

The Occupational Safety Leadership Podcast
Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management
Interviews along with a Q&A format answering questions about safety. Together we‘ll help answer not just safety compliance but the strategy and tactics to implement injury elimination/severity.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 13, 2025 • 8min
Episode 276 - The role of the formal leader in occupational safety
In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the role of the formal leader in occupational safety. The formal leader is there to support the safety function but that doesn't mean issuing out blank checks. Talk to the formal leaders about your assessment techniques, walk them to the hazard to better explain the issue.

Sep 10, 2025 • 5min
Episode 275 - Explain Why
In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks about "Explaining Why" to employees and management. Talking about rules and regulations does work a little but explaining why lets employees understand the intent of the training and regulations. Help employees understand why it's important to follow procedures.

Aug 22, 2025 • 29min
Episode 274 - Rod Courtney Part 2 of his book 8 Habits of a Highly Effective Safety Culture
In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks with Rod Courtney about his book, "8 Habits of a Highly Effective Safety Culture." This is a continuation of Episode 268 where we covered the first two habits. In this episode, we cover habit 3 and 4. I really enjoyed Rod's book and I'm happy to have him as a repeat guest.

Aug 17, 2025 • 4min
Episode 273 - Occupational Safety - Informal Leaders
In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the importance of informal leaders and the positive role they play in the site's occupational safety. Informal leaders are open and honest and it's imperative to get their perspective.

Aug 2, 2025 • 32min
Episode 272 - Dr. Christopher Warren - Safety is a junk drawer
In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks to Dr. Christopher Warren about his views on the additional duties of Occupational Safety. Safety is seen as the catch all at a lot of companies. Additional duties can include environmental, DOT, fire, emergency planning, mental health champion, and the list goes on and on.

Jul 26, 2025 • 26min
Episode 271 - Brent Sanger - DOT Safety
In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses DOT Safety with Brent Sanger. Brent has been in transportation safety for the last 10 years. We discuss DOT physicals, hours of service along with drug/alcohol testing. Brent is a wealth of knowledge on transportation safety.

Jul 6, 2025 • 6min
Episode 270 - Empower Employees to Correct Hazards
In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses empowering employees to correct hazards. If they cannot correct the hazard themselves, contact their supervisor and Safety Professional for help. Employees are the true experts at hazards they face along with correcting those hazards.

Jul 5, 2025 • 5min
Episode 269 - Hearing and Listening to Employees about Hazards
In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the difference between hearing and listening to employees discuss hazards. Hearing is passive whereas listening is active. Listen to the employees concerns and solutions and ask any clarifying questions to ensure you (the Safety Professional) clearly understands the hazards and proposed corrections.

Jul 3, 2025 • 34min
Episode 268 - Rod Courtney - 8 Habits of a Highly Effective Safety Culture
In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks to Rod Courtney about his book "8 Habits of a Highly Effective Safety Culture". I really enjoyed the book and Rod's real world practical knowledge for safety professionals to work with operations.

Jun 27, 2025 • 28min
Episode 267 - Matt Herron of the Southwest Research Institute
On today's episode Dr. Ayers speaks to Matt Herron of the Southwest Research Institute. We discuss ergonomics and awkward postures along with garnering management support for correcting hazards. Matt was also featured on Episode 91 where we discussed the basics of ergonomics and cabinet lasers. Matt is a wealth of knowledge and a legend in the Occupational Safety field.


