of medical IDs for a variety of conditions - from asthma and latex allergies to the use of blood thinners and caring for family members. They highlight how having a "cheat sheet" for paramedics can reduce stress for families and coworkers while ensuring that every second counts during a medical crisis. Main Themes: How a near-fatal allergic reaction led to the development of the universal identification system used today. Using medical IDs to provide critical data when a patient is unconscious or unable to communicate. Recognizing that IDs are vital for more than just allergies - including bleeding disorders, seizure risks, dementia, and chronic medication use. The specific challenges of providing history to paramedics in rural or high-stress environments. Why every second matters in industrial settings like quarries or plants. How wearable technology reduces the mental burden on family members and safety managers. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Emily welcomes NSSGA staff members Adam Pugh and Laura Henry to talk about their loved ones who use or could benefit from a wearable medical alert. What is your perception of these devices, and do you know anyone who currently uses one? Emily reminds listeners that we spend a good portion of our lives at work, and that knowing if colleagues wear a medical alert can save valuable time during an emergency. How do you think that wearable medical alerts factor into our understanding of emergency preparedness? Does anyone have a story they would like to share about their experience with a wearable medical alert? Key Takeaways: "The bracelets save lives and they are probably a lot more common than many of us realize or notice." "It would have been really helpful if I had that cheat sheet." "My stress would be greatly reduced if I knew he was wearing something that can help in the chance that something does happen." "In an industry where employees often work in dynamic environments, every second matters. Having access to accurate medical information can help responders make informed decisions and potentially improve outcomes." "If you know of anyone who needs to wear one, I highly recommend buying it for your friend." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Website: https://www.nssga.org/ Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities MedicAlert Foundation: https://www.medicalert.org/

July 2, 20269 min

Sun Exposure and Protection with Katie Woodhall

Katie Woodhall, Director of Safety with Stone Products and the Beaver Companies, joins Emily to discuss sun protection and heat safety for the aggregates workforce. With summer heat in full swing, Katie shares her personal experiences and professional insights on how miners, quarry workers, and equipment operators can protect themselves from the overlooked hazards of the sun. This vital conversation explores the personal and business impacts of sun exposure, showing that proactive sun safety is key to a healthy work environment. Katie highlights the hidden dangers of UV radiation, debunks common myths about cloud cover and closed cabs, and outlines practical steps teams can take, from using UPF-rated clothing to recognizing the early warning signs of heat-related illnesses. Main Themes: Understanding the personal and operational importance of holistic sun and heat protection. Recognizing individual vulnerabilities and the long-term versus immediate effects of UV exposure. Debunking myths regarding sun safety, including exposure through equipment windows and on cloudy days. Implementing practical safety measures in the field, including full-brim hard hats, UV glasses, and UPF 50-plus clothing. Proactively managing heat stress through hydration, adjusted work schedules, and designated shade areas. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Just in time for summer, Katie joins the podcast to talk about sun exposure and protection. She and Emily discuss that sun exposure is a consistent risk at the jobsite, with both short- and long-term impacts. What are your thoughts about considering sun exposure as a risk, like any other risk at the site? Katie talks about sun exposure in terms of how it impacts people and businesses. Was it a surprise to you that companies with better sun exposure mitigation tactics have higher productivity rates? Why or why not? Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about their experience with sun exposure or protection? Key Takeaways: "Sun exposure can affect us in two ways: the long-term effects of it, and then the immediate effects of a sunburn." "Heat stress can also lead to really unsafe or poor decision-making, slower reaction time, and actually, has been shown to increase accidents on work sites." "If we can get ahead of the other things - hydrating, work schedules, shade - both the sun protection and the heat protection will make sure that your work groups are safer." "Make sure that you are hydrating and that you're taking care of your physical body, and not just your skin, when you're out in exposed areas." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Website: https://www.nssga.org/ Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities

June 4, 20268 min

The Importance of Workplace Examinations with Dr. Hunter Clymore

Dr. Hunter Clymore, Director of Safety with Vista Minerals, joins Emily to discuss proactive safety through the lens of workplace examinations. As part of NSSGA's recognition of National Safety Month, Hunter shares his expertise on how companies can move beyond the "check the box" mentality to develop a culture that identifies and addresses hazards before they lead to injuries, accidents, or citations. This vital conversation explores the difference between reactive and proactive risk management. Hunter highlights the dangers of "pencil whipping" examinations and explains why MSHA inspectors look for the "weak signals" that indicate a failing safety system. This episode serves as a guide for leadership and frontline workers alike to strengthen their hazard recognition and ensure that safety remains a dynamic, living part of daily operations. Main Themes: Moving beyond "pencil whipping" workplace examinations to ensure true regulatory compliance and safety. The importance of identifying "weak signals" and industrial challenges before an accident occurs. Adapting safety practices to the dynamic and ever-changing environment of a mine or quarry. The critical role of leadership visibility and field interactions in fostering a proactive safety culture. Engaging employees through open communication and active participation rather than passive attendance. Shifting the operational mindset from tracking incident numbers to monitoring trends and improving controls. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Hunter joins the podcast to talk about the importance of workplace examinations as tools for proactive safety. How does this mindset of proactivity contribute to your understanding of risk management? Hunter shares that proactive safety involves engaging with employees working throughout the site. Why do you think it's important to include this kind of feedback? Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about their experience with proactive workplace examinations? Key Takeaways: "To have true proactive safety it needs to be more than just going through the exams and filling those out, and going through the motions and checking the boxes." "The best safety programs are not built around accident investigations. They're built around identifying weak signals before the accident happens." "You cannot change mining safety effectively with a static approach in a consistent changing environment. You must have a consistent finger on the pulse of safety." "Leadership must be visible out in the field. Employees notice where leaders spend their time. Safety cannot just exist in policies and meetings." "Engagement is not checking a box, signing training sheets, or passive participation. It's engaging everyone to help create a safety culture." "The goal is to build an operational system that consistently recognizes and controls risk before people get hurt." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Website: https://www.nssga.org/ Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities Dr. Hunter Clymore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-clymore-m-s-csp-bab40049/ Vista Minerals: https://vistaminerals.com/

May 7, 20266 min

Bike Safety Month with Chris Kearnes

Chris Kearnes, Vice President of Human Resources at Sunrock Industries, joins Emily to discuss the unique intersection between the aggregate industry and National Bike Safety Month. Drawing on his 26 years in the heavy construction industry and over 30 years as a competitive cyclist, Chris shares his perspective on how the materials we produce shape the roads, greenways, and paths used by millions every day. This crucial discussion highlights the shared responsibility of road safety for both drivers and cyclists. Chris explains the urgent need for dedicated infrastructure funding, better education for all road users, and the simple, yet vital, safety rules that prevent conflicts. This episode is a powerful reminder that the work the aggregate industry does goes far beyond the quarry, truly shaping how our communities move, connect, and stay safe. Main Themes: The aggregate and heavy construction industry's essential role in building critical transportation infrastructure. The importance of National Bike Safety Month and promoting the safe, shared use of roadways. Real-world risks cyclists face on the road and the need for mutual respect and education among all users. Advocating for increased funding and investment in dedicated infrastructure like bike lanes and greenways. Practical safety measures for cyclists, including high-visibility gear, lighting, and situational awareness. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Chris joins the podcast to talk about the intersection of the aggregates industry, infrastructure, and bike safety. What are some other recreational activities that our work contributes to? Chris talks about the shared use of roads and safe driving. Whether that's riding a bike, driving your personal vehicle or operating heavy machinery at work, staying focused on your surroundings is key. What are some hazards you might see at our facility? Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about bike or road safety? Key Takeaways: "As a cyclist and industry veteran, I see the overlap between bike safety and aggregates. Our products are crucial for safe infrastructure." "The goal of Bike Safety Month is to remind the public to prioritize safety and share roadways responsibly." "Bicycles and other road users should navigate transportation routes without fear of conflict. Education is key to this harmony." "Investment in infrastructure and education for both drivers and cyclists is crucial for safe shared road use." "Being visible is highly important. High visibility clothing and bicycle lights are essential for road safety." "Our industry's work shapes how people move, connect, and stay safe. It's far beyond quarries and construction sites." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Website: https://www.nssga.org/ Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities Chris Kearnes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-kearnes-phr-a389502b/ Sunrock Industries: https://thesunrockgroup.com/

April 2, 20268 min

Reimagining Annual Training with Cyrus Kezar

Cyrus Kezar, Safety Manager for L. G. Everist, joins Emily to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in safety and health: keeping training fresh and engaging. Cyrus shares his innovative approach to annual refresher training, designed to resonate with a multi-generational workforce, moving beyond passive presentations to dynamic, hands-on learning experiences. This crucial discussion highlights how understanding diverse learning styles and empowering frontline workers to shape their training can significantly boost engagement, retention, and ultimately, real-world safety impact. Cyrus explains how a collaborative effort led to the creation of interactive safety stations, directly addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by employees on the job. This episode is a powerful reminder that effective safety training isn't just about covering material; it's about connecting with people and truly holding their attention. Main Themes: The ongoing challenge of keeping safety training fresh and engaging for all employees. The importance of understanding and adapting training methods to different generational learning styles (Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z). Transitioning from traditional, passive (e.g., PowerPoint-heavy) training to interactive, hands-on experiences. Empowering frontline workers by involving them in the design and feedback process of safety training. Examples of innovative, interactive safety stations The value of continuous feedback from the workforce to ensure training addresses real-world problems and remains relevant. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Cyrus comes on the podcast to talk about how he and his company are reimagining annual safety training. He says that he wanted an annual refresher training that went beyond just checking the boxes. How do you imagine you would respond to a training approach that used hands-on learning techniques? Cyrus considered the need to think multigenerationally when redesigning the annual refresher training. How have you seen employees from different generations engage differently with training material? Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about an annual training or safety briefing that stuck with them? Key Takeaways: "To be an effective safety champion you have to meet people where they are." "Each generation has a different learning style and expectations." "We worked as a group to bring everything back to the basics and make training interactive and hands on." "Feedback is a gift." "Innovation in safety... doesn't always mean new technology or huge changes. Sometimes it just means rethinking how we connect with people." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Website: https://www.nssga.org/ Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities Cyrus Kezar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrus-kezar-csp-99451a98/ L. G. Everist: https://www.lgeverist.com/

