The Occupational Safety Leadership Podcast

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers tackles the age-old safety question; root cause or company culture and how to integrate both.  Several strategies are discussed.

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks about the important of providing feedback to employees who identify workplace hazards.  It also important to close the loop with employees about why you are not addressing a hazard right now (low injury potential, low consequences, etc.).

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses establishing safety goals.  Leading and Lagging indicators are discussed.  #occupationalsafety  #safetygoals   #Safety

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers covers the concept of adding in competence, knowledge, training and experience to a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA).

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers covers a few practical examples of job hazard analysis (JHA) using the 5x5 matrix.  The concept of adding in competence, knowledge, training and experience is discussed.

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the difference between acute and chronic chemical exposures.  In possible, eliminate or substitute the chemical exposure, then use engineering controls such as ventilation and lastly use PPE.

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the need to be proactive in hazard reduction and not to wait around to be told to do something.

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses what a new safety profession needs to know when OSHA comes knocking.  Ed Foulke is a Partner at Fisher Phillips and former Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA.  Ed has great tips for the new safety professional.

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers breaks down the steps of performing a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), also known as a Job Safety Analysis (JSA), is a systematic process that helps identify and mitigate potential hazards associated with specific job tasks. It's a critical component of workplace safety.  

Topic: This episode introduces and explains the 5 x 5 Risk Assessment Matrix, a structured method for assessing risks in occupational safety. How It Works: The matrix uses five levels of likelihood (from rare to almost certain). It also uses five levels of severity (from negligible to catastrophic). Multiplying these values gives a risk score that helps safety leaders decide which hazards require immediate attention. Purpose: Provides a visual and systematic way to prioritize risks, ensuring that resources are directed toward the most critical safety issues. Application: Commonly used in safety programs to evaluate hazards such as chemical exposure, equipment failure, or unsafe behaviors. Why It Matters for Safety Leadership Clarity in decision-making: Leaders can quickly identify which risks are unacceptable and need urgent mitigation. Consistency: The matrix standardizes risk evaluation across teams, reducing subjective judgment. Communication: It’s a simple visual tool that helps explain risk levels to employees, executives, and regulators.