Best Southwest Research Institute Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 267 - Matt Herron of the Southwest Research Institute 27:42

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18d ago27:42

27:42

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 Occu…

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Episode 270 - Empower Employees to Correct Hazards 6:22

10d ago6:22

6:22

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.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 269 - Hearing and Listening to Employees about Hazards 4:57

11d ago4:57

4:57

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.…

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Episode 268 - Rod Courtney - 8 Habits of a Highly Effective Safety Culture 33:40

13d ago33:40

33:40

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.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 266 - Patience in Occupational Safety 6:26

24d ago6:26

6:26

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks about having patience when implementing safety programs, policies, metrics. Change will not happen overnight.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 265 - Be the Safety Leader that you want to follow 7:53

24d ago7:53

7:53

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks about important life lessons he learned from former bosses. Are you the Safety Leader that you want to follow?By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 264 - Listen more than you speak 5:19

1M ago5:19

5:19

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses a strategy that has worked very well for him when asking employees to identify hazards. Do everything you can to listen more than you speak. Employees have great insights to the hazards and how to correct them.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 263 - Task Competency and Occupational Safety 5:03

1M ago5:03

5:03

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses task competency and occupational safety. When do you let a new hire operate on their own? Is passing a test only considered competency or do they need to perform a hands-on demonstration? Please like, listen and subscribe to the Occupational Safety Leadership Podcast.…

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Episode 262 - Ken Reed - Root Cause Analysis (RCA) 24:27

2M ago24:27

24:27

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks with Ken Reed, VP at TapRoot about Root Cause Analysis (RCA). It's bad enough when an accident/incident occurs but companies should learn from it and make sure it never happens again. The point of RCA is to peel back the onion and figure out the root causes of the accident/incident. Never blame the employee. We d…

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Episode 261 - Story Telling and Occupational Safety 3:49

2M ago3:49

3:49

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the power of storytelling when presenting training in occupational safety. Storytelling helps make the safety training personal and helps keep employees engaged in learning.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 260 - Occupational Safety - Over Commitment 5:57

2M ago5:57

5:57

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the pitfalls of over commitment in occupational safety. A strategy is to use a method to risk rank the hazard or risk. Time, money, effort, etc. is a finite resource. All hazards cannot be tackled at the same time.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 259 - Expect Hardship in Occupational Safety 4:52

2M ago4:52

4:52

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses that as Safety Professionals, we should expect hardship and stop thinking everything is so easy. Get input and buy-in from employees, then implement policies, training, etc. Then the employees have skin in the game.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 258 - Tracy Krieger - Shelter in Place and 5150 in California 19:45

2M ago19:45

19:45

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks to Tracy Krieger of OC Safety about an incident she had at a company where an employee was experiencing a mental health crisis. Tracy goes into the response and the lessons learned from the incident. This was a great interview and outlines an area where Safety Professionals should have a plan ready in case such a…

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Remembering Ed Pink featuring Frank Honsowetz 57:32

2M ago57:32

57:32

Hidden Horsepower: Remembering Ed PinkIn this special tribute episode of Hidden Horsepower, hosts Keith Jones, Director of Technical Sales for Total Seal Piston Rings, and Joe Castello welcome Frank Honsowetz, former President and General Manager of Ed Pink Racing Engines, to reflect on the extraordinary life and legacy of legendary engine builder …

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Episode 257 - Favoritism in Occupational Safety 5:31

2M ago5:31

5:31

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses a story with one of his old friends where he was accused of favoritism. We naturally become friends with employees in the workplace, but hazards and unsafe behavior cannot be overlooked just because you are friends.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 256 - Occupational Safety - Training for a new skill 7:38

2M ago7:38

7:38

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses training for a new skill and bringing new hires onboard. Do we actually train employees or just assume they know what they are doing? Or do we put them with an "old-timer" to show them the ropes?By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 255 - Occupational Safety - Beware of Rabbit Holes 2:43

2M ago2:43

2:43

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses framing success when answer a safety question and beware of rabbit holes. Dr. Ayers is a recovering "Rabbit Hole Expert".By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 254 - Occupational Safety - Micromanagement 6:51

3M ago6:51

6:51

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses micromanagement. Is it the employee or the supervisors that needs help? I'd argue more that it's the supervisor who wants things done a certain way. Don't micromanage employees.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 253 - Occupational Safety - Don't be a ticket puncher 4:35