March 5, 20265 min

A Leader's Perspective on Accountability and Loss with Mike Bush

Mike Bush, President of Linwood Mining, joins Emily for a sobering conversation about a tragic loss of life. Sharing the heartbreaking story of a 2017 fatality at Linwood's underground mine, Mike details the search for an employee who never returned home. This crucial discussion demonstrates how the incident forever altered Mike's approach to safety and leadership. Noting that this tragedy was caused by a series of choices, including a failure to enforce rules consistently, Mike urges listeners to recognize that tolerated shortcuts are hidden hazards that cost lives. This episode is a powerful and tragic reminder that true safety requires unwavering enforcement, even when uncomfortable, because it literally is a matter of life and death. Main Themes: The devastating reality, timeline, and emotional toll of responding to a mine fatality. The catastrophic consequences of inconsistently enforced safety policies. Understanding that near misses and tolerated shortcuts are warnings, not proof of safety. Shifting leadership focus beyond production and schedules to true safety accountability. The heavy burden of knowing a fatal accident was entirely preventable. The importance of making safety more than just a set of written rules. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Mike joins the podcast to talk about a fatality at the jobsite and how it changed his perspective on safety. What does Mike's experience tell us about safety, accountability and leadership? Mike says that near-miss situations and tolerated shortcuts are warning signs, not proof that everything is okay. How does this relate to working safely, including things like risk assessments and stop work authority? Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about an incident that changed their perspective on safety? Key Takeaways: "The company president had to make the call no one ever wants to make. He had to tell the miner's wife that her husband had been found and that he did not survive." "The rules that are sometimes enforced aren't actually rules and hazards that are known but tolerated will eventually hurt someone." "Near misses and tolerated shortcuts are warning signs, not proof that things are okay." "Policy only protects people when it's consistently applied."" "The choices we make or don't make can follow us forever." "I think about that miner, I think about his wife, and I think about the fact that this didn't have to happen. If sharing this story prevents one person from taking a risk they shouldn't, then it's worth telling." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Website: https://www.nssga.org/ Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities

February 5, 20265 min

Road Construction Work Zones and Distracted Driving with Kelly Kanaras

NSSGA's new Director of Membership Growth & Engagement, Kelly Kanaras, joins Emily to humanize the critical issue of work zone safety. Drawing on her infrastructure background, Kelly discusses the "Watch for Us" campaign and the urgent need to address distracted and aggressive driving. Together, they explore how personal experiences transform safety from a professional obligation to a deeply human priority. Kelly recalls standing with a flagger as traffic roared past at 65 mph, witnessing workers' vulnerability firsthand. Discussing the hundreds of lives lost in 2021 alone, she and Emily urge drivers to see work zones not as an annoyance, but as a workplace for someone's family. In essence, they highlight the sobering physics of accidents and the power every driver has to save lives. Main Themes: The impact of the "Watch for Us" campaign on work zone awareness. The life-altering consequences of distracted and aggressive driving. Humanizing work zone employees: seeing them as loved ones, not just obstacles. Understanding the physics of speed: the "football field" distance of a five-second distraction. Shifting driver attitudes from frustration to empathy and shared responsibility. The role of compelling testimonials in bringing safety statistics to life. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Kelly joins the podcast to talk about her experience visiting a road construction work zone on the side of a highway, and shares how it changed how she drives. Have you ever had an experience at work that changed your behavior in your personal life? Kelly shares that while she was in the work zone, she saw drivers using their cell phones. How does eliminating distractions connect to other safety topics? Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about distracted driving or road construction work zones? Key Takeaways: "These people are not just people who work in work zones. They're someone's father, their mother, sister, brother, partner or child." "It is an incredibly vulnerable feeling because you know in your mind it only takes one second of them looking away to answer a text and they hit you." "Stats show that at 55 miles per hour, your car can travel the length of a football field in five seconds. So a lot can happen in that time." "We all share the responsibility to slow down, eliminate distractions, and watch out for the people working just feet away from that traffic." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Website: https://www.nssga.org/ Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities Watch for Us Campaign: https://www.asphaltpavement.org/expertise/health-safety/health-safety/watchforus Kelly Kanaras on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkanaras/