OH&S SafetyPod

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Episodes

230

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Listen along as Occupational Health & Safety Executive Editor David Kopf takes a deep dive into occupational safety and health topics with industry experts.

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60 recent

June 11, 2026Episode 23033 min

Episode 230: Preparing Safety Professionals for the AI Era

In this episode of the SafetyPod, Columbia Southern University Faculty Lead Dr. Bart Eltz joins OH&S editor David Kopf to discuss how artificial intelligence is changing the occupational safety profession. Eltz explores emerging applications for AI in safety management, risk assessment, and program development while emphasizing the continued importance of foundational safety knowledge, critical thinking, and professional judgment. The conversation also examines how safety educators are teaching students to use AI responsibly and what safety professionals can do today to prepare for an increasingly AI-driven future. Sponsored By Columbia Southern University: For more than 30 years, Columbia Southern University has been a leader in occupational safety and health education. Taught by experienced safety experts, CSU's bachelor's and master's degree programs in occupational safety and health are recognized by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals as Graduate Safety Practitioner® Qualified Academic Programs. Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu/OHS to learn more.

May 14, 2026Episode 22919 min

Episode 229: Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety in the Workplace

In this episode of the OH&S SafetyPod, CSA Group Fire Test Specialist Josh Dinaburg joins the podcast to discuss the growing presence of lithium-ion battery systems in workplaces and the unique fire safety challenges they create. Dinaburg explains how thermal runaway events occur, why lithium-ion battery fires differ from traditional fire hazards, and what safety professionals need to understand about toxic gases, electrical hazards, re-ignition risks, and post-fire cleanup. The conversation also explores the evolving standards and large-scale fire testing efforts helping make modern energy storage systems safer for workers, facilities, and first responders.

April 7, 2026Episode 22823 min

Episode 228: Building Safety Programs for SMBs That Actually Work

In this episode of the OH&S SafetyPod, safety expert Greg Zigulis discusses the unique challenges small and medium-sized businesses face when building effective health and safety programs. Drawing on insights from his new book, "Health and Safety Programs in Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses," Zigulis explains how limited resources, lack of formal training, and competing priorities often lead organizations into reactive safety practices. He shares practical guidance on how to prioritize risks, understand injury causation, and develop a structured approach that goes beyond compliance to create meaningful, sustainable safety outcomes.

February 18, 2026Episode 22716 min

Episode 227: Ladder Safety Month — Turning Awareness into Safer Habits

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-related injuries through better habits, training, and daily reinforcement. Pat McAuliffe of the American Ladder Institute and Ryan Mittelmeier of Werner share insights on common ladder safety mistakes, practical jobsite corrections, and how employers can use free Ladder Safety Month resources to strengthen their programs year-round. Sponsored by the American Ladder Institute: The American Ladder Institute is proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of National Ladder Safety Month this March. The monthlong campaign promotes ladder safety awareness to help prevent injuries and fatalities. Access free safety resources and learn more at laddermonth.com.

November 6, 2025Episode 22621 min

Episode 226: Navigating the New Frontier of Maritime Safety Education

In this episode, Dr. Travis Smith and Bobby Oberlechner of Columbia Southern University discuss the university's new maritime safety concentration—a program designed to equip safety professionals for one of the world's most complex and high-risk environments. They explore why maritime safety has historically lacked academic focus, how CSU's curriculum bridges that gap, and what students can expect to learn about global regulations, port operations, and systemic risk management. The conversation also highlights how this program helps shape the next generation of safety leaders both on land and at sea. Sponsored by Columbia Southern University: For more than 30 years, Columbia Southern University has been a leader in occupational safety and health education. Taught by experienced safety experts, CSU's bachelor's and master's degree programs in occupational safety and health are recognized by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals as Graduate Safety Practitioner® Qualified Academic Programs. Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu/OHS to learn more.

October 3, 2025Episode 22511 min

Episode 225: Opioids on the Job—Planning to Protect

Content Editor Stasia DeMarco speaks with Claire Bryant, Senior Program Manager of Workplace Safety Programs at the National Safety Council, about a new tool designed to help manage the opioid epidemic in the workplace. With overdoses now linked to nearly one in ten workplace deaths, NSC has launched a free Overdose Emergency Planning Tool to help employers prepare for opioid emergencies and determine how much naloxone to keep on hand. Bryant also highlights the importance of quick response and recovery-supportive workplace policies to save lives and prevent future crises.

August 30, 2025Episode 22418 min

Episode 224: A+A 2025 Gears Up to Host Global Safety Community

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 Congress for Safety and Health at Work, happening November 4–7 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Wismer shares insights on the theme People Matter and previews highlights including global exhibitors, PPE innovations, exoskeletons, smart technology, and congress sessions on climate, mental well-being, and AI. It's a truly global event, with the 2025 edition expected to attract roughly 65,000 visitors and 2,200 exhibitors.

August 5, 2025Episode 22325 min

Episode 223: Building Trust -- Protecting Employees' Mental Health

Increasing attention is being placed on workers' mental health, as well as their physical health, but how do safety managers approach this challenge? Sean Egan, the Deputy Director of Labor for the State of Michigan, joins the OH&S Safety Pod to discuss Michigan's groundbreaking workplace mental health initiative. Launched through the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), the program aims to help businesses reduce stress, burnout, and stigma in high-risk, high-pressure industries like construction. Drawing from both policy expertise and lived experience, Egan explains how the initiative blends neuroscience, trauma-informed training, and innovative resources, such as the Man Therapy campaign, to support workers' behavioral health. More than awareness, Michigan's program calls for systemic changes, including revisiting work design, hazard assessments, and access to care to make mental health a core part of safety culture. This episode offers safety professionals a timely and practical roadmap for embedding mental well-being into their overall risk strategy, as well as redefining what it means to truly protect workers.

June 17, 2025Episode 2229 min

Episode 222: AIHA Launches Heat Stress AP 2.0

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.

May 11, 2025Episode 22122 min

Episode 221: The ISF and Moving Beyond Compliance

Jennifer McNelly, CAE, CEO of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), discusses the Intersociety Forum (ISF) and a recent report calling for a shift in how safety is embedded in business strategy. Representing nearly 30 safety and health organizations, the ISF advocates moving beyond legal compliance toward risk-based, proactive safety management systems. Jennifer explores why compliance alone hasn't lowered fatality rates and how industry consensus standards, predictive data insights, and integrated safety strategies can drive better outcomes -- not just for workers, but for business performance. She also highlights why now is the time for unity and how safety professionals can become influential change agents within their organizations. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for safety leaders looking to align safety and strategic value -- and to help shape the future of workplace protection.