3M ago4:35

4:35

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks about not being a ticket puncher. A ticket puncher is someone who cares about the next promotion as opposed to being focused on helping employees reduce hazards. Don't be a Ticket Puncher.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 252 - Occupational Safety - Find Employees who Speak Freely 8:36

3M ago8:36

8:36

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses a strategy to find employees who speak freely about hazards in the workplace. If you are a new safety person as the facility, have patience.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 251 - Occupational Safety - Stay on the Path 5:03

3M ago5:03

5:03

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses a recent phone call with another safety professional expressing their concerns about being laid off and getting out of the safety profession. It hasn't been all rainbows and unicorns, but I think safety is a great profession and I have gotten a great deal of satisfaction from solving difficult and demanding h…

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Episode 250 - Universal Waste Management 24:14

3M ago24:14

24:14

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers has Phil from Hazmat Scholars to discuss Universal Waste Management. Phil was also featured in episode 222 and 230 discussing hazardous waste management. Universal waste management is not always understood, and this is a can't miss episode.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 249 - Occupational Safety - Performing Gap Assessments 6:47

3M ago6:47

6:47

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses performing a gap assessment and getting to success in your safety programs. The first step is to frame success and then work towards that.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 248 - Use the Employee's Safety Plan 4:04

3M ago4:04

4:04

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks about using the employee's safety plan. Review and ask for clarifications but they have already bought into their own plan. Use their safety plan.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 247 - Occupational Safety - Mission, not Company 3:12

3M ago3:12

3:12

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses why he got into the field of Occupational Safety. For Dr. Ayers it's about helping people and reducing injuries and illnesses. There is no correct answer, this is an answer each Safety Professional must answer for themselves.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 246 - Occupational Safety - Composure 5:03

4M ago5:03

5:03

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks about keeping your composure. As Safety Professionals, we need to have a level head. Employees look to us to have a plan.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 245 - If you don't know, just own it 4:39

4M ago4:39

4:39

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers speaks to his younger self. If you don't know something, just own it. Ask questions, let employees explain the equipment and build relationships.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 244 - The "F" Word in Occupational Safety - Focus 4:37

4M ago4:37

4:37

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the dreaded "F" word in Occupational Safety. How are you getting "Focus" time at work?By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 243 - Occupational Safety - Are you Busy or Productive 4:27

4M ago4:27

4:27

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers asks the question, "Are you busy or productive?" In safety it's difficult to balance everything but are you avoiding issues by being busy?By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 242 - Occupational Safety - List Maintenance 7:46

4M ago7:46

7:46

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the various lists associated with tracking new hire orientation and training. Who is using software and saving time/effort?By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 241 - Occupational Safety - Comfort Zone Danger 5:25

4M ago5:25

5:25

In today's episode older Dr. Ayers talks to young Dr. Ayers about avoiding the comfort zone. Growth does not happen in the comfort zone, get out.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 240 - Occupational Safety - Imposter Syndrome 4:45

4M ago4:45

4:45

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers starts to peel back the onion on imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is generally expressed through self-doubt in your abilities even when you have shown a clear pattern of completed the tasks. Dr. Ayers discusses what he does to combat imposter syndrome.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Mike Moran - E89 Decades of Experience 1:06:21

4M ago1:06:21

1:06:21

"Join engine building legend and racer Mike Moran, alongside hosts Keith Jones, Director of Technical Sales at Total Seal, and Joe Castello, for Total Seal Hidden Horsepower—a must-watch YouTube series and podcast for performance enthusiasts. Dive deep into the world of high-performance engine building as Mike shares decades of hard-earned expertis…

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Episode 239 - Don't expect results without getting your hands dirty 4:23

4M ago4:23

4:23

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers compares growing vegetables to rolling out safety programs. They both need plenty of light, rain, protection from animals and pulling weeds to thrive.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 238 - Dr. Megan Tranter - Safety Career Coach 29:16

5M ago29:16

29:16

In todays' episode, Dr. Ayers discusses career skills with Dr. Megan Tranter. Dr. Tranter is a Safety Career Coach. She specializes in helping safety professionals go to the next level along with understanding what they really want from the safety profession.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 237 - Occupational Safety - Don't be a Seagull 4:17

