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Ross Boeker, Manager of Safety Services at Vulcan Materials, joins Emily to discuss shifting safety leadership from "command and control" to a growth mindset. Exploring how "humble inquiry" and experimentation bridge the gap between corporate policy and field reality, Ross shares how a failed PPE mandate and a successful road project demonstrated that involving workers builds the trust and ownership necessary for better safety results and compliance. Main Themes: From Clarity in Chaos by Megan Tranter: "A crucial element of leading with a growth mindset is encouraging experimentation." From Next Generation Safety Leadership by Clive Lloyd: Trust doesn't exist outside of a relationship. Trust is relational, not structural. Trust is the primary currency for leaders. Without trust, even the best programs and initiatives will not be embraced. Workers don't "own" problems when they aren't involved in solving them. Ways to Build Trust: Develop a relationship, even if it is just a few moments in the field, to develop a "micro-relationship" and build some rapport. Understand that simply saying your door is open is not effective if you have not made it safe for people to bring you problems. Also, "open door" suggests people must come to you, rather than you actually engaging them where they are at. Be humble, solicit input, and accept input even if you haven't asked for it. Your eyes may be opened to obstacles you did not know existed. Don't show up as the "knower of things." Engaging in what Ed Schein called "Humble Inquiry" builds trust, shows that you don't have all the answers, but are genuinely interested in learning and pursuing mutual gains. When asked for guidance or assistance that you aren't necessarily able to provide, offer to work through it together (and LEARN together). Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Emily and Ross talk about leadership perspectives on safety and health, and what a growth mindset can mean when working in this field. Do you feel like we have a culture where people can suggest process improvements to safety and health policies? Ross shares an example of a policy that was written with boots on the ground input, shelved at the management level, then later implemented. What does this example show us about the benefits of policies that start with the people on the ground? Does anyone have a story they would like to share about a leadership interaction that made them feel their input was valuable? Key Takeaways: "When you allow stakeholders to experiment and have input, that leads to innovation and really a greater sense of ownership." "A leader with a growth mindset knows the importance of modeling vulnerability. Showing that you don't have all the answers... demonstrates authenticity and openness, which creates trust." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities Ross Boeker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-boeker-csp-meng-3017a813/ Clarity and Chaos by Megan Tranter: https://megantranter.com/book/ Next Generation Safety Leadership by Clive Lloyd: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/next-generation-safety-leadership-from-compliance-to-care/9780367509569.html Humble Inquiry by Edgar Schein: https://www.amazon.ca/HUMBLE-INQUIRY-SCHEIN-EDGAR-H/dp/1626562547  

Emily is joined by Robin Markussen, Director of Occupational Health and Systems at Heidelberg Materials, to explore the shift from reactive to proactive safety. Drawing on her oil and gas experience, Robin explains how tragedies inspired the "safety case," a proactive risk assessment method. They discuss how this comprehensive tool can be used in any industry to prevent incidents before they happen. Robin recounts the 1988 Piper Alpha disaster, a catastrophe that prompted major safety reforms, and explains how it led to the "safety case" process of identifying hazards, assessing risks, and ensuring controls are in place. She and Emily discuss how this is not just a document but a fundamental safety "mindset," offering insights on building a resilient culture by making a case for safety daily. Main Themes: Shifting safety culture from reactive to proactive. The concept of a "safety case" as a proactive risk management tool. Learning from the 1988 Piper Alpha industrial disaster. Actively identifying hazards and quantifying risks before work begins. Safety is a mindset, not just a document or a procedure. Applying large-scale safety principles to any task or operation. The importance of thorough risk assessment and control measures. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Robin talks about the mandatory development of a safety case, initially for the oil and gas industry, but it has implications for other industries. What does this kind of planning do to shift safety mindsets?  Emily notes that a safety case can be scaled up or down, depending on the need. What are the benefits to making a safety case that works specifically for your facility?  Does anyone have a story they would like to share about proactivity rather than reactivity? Key Takeaways: "So how do we help shift that focus from look back to look forward prevention?" "The health and safety lessons for the oil and gas industry are written in blood." "The proactive journey it takes you on when evaluating risk can be applied on a small scale anytime for any workplace or operation." "Focusing on all aspects of risk early on and actively making a case for the safety of your operation, project or task leaves less chance that you will need to react to an unfortunate event." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Robin Markussen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-markussen-ms-cih-csp-48298311/  

Emily welcomes Rachel Proper from Caterpillar Safety Services, for a special episode in recognition of National Diabetes Month. Rachel shares a deeply personal and powerful story about her 13-year-old daughter's recent diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes. She explains how her own family history with the disease allowed her to recognize the subtle but serious symptoms, leading to an early diagnosis that prevented a life-threatening situation. This episode is a crucial listen for everyone, as it details the specific signs of both high and low blood sugar. Rachel provides a firsthand account of the symptoms her daughter experienced - from unintentional weight loss and increased hunger to excessive thirst and urination. The conversation also explores the importance of fostering a "culture of care" in the workplace, where employees feel psychologically safe and supported, whether they choose to disclose a health condition or not. Rachel's story is a poignant reminder of how awareness and early detection can save lives. Main Themes: The signs and symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), such as weight loss, excessive thirst, and frequent urination. The signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as shakiness, paleness, confusion, and fatigue. The role of family history and personal experience in recognizing health warning signs. The seriousness of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication of diabetes. The importance of creating a workplace with strong psychological safety. How a "culture of care" encourages openness and allows coworkers and leaders to provide appropriate support. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Rachel shares about how her daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Thanks to her awareness of the disease, Rachel and her daughter were able to seek medical attention and get her treatment before there were any serious complications. How can we relate this kind of awareness and quick thinking to safety on site? What do you think are some of the benefits of sharing important medical information with coworkers?  Does anyone have a story they would like to share about recognizing the symptoms of a disease or condition? Key Takeaways: "Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Our body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas."   "Early detection of diabetes can prevent severe complications, including death."   "A culture of care with strong psychological safety encourages openness about health conditions."   "Employees don't have to disclose they're diabetic, but sharing can help coworkers respond appropriately."   "Awareness of diabetes symptoms can help catch the disease early and save lives." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities Rachel Proper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelproper/ American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/

With World Mental Health Day approaching next week, today's episode features host Emily Hargrove, NSSGA's Director of Occupational Safety and Health, as she explores the critical link between mental health and workplace safety in the aggregates and mining industry. Highlighting how an individual's mental well-being directly impacts their ability to work safely, she reveals the ways in which stress and anxiety affect job performance and overall safety. Emily transparently shares her journey, details how exposure to serious incidents in her safety career impacted her mental state and led to burnout, and advocates for mental health as a core safety issue, not an "extra." She stresses normalizing discussions on mental well-being and seeking support via counseling or EAPs, as well as the vital role of leaders' in fostering a psychologically safe workplace. This episode reminds us all that every day, and especially World Mental Health Day, is the right day to champion a holistic approach to occupational safety to nurture both the body and mind of the workforce. Main Themes: Mental health is a core safety issue. Workplace stress impacts focus and job safety. Emily shares her personal safety career's mental toll. Normalize conversations on mental well-being and counseling. Utilize mental health resources like EAPs. Leaders must encourage mental health support. Foster a psychologically safe workplace for the "whole person." Insights for aggregates, mining, and industrial safety to improve safety culture. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Emily shares with the audience about how mental health is key to safety and health. How do you describe our company culture around mental health? Are there any areas for growth?  Emily shares that during her career, working daily with materials about serious injuries and fatalities and STCKY (stuff that can kill you) started to impact her mental health. She was able to reach out and get support. Does everyone know how to access our Employee Assistance Program?  