Shows
The Employee Safety Podcast100 Years of Fire Prevention WeekBefore the formation of the National Fire Protection Association, city streets were littered with sawdust, buildings were constructed with dry wood, and fire escapes did not exist. Today, the NFPA’s codes and standards protect people and property from fire destruction, and its research and education campaigns have reduced fire risk, injuries, and losses for more than a century.On the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, Technical Services Engineer, Brian O’Connor, joins the show to discuss how organizations can take advantage of decades of fire research and resources.In this episode, Brian shares how to...2022-10-0517 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow Customer-Centric Leadership Strengthens Organizations From the Inside OutBy looking through the customer lens, businesses can build better products, provide better service, and embody the values of the organizations they serve. So why don’t more providers live up to customers’ expectations?To celebrate the 100th episode of the show, we invited Christopher Kenessey, CEO of AlertMedia, to discuss his approach to customer-centric leadership. For Christopher, it’s about listening to customers’ challenges and becoming an active part of the solution.Listen to the episode to learn:How to create more value for the people and companies you serveThe importance of improving the custom...2022-09-2823 minThe Employee Safety PodcastBusiness Resiliency at Macy’s—Past, Present, and FutureHow does a small team of business resiliency professionals oversee three iconic brands, 850 locations, and 90,000 employees?For Erica Reed, it’s through streamlining communication. In her role as Business Resiliency Analyst at Macy’s, she and her team are responsible for crisis management, communication, 24/7/365 situational awareness, and business continuity planning.In this episode, Erica gives great advice on how to:Work cross-functionally with other departmentsResolve gaps and failures in communicationOrchestrate enterprise training and exercise programsStructure business resiliency for a large enterpriseThe Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety S...2022-09-2122 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow Communication Supports Continuity of Care During EmergenciesMental health crisis services must be operational 24/7/365 to support communities, even during an emergency or severe weather event. But without effective communication, continuity of care can be compromised.For Integral Care, the authority on local mental health and developmental disabilities in Austin, Texas, communication is the key to protecting employees and keeping vital programs up and running, no matter what.In this episode, Teresa Williams, Director of Clinical Services, and David West, Associate Director of Integrated Systems of Care at Integral Care, share:Why they adopted a plain language system for emergency responseWhy communication s...2022-09-1419 minThe Employee Safety PodcastZoom Strengthens Security by Leading With EmpathyZoom describes its workplace culture in two words: Delivering Happiness.Burke Brownfeld, Manager of Physical Security, Operations Awareness, and Partnerships at Zoom, discovered a simple and effective method of delivering happiness—apply empathy in every business interaction.In this episode, Burke shares how he strengthened his working relationships and the security function at Zoom by leading with empathy and why he believes it should be at the core of every security professional’s approach to leadership.Listen to our conversation with Burke to hear about:Tips for being a more empathetic leaderHow to fo...2022-09-0721 minThe Employee Safety PodcastPreparing Safety Leaders for Crisis ManagementSafety leaders often receive a myriad of technical training for their roles, but one crucial aspect— how to lead people through a crisis — can be overlooked. The National Preparedness Leadership Initiative (NPLI) at Harvard University strives to change that by offering a crisis leadership training program that prepares safety and security leaders.To honor National Preparedness Month in September, we are showcasing the incredible work of the NPLI by interviewing Eric McNulty, Associate Director, about what it takes to excel at crisis leadership. Eric is also the author of numerous books and articles on the topic and has spe...2022-08-3119 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow to Build a Modern Security Operations CenterMany organizations recognize the need for “always on” security, but few know how to achieve or sustain it.Grant Hayes, Owner of Childers, Hayes and Richards, has more than 20 years’ experience in physical security, from protecting U.S. Presidents as a Secret Service Agent to leading security operations at major organizations like BP and Magnolia.In this episode, Grant shares the basic building blocks of launching a SOC and provides actionable advice on how to up-level your security program.Listen in to learn:The benefits of a modern SOCExpected costsCommon roles and respons...2022-08-2427 minThe Employee Safety Podcast175 Years of Adaptive Safety at Tribune PublishingWorkplace safety has evolved dramatically since 1847. When Tribune Publishing first opened its doors, regulatory agencies like OSHA and the EPA did not exist and safety policies were implemented reactively. 175 years later, Tribune has created a robust, sustainable safety culture that protects thousands of dispersed, contract, and on-site workers from a myriad of potential threats.So how did Tribune achieve this staying power? By embracing change, remaining agile, and applying adaptive safety.In this episode, guest host Sara Pratley sits down with Jerry Glotzer, Corporate Manager of EHS, Security, Workers Compensation, Emergency Preparedness, and Risk Management for T...2022-08-1715 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow Panasonic Successfully Scaled Its Security ProgramA “good-on-paper” security program isn’t enough to reduce risk and protect employees in today’s threat landscape. It takes a visionary leader to scale a siloed corporate security function into a robust, successful company-wide program.Andrew “Drew” Schrader, Head of Corporate Security at Panasonic North America, knows this all too well. He joined the company to help build strategic partnerships and secure stakeholder buy-in on security initiatives that protect Panasonic’s more than 250,000 employees. Drew joins the show to share how his background in law enforcement and non-traditional skillset contributed to Panasonic’s transformative security evolution.Listen to ou...2022-08-1018 minThe Employee Safety PodcastLiberty Mutual’s Strategies for Building a Successful Resilience ProgramTo achieve business resilience, organizations must be prepared for any emergency that comes their way. For Liberty Mutual, that means building preparedness plans that include three primary components: Crisis management, emergency response, and business recovery.Ashley Goosman, Risk Manager of Business Continuity & Crisis Management Specialist at Liberty Mutual, has helped managers and employees worldwide prepare for and respond to business interruptions for the past 10 years. She joins the show to share lessons learned that can help other organizations build strong resilience programs.Ashley explains:How Liberty Mutual has streamlined its operational structure to improve cr...2022-08-0314 minThe Employee Safety PodcastA Day in the Life of a Global Threat Intelligence AnalystIn today’s heightened threat landscape, organizations have a greater need for innovative threat monitoring and identification tools to protect their people and business. But who are the people working behind the scenes to ensure these tools are surfacing fast, accurate, and relevant information to those who rely on it to keep employees out of harm’s way?At AlertMedia, it’s the Global Threat Intelligence Team—a group of experienced in-house analysts, meteorologists, and researchers who work around the clock to monitor thousands of data sources, filter out noise, and deliver timely, accurate information about critical events o...2022-07-2716 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow OSHA’s New Heat Hazard Program Affects OrganizationsIn response to rising temperatures and concern for vulnerable workers, OSHA recently implemented a National Emphasis Program (NEP) to protect employees from heat-related hazards and illnesses in the workplace. Understandably, many organizations have questions about how they will be impacted by the program and how to comply with the new guidance. Courtney Malveaux, Co-Leader of the Workplace Safety and Health Practice Group at Jackson Lewis, is the featured guest for the second episode of our two-part series on extreme heat. Courtney is a former labor commissioner and currently represents employers in regulatory issues and OSHA citations, so we...2022-07-2022 minThe Employee Safety PodcastThe National Weather Service Explains Impacts of Extreme HeatExtreme