#66: Safety Training- Are You Overpaying For What You're Getting?

In this episode, Joe and Jen dive deep into the world of training costs and provide practical insights on how to manage your facility’s training budget without sacrificing quality or compliance. From in-house vs. third-party training to hidden fees and travel expenses, they break down the key factors that can make or break your training program.<br /><br />As a plant manager or safety leader, it's essential to ask the right questions when evaluating training vendors. The episode touches on everything from the true cost of training (including travel and overtime) to how to ensure your team receives effective, hands-on learning that directly applies to your operations. Jen shares real-world examples of the challenges that arise when hiring external trainers and the surprising additional costs, like billing for travel time or the risk of not getting full value from PowerPoint-heavy sessions.<br /><br />They also discuss the importance of customizing training to your specific needs, whether it’s for confined space entry, lockout/tagout, or specialized equipment, and how to ensure your team is actually getting the skills they need—not just a certification. Joe emphasizes the importance of hands-on training and competency verification, while Jen explains how management can be more involved in the training process to ensure it delivers real value.<br /><br />Ultimately, the episode gives a no-nonsense approach to managing training costs, understanding bids, and evaluating whether the training you're paying for meets your facility’s needs. With tips on how to get the most out of your training investment, this episode is a must-listen for anyone responsible for safety and compliance training at their facility.<br /><br />The episode walks through key questions you should ask when selecting a training provider, including:<br /><br />In-house vs. Third-Party Training: Should you keep it internal or bring in external experts? How do you evaluate the expertise of external trainers?<br /><br />Customization of Training: Is the training tailored to your specific industry, plant, and job functions, or is it generic and broad?<br /><br />Understanding the True Costs: Get clarity on whether you're paying for travel time, overtime for your employees, and potential hidden fees.<br /><br />Hands-On vs. PowerPoint Training: Is the training interactive and relevant to your team's daily tasks, or are you getting a generic, one-size-fits-all presentation?<br /><br />Managing Competency and Verification: What does competency verification look like, and how do you ensure your team actually learns and applies the training?<br /><br /><br />For more details, check out their website at Allen-Safety.com or connect with Joe and Jen on LinkedIn.<br /><br />SEO Keywords: training costs, safety training, in-house vs external training, plant training budget, safety training budget, training vendors, hands-on training, competency verification, safety compliance, industrial training, industrial safety training, confined space training, lockout/tagout training, arc flash training, maintenance team training, training customization, hot work, welding, liability, risk mitigation, risk reduction, safety manager, safety budget</p><br />This podcast is intended for educational purposes.  Solutions offered are not designed to take the place of an attorney or medical professional, and should not be taken as legal or medical advice.  It is recommended that viewers consult a safety consultant, medical provider or an occupational safety legal team as applicable to help navigate their specific circumstances.  </p>

00:13:08

The Real Cost of Work Place Injuries: What You're Not Calculating

In this episode, Joe and Jen cover all of the tangible costs of an injury, but dive deep into the intangible costs that injuries bring that are typically not calculated.  These underlying costs can cause the start of a cycle that can end up repeating for years to come.  Is your business in one of these cycles?  Episode summary below:<br /><br />Cost of Workplace Injuries:<br /><br />This episode focuses on the cost of workplace injuries, highlighting both tangible and intangible expenses such as medical bills, management time, lost productivity, and knowledge gaps.<br />Management Time:<br /><br />Injuries lead to additional management responsibilities, including investigations, retraining, and compensating for absent employees, which disrupts regular workflows.<br />Loss of Productivity:<br /><br />When injuries occur, productivity is impacted. Managers often spend 100% of their time running the business rather than improving it, and the absence of skilled workers further affects operations.<br />Employee Morale and Retention:<br /><br />Extended work hours and the stress of compensating for injured colleagues cause employee fatigue, reducing morale, increasing turnover, and lowering engagement.<br />Knowledge Gaps:<br /><br />Injured workers often possess critical skills that cannot be easily replaced. Their absence creates knowledge gaps, especially in specialized areas like maintenance, which can lead to further risks and inefficiencies.<br />Fatigue and Mental Health:<br /><br />Fatigue due to extended work periods and increased workloads without recovery time heightens the risk of injuries and affects employees' mental health.<br />Customer and Public Relations:<br /><br />Injuries can lead to bad PR and strain customer relations, adding pressure to the business to maintain productivity while addressing safety concerns.<br />Regulatory and Legal Costs:<br /><br />Managing workers' compensation claims, regulatory compliance, and potential legal fees adds to the financial burden caused by injuries.<br />Proactive Prevention:<br /><br />The podcast emphasizes the importance of preventing injuries by improving communication, addressing risks early, and ensuring employees feel heard to avoid burnout and maintain safety.<br />Closing Remarks:<br /><br />Hosts Joe and Jen Allen remind listeners to assess all costs (tangible and intangible) associated with workplace injuries, encouraging businesses to prioritize safety not only for moral reasons but also to maintain control over their operations.<br /><br />This video is intended for educational purposes.  Solutions offered are not designed to take the place of an attorney or medical professional, and should not be taken as legal or medical advice.  It is recommended that viewers consult a safety consultant, medical provider or an occupational safety legal team as applicable to help navigate their specific circumstances.  </p>