Does anyone have a story they would like to share about mental health and how it can impact our daily work?  Key Takeaways: "It shows up in their focus, their decision making and ultimately their safety on the job." "The risk of a mistake goes way up. And in this line of work, one small mistake can have very serious consequences." "That's why mental health is really a safety issue. It's not an extra or a soft topic. It's at the core of keeping people safe." "Everything became STCKY and it really had an impact on my mental well being and how I was walking around in the world." "I realized I needed some help. I needed an outlet to talk about and process those parts of my job and how it was affecting me." "We need to normalize, talking about counseling, about therapy, about needing outlets for help and support with our mental health." "We should feel comfortable checking in on how people are doing mentally, not just physically." "The strongest safety culture is one that takes care of the whole person because our people are our most important resource and supporting their mental health supports everything we do." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities Mental Health Resources: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/safety-month-2025

Emily welcomes colleague Kyle Brashear, NSSGA's Director of Sustainability, to explore the crucial link between sustainability and workplace safety. Kyle explains that sustainability is about much more than just the environment; it rests on three pillars: environmental, economic, and social. He identifies workplace safety as the most critical component of social sustainability within the aggregates industry. This episode delves into how a world-class safety culture provides a "social license to operate," attracts high-quality talent, and ultimately strengthens a company's economic and social capital. Kyle discusses how this capital can be reinvested into sustainable technologies, such as the automation of aggregate plants and autonomous fleets. He shares powerful insights on how these innovations not only boost efficiency and reduce emissions but also significantly enhance worker safety by removing employees from potentially hazardous situations. The conversation highlights the reinforcing cycle where safety and sustainability are not competing interests, but powerful allies that drive the industry forward. Main Themes: The three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, and social. Workplace safety as a cornerstone of social sustainability in the aggregates industry. How a strong safety culture improves community relations, workforce development, and retention. The role of sustainable technologies like automation and autonomous fleets in improving worker safety. How technology can reduce exposure to hazards associated with haulage, processing, and maintenance. The circular, reinforcing relationship between safety, economic capital, and investment in sustainable technology. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Kyle shares this definition of sustainability: meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. How would you say this definition relates to safety?  Kyle talks about how implementing autonomous fleets offers both safety and sustainability benefits. What other practices can you think of include both of these benefits?  Does anyone have a story they would like to share about a workplace practice that's both safe and sustainable?  Key Takeaways: "Sustainability means meeting present needs without compromising future generations. Safety is essential for this."   "Safety is crucial for the aggregate industry to meet current and future demands."   "Social sustainability includes worker health and safety, community relations, and workforce development."   "Sustainable technology can improve worker safety and enhance environmental, economic, and social metrics."   "Automated plants increase profits, reduce emissions, and limit exposure to hazards, boosting safety."   "Autonomous fleets remove environmental hazards and reduce human error, enhancing safety and efficiency."   "Innovation in autonomous vehicles reduces downtime and maintenance, improving safety for technicians."   "A safe workplace increases economic and social capital, enabling sustainable technology implementation."   "Safety and sustainability goals can reinforce each other, not compete, in the aggregate industry." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website  

Emily welcomes a familiar voice back to the podcast, Libby Pritchard, who is now the Senior Director of Sales and Business Development with Specialty Granules. Libby, formerly in a safety and health role with NSSGA, discusses her transition into a sales and business development position and how her perspective on being a safety leader has evolved. She shares powerful insights on how every employee, regardless of their title, can and should be a safety champion. Libby shares her initial feeling of leaving a piece of herself behind when "safety" was no longer in her job title. However, a pivotal conversation with her company's head of safety revealed a new perspective: a "non-safety person" advocating for safety has a unique and powerful influence. This episode explores how to embody safety in any role, the importance of personal stories, and practical strategies for building a robust safety culture where everyone is an active participant. Libby provides tangible examples, from making safety a part of performance goals to the impact of a sales team member actively engaging in refresher training, proving you don't need to be the conductor to lead the orchestra in safety. Main Themes: The transition from a formal safety role to a non-safety position. Embracing the principle that "everyone is a safety person." How professionals in non-safety roles can powerfully influence an organization's safety culture. The power of personal stories and safety shares in making safety relatable and memorable. Practical strategies for integrating safety leadership into any job function. Building a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute to safety. The concept of leading safety "from any seat in the orchestra." Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Libby talks about her transition from a safety role to a sales and business development role. She was reassured that her new perspective carried weight, and she could still make a difference in the organization's safety culture. Why do you think it's important to include everyone's perspectives when it comes to safety?  Libby shares about the way that industry professionals who aren't in traditional safety roles can engage with safety on a daily basis. Which of the examples that she shared was your favorite and why?  Does anyone have a story they would like to share about how a "non-safety person's" perspective made them think differently about safety? Key Takeaways: "Everyone has a safety story. It's about learning and growing from experiences."   "Safety is everyone's job. We can all make an impact, regardless of our role."   "Being a 'non-safety' person gives you a unique influence on safety culture."   "Safety stories teach better than regulations. Share real-life examples."   "Challenge your team to have a safety goal. It builds a strong safety culture."   "Talk about safety with customers. You never know where a great idea will come from."   "Engaging in training as a non-safety person shows commitment and brings fresh energy."   "You don't need to be a safety pro to lead in safety. Lead from any seat in the orchestra."   "Safety can be part of any job. We can all make an impact, regardless of our job title." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities

Emily welcomes NSSGA's Senior Manager of Communications, Madalynn Habron to the podcast today for a discussion regarding critical water safety. Madalynn, a former lifeguard and swim instructor, shares insights on drowning prevention, the importance of swim lessons, recognizing distress signs, and how safety training principles extend from recreational activities to the aggregate industry workplace. Madalynn shares a personal near-drowning story, underscoring the need for constant vigilance around water. The discussion includes CDC child drowning statistics, the often quiet nature of drowning, and risks in shallow water. Listeners will gain practical advice on fencing, supervision, using PFDs, and adhering to safety protocols at aggregate facilities. A central theme is how robust safety training cultivates a lasting safety-conscious mindset, benefiting individuals and their families both at home and on the job. Main Themes: Maintaining active supervision around water. Drowning can happen quickly and silently. Swim lessons are vital for children and adults. Madalynn's story regarding the role of quick action and alertness in saving a toddler  Using barriers and approved PFDs for added safety. Specific water safety protocols protect workers at aggregate sites. Consistent safety training builds instinctual, life-saving responses. Safety skills learned at work also protect loved ones at home. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Madalynn talks about her experience as a lifeguard and how water safety has always been a part of her life. Why do you think it's important to teach safety lessons early, whether that's in life or professionally?  Madalynn shares some ways in which we can keep safe while working around water. What are some critical controls for working around water at our site?  Does anyone have a story they would like to share about water safety? Key Takeaways:  "Drowning is quick and usually quiet. Recognizing this and acting can save lives."   "Start swim lessons early. It's never too late to learn."   "Be aware and prepared. Situations can change in an instant."   "Train regularly. Reacting becomes second nature when you can fall back on training."   "Training follows you home. Safety practices at work keep loved ones safe too."   "Supervise children near water. Even a foot of water can be dangerous."   "Follow lifeguard instructions. Parents should still supervise their children closely."   "Less confident swimmers can wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device."   "Proper policies and procedures must be in place and adhered to around water."   "Spending time in water is safe with early lessons and regular exposure to water safety." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities

With June being National Safety Month, a time dedicated to focusing on safety as a core value, and the first week holding special significance as National CPR and AED Awareness Week, Emily is joined today by Brian Goepfert, a former MSHA Administrator for Enforcement and volunteer firefighter. Together, they discuss just how vital CPR and AED training can be in saving a life, and Brian shares a very personal CPR safety story that truly brings home why these skills are so important.  Brian paints a clear picture of what happens during a cardiac event and how immediate action, with CPR and an AED, can quite literally be the difference between life and death. He talks about those crucial first few minutes, especially when professional medical help might be delayed, such as at remote mine sites or pits. The conversation explores how CPR keeps oxygen moving to the brain and vital organs when the heart cannot, and how an AED works to shock the heart back into a healthy rhythm. This isn't just about procedures; it is about giving everyday people, bystanders, the confidence to step in and make a profound difference. Main Themes: CPR's impact on a person's chance of surviving cardiac arrest The critical role of an AED Why every single minute counts Bystander intervention The frequency and locations where cardiac events occur Brian's story where quick CPR and AED use saved a life CPR training Why keeping training current is important Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Brian starts by discussing how CPR and AED training equips people with skills that can improve someone's chances of surviving a cardiac event. How many of us are currently CPR and AED certified?  Brian shares the importance of bystander intervention and how having the CPR and AED training means a bystander can intervene and provide assistance until professionals can arrive. How does this mentality work alongside our industry's key value of safety?  Does anyone have a story they would like to share about CPR and AED training? Key Takeaways: "With immediate action, CPR and AED does increase a person's chance of survival, especially when professional help is delayed." "When properly and promptly administered, CPR can double, even triple, a victim's chance of survival during a cardiac arrest." "AED is also critical, just as critical as CPR in that it helps restart or put the heart back into a normal, healthy rhythm." "Training empowers bystanders to become immediate responders, reducing the time until professional help arrives." "Confidence beats panicking in emergencies." "There are about 10,000 heart attacks that occur in U.S. workplaces, including remote mining operations, where professional rescue services are usually not readily available." "...early CPR and AED administration saved that patient's life. The patient did recover and went on to live a fulfilling life." "CPR and AED training are essential life saving skills that anyone should learn." "Even if you've been CPR trained before, guidelines and directions can and do change... So please keep up on the latest guidelines." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Brian Goepfert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-goepfert-cmsp-4ab72034b/

In this episode of Safety Shorts, host Emily Hargrove, NSSGA's Director of Occupational Safety and Health, welcomes Shea Davis, Regional Operations Manager for CDE USA, to discuss the evolution of safety training in the aggregates industry, particularly over NSSGA's 25-year history. Together, they explore the shift from passive, compliance-focused methods to today's interactive, real-world learning essential for engaging younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z. Shea also shares a personal injury story highlighting the critical need for proactive hazard identification and risk assessment tools like "Take 5" or "SLAM." In essence, today's episode emphasizes that modern, effective training goes beyond mere compliance to foster a strong safety culture, prevent accidents, and ensure vital safety knowledge is retained and applied in the field. Main Themes: Evolution of Training Generational Learning Styles The Impact of Inadequate Training Proactive Safety Checks Beyond Compliance Engagement and Retention Visible Felt Leadership (VFL) Future-Proofing the Industry Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions:   Shea talks about the differences between his first training experience in the industry and the training new employees receive today. How have you noticed these trainings change? Shea had a lost time incident that could have been avoided if he had known to stop and assess the situation better. Why do you think it's important to take the time to work safely? Does anyone have a story they would like to share about training they wish they had received earlier in their career? Key Takeaways: "When I was preparing the guard I was told that we had to rush to get the plant up and running... Time was against me." "The grinder ended up catching a side piece of angle iron... which would not have been an issue if I had not repositioned the guard." "This resulted in a trip to the emergency room. I received several stitches, also a few days work. So now I had a lost time accident." "If I had known or been trained to do these small little exercises, this may not have happened at all." "But I don't know what I don't know if I'm not trained on it. So that's how I've seen training evolve over the years." "We, as safety professionals, we have a major responsibility to deliver quality safety content in ways that inexperienced people can retain that information." "Being able to provide the content is important to the younger generation of workers... because they're the ones that are going to drive our industry in the future." "Safety training matters beyond compliance. It's about saving lives and building better workplaces." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Shea Davis  