heat is a growing threat, nationally and globally. With temperatures rising—especially in traditionally cooler regions—it’s crucial that organizations understand how extreme heat impacts their people, facilities, and business.In part one of our two-part series on extreme heat, Paul Yura, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service, shares significant heat trends throughout the U.S. and how organizations can prepare their people and property. Listen to our conversation with Paul to learn about:Tips to keep employees safe during heat wavesThe impacts of extreme heat on infrastructureEarly and immediate symptoms...2022-07-1316 minThe Employee Safety PodcastPreventing Workplace Hazards Through DesignA new research study revealed that 2.8 million workplace accidents and injuries occur in the U.S. private sector each year. One of the best ways to prevent and control occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities is to “design out” or minimize hazards and risks. This concept is known as Prevention Through Design.Mike Taubitz, Senior Advisor at FDRsafety, joins us this week to explain how applying the Prevention Through Design program can help organizations identify risks and embed hazard prevention into their safety culture.Listen to our conversation with Mike to hear about:Why you should...2022-07-0615 minThe Employee Safety PodcastSafety Lessons From Journalists in War ZonesHow can military and journalist training benefit an organization’s safety and security programs? By applying the same universal safety principles to improve risk management and situational awareness in the workplace.Tim Crockett, Founder and Senior Consultant at Flying Frog Consultants, is a veteran of the British Special Forces and spent his life and career in and out of war zones. His training has helped journalists survive unbelievable news gathering missions around the world.Tim joins our guest host, Sara Pratley, to share his core safety principles that can be applied to any organization to keep...2022-06-2922 minThe Employee Safety PodcastMeteorologist Advice for Wildfire PreparednessWildfires are becoming more frequent and severe, affecting thousands of lives and properties each year. For organizations located in areas threatened by wildfires, or with remote workers located in those areas, it’s vital to have a wildfire preparedness plan to protect people and minimize impact.Jason Moreland, Senior Meteorologist at AlertMedia, joins us for part two of our 2022 Weather Series to discuss everything organizations need to know to prepare for wildfires.In this episode, Jason explains:How increased wildfire frequency and severity threatens national fire response resourcesA long-term forecast of how wildfires will con...2022-06-2213 minThe Employee Safety PodcastWhataburger’s Best Practices for Emergency ManagementWhataburger is a household name and a staple of communities across the country. With 860 quick-service restaurants in 14 states and more than 50,000 employees to protect, safety is a top priority for the beloved burger chain 24/7.Ron Derrick, Corporate Senior Emergency Manager, leads Whataburger’s robust command center and is responsible for all escalated incidents at the restaurants, learning centers, and corporate offices. His passion for emergency management was inspired by his 30-year career in fire and EMS, and he incorporates that passion into Whataburger’s preparedness and response plans to help mitigate issues before they happen.In th...2022-06-1524 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow Organizations Can Prepare for Workplace Violence2021 was the deadliest year on record for gun violence, and this year is already on track to surpass it. Considering the recent mass shooting events and millions of employees going back to the office, it’s important for organizations to re-evaluate their workplace violence preparedness plans to ensure the safety of their people.Proper preparedness and training can mean the difference between life and death in an active shooter situation.In this episode, Bill Flynn, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at The Power of Preparedness, discusses how organizations can assess workplace risks to create or impr...2022-06-0829 minThe Employee Safety PodcastThe CDC on Improving Total Worker HealthThe CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) believes that organizations should look beyond traditional safety programs to create healthier, more fulfilling work environments for their people.Today’s guest, Dr. Casey Chosewood, is a Senior Medical Officer and Director of the CDC’s NIOSH Total Worker Health® Program. The program seeks to improve the overall health and well-being of employees by shaping the policies, programs, and practices organizations incorporate into their safety cultures.In this episode, Casey explains why the needs of workers should be front and center at every organization.List...2022-06-0125 minThe Employee Safety PodcastThe Evolution of Cyber Risk: What Every Business Should KnowHundreds of ransomware attacks threaten organizations every day. As the world integrates technology into more aspects of daily life, experts predict cyber crimes will only become more prevalent.Corey White, Co-founder & CEO at Cyvatar, has more than 25 years of experience crafting security strategies and leading teams across various industries, such as government, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. He understands that as technology evolves, so must every organization’s approach to cybersecurity.Listen to our conversation with Corey to hear about:Why organizations are experiencing an increase in sophisticated hacksThe role remote workers play in a com...2022-05-2526 minThe Employee Safety PodcastThe American Red Cross on Disaster PreparednessWhen disaster strikes, thousands of American Red Cross employees and volunteers work tirelessly to provide immediate aid and assist in recovery. However, the Red Cross must ensure the safety of their own team before they can help others.Jennifer Pipa, VP of Disaster Programs at American Red Cross, oversees the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of disaster services programs. In this episode, she offers her expert advice on how emergency managers can improve their organization’s preparedness and response programs to better protect their people.Jennifer discusses:How to use situational awareness to pivot and...2022-05-1828 minThe Employee Safety PodcastMeteorologist Predictions for the 2022 Hurricane SeasonJason Moreland, Senior Meteorologist at AlertMedia, fills in for Peter this week to break down the official 2022 hurricane season forecast.From what to expect to how to prepare, Jason offers his expert advice to help organizations save time, minimize impact, and protect their people, no matter where they work.In this episode, Jason explains:Detailed forecast predictions and how they compare to past seasonsTips for safeguarding critical infrastructure and employeesRecommended resources to stay informed of storm updatesThe Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.2022-05-1110 minThe Employee Safety PodcastFrom People to Pups: Safety Lessons from Austin Pets Alive!Austin Pets Alive! is not your average animal rescue organization. It has multiple locations, hundreds of employees and volunteers, and has saved nearly 100,000 animals over the last decade.But the organization has a number of safety and security challenges to overcome, like workplace hazards in an older building, dispersed workers and pets, severe weather, and location-based security concerns. Stephanie Bilbro, Director of Lifesaving Operations at Austin Pets Alive!, and her team have created unique solutions to these challenges that any organization can learn from and apply.Stephanie describes many of these solutions in this episode, as...2022-05-0423 minThe Employee Safety PodcastThe Science Behind Psychologically Safe WorkplacesIn honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we are fostering discussion around psychological safety in the workplace.Dr. Tracy Brower, Sociologist and Author, joins the show to explain the sociology of work — the scientific study of the relationship between people and their jobs. Understanding the sociology of work can help organizations improve the psychological safety and mental health of their employees, as well as their company’s reputation and bottom line.We discuss:The significant data and research that demonstrate how work can impact employees’ mental health and happinessWhy prioritizing employee well-being is a bu...2022-04-2731 minThe Employee Safety PodcastSafety Leadership for the Hybrid WorkforceToday’s hybrid work environment has altered the traditional employee-manager relationship. Leaders can no longer rely on in-person interactions to know how their employees are feeling and performing in their roles.How are great safety leaders adapting to ensure a physically and psychologically safe work environment for their people?Michael Teape, Owner and Lead Training Consultant at Teape Training