5M ago4:17

4:17

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks about not becoming a "Seagull Safety Professional". The seagull will swoop into a factory, lab or office; tell employees everything they have done wrong and fly away. Some Seagulls come to the facility, steal a good idea and promote it as their own. Don't be a "Seagull Safety Professional".…

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Episode 236 - Occupational Safety - Lone Worker Policy 5:23

5M ago5:23

5:23

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers asks the question about lone worker policies. Someone is always the first in the office as well as the last to lock up. What activities does your company allow employees to perform when they are the only one in the office?By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 235 - Tim Pottoroff-MSDs and Opioids - A Threat to Limb and Life 33:20

5M ago33:20

33:20

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) and opioids used for pain (management/mismanagement) with Tim Pottoroff. "Ergo Tim" is a repeat guest and discusses early intervention to prevent MSDs along with using techniques found in Prevention through Design (PtD) to set the working environment up to reduce MSDs. Ove…

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Episode 234 - Occupational Safety - Hazard Correction Fixation Syndrome 5:29

5M ago5:29

5:29

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers makes up a term "Hazard Correction Fixation Syndrome". this is when we as Safety Professionals get fixated on correcting a hazard and don't see other hazards in the area. Take a step back and see the whole picture, get input from employees on finding and correcting hazards.…

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Episode 233 - Wendy Buckley - Lithium Fire Hazards 24:02

5M ago24:02

24:02

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discuss lithium fire hazards with Wendy Buckley of Stars Hazmat. Wendy has a lot of knowledge about lithium batteries. Wendy discusses the hazards along with the "extra" fire protection needed (class "D" Fire Extinguishers) and discusses best industry practices such as bringing your local fire department through the fa…

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Episode 232 - Occupational Safety - The plan is never going to be perfect 3:27

5M ago3:27

3:27

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses taking action. As Safety Professionals, we do a great job of identifying hazards and looking for ways to reduce injury. Take action, the plan is never going to be perfect.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 231 - Occupational Safety - Start Making a list of things to Stop Doing 5:48

5M ago5:48

5:48

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses examining your life and way you work and make a list to stop doing. Take an objective deep dive and think about the things you want to change.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 230 - When is a Chemical considered a Hazardous Waste 26:10

5M ago26:10

26:10

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks to repeat guest Phil from HAZMAT Scholar. Dave and Phil discuss the topic of when a chemical is considered a hazardous waste along with strategies to dispose of the hazardous waste.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Beekeeping Program at Institute of American Indian Arts 49:48

5M ago49:48

49:48

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, three fourths of the world's flowering plants and about 35 percent of the world's food crops depend on pollinators to reproduce. We interviewed Melanie Kirby and Davon Collins to learn more about the beekeping program at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM. Relevant Links: IAIA’s Be…

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Episode 229 - Leave your desk 3:46

5M ago3:46

3:46

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers talks about leaving the comfort of your desk and interacting with the workforce. Talk to the employees and eliminate the hazards.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 228 - Psychological Safety with Tracy Krieger - Part 2 22:33

6M ago22:33

22:33

On today's episode, Dr. Ayers speaks to repeat guest Tracy Krieger of Safety OC. This is a continuation of episode 19 where we discussed psychological safety and what companies can do to help employees. Tracy discusses performing a baseline survey and then acting on those results.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 227 - Occupational Safety - Deconstructive Feedback 6:39

6M ago6:39

6:39

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discuss when deconstructive feedback is provided and strategies to peel the onion back and understand the feedback from the employee's perspective.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 226 - Occupational Safety - Hand Tools and Organizing My Garage 5:07

6M ago5:07

5:07

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the need to have the correct tools to complete the task at hand. Talk to your employees and ensure they have the correct hand tools to get the job done.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 225 - Mike Starner - National Electrical Contractors Association 28:12

6M ago28:12

28:12

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses the electrical hazards with Mike Starner of the National Electrical Contractors Association. We also discuss the performing risk assessments along with the lesser-known hazards of the industry such as vehicle accidents and operating the bucket trucks.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management

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Episode 224 - Occupational Safety - Make a Decision 3:42

6M ago3:42

3:42

In today's episode, Dr. Ayers discusses making a decision. One of the ways to lose trust is to not make tough decisions.By Dr. Ayers/Applied Safety and Environmental Management