Welcome back to Safety Shorts, your quick dose of safety wisdom! I'm your new host, Emily Hargrove, and I'm thrilled to welcome Troy Austin, Value Safety Manager at Luck Companies, back to the podcast today. As the days get longer and temperatures rise, many in the mining and aggregates industry are gearing up to restart seasonal operationshis, and this episode is all about ensuring a safe and efficient return to work, focusing on proactive strategies to mitigate risks associated with post-winter start-ups. Troy shares his expert insights on three critical areas to address, offers practical tips to keep everyone safe and productive as operations resume, and reminds us all that safety truly is a shared responsibility. Main Themes: Equipment Inspections & Maintenance Worksite Safety & Hazard Assessments High Wall Stability PPE Use Workforce Readiness & Training Clear Expectations Safety as a Responsibility Emergency Procedures Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Troy talks about three areas for getting an intermittent/seasonal facility running in the spring: equipment inspections, worksite safety and workforce readiness. Which do you think our facility does best?  Troy talks about proactive inspections of equipment and the site as a part of a spring thaw. Why do you think it's important to focus on proactivity?  Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about coming back to work after the winter? Key Takeaways:    "A solid restart plan ensures operations run safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary risks."   "Nothing is more important than making sure everyone goes home safe."   "Post-winter maintenance prevents breakdowns, costly delays, and serious safety incidents."   "Proactive inspections aren't just about preventing downtime; they're about preventing accidents."   "Worksite safety and hazard assessments are crucial to protect crews from potential risks."   "A safe start means a strong start, ensuring everyone goes home to their families."   "Refresher training on emergency procedures and safety protocols is a must."   "Rushing leads to mistakes, and mistakes in this industry can cost lives."   "Safety isn't just a policy; it's a responsibility we all share to protect each other."   "Preparation is everything; the effort we put in now makes all the difference for safety and productivity." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Luck Companies  

Robert "Cujo" Teschner, former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, husband, father, author, and advocate for lifelong learning, returns to the podcast today to share a deeply personal and cautionary tale about his "cancer stupidity"—ignoring early warning signs of illness due to pride, fear, and a misplaced sense of invincibility.  Reflecting on how this experience reshaped his life and perspective, Cujo underscores the importance of listening to our bodies and overcoming the cultural and personal barriers that prevent many from seeking medical help. His journey offers invaluable lessons on vulnerability, accountability, and the need for cultural shifts in how we view preventative care. Exploring the themes of bravery and the stigma surrounding medical vulnerability, Cujo drives home the profound impact that individual choices can have—not just on oneself but on loved ones and colleagues. Main Themes: Cujo's journey from fighter pilot to cancer survivor The dangers of ignoring symptoms and delaying medical care Overcoming cultural stigmas around seeking help Lessons in vulnerability and accountability The impact of health decisions on loved ones and colleagues Strategies to promote a culture of preventative care Redefining strength as seeking help and sharing experiences Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Cujo shares about his cancer discovery and diagnosis, then recalls that he noticed symptoms ten years prior. He talks about the major health consequences then reflects that they were preventable. What does this make you think about listening to your body and seeking treatment? Do you believe that in our industry there is a mentality that encourages seeking medical advice? Why or why not?  Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about catching a condition or disease early? Key Takeaways: "I awoke from a colonoscopy to a doctor informing me of a tumor. Our lives changed forever." "Ignoring symptoms, I thought I was bulletproof. Ten years later, my body proved me wrong." "I never told a soul about my symptoms. I willed myself to get better. I was wrong." "Living without a lower colon is difficult. It's compounded by knowing it was preventable." "I chose a path of ignorance. Don't be as stupid as I was. Listen to your body." "In our industry, there's a tendency to avoid doctors. We must change that culture." "Being brave means being vulnerable enough to get checked. Fear shouldn't stop us." "Promote getting checked out. It's a strong, not a weak, action." "Doctors aren't there to clip wings. They can help us fly longer and healthier." "Change the culture. View medical checkups as strength, not a sign of weakness." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Robert "Cujo" Teschner