International explains:The most important skills a safety leader should develop to effectively lead a hybrid workforceWhy emotional intelligence and empathy can be more important than strategy and processes when managing employeesApplying the SCARF model to sti...2022-04-2022 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow the Dallas Zoo Protects Their People and WildlifeMaintaining workplace safety is a challenge in its own right, but at the Dallas Zoo, wildlife adds an extra layer of complexity.What does it take to keep workers, guests, animals, and the 106-acre park safe and secure while still providing the fun, memorable experience the Dallas Zoo promises?Diana Worden, Director of Safety & Security at the Dallas Zoo explains:The unique challenges of keeping visitors, employees, volunteers, and animals safe year-roundHow the zoo embraces a positive safety culture with buy-in at every level of the organizationThe importance of regular safety training that is fun...2022-04-1329 minThe Employee Safety PodcastJenn Lim on Creating Workplace HappinessAs The Great Resignation continues, investing in your employees and their happiness is more important than ever.Jenn Lim, Co-Founder, CEO, and Chief Happiness Officer at Delivering Happiness, believes that companies should build a workplace culture where employees can experience meaningful happiness, feel psychologically safe, and personally align with the company’s core values.When organizations double down on their people, it comes back to them financially.In this episode, we discuss:How Jenn and Tony Hsieh (the late CEO of Zappos) created the framework for Delivering HappinessWhy workplace happiness leads to bet...2022-04-0623 minThe Employee Safety PodcastEmployees’ Perceptions of Workplace Safety in 2022Workplace safety is more important than ever, yet employees’ perceptions and opinions are often missing from the conversation.To help change that, AlertMedia surveyed more than 2,000 American workers to uncover how safe employees feel at work and if their employers’ efforts to protect them are meeting their expectations. AlertMedia used the findings of this survey to create its inaugural State of Employee Safety Report.Danielle Sherman, VP of Communications at Material, the research firm behind the survey, joins the show to share how the results can help organizations improve the safety and well-being of their employe...2022-03-3024 minThe Employee Safety PodcastImproving Emergency Management in Healthcare FacilitiesThe healthcare industry has been under constant pressure since the COVID-19 pandemic began.Lori Price, Emergency Management Coordinator at Memorial Health System, has witnessed firsthand the challenges that healthcare facilities have faced over the past two years, from how to maintain daily patient care during a pandemic to crises like cyber attacks and severe weather.In this episode, Lori shares how Memorial Health System has responded to these challenges and how the organization is improving emergency management processes for the future.We discuss:The benefits of an all-hazards approach to emergency managementHow M...2022-03-2318 minThe Employee Safety PodcastCampbell’s HR Strategies to Improve the Employee ExperienceHR teams seek to empower employees with the tools and resources they need to be successful at their jobs while ensuring their safety and well-being.Saad Qureshi, Human Resources Manager at Campbell Soup Company, believes that a one-size-fits-all approach to human resources is not effective. Instead, HR professionals should involve employees in the conversation to learn what works and what doesn’t.In this episode, Saad shares the tactics Campbell’s uses to improve culture and enhance employee engagement.We discuss:The evolving responsibilities of HR leadersTactics for improving employee engagementHow a focus...2022-03-1616 minThe Employee Safety PodcastThe ROI of Emergency PreparednessEmergency preparedness shouldn’t be viewed as an expense. It’s an investment in your ability to provide your customers with goods and services no matter what happens—and ultimately, that ability will lead to the growth of your business.Al Berman, President of DRI Foundation, explains how organizations can experience the ROI of emergency preparedness through real money and hard savings.We discuss:Tips for talking to executives about the business impacts of preparednessThe importance of reviewing your insurance coverage to make sure it benefits your organizationMoving past a fear-based approach to business continu...2022-03-0923 minThe Employee Safety PodcastAn Engineer’s Advice on Ensuring Structural SafetyMany organizations don’t realize that building safety codes were designed to ensure human survival and nothing more. They don’t guarantee that your building will be operable or even occupiable after a disaster.A building needs to go beyond that minimum safety standard to support business continuity.In this episode, Tracy Kijewski-Correa, Structural Engineer and Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame, explains the steps that organizations should take to enhance building safety and maintain operations following a disaster.We discuss:Why the loss of life and property is often preven...2022-03-0229 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow Chubb Fosters a Culture of LeadershipA great safety leader possesses more than just business continuity, security, and risk mitigation skills. To be a well-rounded leader, individuals must also develop soft skills and a holistic mindset to help keep their employees and business safe.In this episode, Rick Kelly, Senior Vice President of Global Safety, Security, and Business Continuity at Chubb, explains why emotional intelligence is an important aspect of effective leadership and how he prepares the next generation of safety leaders for success.We discuss:Rick’s approach to cultivating leadership in a multi-generational workforceThe skills and experience Rick look...2022-02-2324 minThe Employee Safety PodcastThe Associated Press on Improving Journalist SafetyJournalists face increasing risks today. From civil unrest and military coups to stalking and online harassment, responding to and reporting on events can come with a lot of danger.That’s why Ian Phillips, Vice President of International News for The Associated Press, was tasked with launching a new initiative focused on the safety, security, and mental well-being of journalists.In this episode, guest host Sara Pratley speaks with Ian about his new role and his advice for ensuring the safety of any traveling, dispersed, or lone workers.We discuss:The evolution of jou...2022-02-1619 minThe Employee Safety PodcastResponse Plans for Protests & Civil UnrestMany protests and demonstrations are planned in advance, but civil unrest often occurs spontaneously, creating unique challenges for organizations nearby.In these situations, safety professionals have little time to identify potential threats and ensure employee safety.However, there are response and mitigation strategies that every organization can put in place to protect their people, maintain business continuity, and stay informed during fluid situations.Suzanne Bernier, President at SB Crisis Consulting, explains how both organizations and individuals can prepare and respond.We discuss:Unique challenges associated with protests and civil unrestMitigation a...2022-02-0917 minThe Employee Safety PodcastMarathon Petroleum's Best Practices for Corporate Travel SafetyBrian Cooke, Corporate Security Manager of International Security Operations at Marathon Petroleum, joins the show to explain how organizations can build a comprehensive travel safety program that protects traveling and dispersed workers, no matter where they are.We discuss:The excess of threats that could impact traveling workersHow to educate employees about travel risksThe start-to-finish process of mitigating risks for traveling employeesA simple methodology for developing travel risk profiles for each travelerThe Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.You can find this interview and...2022-02-0229 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow the Vegas Golden Knights Manage Security On & Off the IceManaging safety and security for the Vegas Golden Knights is a huge job. It involves safeguarding their NHL and AHL arenas, as well as the restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores contained therein.Joanna Packard, the Golden Knights’ Director of Safety and Security, joins the show to explain what it’s like to secure these facilities and protect thousands of fans, guests, and employees during hockey season and year-round.We discuss:The unique safety and security challenges in arena facilitiesThe nuances of managing events of varying sizes and audience demographicsPolicies and procedures that help employ...2022-01-2614 minThe Employee Safety PodcastMaintaining a Constant State of ReadinessAny organization can benefit from operating at a high level of readiness.Besides supporting employee safety and business continuity, it’s