00:14:10

Is Ergonomics A Waste of Money? #64

In this episode, Joe and Jen debate if making changes based on ergonomic evaluations are worth the money, and how to get a return on any ergo projects.  If you're wondering if JHAs, JSAs, and Ergo assessments are worth the time and effort, this one is for you!<br /><br />Key Takeaways:<br /><br />Ergonomics Is Often Overlooked: When businesses are under pressure, ergonomic improvements are frequently postponed, yet neglecting them leads to higher injury rates and long-term costs.<br /><br />New Hires at Risk: In physically demanding industries like poultry processing, new hires are particularly vulnerable to ergonomic injuries, especially if proper work hardening and ramp-up processes are not followed.<br /><br />Broaden Ergonomic Understanding: Ergonomics isn't just about repetitive tasks; it involves the entire work environment, including awkward movements, environmental factors, and poorly designed equipment.<br /><br />PPE and Ergonomics: Ill-fitting PPE can cause significant ergonomic problems, especially for women or other employees whose body types differ from the "standard" sizing used for most PPE.<br /><br />ROI of Ergonomic Solutions: Investing in ergonomic solutions can deliver a solid ROI by reducing injuries, improving productivity, and even lowering turnover in high-risk roles.<br /><br />Work Design Matters: Ergonomic assessments should include the broader context of the worker’s environment, not just isolated tasks.<br /><br />Fatigue Increases Risks: Ergonomic risks increase toward the end of a shift when workers are fatigued, making tasks like lifting heavy hoses more dangerous.</p>

00:16:31

What to do After A Regulatory (OSHA) Inspection: A Step by Step Guide

In this episode, Joe and Jen try to give you a step by step guide on how to manage the chaos that can be left after regulators visit your facility.  What do you do next? Where do you start?  It can be so overwhelming, and this episode was designed to help you sort through it all.  <br /><br />Initial Preparation and Documentation: Jen and Joe emphasize that businesses should have a pre-existing plan in place to handle regulatory inspections. A key point here is that the plan should clearly outline how to interact with regulatory bodies when they arrive on-site. This includes establishing protocols for security, communication, and credential verification when the agency shows up. The plan is typically a few pages long but should be detailed enough to provide clear guidance on procedures to follow.<br /><br />The Importance of Rapid Action: Joe stresses the urgency of addressing the problem immediately, whether it’s a chemical leak or other significant issue. He explains that actions must be taken within minutes to mitigate risks, even if regulatory agencies take longer to conduct their investigations. The goal is to prevent further incidents by quickly implementing temporary solutions.<br /><br />Evaluating Systems and Gaps: Joe points out that companies often face difficulties when an incident occurs because they may have been following the same systems for years without issue. When an event happens, it’s an indication that the system failed in some way, and now the company must figure out what went wrong and address the gaps. Jen adds that it's tough for people who have been working in the same environment for years to think creatively about how to solve these problems, which is why an external review is often necessary.<br /><br />Long-term Solutions and Prioritization: The discussion moves toward implementing long-term solutions. Jen and Joe emphasize that the fixes need to be sustainable—not just temporary patches. Joe explains that companies should consider a timeline for implementing changes, from immediate actions to more permanent solutions that can last for months or years. They stress that companies should avoid trying to tackle everything at once, but instead prioritize issues based on risk and severity. Joe also advises companies to document their progress, showing regulatory agencies that they are making consistent efforts toward improvement.<br /><br />Systematic Approach and Testing: The hosts advocate for regularly testing safety systems and processes, even when there hasn’t been an incident, to ensure they’re still effective. Joe explains that businesses should run their operations as if they expect failures to happen, and then prepare to address those failures. This approach helps uncover hidden gaps before they become serious issues.<br /><br />Involving Contractors: Jen and Joe also discuss the importance of considering contractors in safety systems. If contractors are involved in high-risk activities like confined space work or hot work, companies need to have different safety protocols in place than for regular employees. These contractor-specific risks should also be addressed in post-incident evaluations and corrective actions.<br /><br />Budgeting and Financial Considerations: Another major point is how to handle the financial side of implementing fixes. Joe notes that while fixing all issues may add up to a large sum, businesses need to prioritize spending based on risk and necessity. He spends a lot of time analyzing risk levels and timelines to figure out which part of the corrective actions should be tackled first.<br /><br />Documentation and Follow-Up Visits: The episode closes with advice on documenting every step of the corrective action process. Jen stresses that companies should keep detailed records of what they’re doing to address issues, as regulatory agencies will often make follow-up visits to check on progress. Showing intent through documentation is key to demonstrating compliance and effort.</p>

