Psych Health and Safety Podcast USA

Dive into Episode #144 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Keidra Norwood, a human capital risk and safety consultant and founder of Egan Rose Consulting. Ms. Norwood is also a motivational speaker who specializes in helping people overcome imposter syndrome. With over 20 years of experience in risk management, compliance, change management, and executive advisory services across various industry sectors, Ms. Norwood helps her clients mitigate human capital risk by optimizing policies, empowering leaders, and providing strategies grounded in holistic employee engagement. She focuses on enabling organizations to put the human back in human capital and in conducting “safe space sessions” to help “unbreak the souls” of especially women that have been exposed to toxic work environments.

Dive into Episode #143 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and returning guest Amy Roosa, the founder of “the Safety Rack,” a non-profit that advocates for equity in PPE for women. The Safety Rack has just recently launched as a nonprofit, and one of its first efforts is the release of the Equity Report. This document documents the challenges that women across the globe have in acquiring PPE that fits. There are some interesting trends when comparing workplace injury rates to workforce representation. Those who identify as male make up about 53% of the workforce, but they account for a significantly higher proportion of fatal occupational injuries, approximately 92% each year. However, the gap narrows regarding nonfatal injuries and illnesses involving days away from work (DAFW). In 2021-2022, those identifying as female experienced 46% of the DAFW cases. This indicates that while men are more likely to suffer fatal injuries, women are more likely to experience nonfatal injuries that require time off work. In the case of psychological injuries, such as mental health issues, there are distinct patterns between men and women. Women are more likely to experience common mental health problems like anxiety and depression. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders and to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men. On the other hand, men are more likely to die by suicide, with three times as many men as women dying by suicide. Men also report lower levels of life satisfaction and are less likely to access psychological therapies compared to women. An argument could be made that when an organization has an equitable approach to health and safety, both women and men benefit.

Dive into Episode #142 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Fire Chief Chris Tubbs, a veteran of over 45 years in the fire rescue service in two states, including the last 17 as a Fire Chief. In 1995, Chris was a member of FEMA’s Washington Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1 that responded to the Oklahoma City Bombing. The lasting impact of the Oklahoma City Bombing on those who responded has been profound and multifaceted. A longitudinal study conducted nearly 25 years after the event revealed several key findings: 1. Psychological Impact: Many responders experienced long-term psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The trauma of the event had a lasting impact on their mental health. 2. Resilience and Coping: Respondents also demonstrated remarkable resilience despite the challenges. Many found meaning and affirmation in their work, reaffirming their commitment to helping others. 3. Personal and Professional Relationships: The experience significantly affected their personal and professional relationships. Some reported strained relationships with family and friends, while others found renewed purpose in their careers. 4. Sense of Pride: Many responders expressed pride in participating and did not regret their involvement. They felt that their service honored both the survivors and their profession. 5. Need for Support: The study highlighted the importance of ongoing support for responders, including emotional and psychological assistance. Many felt that the attention to their emotional and psychological recovery was limited Chief Tubbs and Dr. Daniels discuss their recollection of responding to the incident and other topics related to psychological health and safety in the fire rescue service.

Dive into Episode #141 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Robert Avsec, a retired fire battalion chief now a freelance writer, mental health advocate and a member of the Fire Services Psychology Association. Chief Avesc has dedicated himself to helping construct a bridge between the fire rescue service and the psychology community. Firefighters face significant psychological challenges due to the nature of their work, including PTSD from exposure to traumatic events, depression and anxiety from the high-stress environment, and burnout from physical and emotional demands. Substance abuse can sometimes arise as a coping mechanism, further affecting mental health. Irregular hours often lead to sleep problems, and witnessing tragic events can result in grief and loss. Moreover, there is a stigma around seeking mental health support within the firefighting community, which can prevent individuals from getting the help they need. Comprehensive psychological support and awareness are crucial for addressing these challenges.

