Advertise on podcast: The Safety Geek Podcast: Geeking Out About Workplace Safety

This podcast explores the challenges with traditional safety goal setting and presents ethical strategies that focus on controllable actions. Learn how reframing safety goals with a data-driven, action-oriented approach can improve safety culture and reduce workplace injuries. Gain insights into best practices for setting measurable safety goals and fostering accountability at all organizational levels.   Links Mentioned:  Safety Leadership AcademyAtomic Habits by James Clear  Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Safety Goals01:11 Reflecting on the Past Year02:55 The Problem with Traditional Safety Goals04:53 Ethical and Control Issues in Safety Goals11:31 Actionable Steps for Effective Safety Goals16:51 Setting Personal and Organizational Goals25:40 Conclusion and Looking Forward Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. If you liked it, be sure to share it with your best safety friend. It's a goal of The Safety Geek to elevate the role of the safety manager, and that is why I share tips and resources on how you can manage your safety program more effectively. Visit the website at https://TheSafetyGeek.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/safetygeek Sign up for the Safety Leadership Newsletter, where I share exclusive tips, content, forms, and templates at https://TheSafetyGeek.com/Newsletter Follow me @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSafetyGeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safety_brye/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thesafetygeek/

This episode explores how traditional safety program structures limit engagement and offers a step-by-step guide to redesign roles and processes. Discover strategies to redistribute responsibilities, strengthen supervisor safety capabilities, and create meaningful employee participation. Learn why building influence over authority leads to sustainable safety improvements and how to measure continuous progress.   Read the full show notes at https://thesafetygeek.com/137   Links Mentioned: Artificial Authority TrapSolving the Leadership Accountability Problem  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Supervisor Involvement in Safety00:57 Greeting and Personal Anecdote01:23 Defining the Role of Frontline Supervisors in Safety03:06 Challenges Faced by Supervisors03:52 Tip 1: Integrate Safety into Daily Tasks06:14 Tip 2: Combine Safety with Quality and Operations08:32 Tip 3: Shadow Supervisors Regularly09:51 Tip 4: Empower Employees13:25 Tip 5: Conduct Regular Supervisor Meetings17:27 Conclusion and Call to ActionThank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. If you liked it, be sure to share it with your best safety friend. It's a goal of The Safety Geek to elevate the role of the safety manager, and that is why I share tips and resources on how you can manage your safety program more effectively. Visit the website at https://TheSafetyGeek.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/safetygeek Sign up for the Safety Leadership Newsletter, where I share exclusive tips, content, forms, and templates at https://TheSafetyGeek.com/Newsletter Follow me @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSafetyGeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safety_brye/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thesafetygeek/

This post shares five practical strategies to enhance supervisor accountability in safety management without overwhelming them. Learn how to integrate safety into existing workflows, engage employees in safety tasks, and use regular safety huddles to foster a culture of safety excellence. These tips help reduce incidents, improve productivity, and build sustainable safety practices from the frontline up.  See the full show notes at https://thesafetygeek.com/136   Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Supervisor Involvement in Safety00:57 Personal Greeting and Seasonal Remarks01:23 Defining the Role of Supervisors in Safety03:06 Challenges Supervisors Face with Safety Tasks03:52 Tip 1: Integrate Safety into Daily Tasks06:14 Tip 2: Combine Safety with Quality and Operations08:32 Tip 3: Shadow Supervisors Regularly09:51 Tip 4: Empower Employees to Lead13:25 Tip 5: Conduct Regular Supervisor Meetings17:27 Conclusion and Call to ActionThank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. If you liked it, be sure to share it with your best safety friend. It's a goal of The Safety Geek to elevate the role of the safety manager, and that is why I share tips and resources on how you can manage your safety program more effectively. Visit the website at https://TheSafetyGeek.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/safetygeek Sign up for the Safety Leadership Newsletter, where I share exclusive tips, content, forms, and templates at https://TheSafetyGeek.com/Newsletter Follow me @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSafetyGeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safety_brye/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thesafetygeek/

This episode explores the crucial role of mental health in safety management, highlighting resources for employees, navigating mental health claims, and fostering psychological safety. It also addresses the challenges faced by safety professionals themselves and offers actionable steps to improve mental well-being at work. Learn how supporting mental health directly contributes to creating safer, more resilient workplaces. Read the full show notes at https://thesafetygeek.com/135   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Dark Side of Safety Management01:35 Thanksgiving Reflections and Gratitude02:35 Mental Health in Safety Management04:30 Supporting Employees Through Mental Health Challenges21:02 Addressing Mental Health Claims and Psychological Safety25:25 The Mental Health of Safety Professionals34:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. If you liked it, be sure to share it with your best safety friend. It's a goal of The Safety Geek to elevate the role of the safety manager, and that is why I share tips and resources on how you can manage your safety program more effectively. Visit the website at https://TheSafetyGeek.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/safetygeek Sign up for the Safety Leadership Newsletter, where I share exclusive tips, content, forms, and templates at https://TheSafetyGeek.com/Newsletter Follow me @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSafetyGeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safety_brye/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thesafetygeek/