also critical for ensuring the resilience of the surrounding community.In this episode, Justin McInnis, President and Elected CEO at Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR), explains how his team achieves and maintains a constant state of readiness through sufficient training, support, equipment, and resources for their employees and volunteers.We discuss:How TEXSAR mentally and physically prepares volunteers for difficult missionsOn-site safety for search and rescue workersThe importance of mental health supp...2022-01-1924 minThe Employee Safety PodcastBusiness Resiliency in 2022: A Practitioner's Blueprint for SuccessBusiness resilience is not about bouncing back. It’s about bouncing forward.This is exactly what Michele L. Turner, Author and Head of Global Business Resiliency at Amazon, realized and channeled into her book, Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience.In this conversation, Michele shares concepts and anecdotes that can help business continuity practitioners build better resiliency programs for their companies and communicate more effectively with their stakeholders.We discuss:Methodologies for creating sustainable resiliency strategiesThe framework of The Three Cs: Clarity, Communication, and CostHow to “slow down to speed up”The i...2022-01-1222 minThe Employee Safety PodcastCreating Psychological Safety in the WorkplaceA paradigm shift is taking place.As younger generations enter the workforce, employees desire better integration of life and work—and if they don’t receive it at their current job, they aren’t afraid to leave.As a result, companies are becoming more aware of the emotional and psychological well-being of their people.David Hassell and Shane Metcalf, Co-Founders of 15Five and hosts of the HR Superstars podcast, join the show to discuss how organizations can make psychological safety a top priority.We discuss:HR challenges that business leaders are facing t...2022-01-0530 minThe Employee Safety PodcastThe Importance of DEI in Emergency ManagementCreating a strong emergency management program starts with people, not planning.Vincent B. Davis, Founder and President of Preparedness Matters, is committed to helping organizations improve their emergency preparedness and response programs by encouraging them to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the process.After all, diversity is not just about racial disparities, it’s about bringing a group of diverse individuals to the table to offer different perspectives on preparedness and how to respond to disasters.In this episode, Vincent discusses:How past roles at Walgreens, Amazon, and FEMA inspired him...2021-12-2920 minThe Employee Safety PodcastCommunication Strategies to Effectively Navigate a CrisisMany companies struggle with crisis communication because they don’t have tools in place to manage it.Communication expert Jeff Hahn recognized this barrier to entry and set out to demystify the field of crisis communications with his book, Breaking Bad News: 12 Essential Crisis Communication Tools.In this episode, Jeff shares a framework that can help companies successfully navigate a crisis event.We discuss:The most common roadblocks many organizations experienceHelpful steps for successfully navigating a crisisTips for effective internal and external communicationWhy options are better than answers in crisis managementThe...2021-12-2220 minThe Employee Safety PodcastPrepare Your Business for the 2022 Threat LandscapeSometimes businesses need to look back to move forward.Guest host Sara Pratley, Vice President of Global Intelligence at AlertMedia, joins us for a special bonus episode to reflect on the threats organizations faced in 2021 and how they can help companies prepare for 2022.She discusses:Physical and economic threats that are on the riseExtreme weather event predictionsThe increase in cybersecurity threatsHow global events can have local impactsThe Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.You can find this interview and many more by su...2021-12-2012 minThe Employee Safety PodcastDeveloping an Effective Cybersecurity ProgramWith the rise of remote work and mounting ransomware attacks, securing your organization against cyber threats has never been more crucial.In this episode, Dax Streater, Director of Cybersecurity at LCRA, shares essential cybersecurity and risk mitigation strategies that every organization should consider to protect their people, data, and assets.We discuss:Potential ripple effects of a cybersecurity incidentWhy cybersecurity should be a focus for all departments within your organizationTips for training employees on cyber hygieneWhy effective communication is essential for successful cyber incident responseResources mentioned:NIST Cybersecurity Framework...2021-12-1530 minThe Employee Safety PodcastEliminating Bias in Emergency ResponseMany organizations operate under the assumption that the future will look fairly similar to the present. The reality is—that’s not often the case.With disasters increasing in size and frequency, it’s critical to consider how disruptive changes in the broader environment can impact your people, mission, and operations.David Kaufman, Vice President and Director for Safety and Security at CNA, shares how companies can overcome preconceived notions and recency bias to develop adaptive capacity in their emergency response efforts.We discuss:Bridging the gap between theory and reality in emergen...2021-12-0830 minThe Employee Safety PodcastWhy Investing in People is Good BusinessThe workforce has evolved. Studies show that many workers don’t want to return to a traditional work environment.Some say the nature of work changed, but according to today’s guest, what actually changed is the values of today’s workers. They want to be seen, heard, and appreciated at their jobs.Bonnie Canal, Founder and Managing Partner at The Resiliency Institute, joins the show to explain why embracing this paradigm shift will allow companies to attract and retain top talent.We discuss:Why management should be more flexible in how they de...2021-12-0119 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow the City of Indio Prepares for Coachella & Other Major EventsIndio, California, is known as the “City of Festivals.” It is home to major music festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach as well as numerous other arts, food, and sporting events.When one of these events takes place, the population of Indio doubles, making it vital to have an adequate emergency plan in place.Dennis Day, Emergency Operations Center Manager for the City of Indio, shares how his team engages in year-round efforts to prepare for festivals and major events.We discuss:Adapting preparedness efforts in response to population growthHow Indio protects its citiz...2021-11-2422 minThe Employee Safety PodcastImproving Incident Outcomes with Modern Emergency Communication ToolsIt’s not easy to secure huge campuses, multiple buildings, and hundreds of employees and visitors. Emergency communications can be a complicated challenge for organizations with a large geographic footprint and a steady flow of people coming in and out of their facilities.David Markley, Director of Operations at Grace Covenant Church, joins the show to share the tools and strategies he uses to effectively communicate with his employees, volunteers, and congregation during emergency situations.We discuss:The benefits of maintaining a “defense mindset”The importance of disseminating critical information quickly and accuratelyHow two-way communi...2021-11-1722 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow FEMA Helps Businesses & Communities Navigate DisastersFEMA has supported businesses and communities before, during, and after disasters for more than 40 years. It provides emergency assistance that includes ongoing coordination, integration, planning, and training exercises to improve organizational resilience.Robert Glenn, Director, Office of Business, Industry, and Infrastructure Integration at FEMA, explains how businesses can receive disaster assistance, help their communities, and better prepare for emergencies.We discuss:How a disaster gets declaredThe resources and services FEMA providesHow businesses can apply for disaster assistanceImportant lessons for preparedness and recoveryContact the Office of Business, Industry, and Infrastructure Integration at ob...2021-11-1028 minThe Employee Safety PodcastWhy Organizations Should View Safety as a ServiceSafety professionals provide a valuable service to an organization. Their job is to protect the people, the business, and the company reputation, and they must ensure that everyone is working toward the same safety goals.Mark French, Senior Health, Safety, and Environmental Manager at Dalkia Solutions and owner of TSD Amalgamated Safety Consulting, joins the show to explain why more organizations should embrace the philosophy that safety is a service.We discuss:How building trust with employees motivates them to be safeWhy a sustainable safety culture requires both