Dive into Episode #140 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Stephanie Williams, a Chief Diversity Executive at a higher and continuing education institution. Ms. Willams is charged with advising executive leadership on diversity, equity, and inclusion-related strategies to address a more diverse community of staff, faculty, and students. College campuses have become more diverse over time. Recent data shows a significant increase in the enrollment of students from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. For instance, the share of white students has decreased from 66.8% in 2011 to 55.5% in 2022. Hispanic student enrollment increased from 11.2% to 18.5% during the same period, and Asian student enrollment grew from 7.3% to 9.7%. These changes reflect broader demographic shifts in the U.S. population and highlight the importance of diversity initiatives on campuses nationwide. However, it's important to note that simply having a diverse student body isn't enough; fostering meaningful interactions across different social groups is also crucial for reaping the benefits of diversity.

Dive into Episode #139 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest John Dony, the Co-Founder and CEO of the What Works Institute. The What Works Institute is a think tank focused on research and solutions on environmental, health, and safety (EHS). It aims to provide practical, participatory models and tools to address critical and emerging issues in EHS. Its approach includes research, experiential learning communities, and modernized metrics to help organizations achieve and sustain excellence. One of John’s goals as the leader of the institutes is to provide safety and health-related data, research, and information to the safety profession and beyond much quicker than traditional approaches. The focus on “What Works” is intended to introduce a solution-based approach to everything the Institute does. Before WWI, John served in a senior leadership role at the National Safety Council for nearly two decades.

Dive into Episode #138 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Rob Loose, who discusses his journey into safety from his early roots in human resources to an “accidental safety “ professional, now involved in the development of a safety-focused AI in use in the contraction industry that puts a safety assistant at the individual’s fingertips. The state of mental health in the construction industry is concerning, with mental health struggles emerging as the deadliest danger. Studies reveal that over 5,000 male construction workers die from suicide annually, a rate five times higher than work-related injuries. This alarming statistic highlights a crisis that has only recently gained public attention. Anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are prevalent among construction workers, exacerbated by high-stress environments, long hours, and job insecurity. Despite growing awareness, mental health issues remain underdiagnosed and undertreated, with fewer than 5% of construction workers seeking professional help. Efforts to address this crisis include mental health first-aid training and suicide prevention initiatives, but implementing these measures faces significant challenges. To learn more, go to www.SafetyEHD.com or contact robbyl@stoutllc.com.

Dive into Episode #137 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Dr. Linda McGhee about her journey from a career as a government finance litigator to a second career as a clinical psychologist. There is a documented shortage of psychologists in the United States. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 60% of psychologists reported having no openings for new patients in a 2022 survey. However, filling the shortage has several issues, including some that are safety-related. The wide-ranging conversation discussed her career and some of the distinctions that exist in the field of psychology. Dr. McGhee also discusses some of the psychological challenges of the field itself and some of the linens and credentialling issues that contribute to the lack of mental health providers in the United States.

Dive into Episode #136 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Jesslyn McCutcheon, a mental health counselor and author about lived experience living with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans, or about 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older every year. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. People with bipolar disorder can experience intense emotional states, which can include episodes of feeling overly happy and energized and, at other times, feeling very sad, hopeless, and sluggish. These episodes can vary in duration and frequency. However, with proper treatment and management, individuals with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling and productive lives. Jessyln will not only speak about her experience but share a bit about her new book “Fighting Goliath’” which chronicles her experience dealing with the giant in her life, bipolar disorder.

Dive into Episode #135 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Sahca Thompson. Ms. Thompson was a guest on Episode 32 and now returns to discuss the DEI backlash that has manifested in the past few years. The backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts can be attributed to several factors: · Some people misunderstand DEI initiatives, believing they lead to reverse discrimination or exclusion rather than fostering true inclusion. · Some employees perceive that DEI initiatives benefit certain groups at the expense of others, leading to feelings of being left out or disadvantaged. · DEI efforts have become politicized, with some viewing them as part of a broader cultural or ideological agenda. · Early enthusiasm for DEI sometimes led to rushed implementations and vague definitions, which failed to address deeper systemic issues. · Organizations fear lawsuits and financial repercussions, leading some to scale back or quietly continue DEI efforts without publicizing them.