In this episode, we explore the critical importance of safety in new business acquisitions. Discover best practices for effective safety program evaluations, onboarding strategies, and hazard assessments to protect your investment and ensure compliance. Join us as we delve into practical steps for integrating safety during the acquisition process.   Read the full show notes at https://thesafetygeek.com/134   Links Mentioned: Hazard Assessment Workshop  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Business Growth and Safety Challenges00:41 Personal Update and Context02:25 The Prevalence of Business Acquisitions04:02 Lessons from Early Acquisition Experiences06:42 Effective Strategies for New Acquisitions07:17 Understanding the Acquisition Transition Period12:18 Setting the Right Tone and Expectations19:01 Prioritizing Safety Issues26:14 Ongoing Management and Review29:48 Creating a Repeatable Onboarding Process31:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. If you liked it, be sure to share it with your best safety friend. It's a goal of The Safety Geek to elevate the role of the safety manager, and that is why I share tips and resources on how you can manage your safety program more effectively. Visit the website at https://TheSafetyGeek.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/safetygeek Sign up for the Safety Leadership Newsletter, where I share exclusive tips, content, forms, and templates at https://TheSafetyGeek.com/Newsletter Follow me @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSafetyGeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safety_brye/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thesafetygeek/

In this episode of the Safety Geek Podcast, we dive into the top safety issues faced in the workplace, sharing five real-world challenges from firsthand experience. Gain insights into blocked exits, CDL driver regulations, high-hazard controls, chemical exposure management, and the importance of effective supervisory training. Learn practical steps to mitigate risks and foster a safety-first culture in your organization. Read the full show notes at https://thesafetygeek.com/133 Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to Safety Challenges00:36 Top Safety Issues Overview03:03 Blocked Exits and Eyewash Stations10:15 CDL Drivers and Dual Logs15:45 High Hazard Compliance Issues21:13 CO2 Leak Incident26:27 Ammonia Refrigeration Incident33:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. If you liked it, be sure to share it with your best safety friend. It's a goal of The Safety Geek to elevate the role of the safety manager, and that is why I share tips and resources on how you can manage your safety program more effectively. Visit the website at https://TheSafetyGeek.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/safetygeek Sign up for the Safety Leadership Newsletter, where I share exclusive tips, content, forms, and templates at https://TheSafetyGeek.com/Newsletter Follow me @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSafetyGeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safety_brye/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thesafetygeek/

In this episode, I answer the question, "What were the worst safety issues I've experienced?" Learn valuable lessons from real-world incidents and discover practical strategies to improve safety management while addressing employee concerns. Join us as we explore how to transform safety challenges into actionable solutions. Links Mentioned: Weekly masterclass: https://thesafetygeek.com/smis Email your podcast topics to [email protected]:  00:00 Introduction and Personal Update01:44 Family Loss and Lessons Learned07:10 Masterclass and Q&A Introduction10:17 Worst Case Scenario in Safety Management15:06 Top 10 Safety Issues: Part 115:40 Issue #220:16 Issue #225:51 Issue #329:10 Issue #433:24 Issue #538:27 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. If you liked it, be sure to share it with your best safety friend. It's a goal of The Safety Geek to elevate the role of the safety manager, and that is why I share tips and resources on how you can manage your safety program more effectively. Visit the website at https://TheSafetyGeek.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/safetygeek Sign up for the Safety Leadership Newsletter, where I share exclusive tips, content, forms, and templates at https://TheSafetyGeek.com/Newsletter Follow me @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSafetyGeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safety_brye/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thesafetygeek/

