The Occupational Safety Leadership Podcast

Dr. Ayers explains that a safety inspection is only as valuable as the follow‑up that happens afterward. Identifying hazards is step one — ensuring they are corrected, tracked, and understood is what actually prevents injuries.   🧠 Key Themes 1. Follow‑Up Is Essential for Credibility Employees quickly notice when inspection findings disappear into a black hole. Dr. Ayers emphasizes that leaders must: Track findings Communicate progress Close the loop with employees This builds trust and reinforces that safety concerns matter. Sources:   2. Explain Why Each Finding Must Be Addressed Corrective actions stick when people understand the reasoning behind them. The episode highlights the importance of explaining: The hazard The risk The potential consequences Why the corrective action matters This turns compliance into learning. Sources:   3. Track Corrective Actions Until Completion A finding isn’t resolved until: The fix is implemented It’s verified It’s documented Dr. Ayers stresses that tracking systems — even simple ones — prevent issues from being forgotten. Sources:   4. Follow‑Up Strengthens Safety Culture Consistent follow‑through shows employees that: Leadership takes hazards seriously Reporting issues is worthwhile Safety is a shared responsibility This encourages more reporting and engagement.   🚀 Leadership Takeaways Inspections without follow‑up are wasted effort. Explaining the “why” behind findings drives better compliance. Tracking and verifying corrective actions prevents recurrence. Follow‑up builds trust and strengthens safety culture.

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses using a different set of eyes for Safety inspections.  Use a person who is not familiar with the area or worksite.

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses what interval to use for formal safety inspections.  Likewise, every time a Safety Professional walks through the workplace, they are performing an informal safety inspection.

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers speaks with Tracy Krieger of OC Safety.  Tracy discusses psychological safety as well as some strategies companies can use to help with employee's psychological safety. 

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses sharing lessons learned with other company sites.  Share both positive and negative lessons learned and make the workplace safer for employees.

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses corrective actions and tracking.  Corrective actions must be prioritized along with an owner and due date assigned.  Remember to explain the "Why" and follow up as needed.

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers has a part 2 with David Ward where we continue to discuss the 10 fundamental values of safety.  David Ward brings a wealth of knowledge to this area.

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the importance of following up with employees on hazard reduction.  This is a great way to build trust in the workplace.

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses soliciting employee input on workplace hazards.  Leave that cozy office and proactively discover and correct hazards.

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the state of industrial hygiene with Dan Christensen of Bureau Veritas.  Dan discusses the importance of using a certified lab and talking over methods of collection before sending your sample to the labs.