Safety Shorts welcomes Robert "Cujo" Teschner to the podcast today to recount a harrowing "near miss" over the Atlantic that reshaped his view on risk and responsibility. A former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, Cujo offers powerful insights into the dangers of prioritizing performance over safety, underscoring the importance of keeping safety as the ultimate measure of success in any high-stakes environment. Reflecting on how competitive instincts nearly led to disaster, he highlights the need for clear priorities, a message that resonates across industries. Remember - true success means everyone returns home safe. Main Themes: Cujo's story of prioritizing safety over performance in high-stakes environments Impact of competitive instincts on risk assessment and decision-making The importance of post-mission debriefs for continuous learning and behavior change Reflecting on how prioritization impacts those close to us Lessons in responsibility that transcend industries, including mining The influence of near-death experiences on personal values and perspectives Redefining "winning" as the safe return of every team member Quotes: "In our squadron, we practiced that exact scenario every day… but that day was different." "We almost had a spectacular mid-air collision, the likes of which hadn't been seen in quite some time." "My opponent was only motivated with winning that day, and that shift almost cost us our lives." "In that moment, the need to 'win' took precedence over the importance of safety, with near-tragic results." "When you start putting performance over safety, the consequences can be horrific." "He had a wife and children, and yet we nearly lost it all for the sake of a training exercise." "We both learned from it, and I define learning as behavior change." "For any high-risk job, true winning means everyone gets home safe." "Safety should always come first; that's the only real definition of success." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Robert "Cujo" Teschner  

This week, Libby Pritchard welcomes industry veteran Rob Lanham back to the podcast to share his personal health journey following over 42 years in Virginia's transportation construction sector. Rob recounts how a routine medical check-up uncovered a life-threatening condition, highlighting the importance of early detection and regular screenings. After recovering from a heart attack in 2021, a prostate issue led to the discovery of a massive tumor, underscoring the unpredictability of health challenges. Rob reflects on his emotional journey through a cancer diagnosis and recovery, emphasizing the life-saving impact of routine medical care and early intervention. His story serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize personal health, even when there are no apparent symptoms. Main Themes: The significance of routine health check-ups and early detection Rob's journey from a heart attack to discovering a cancerous tumor The emotional impact of waiting for a diagnosis and navigating the healthcare system The life-saving benefits of minimally invasive procedures like prostate arterial embolism (PAE) The importance of listening to your body and taking action when something feels off Rob's surgery to remove a 14-pound liposarcoma tumor and his fortunate recovery The ongoing process of regular scans and follow-up appointments to monitor his health Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Rob talks about how seeking treatment for a normal medical concern revealed a tumor he didn't know he had. What does this episode make you think about regular doctor's appointments?  Speakers on this podcast have previously talked about listening to their bodies, but even when your body isn't telling you something is wrong, there are things you can do to support your health. What are some examples?  Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about a relatively routine medical procedure that turned into a more serious health situation, for themselves or for others? Key Takeaways: "Life was pretty good last fall. Retirement was on the horizon, and then everything changed." "Choosing the PAE procedure probably saved my life because it required a CAT scan that uncovered a much bigger issue." "The scan read prostate enlarged... and additional findings, a large liposarcoma tumor." "That's probably the scariest words I've ever heard: 'We need to refer you to an oncologist.'" "The tumor weighed 14.92 pounds... I had no idea it was growing inside my body." "I went through weeks of waiting, scans, and appointments—it felt like time was moving so slowly." "Luckily, the cancer had not spread. The tumor was confined, and the surgery was successful." "It's a reminder to never skip a routine check-up, even when you feel fine." "Early detection saved my life—don't ignore routine health checks." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website

