EHS on Tap

Michael Bruns, CEO of Novara and a 25-year software veteran who led KPA and built safety tech, joins to discuss workplace safety in high-risk industries. He explains why Novara split from KPA and the challenges of that separation. They cover Novara’s mobile-first Flex product, AI features for risk prioritization, and how to get frontline workers to adopt safety technology.

Dr. Karl Zelik, co-founder and CSO of HeroWear and a Vanderbilt engineering professor focusing on wearable assistive tech. He discusses a longitudinal study on workplace exoskeletons. Short sentences cover injury reductions, surprises about risk shifting, how evidence eases adoption, current scale of use, and practical evolution toward task-specific exosuits.

Aaron Cohen, VP of Brand and Communications at Weavix, helps modernize frontline communication in manufacturing. He discusses a new survey revealing workers are surprisingly open to AI and data capture. He explains hidden costs from outdated tools, smartphone risks on the floor, and practical rollout advice for adopting secure, work‑sanctioned communication devices.

In this discussion, David Tibbetts, Chief Safety Officer at Highwire and former construction safety manager at Harvard, dives into the challenges of construction safety, highlighting rising fatality trends and workforce experience issues. He explores how AI can revolutionize safety by providing data-driven insights for job sites. David also emphasizes the importance of strategic AI integration, warns against misconceptions, and predicts future innovations in the industry. His insights shed light on the potential of technology to enhance safety practices.

Join Jim Wetekamp, CEO of Riskonnect, a leader in risk-management software, as he dives into how technology and AI can revolutionize safety practices. He discusses the impact of OSHA backlogs on manufacturers and the necessity for continuous hazard monitoring. Jim reveals fascinating AI applications for hazard detection and near-miss analysis, and emphasizes the importance of integrating safety data with business continuity. He also outlines practical steps for adopting AI, urging organizations to break down silos for improved outcomes.

Adam Nemer, founder of Simple Mental Health and author, shares his powerful personal journey that ignited his passion for workplace mental health. He discusses his motivation behind his book, which aims to bridge the business and human case for mental health awareness. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing burnout and loneliness in the workplace. Adam also emphasizes the role of leadership vulnerability in fostering a supportive culture and details how to implement mental health training effectively across various sectors.

On episode 276 of EHS On Tap, Paul Gladden, Senior Director of Claims for Pie Insurance, talks about a new report on employee workplace safety concerns.

Amy Roosa, Founder and CEO of The Safety Rack, advocates for women’s safety in the workplace and addresses the concerning rate of violence against them. She highlights the critical gaps in personal protective equipment and stresses the need for comprehensive prevention strategies. Roosa discusses the limits of traditional training, the importance of open conversations about workplace culture, and the necessity of prioritizing victim reports. She encourages employees to be proactive about their safety and reflects on social media's role in fostering change.

Cam Mackey, President and CEO of the International Safety Equipment Association, dives into the effects of tariffs on personal protective equipment (PPE) and worker safety. He highlights concerns from members about purchasing delays and quality downgrades. Mackey discusses the disturbing prediction that a 10% reduction in PPE could lead to 143 additional deaths. He shares how companies respond to cost shocks and the long-term impact of tariffs on the U.S. economy. The conversation underscores the urgent need for domestic manufacturing and clearer policies.

On episode 273 of EHS On Tap, Shawn Galloway, CEO of ProAct Safety, talks about the need to align operational and EHS leadership.