00:14:59

SDS & Chemical Safety Toolbox IN SPANISH: Hojas de Datos de Seguridad... ¿Quién las entiende?

Esta semana tuvimos un episodio extra en español con nuestro consultor de seguridad George Mazzuca. Nos divertimos mucho haciendo esta breve capacitación sobre HAZCOM y Hojas de Datos de Seguridad (SDS). ¡Déjanos un comentario abajo y cuéntanos qué te pareció y si quieres más capacitaciones cortas de seguridad en español como esta!</p>

00:17:05

#62: Eliminating Language Barriers in Worker Safety

In this episode we welcome our good friend and employee George Mazzuca to chat about a huge potential risk in safety: miscommunication and wrong translations.  George covers challenges he's personally come across in his career in the plants, along with solutions for translating safety training & documents for multiple languages.  Full episode summary below<br /><br />Episode Summary: "Breaking Down Language Barriers in the Workplace"<br /><br />In this episode, hosts Joe and George discuss the significant challenges that language barriers pose in the workplace, particularly in industries like food production. They explore common scenarios such as new employee orientations and safety training, emphasizing how language differences can complicate communication. George explains how companies use tools like language lines and certified translators to bridge these gaps but notes that misinterpretation still occurs, especially with technical jargon. The conversation highlights the importance of finding effective methods, like using visual aids, videos, and certified interpreters, to ensure safety and consistency in communication.<br /><br />The episode also touches on how different dialects and terms can add layers of complexity to training and how video tutorials can standardize procedures to avoid variations in teaching methods. Joe emphasizes the importance of keeping training accessible, efficient, and clear to minimize turnover and ensure worker safety. The hosts wrap up by offering advice on maintaining a safe and productive work environment while navigating the complexities of language barriers.<br /><br />Key Words: Language barriers, workplace safety, certified translators, language line, orientation, bilingual employees, technical jargon, video training, communication challenges, lockout/tagout, food industry, safety procedures, interpreter, visual aids, employee turnover.</p>

00:09:20

Who's Liable? Navigating Multi-Employer Work Sites: Host Employer vs Contractors #61

Episode Summary: Contractor Liability and Job Site Safety</p>In this episode, Joe and Jen dive into the complexities of contractor liability and job site safety, focusing on the responsibilities and legal implications for both contractors and host employers. The discussion highlights the often misunderstood aspects of liability beyond just having insurance, emphasizing the importance of clear roles and responsibilities when things go wrong on a job site.</p>Key Points:</p><ol><li><b>Understanding Contractor Liability Beyond Insurance</b>:<ul><li>The episode starts by clarifying that liability isn't just about having insurance but understanding who is responsible when things go wrong on the job site.</li><li>The importance of assigning liability for day-to-day operations is emphasized, particularly when using shared equipment or facilities.</li></ul></li><li><b>Specific Examples of Liability Scenarios</b>:<ul><li><b>Equipment and Safety Gear</b>: Joe and Jen discuss scenarios like using another contractor’s equipment or safety gear, stressing that liability often stays with the owner of the equipment.</li><li><b>Confined Spaces and Rescue Operations</b>: They debate who should handle confined space permits and rescue operations, with considerations given to cost, competence, and legal implications.</li></ul></li><li><b>Challenges with Contractor Management Programs</b>:<ul><li>Contractor management programs often rely on data entry rather than safety experts, leading to potential gaps in safety practices and increased liability for host employers.</li><li>These programs can give a false sense of security, as the actual safety measures may not align with what's documented.</li></ul></li><li><b>Importance of Clear Communication and Planning</b>:<ul><li>The hosts stress the need for thorough planning before the project begins, including who provides what equipment, safety training, and permits.</li><li>They advocate for risk assessments and clear agreements to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities.</li></ul></li><li><b>Practical Tips for Managing Liability</b>:<ul><li><b>Lockout/Tagout and Confined Space Procedures</b>: They highlight the importance of having documented and validated procedures to minimize liability.</li><li><b>Project Phase Assessments</b>: Breaking down projects into phases and conducting risk assessments for each phase can help manage and reduce liability.</li></ul></li><li><b>Host Employer's Continuous Responsibility</b>:<ul><li>Even when a contractor is hired, the host employer cannot completely remove their liability. They must ensure the contractor is competent and that safety measures are followed.</li></ul></li><li><b>Real-World Examples and Personal Experiences</b>:<ul><li>Joe and Jen share stories from their own experiences, illustrating how misunderstandings about liability have led to project delays and increased costs.</li></ul></li></ol>SEO Keywords:</p><ul><li>Contractor Liability</li><li>Job Site Safety</li><li>Confined Space Safety</li><li>Equipment Liability</li><li>Contractor Management Programs</li><li>Risk Assessment</li><li>Lockout/Tagout Procedures</li><li>Host Employer Responsibilities</li><li>Safety Training</li><li>Project Safety Management</li></ul>This episode offers a comprehensive look at contractor liability, providing listeners with practical advice on how to manage and reduce risks on job sites. Whether you're a contractor or a host employer, understanding these key points can help ensure that your projects run smoothly and safely</p>