This podcast discusses effective strategies for influencing contractor safety practices on long-term projects. Learn how to foster a safety culture, implement effective training, and maintain communication with contractors. Explore the importance of oversight and collaborative structures to ensure safety compliance without assuming supervisory liabilities.   Read the full show notes at https://thesafetygeek.com/131   Links Mentioned: How to Create a Contractor Safety Program from ScratchSafety Management Academy  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Contractor Safety Challenges01:33 Welcome and Podcast Introduction02:15 Understanding Contractor Safety Management03:00 Defining the Scope of Contractor Work05:00 Risks and Liabilities of Contractor Work07:18 Strategies for Ensuring Contractor Compliance09:53 Building a Collaborative Safety Culture10:32 Setting Up for Success with Contractors14:27 Creating a Contractor Advisory Committee17:49 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. If you liked it, be sure to share it with your best safety friend. It's a goal of The Safety Geek to elevate the role of the safety manager, and that is why I share tips and resources on how you can manage your safety program more effectively. Visit the website at https://TheSafetyGeek.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/safetygeek Sign up for the Safety Leadership Newsletter, where I share exclusive tips, content, forms, and templates at https://TheSafetyGeek.com/Newsletter Follow me @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSafetyGeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safety_brye/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thesafetygeek/

In this podcast episode, we explore safety management in the public sector and discuss the unique challenges faced by government organizations. We'll reveal strategies to build high-impact safety practices, engage employees, and effectively implement safety systems within budget constraints. Learn how to align safety objectives with the mission of public entities to drive meaningful change. Read the full show notes at https://thesafetygeek.com/130 Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. If you liked it, be sure to share it with your best safety friend. It's a goal of The Safety Geek to elevate the role of the safety manager, and that is why I share tips and resources on how you can manage your safety program more effectively. Visit the website at https://TheSafetyGeek.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/safetygeek Sign up for the Safety Leadership Newsletter, where I share exclusive tips, content, forms, and templates at https://TheSafetyGeek.com/Newsletter Follow me @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSafetyGeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safety_brye/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thesafetygeek/

In this episode, we explore five transformative steps to empower your team and create a strong safety culture in the workplace. Learn how to shift from traditional safety management to an integrated approach, fostering accountability and collaboration among employees. Discover practical tools and strategies that will enable everyone to take ownership of safety, ensuring a safer work environment for all.  Read the full show notes at https://thesafetygeek.com/129   Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Safety Responsibilities01:52 Special Presentation Overview03:05 The Role of Safety in the Workplace03:43 Introducing a New Safety Model03:51 About the Presenter: Brian Sergeant05:22 Challenges in Safety Management06:19 Historical Context of Safety Departments16:33 The Importance of Authority in Safety18:50 Real-Life Example: Authority Matters22:18 Why Supervisors Should Lead Safety Training24:54 Q&A Session25:42 Handling Confrontations and Communication26:34 Rewarding Engagement and Participation28:48 Promoting Safety in a Fun Way30:19 Integrating Safety into Business Practices31:55 Steps to Accountability34:29 Empowering Supervisors and Employees41:16 Building Respect and Collaboration42:58 Final Thoughts and Embracing Human-Centric Safety Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. If you liked it, be sure to share it with your best safety friend. It's a goal of The Safety Geek to elevate the role of the safety manager, and that is why I share tips and resources on how you can manage your safety program more effectively. Visit the website at https://TheSafetyGeek.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/safetygeek Sign up for the Safety Leadership Newsletter, where I share exclusive tips, content, forms, and templates at https://TheSafetyGeek.com/Newsletter Follow me @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSafetyGeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safety_brye/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thesafetygeek/

In this episode, explore the transformative experiences of Wesley Sanchez, a Safety Management Academy graduate. Wesley shares his journey from feeling isolated in his safety management role to gaining confidence and achieving significant career advancements. He discusses the invaluable lessons from the academy, including building a safety culture and enhancing communication with management. Wesley also highlights the financial benefits and personal growth he's achieved since completing the program. Gain insights into the practical applications of the academy's teachings and how they can lead to career success and improved workplace safety standards.   Read Wesley's case study in the show notes at: https://thesafetygeek.com/128   Links Mentioned: Safety Management Academy  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Safety Management Academy01:58 Special Interview with Wesley Sanchez03:18 Wesley's Career Journey Before the Academy04:51 Goals and Achievements with the Academy06:08 Challenges and Career Transition09:28 Impact of the Academy on Wesley's Career11:54 Future Goals and Final ThoughtsThank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. If you liked it, be sure to share it with your best safety friend. It's a goal of The Safety Geek to elevate the role of the safety manager, and that is why I share tips and resources on how you can manage your safety program more effectively. Visit the website at https://TheSafetyGeek.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/safetygeek Sign up for the Safety Leadership Newsletter, where I share exclusive tips, content, forms, and templates at https://TheSafetyGeek.com/Newsletter Follow me @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSafetyGeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safety_brye/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thesafetygeek/