creative thinking and integrationHow safety leaders can...2021-11-0323 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow Salesforce Safeguards Its Global WorkforceSalesforce released its return to the workplace plan in April 2021, which the company refers to as “Success from Anywhere.” It allows employees to choose the model that best suits their needs, whether that’s working from home, the office, or both.The plan revolutionized how Salesforce employees work. However, it presented new challenges for safeguarding the physical and mental well-being of the organization’s global workforce.In this episode, Stasha Wyskiel, Senior Director of Resilience, Global Safety, and Security at Salesforce, shares how her team navigates employee safety for 60,000 employees across 28 countries.We discuss:2021-10-2722 minThe Employee Safety PodcastA Better Way to Communicate During EmergenciesTo celebrate the first anniversary of the show, we invited Brian Cruver, founder and CEO of AlertMedia, to discuss his storied career path as an entrepreneur and how he arrived at the idea for AlertMedia.In this episode, Brian describes the circumstances that led to his passion for creating businesses that help people during emergencies and how they influenced his decision-making while building a purpose-driven organization.Establishing core values like “simplicity is a strength” and “customers come first” is essential to the company’s success, according to Brian.We also discuss:His scientific m...2021-10-2024 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow Sally Beauty Minimizes Loss & Protects Lone WorkersLoss prevention in the retail industry is more complicated than ever. LP professionals must constantly peek around the corner to identify potential disruptions to their business and mitigate the associated risks. That means implementing an asset protection plan that prioritizes employee safety before anything.This is the case at Sally Beauty, and it isn’t just lip service.Jim Mires, Vice President of Loss Prevention and Safety, shares the steps his team takes to protect an increasing number of lone workers, partner with industry peers to solve problems, and achieve alignment on the company’s safe...2021-10-1322 minThe Employee Safety PodcastBoeing’s All-Hazards Approach to Business ContinuityIt’s challenging for any organization to prepare for every possible emergency.For that reason, many businesses use an all-hazards approach to emergency management, focusing on the impact of the incident—not the cause.In this episode, Keith Berthiaume, Enterprise Emergency Preparedness Program Manager at Boeing, joins us to discuss how an all-hazards approach works across Boeing’s large geographical footprint to ensure business continuity.Keith discusses:Boeing’s five distinctive preparedness programsImplementing a Crisis Management GroupHow to prepare for a global incidentHow Boeing established a unified command and coordinated response to the COVID-1...2021-10-0620 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow L3Harris Cultivates Preparedness During Organizational ChangeMergers and acquisitions are common in business. When they occur, it is paramount to create a holistic plan that unifies culture and operations, including emergency preparedness.In this episode, John Brooker, Director of Industrial Security for Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris, describes how his team consolidated existing plans to develop a cohesive, standardized crisis management program for all locations.We discuss:How their newly-merged company handled the switch to remote workUpgrading infrastructure and technology for more collaborative crisis planningHow to create and disseminate a standardized crisis management planThe importance of including your ent...2021-09-2913 minThe Employee Safety PodcastCommunity Preparedness in Advance of Major EventsWhen you work at a vital blood provider for multiple hospitals and healthcare facilities, people depend on your services — especially during emergencies.In this episode, DeKeitra Fitzgerald, Claims and Safety Manager, and Richard Dunn, Security and Resilience Manager, from Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, share the strategies they use to ensure they can provide the community with those essential services when they are needed most.Topics covered:Security challenges at donor facilitiesHow they prepare their organization and the community for a major eventResiliency management and disaster mitigation initiativesThe Employee Safety Podcast is hos...2021-09-2219 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow Toyota Accelerates Emergency & Incident Response TimesWith 50 facilities and nearly 80,000 employees spread across the continent, Toyota Motor North America has a lot of ground to cover with their emergency communications.Hannah Kinnett — a member of the emergency management and business resiliency team at Toyota — explains how they leverage mass notifications and a level system for emergency alerts to accelerate incident response times.Topics covered:How Toyota’s resiliency team operatesThe most common emergencies at Toyota’s manufacturing plantsThe level system used for emergency management alertsBackup routes for emergency notificationsThe Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety...2021-09-1518 minThe Employee Safety PodcastRemembering 9/11: Lessons Learned From a World Trade Center SurvivorThis week marks the 20th anniversary of September 11. To honor that anniversary, we invited Joe Dittmar, a 9/11 World Trade Center survivor, to share his incredible story of that fateful day. Joe offers lessons learned about situational awareness and crisis management, as well as the importance of communication.Joe is a founding member of the Naperville 9/11 Memorial Commission and an advocate for the Always Remember Initiative. Over the past 20 years, he has shared his experiences and insights into one of the most significant events in U.S. and world history.We hope you gain value from h...2021-09-0832 minThe Employee Safety PodcastCreating a Workplace Culture That Prioritizes Mental HealthContent Warning: This episode includes sensitive information about mental health conditions and suicide, including risk factors and warning signs, which may elicit an emotional response in some listeners. If you need support at any time, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.September is National Suicide Prevention Month. To learn more, we spoke with Maggie Mortali, Senior Program Director at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention programming in the workplace. Maggie shares why businesses play a critical role in mental health and how they...2021-09-0127 minThe Employee Safety PodcastEmergency Preparedness Tips from the National Safety CouncilSeptember is National Preparedness Month, recognized each year by FEMA to raise awareness for emergency preparedness by promoting business, community, and family disaster planning.In honor of National Preparedness Month, we invited JoAnn Dankert, Senior Safety Consultant at the National Safety Council, to share some safety tips and guidance from the NSC. JoAnn has more than 30 years of diversified experience helping organizations fully integrate EHS practices into their business operations.Topics discussed:Most common preparedness challenges faced by businessesConducting risk assessments, drills, and exercises in the workplaceInvolving your neighbors in your emergency preparedness planHow...2021-08-2523 minThe Employee Safety PodcastThe Weather Channel on Improving Risk Management TacticsIt doesn’t take a major newsworthy weather event to produce dangerous weather impacts. It’s critical for businesses to understand the weather hazards in their area and develop a risk management plan accordingly.Jonathan Erdman, Senior Digital Meteorologist at The Weather Channel, shares his insights and experiences with weather risk management in this episode.Topics discussed:Tactics meteorologists employ to encourage people to act on warningsLower-level weather risks that are often overlookedStrategies that businesses can adopt to improve weather preparednessHow research methods and technologies have changed to improve forecastingFollow Jonathan Erdm...2021-08-1820 minThe Employee Safety PodcastSolving for Safety Challenges in At-Risk EnvironmentsValley View Hospital is located in a remote, mountainous Colorado town and is accessible by one major highway. Mudslides, wildfires, and winter weather are prevalent in the area and often shut down the highway for prolonged periods of time, hindering access to the hospital.In this episode, two safety leaders from Valley View Hospital, Josh Anderson, Manager of Safety, Security, and Emergency Management, and Stacey Gavrell, Chief Community Relations Officer, join us to discuss how they manage patient and employee safety in this at-risk environment.We discuss:The unique challenges with Valley View Hospital’s...2021-08-1125 minThe Employee Safety PodcastThe Three C’s of Corporate SecurityApplying collaboration, curiosity, and