00:17:37

Create Continuous Improvement in Safety Without Adding Risk #60

Jen from Allen Safety addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid changes within workplaces. From turnover to shifts and product changes, she explores how safety managers can effectively navigate these dynamics wand create continuous improvement in safety metrics, safety measures, safety programs, safety training, and overall improve their safety culture all while running more efficient.  <br /><br />There's often a tension between pursuing continuous improvement and maintaining stability in safety protocols.<br />Jen shares insights on how new managers can establish their own methods while respecting the legacy left by predecessors, learning why things are done the way they are, how to make improvements without increasing or adding hazards and risks.<br /><br />Strategic Resource Management<br /><br />Addressing the controversial topic of resource reduction, Jen emphasizes the importance of strategic safety evaluations with key stakeholders and location content experts before making cuts.<br />She advises thorough assessment to understand the true impact of cutting resources on safety, operational efficiency, and overall business goals.<br />Risk Assessment and Mitigation<br /><br />Before implementing changes or cuts, Jen advocates for a comprehensive risk assessment.<br />She prompts safety managers to consider potential ripple effects and the implementation of adequate safety buffers and safety nets if changes remove old safety nets and safety buffers to mitigate any new risks created.<br />Planning and Contingency<br /><br />Jen emphasizes the necessity of having contingency plans in place for scenarios where cut resources  create unforeseen challenges that could have catastrophic or wide-spread and costly impacts.<br />She encourages proactive planning to prevent emergencies and associated costs.<br />Identifying Non-Negotiables<br /><br />Defining non-negotiables ensures critical safety measures remain intact despite changes and evaluations.<br />Jen underscores the importance of avoiding unnecessary risks and maintaining essential safety standards.<br /><br />Conclusion<br />Jen concludes by encouraging safety managers to engage in critical evaluation and dialogue around resource management. Whether through comprehensive reevaluation or strategic cuts, the goal is to enhance safety and operational efficiency while avoiding unnecessary disruptions and risks.<br /><br />SEO Keywords:<br />Safety management, organizational change, continuous improvement in safety, resource management strategies, risk assessment in safety, safety protocols, contingency planning, safety standards, workplace adaptations, safety program stability.<br /><br />For more insights on navigating workplace changes and enhancing safety management practices, visit Allen Safety Coaching at allensafetycoaching.com. Connect via LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram for direct support and further discussions on optimizing safety strategies. Reach out today to ensure your workplace remains safe and compliant amidst ongoing changes.</p>