In this episode of Safety Shorts, host Libby Pritchard welcomes back safety consultant Ronn Lehmann, who delves into the critical relationship between safety and quality. Through a personal story about tree trimming near power lines, Ron illustrates the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards in all aspects of life, not just the workplace. He emphasizes that consumer decisions play a significant role in safety outcomes and that professional conduct is essential in ensuring both safety and quality. The discussion highlights how mindset and habits are foundational to a robust safety culture, underscoring that a commitment to safety is a commitment to excellence. Main Themes: Ronn's stories of tree trimming near power lines The vital connection between safety and quality The influence of consumer decisions on safety outcomes The importance of professional conduct in safety practices How mindset and habits shape safety and quality The risks of cutting corners in safety and their broader implications Personal responsibility in ensuring safety in everyday situations The role of safety culture in professional and personal settings Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: 1. Ronn says, "The way that you do anything is the way that you do everything." What does this mean to you? 2. This story shows us that quality and safety are related. How does safety relate to the quality of our work on an every-day basis? 3. Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about a time when they, as a consumer, took safety practices into consideration? Key Takeaways: "Safety and quality are interconnected. You can't be safe and ignore quality. Nor can you claim quality work if you ignore safety." "The way you do anything is the way you do everything. It's driven by mindsets and habits." "Every hazard that can be controlled should be controlled." "Safety can be in our hands. Even if we're not the ones doing the work, we can make good decisions." "If someone is detail-oriented around their safety, their quality will likely be better too." "The more you focus on the mindset and habits of safety, the safer you'll be and the better your quality will be." "Safety and quality go hand in hand. You can't separate the two." "If a worker is willing to cut corners on safety, they're likely willing to cut corners on quality as well." "We have power as consumers to influence safety. Our decisions matter." "The mindset of safety and the habits of safety are crucial for both safety and quality." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Ronn Lehmann

Libby is excited to welcome Jay Collup, the founder of Collup Enterprises, to the show for this important episode. Boasting an extensive career in the industry and a passion for training, particularly in mobile equipment operator safety, Jay proves an invaluable guest. In this episode, he shares a compelling story that underscores the importance of maintaining three points of contact—a critical safety practice in the industry. Delving into the details of a severe accident he witnessed, our guest highlights the catastrophic consequences of not following proper safety protocols. He goes on to explain the correct steps to maintain three points of contact, emphasizing the need for careful and methodical adherence to these guidelines. Jay's insights offer a detailed and practical approach to improving workplace safety, aiming to reduce the high rate of recordable accidents associated with getting on and off machinery. Main Themes: The importance of maintaining three points of contact in mobile equipment operations The consequences of neglecting safety protocols Detailed steps to ensure proper adherence to safety practices Real-life example of an accident resulting from improper safety measures The significance of methodical and careful execution of safety steps Reducing recordable accidents in the industry Jay's passion for training and improving industry safety standards Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Jay describes a graphic accident that resulted from a failure in three points of contact. How does a story like that make you feel about the importance of this basic safety practice? Jay walks through the correct steps to keep three points of contact. Are there any steps that you've not heard explained before? Does anyone have a story they would like to share about keeping three points of contact? Key Takeaways:   "Three points of contact is a cornerstone of safety practices in our industry. Maintain it every single time."   "The worst accident I witnessed was from someone not maintaining three points of contact."   "Always face the machine when climbing. It's crucial for safety."   "Most recordable accidents happen getting on and off the machine. Up to 75%."   "Ensure both hands are on the grab arms before a foot comes off the ground."   "You need to be slow and methodical. Think through your steps to ensure safety."   "Set anything in your hands to the highest point possible before climbing."   "Pay attention to the first step and the last step. That's where injuries occur."   "Training should break down each step to ensure proper safety practices."   "Visualize the consequences of not maintaining three points of contact. It reinforces the importance." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Jay Collup