continual improvement to your corporate security program allows for iterative processes and strengthened procedures that can impact life safety.Bridget Guerrero, a security operations professional with more than 30 years of experience in security and intelligence, joins this episode to discuss how to improve corporate security through "The Three C’s."Bridget talks about:Her career as an intelligence analyst for the U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityKnowing when to push boundaries and take risksWhy having a feedback loop is integral to a strong security programHow to apply The Three C’s fo...2021-08-0423 minThe Employee Safety PodcastBuilding a Wildfire Preparedness PlanWildfires are creating historic levels of danger and destruction in our communities each year. Fire behavior these days is entirely uncharacteristic of what urban and wildland firefighters dealt with in the past. What does this mean for businesses? It’s now more important than ever to build and implement a wildfire safety plan.In this episode, Stan Szpytek (aka Stan the Fireman), President and CEO at Fire & Life Safety, Inc., gives actionable advice for conducting a vulnerability assessment that translates into an emergency management plan for wildfires and how it can save lives.What we ta...2021-07-2822 minThe Employee Safety PodcastEmergency Staffing on the Frontlines of the PandemicNo one could have predicted the sheer volume of medical support staff needed in New York at the epicenter of the pandemic.Nonetheless, 4,000 nurses, nurse practitioners, paramedics, and physical therapists arrived just in time. Krucial Staffing was the company behind this logistical feat. In this episode, we speak to CEO Brian Cleary about how it was accomplished.Topics covered:Deploying a huge volume of medical support staff to New YorkThe logistical challenges of coordinating thousands of peopleThe importance of communication in such a massive effortThe Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by...2021-07-2120 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow Rakuten’s Facilities Team Elevates Employee SafetyFor Rakuten Americas, acquisitions have been a near-constant part of the company's growth. As a result, there was an organizational need for a cohesive facilities team and a new approach to facility safety.That’s where Donna Kelly, Head of Facilities, stepped in. Her priority: creating a consistent safety program so that each site would have the same playbook when dealing with emergencies and other exceptional circumstances.On this week's episode, Donna and Peter discuss:Implementing consistent safety programs across all locationsElevating the visibility of the facilities team to enhance employee safetyPersonalizing safety communications to...2021-07-1419 minThe Employee Safety PodcastFostering a Safe & Inclusive WorkplaceMaking safety and inclusion priorities in your workplace is the best way to ensure that employees feel happy, protected, and productive.In this episode, Edgar Ndjatou, Executive Director at Workplace Fairness, joins Peter to talk about why empathy and transparency are integral to this process.Edgar discusses:The most common reasons employees seek information on worker’s rightsThe most significant issues surrounding the fair treatment of workersEssential components of a safe and inclusive workplaceThe Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.You ca...2021-07-0719 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHurricane Preparedness (Part 3): Coca-Cola UNITED on Post-Storm RecoveryDuring a hurricane, organizations must have a way to contact their employees to ensure their physical safety and offer disaster relief.In 2018, Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc faced an enormous challenge when Hurricane Michael devastated the cell phone infrastructure in Panama City.In the final episode of our three-part series on hurricane preparedness, we interviewed Gianetta Jones, Vice President & Chief People Officer at Coca-Cola Bottling, to learn how the company overcame this destructive event and why communication was key to doing so.What we talked about:How to contact and care for...2021-06-3026 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHurricane Preparedness (Part 2): Year-Round Mitigation StrategiesDon’t wait until a hurricane is imminent to prepare. Disaster mitigation should be a year-round initiative.In part two of our three-part series on hurricane preparedness, Millie Starliper, Disaster Mitigation Consultant, shares hurricane mitigation strategies for organizations and communities.Topics discussed:Identifying risks and vulnerabilities within your infrastructureIssues non-profit organizations face with hurricane recoveryThe role technology plays in hurricane preparednessTips for hurricane response and resilienceLearn more about disaster resiliency at milliestarliper.com.The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia....2021-06-2321 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHurricane Preparedness (Part 1): Understanding Hurricane HazardsThe 2021 hurricane season is upon us.In part one of our three-part series on hurricane preparedness, Melissa Huffman, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service, shares her expert knowledge on common and not-so-common hurricane hazards and how to prepare for them.Topics covered:What to expect from this year’s seasonHow hurricanes are measuredHazards that can impact you during and after a stormHow Hurricane Harvey’s unprecedented rainfall influenced social science initiatives at the National Weather ServiceFor more information, visit hurricanes.gov.The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by P...2021-06-1625 minThe Employee Safety PodcastProtecting the Safety of Human Rights WorkersA human rights professional’s mission includes protecting people from different forms of violent oppression. But what goes into ensuring that these professionals are also protected while they do that important work — oftentimes in dangerous locales?In this episode, John McLellan, Global VP of Security at International Justice Mission (IJM), discusses how his organization ensures the safety of its employees, people who often need to operate in perilous and unstable environments.John talks about:Unique security situations that IJM encountersThe key elements of their emergency response planCommunication tools the organization utilizesCreating relationships with local cont...2021-06-0919 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow the Houston Astros Simplify Operations to Protect Employees and FansSimplifying processes is critical to ensuring that employees can easily take the appropriate steps to protect themselves and others during an emergency.In this episode, Chris Josefy, Director of Applications and Data for the Houston Astros, discusses how he and his team remove friction around incident management and emergency communication to better protect employees and fans.Chris talks about:Supporting the day-to-day operations of the AstrosRemoving complexity from processes to make them easier to scaleNew systems put in place to protect employees and fansThe role of communication in streamlining operationsWant to...2021-06-0225 minThe Employee Safety PodcastEmergency Preparedness: Lifesaving Lessons from a Wildfire StudyResearching emergencies from the past can lead to lifesaving insights for the future.In this episode, Peter speaks with Alexander Maranghides, Fire Protection Engineer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), about his recent study of the Camp Fire, California’s deadliest and most destructive wildfire that occurred in 2018. They discuss:Why Alexander’s team chose to study this particular wildfireThe five factors that made it so devastatingHow the data from the report is guiding lifesaving research and emergency preparedness effortsRead NIST's Case Study of the Camp Fire here.The...2021-05-2629 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow Texas Roadhouse Enhances Operational Efficiency and Safety Through AutomationWhen you operate an organization with a large geographical footprint, it can be difficult to manage operational tasks consistently and efficiently. A lot of companies have turned to automation to provide solutions for daily business-critical functions and to guarantee nimble responses to emergency situations.In this episode, Matt McMahan, Senior Manager of Business Continuity and Records at Texas Roadhouse, joins Peter to discuss how they have integrated automation to enhance operational efficiency and safety.What they talked about:Restaurant safety concerns that don’t initially come to mindAdjusting safety protocols for the pandemicHow Texas Ro...2021-05-1918 minThe Employee Safety PodcastTornado Safety Lessons from the 2011 Super OutbreakThe 2011 Super Tornado Outbreak was historic. Between April 25-28, more than 360 tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service in 21 states from Texas to New York.In this episode, recorded on the 10-year anniversary of the event, John