00:11:09

How to Write Safety Programs: Best Practices from Safety Experts #59

Jen from Allen Safety dives into the critical aspects of safety programs that every company should consider.  From writing new safety programs, reviewing existing safety programs, or performing updates, the Allen Safety team has years of experience in safety management across manufacturing and industry to help your team avoid common problems, create a cohesive program, and shines a light on best safety practices into your safety programs.<br /><br />Key Points Covered:<br /><br />Identifying Gaps in Safety Programs<br /><br />Jen emphasizes the importance of assessing safety programs regularly to identify gaps that may compromise safety culture.<br />Companies often struggle with chaotic, inconsistent safety programs that lack cohesion and clarity.<br />Customization vs. Standardization<br /><br />While standardization across company policies is essential for risk reduction, Jen stresses the need for customization based on location-specific needs.<br />Using examples like respiratory programs in different feed mills, she highlights the importance of tailoring programs to local conditions and requirements.<br />Qualifications for Training Providers<br /><br />Clear and defined qualifications are crucial for individuals conducting safety training.<br />Different levels of training (e.g., authorized vs. awareness level lockout tagout) require specific expertise, which should be clearly outlined to maintain compliance and effectiveness.<br />Avoiding Generic Programs<br /><br />Boilerplate safety programs copied from other companies or industries often fail to address specific site needs.<br />Jen advises against simply filling gaps in generic programs without making them industry-specific or location-specific.<br />Management and Employee Engagement<br /><br />Ensuring that safety programs are accessible and understood by all levels of the organization is key.<br />Managers and supervisors play a crucial role in enforcing safety protocols and should be educated on their importance to foster a safety-conscious culture.<br />Enforcement and Accountability<br /><br />Merely having comprehensive safety programs isn’t enough; enforcement and accountability are equally vital.<br />Jen suggests educating management teams on the federal requirements and engaging them in discussions to bridge any compliance gaps effectively.<br />Conclusion<br />Jen wraps up by stressing the importance of clarity, customization, and continuous improvement in safety programs. Whether through on-site program creation or coaching resources available at Allen Safety Coaching, she offers practical solutions tailored to each company's unique needs.<br /><br />SEO Keywords:<br />Safety programs, safety culture, OSHA compliance, customized safety training, safety management systems, site-specific safety, safety program assessment, safety program implementation, safety program gaps, safety training qualifications, safety program customization, management engagement in safety, enforcing safety protocols, accountability in safety.<br /><br />Outro<br />For more insights and support in enhancing your company’s safety programs, visit Allen Safety Coaching at allensafetycoaching.com or contact Jen and her team directly. Ensure your workplace remains safe and compliant with expert guidance from Allen Safety. Don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized assistance tailored to your company’s needs.</p>

00:12:18

Elevated Work & Fall Protection: Top 5 Problems & Solutions #58

Elevated Work and Fall Protection and Prevention Challenges and Solutions:<br />This episode can be used as a safety short, manager continued education, or used as a toolbox talk.  <br /><br />Our episode begins by acknowledging the wide-ranging challenges encountered in elevated work scenarios. From incorrect or no tie-off points to accessibility issues and equipment limitations, these factors significantly impact worker safety and productivity in industrial settings.  <br /><br />Key Challenges Explored:<br /><br />Tie-Off Points and Accessibility Issues:<br /><br />We address the critical issue of tie-off points being insufficient or inaccessible in many industrial environments. This challenge often requires workers to improvise or delay critical safety measures, posing serious risks.<br /><br />Scaffold Inspections and Safety Protocols:<br /><br />The importance of thorough scaffold inspections is highlighted, emphasizing the need for comprehensive training and adherence to safety protocols to mitigate hazards effectively.<br />Equipment Limitations and Innovative Solutions:<br /><br />Discussions focus on the limitations of traditional equipment such as ladders and lifts, particularly in reaching elevated areas safely. Innovative solutions and specialized tools are explored to overcome these challenges.<br />Specific Worksite Examples and Real-Life Scenarios:<br /><br />Real-life examples, including navigating high-pressure vessels and accessing hard-to-reach areas safely, illustrate the complexities and risks involved in elevated work tasks.<br />Continuous Safety Assessments and Harness Inspections:<br /><br />The importance of ongoing safety assessments throughout the workday, including harness inspections and equipment checks, is underscored to prevent accidents and ensure worker well-being.<br />Practical Safety Solutions and Innovations:<br /><br />The video concludes with practical safety solutions and innovative approaches aimed at enhancing workplace safety. These include engineered solutions, alternative tools, and proactive measures to minimize risks during elevated work activities.<br /><br />SEO Keywords:<br />Elevated work safety, fall protection, fall prevention, ladder safety, ladder program, elevated work program, tie-off points, scaffold inspections, industrial safety challenges, high-pressure vessels, harness inspections, lanyards, fall arrest, winch, equipment limitations, safety solutions, elevated work protocols.<br /><br />Conclusion:<br />Join us as we navigate through the complexities of elevator work safety, offering valuable insights and actionable solutions tailored to industrial environments. Stay informed and proactive about workplace safety by subscribing to our channel for more safety tips and industry updates.<br /><br />Call to Action:<br /><br />Subscribe for regular updates and safety tips!<br />Visit Alan Safety LLC for comprehensive safety coaching and services.<br />Connect with us on social media for the latest in workplace safety.</p>

00:17:21