In this episode, we explore the importance of cultivating a leadership mindset in safety management. Discover actionable strategies to show leadership without a title, enhance your influence at work, and accelerate your career advancement. Learn how to shift from merely following rules to becoming a proactive safety executive in your organization.   Read the full show notes at: https://thesafetygeek.com/127    Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Recognizing Your Potential01:05 Personal Anecdote: The Bear and Career Decisions02:38 Main Topic: Stepping into Leadership Roles06:50 Mindset Shift: From Employee to Leader08:38 Practical Steps to Demonstrate Leadership12:04 Building Credibility and Handling Rejection13:42 Adopting the Executive Mindset19:07 Conclusion: Lead from Where You AreThank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. If you liked it, be sure to share it with your best safety friend. It's a goal of The Safety Geek to elevate the role of the safety manager, and that is why I share tips and resources on how you can manage your safety program more effectively. Visit the website at https://TheSafetyGeek.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/safetygeek Sign up for the Safety Leadership Newsletter, where I share exclusive tips, content, forms, and templates at https://TheSafetyGeek.com/Newsletter Follow me @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSafetyGeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safety_brye/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thesafetygeek/

In this episode, we explore the transformative impact of AI on workplace safety management. Learn how AI technologies are reshaping safety roles, automating mundane tasks, and enhancing data analysis. We discuss the benefits, challenges, and necessary skills for safety professionals to thrive in an AI-driven environment.   Read the full show notes at: https://thesafetygeek.com/126   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to AI and Job Displacement01:06 Personal Learning Journey03:10 Initial Frustrations with AI04:58 Embracing AI for Business Efficiency08:06 AI's Impact on Safety Management09:23 Advantages of AI in Safety14:49 Challenges and Workforce Issues20:41 Ethical and Legal Considerations21:47 Future of Safety Management with AI25:12 Preparing for the Future27:24 Free vs. Paid Training33:12 Conclusion and Call to Action Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. If you liked it, be sure to share it with your best safety friend. It's a goal of The Safety Geek to elevate the role of the safety manager, and that is why I share tips and resources on how you can manage your safety program more effectively. Visit the website at https://TheSafetyGeek.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/safetygeek Sign up for the Safety Leadership Newsletter, where I share exclusive tips, content, forms, and templates at https://TheSafetyGeek.com/Newsletter Follow me @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSafetyGeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safety_brye/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thesafetygeek/

In this episode, we explore how common habits may be holding you back from becoming an influential safety leader. Learn how to communicate effectively, prioritize proactive safety metrics, and simplify documentation processes to showcase your value as a strategic partner in your organization. Join us to discover actionable steps you can take to improve your influence and gain respect in safety management. Read the full show notes at https://thesafetygeek.com/125   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: The Frustration of Being Overlooked00:21 Why Safety Managers Are Not Seen as Strategic Partners00:38 Common Habits That Keep You Stuck02:18 Personal Anecdote: Spoiling Pets03:23 Transition to Becoming an Influential Safety Leader05:35 Mistake 1: Using Safety Jargon09:05 Mistake 2: Obsessing Over Incident Rates11:26 Mistake 3: Drowning in Documentation14:10 Actionable Tips to Gain Respect and Influence16:26 Conclusion: Stepping into LeadershipThank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. If you liked it, be sure to share it with your best safety friend. It's a goal of The Safety Geek to elevate the role of the safety manager, and that is why I share tips and resources on how you can manage your safety program more effectively. Visit the website at https://TheSafetyGeek.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/safetygeek Sign up for the Safety Leadership Newsletter, where I share exclusive tips, content, forms, and templates at https://TheSafetyGeek.com/Newsletter Follow me @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSafetyGeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safety_brye/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thesafetygeek/

Are you still using the same safety tactics you were taught years ago? In this episode, we explore why outdated safety methods are failing today's workforce and what safety managers must do to truly create change. You'll learn how to shift from compliance enforcer to behavior influencer—and why it's the only way to build a culture that sticks. If you’ve ever felt like no one’s listening or your efforts aren’t making a difference, this one’s for you.  Read the full show notes at https://thesafetygeek.com/124   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Feeling Stuck as a Manager00:59 Podcast Welcome and Personal Update03:21 The Broken System of Safety Training05:12 The Realities of Being a Safety Manager07:52 The Flawed Safety Education Model13:56 A New Model for Safety Leadership19:12 Action Steps to Become a Safety Leader21:08 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. If you liked it, be sure to share it with your best safety friend. It's a goal of The Safety Geek to elevate the role of the safety manager, and that is why I share tips and resources on how you can manage your safety program more effectively. Visit the website at https://TheSafetyGeek.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/safetygeek Sign up for the Safety Leadership Newsletter, where I share exclusive tips, content, forms, and templates at https://TheSafetyGeek.com/Newsletter Follow me @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSafetyGeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safety_brye/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thesafetygeek/