De Block, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service, talks about the importance of having a safety plan for tornadoes so that you can protect life and property wherever you may be.Topics discussed:The experience of living and working through a severe tornado outbreakGetting people to move from curiosity and fascination to active preparationActionable...2021-05-1225 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow to Engage & Protect Your Remote WorkforceMany companies are redefining the meaning of employee safety when it comes to their remote workforces.Mari Anne Snow, CEO & Founder of Sophaya, joins Peter to talk about how companies should invest in skill development so that managers and team members know how to operate safely no matter where they sit.The two also talk about:The current state of remote workBiggest concerns regarding remote worker health, well-being, and safetyAdvice for engaging and connecting with remote workersThe Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.2021-05-0524 minThe Employee Safety PodcastLoss Prevention in Retail (Part 2): Asset Protection at Warby ParkerLoss prevention isn’t only about protecting stores and merchandise from theft.In part two of our two-part series on loss prevention in retail, Chris Hinger, Director of Loss Prevention, Corporate Security, Corporate Facilities, and Risk Management at Warby Parker, explains how loss prevention strategies have shifted into overall asset protection, including employee safety.In this episode, Chris discusses:Identifying loss prevention goalsThe importance of making safety a company value, not just a priorityShifting strategies in asset protectionIntegrating emergency communication solutions into preparedness and response effortsThe Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by...2021-04-2821 minThe Employee Safety PodcastLoss Prevention in Retail (Part 1): Loss Prevention StrategiesWhen you think about loss prevention, it might conjure an image of kids stealing bubble gum from a store. But in part one of our two-part series on loss prevention in retail, Jacque Brittain, Editorial Director at Loss Prevention Magazine, explains why it’s much more than that.He talks with Peter about:Top challenges facing the retail industry todayHow loss prevention teams have adapted to the pandemicSafety challenges retailers face during times of civil unrestThe importance of continuing educationThe Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at Al...2021-04-2123 minThe Employee Safety PodcastIncorporating External Communications Into Crisis ManagementEffective external communications are a critical part of crisis management. But when a crisis event occurs, many companies struggle with acquiring factual information and responding in a way that doesn’t cause undue panic.In this episode, Larry Robert, VP of Business Continuity and Risk Management at Rockland Trust, joins Peter to break down the challenges of external communication and offer advice on how companies should approach it.What we talked about:The framework for building an effective business continuity programCommon internal and external communication challenges and how to solve themImplementing a mass notification to...2021-04-1426 minThe Employee Safety PodcastKeeping Home Healthcare Workers Safe in an EmergencyEmployee safety is a major consideration in-home healthcare work. After all, the job involves entering into an unknown, uncontrolled, and unpredictable home environment.Kristen Husen, Senior Director of Home, Health, and Hospice at CentraCare, joined Peter on this episode to talk about what her organization does to ensure the safety of its home healthcare workers.They also talk about:A typical day in the life of a home health workerSafety concerns that arise from being in unfamiliar home environmentsWays to ensure the safety of home health workersThe benefits of Employee Safety Monitoring (formerly SafeSignal)2021-04-0726 minThe Employee Safety PodcastCox Enterprises on Improving Physical Security in the WorkplaceIn today’s episode, Peter is joined by two guests who manage security for Cox Enterprises. Tony Putzig, a Supervisor of East Region Security, and Joe Holokan, a Manager of Central Region Security, discuss how an effective security program builds trust and ensures that employees feel safe and heard.Topics they covered include:The basic elements every organization should include in their security planExtending duty of care beyond the workplace during the pandemicHow security departments can build trust with employeesThe importance of consistency in communicationThe Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SV...2021-03-3126 minThe Employee Safety PodcastBuilding a Company-Wide Culture of PreparednessBuilding a culture of preparedness is one of the best things you can do for your organization today.But where do you start?In this episode, Jeffrey Trask, the Enterprise Emergency Management, Business Continuity, and Insurance Risk Manager at ISO New England, joined Peter to share his advice for creating a strong safety culture in your workplace.Topics they discussed:How to assemble an effective communications infrastructureThe importance of building relationships with local public safety officials4 steps to create a “culture of preparedness” in your organizationThe Employee Safety Podcast is h...2021-03-2424 minThe Employee Safety PodcastMonitoring the World: How to Stay Ahead of Global EventsInformation overload is a huge challenge for organizations. But how can you tell the difference between a critical piece of intelligence and useless noise?In this episode, Sara Pratley, VP of Global Intelligence at AlertMedia, speaks with Peter about how both technology and subject matter experts are critical to staying ahead of threats with the potential to impact your business and your people.They also cover topics like:How to monitor and deliver global intelligence in real-timeOrganizations’ ability to track world eventsZeroing in on the right intelligence to shareHow to categorize and communicate information ab...2021-03-1722 minThe Employee Safety PodcastAddressing Regulation Changes That Affect Employee SafetySignificant changes in the regulatory environment can lead to confusion surrounding employee safety policies. Organizations are facing countless challenges when attempting to make heads or tails of these regulatory shifts. It seems like we receive conflicting messages every day from different government agencies.Joining Peter to offer guidance on how companies can address this confusion head-on is Chris Schlag, an environmental health and safety attorney at Jackson Lewis.In this episode, they talk about:Competing regulation and guideline changesUnderstanding COVID-19 vaccination regulationsThe biggest employee safety concerns for companies right nowWhat companies can do today...2021-03-1030 minThe Employee Safety PodcastThe Importance of Situational Awareness & Training in the WorkplaceEmployee safety is dependent on proper training. Giving your employees the tools and information they need could mean the difference between knowing what to do in an emergency situation and being paralyzed by indecision.In this episode, Peter interviews Shawn Rafferty, Owner of SPR Group that offers security solutions for corporations and schools, about the value of training and situational awareness.Listen to this episode to learn:Shawn’s process for spotting risks or potential threats within organizationsHow employee training develops muscle memory that can be critical in an emergency situationWhy video-based training alone is...2021-03-0320 minThe Employee Safety PodcastProtective Intelligence: Identifying Risks Before They Become ThreatsIt sounds like sci-fi, but there’s an effective way to predict critical events before they occur. It’s called protective intelligence, and it could be the key to emergency preparedness.In this episode, Peter chats with Lukas Quanstrom, CEO & Co-Founder of Ontic, about how organizations can identify risks before they become threats.Some topics they cover are:What protective intelligence meansWays to actively manage known threatsThe importance of clear communication in times of crisisHow adopting a proactive approach to security can help prevent crisesMaking situational awareness a company missionResources mentioned in t...2021-02-2418 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow Charles Schwab Creates Business Continuity ProgramsIn a world full of disruptions, keeping your business running and your people safe can’t happen without an effective business continuity program in place. But where do you begin?In this episode, Peter talks with Michele Schutte, Managing Director of Business Continuity and Incident Management at Charles Schwab, about how to create and improve business continuity programs.They cover topics like:Creative ways to get people to buy into a safety cultureBalancing employee safety with keeping your business operational during a pandemicMistakes to avoid when building an original business continuity programHow to mature