Episode 258 - Tracy Krieger - Shelter in Place and 5150 in California

In this powerful interview, Dr. Ayers speaks with Tracy Krieger of OC Safety about a real-life incident involving an employee experiencing a mental health crisis at work. The episode explores how safety professionals can prepare for and respond to such situations with clarity, compassion, and legal awareness.

  🔑 Key Lessons 🚨 1. Have a Plan for Mental Health Emergencies

Most safety programs focus on physical hazards—but mental health crises require their own protocols.

🛑 2. Understand “5150” and Shelter-in-Place Laws

In California, a “5150” hold allows authorities to detain someone for psychiatric evaluation. Knowing when and how this applies is critical.

🧭 3. Safety Leaders Must Be Ready to Act

Tracy shares how she navigated the situation, coordinated with law enforcement, and protected other employees while supporting the individual in crisis.

🤝 4. Empathy and Preparedness Go Hand-in-Hand

The episode emphasizes the importance of balancing legal compliance with human compassion.

  🎙️ Central Message

Mental health emergencies are part of workplace safety. Don’t wait for a crisis—build your response plan now.