yo...2021-02-1723 minThe Employee Safety PodcastImproving Safety and Security in Your CommunityEveryone benefits from safer communities, so why not help organizations around you improve their security and preparedness tactics? Individuals and businesses alike have the power to serve those around them, and in turn, can create an environment that keeps people safe.Senior Safety Advisor at The Institute For Childhood Preparedness and former police officer, Ron Roszak, joins Peter to discuss how anyone can play a role in improving the safety and security of their community, including childcare facilities and under-funded organizations.Plus, they talk about…Common safety/security flaws organizations should avoidThe best ways to...2021-02-1039 minThe Employee Safety PodcastJetBlue’s Strategy for Effective Crisis PlanningWhat good is your crisis plan if you haven’t prepared to use it? Building a strong crisis response plan starts with getting your people involved.In this episode, Peter talks with Penny Neferis, Director of Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery & Emergency Response at JetBlue Airways. The two discuss…Best practices for keeping a mobile workforce safeThe benefits of collaborating with other organizations during crisis planningThe importance of response plan testing and continual improvementHow to engage your entire organization in emergency response planningThe Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solu...2021-02-0327 minThe Employee Safety PodcastBetter Business Continuity Planning With SAC WirelessYou can’t predict every incident that might happen to your organization. But you can have a robust business continuity plan that helps mitigate the effects of unpredictable circumstances.In this episode, Peter speaks with Larry Pomykalski, the Director of National Programs & Business Continuity at SAC Wireless. The two discuss…Why a big imagination leads to better business continuity planning3 things every company needs in their business continuity planHow to get leadership’s buy-in on safetyBest ways to communicate with employees in remote locationsThe Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Saf...2021-01-2721 minThe Employee Safety PodcastMoss Construction on Building a Stronger Safety CultureSafety shouldn’t just be a priority—it should be a company value. That’s how you’re going to build a strong safety culture at your organization.Scott Gerard, VP of Environmental Health & Safety at Moss, joins Peter on the show to discuss how leadership can make safety a value within the organization. They also review…How to implement a lean and effective emergency response planHow to evaluate the success of safety integrationsWhy it’s important to communicate the reasons behind safety proceduresWatch You Can’t Send a Duck to Eagle School here.Th...2021-01-2029 minThe Employee Safety PodcastGitHub Security Experts on Keeping Their Remote Team SafeAfter a year unlike any other in history, the only thing certain about the year ahead is uncertainty. 2020, undoubtedly, forced many organizations to reconsider and change critical business processes, including how to carry out our duty of care and business continuity plans.So, which of those changes should we bring into 2021, and which can be left behind?In this episode of The Employee Safety Podcast, Peter discusses the impact 2020 had on duty of care and business continuity with GitHub’s Head of Global Workplace Security & Safety, Avril Eklund, and Crisis Management & Business Continuity pro, Sean O’...2021-01-1332 minThe Employee Safety PodcastEpidemiologist Mark Stibich on How to Improve Employee SafetyIt’s no surprise that employee health and safety are top of mind for employers right now. Nonetheless, it can be hard to know which guidelines to follow, and if you’re doing everything right to keep your employees safe at work.In this episode of The Employee Safety Podcast, Peter sits down with Dr. Mark Stibich, Chief Scientific Officer at Xenex Healthcare Services. The two discuss…The unique challenges for employees at work during a pandemicHow to properly disinfect surfaces and keep the air cleanWhat employers can expect in regards to a COVID vaccineBest communication proced...2021-01-0641 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow the San Diego Padres Keep Petco Park SecureFacility security presents unique challenges for safety leaders. Whether you’re managing a small office for a few hundred employees or a large event venue with a capacity for thousands, the overarching goal remains the same: keep people safe at all times.Kevin Dooley, Sr. Director of Security & Transportation for the San Diego Padres, joins Peter in this episode to share his insights on the best technology and procedures he uses to keep stadiums secure.Additionally, they discuss:How to tackle the challenges of different types of facilitiesWhy optimizing available technology is crucial for se...2020-12-1628 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow Employers Can Reduce Distracted DrivingStatistically, what’s the most dangerous thing an employer can ask their employee to do? Driving.Tragically, 40,000 deaths happen on U.S. roadways every year. If you could prevent a handful of those fatalities, wouldn’t you?In this episode, Peter talks with Tom Goeltz, the VP of Risk Management Services at Hays Companies, and an advocate for victims of distracted driving. The two discuss:The real-life consequences of distracted driving3 forms of distractions and how hands-free laws mitigate themWays organizations can reduce distracted drivingPreparing for winter driving conditionsThe Employee Safety Podcas...2020-12-0938 minThe Employee Safety PodcastWhy Community Is Crucial for Business ContinuityEvery organization has areas for improvement. The first step to identifying those areas is proactively learning from your wins and losses. Want to take it a step further?Share what you learned with others in your industry to empower your community and promote business continuity.In this episode, Bob Arnold, President of Disaster Recovery Journal, joins Peter to discuss the importance of community and information sharing for business resilience.Peter and Bob discuss:How to bring disaster recovery and business continuity togetherTips for convincing leadership to implement safety initiatives year-roundThe importance of...2020-12-0226 minThe Employee Safety PodcastThe Three Stages of Wildfire PreparednessWith more than 48,000 fires and 8.6 million acres burned, the 2020 wildfire season has been one of the most active and destructive in history.Successfully preparing your business for wildfire season means more than just evacuating once a fire reaches your doorstep. In fact, there are steps you should be taking now to prepare your people and assets for fire season.Mark Jackson, Meteorologist in Charge at the National Weather Service (Los Angeles/Oxnard) recently joined us to explain what businesses can do to better prepare and keep employees safe during a wildfire. On this week’s epis...2020-11-2532 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHow Technology is Changing Environmental Health and SafetyEnvironmental health and safety is a constantly evolving challenge. As new issues arise, EHS professionals are the ones there to help organizations—and their employees—adapt and respond to changes in their environment to keep people safe.Michael Zalle, CEO of YellowBird joins Peter on this episode to discuss environmental health and safety policies and procedures in our ‘new normal’ as organizations learn to navigate the pandemic. They talk about:Managing OSHA, EPA, and other safety processesHow COVID is pushing ahead technology in the EHS industryThe depth of knowledge expected to be held by a few individual...2020-11-1828 minThe Employee Safety PodcastHR’s Role in Employee SafetyDo your employees know who’s in charge during an emergency? As long as your organization’s leaders are acting as a team, employees should feel comfortable reaching out to any of them, including HR.John Muller, Director of Growth at Gehring Group, joins Peter to discuss HR’s role in employee safety, as well as…How to transfer disaster frameworks from one emergency to anotherHow to prioritize safety in your organizationHow organizations benefit when they prioritize employee safetyThe Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.You...2020-11-1127 minThe Employee Safety PodcastNavigating the Legal Challenges of COVID-19As if workplace legalities couldn’t get any more complicated, the pandemic has created a whole new dimension of legal complexity.How are employers supposed to handle all of the legal challenges that are popping up between employees, the workplace, and the pandemic?To shed some light on this topic we spoke with Nancy Inesta, an attorney and partner at Baker & Hostetler. In this episode Nancy and Peter discuss:How employers can safely bring employees back to the physical workplaceThe intricacies of employee health monitoring and screeningReasonable accommodations related to COVID-19For more...2020-11-0431 min