Two Bald Guys Talking Safety brings you the latest in all things health and safety. Langdon Dement, MS, CSP, AEP, and Julian Taylor cover topics on keeping employees healthy and safe by whatever means necessary. Rarely more than 30 minutes and, if not educational, undoubtedly entertaining. Subscribe, so you don’t miss out on this bi-weekly podcast.
The Nightmare of Unknown Compliance: What Lurks in Your Data?
In this episode, Julian and Langdon shed light on the spooky reality of unused or mismanaged data. The duo dive into the importance of effectively managing the data collected throughout the year and how it impacts your compliance efforts. Listen as they explore what eerie gaps might be lurking in your system and discuss strategies for identifying missing data points.
10/24/2024 • 30 minutes, 50 seconds
Turn It Down! Tackling Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
In honor of National Protect Your Hearing Month, Julian and Langdon dive into the critical topic of hearing protection, emphasizing how noise-induced hearing loss affects both workplaces and daily life. With the increasing use of headphones and exposure to loud music, this issue is more relevant than ever. They share real-world examples, from the deafening noise in factories to their own experiences with tinnitus and noise-canceling headphones. Along the way, they stress the importance of proactive measures, such as reducing noise at the source, rather than relying solely on protective gear.
10/10/2024 • 26 minutes, 43 seconds
Part 2: Risk Awareness: Prioritizing Hazards and Profiling Risks in the Workplace
In part two of this two-part episode series, Julian and Langdon delve into the evolving approach to risk management in organizations. They explore how minor design changes or overlooked processes can have long-term consequences, and how businesses must stay proactive with regular risk assessments. Lastly, the conversation shifts to how creating risk profiles can facilitate more informed discussions with senior leadership about organizational risks and securing investment for mitigation strategies.
9/26/2024 • 17 minutes, 32 seconds
Part 1: Risk Awareness: Prioritizing Hazards and Profiling Risks in the Workplace
In part one of this two-part episode series, Julian and Langdon dive into the importance of recognizing and managing workplace hazards and risks. They discuss how organizations often conduct risk assessments and hazard analyses but fail to profile and prioritize risks across the business. A key point raised is the value of maintaining a risk register to help teams strategically address and reduce risk levels. Finally, they explore how external factors, such as employee mental well-being, can impact hazard awareness and overall safety.
9/12/2024 • 19 minutes, 54 seconds
Part 2: From Stress to Safety: Redefining Health Priorities in the Workplace
In part two of this two-part episode series, Julian, Langdon are Mark Nixon continue their discussion on the importance of stress and mental well-being management in the workplace. The trio explores how stress risk assessments succeed when managers make employees feel valued and focus on ways for creating a supportive work environment where psychological safety is prioritized.
8/29/2024 • 42 minutes, 28 seconds
From Stress to Safety: Redefining Health Priorities in the Workplace
In part one of this two-part episode series, Julian and Langdon are joined by Mark Nixon to discuss the critical role of mental health in the broader context of health and safety. The bald trio explores a shift in priorities from profit to the well-being of employees, emphasizing that mental health is fundamental to overall health. The discussion highlights the necessity for businesses to foster psychological safety, allowing employees to speak up about their issues without fear. Finally, they touch on the importance of conducting stress risk assessments to mitigate work-related stress and fulfill the duty of care employers owe to their staff.
8/15/2024 • 35 minutes, 29 seconds
Survey Results: Enhancing Safety Through Leadership Support
In this episode, Julian and Langdon welcome Karen J. Hewitt, director at LEADERLIKE LIMITED, to discuss the insights from her recent survey on engagement in health and safety. With over 200 UK-based health and safety professionals, the survey explored current challenges and effective strategies in the field. Karen shares intriguing findings, highlighting the significant issues of time constraints and lack of senior leadership support. She emphasizes the crucial role of senior leaders in fostering safe operations, suggesting that their engagement is key to frontline success. The discussion delves into practical steps leaders can take to genuinely support and communicate health and safety priorities within their organizations.
8/1/2024 • 49 minutes, 14 seconds
Go Home Safe: The Key to Engaging Employees for a Safer Workplace
In this episode, Julian and Langdon are joined by Simon Raywood, head of health and safety at MKM Building Supplies, with 25 years of experience in EHS. Raywood emphasizes shifting from negative perceptions of health and safety to focusing on positive impacts on business performance. Listen as he highlights MKM's successful "Go Home Safe" campaign, which focuses on promoting positive safety behaviors both internally and through social media.
7/18/2024 • 51 minutes, 42 seconds
Heat Stress Awareness: Protecting Employees During Extreme Weather
In this live episode, Julian and Langdon will discuss the serious heat waves impacting the U.S. and the resulting safety concerns of working in these conditions. Many workers are not acclimatized, leading to heat stress, heat exhaustion and dehydration. The duo will explore the various types of heat-related illnesses and their symptoms, while sharing essential precautions to help reduce the risk and protect employees from heat-related health issues.
7/4/2024 • 44 minutes, 27 seconds
Balancing the Focus Between Risk and Incidents
In this episode, Julian and Langdon delve into the nuances of effective risk management and how organizations often focus too much on incident management after the fact. They discuss the importance of moving beyond just compliance and governance, exploring the concept of a proactive learning culture. The duo highlights the critical need to assess real risks, like preventing serious injuries and fatalities, rather than just ticking boxes for minor safety protocols. Emphasizing the importance of holistic job safety analysis, they challenge the conventional approaches and explore what the next phase of health and safety management should look like.
6/20/2024 • 37 minutes, 2 seconds
Navigating Osha's New Hazcom Standard: What You Need To Know
In this live episode, Julian and Langdon break down OSHA's updated Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), rolling out on July 19, 2024. They explore how the revised standard will enhance chemical hazard communication and recap the decade-long journey and industry advocacy that brought about these changes.
6/6/2024 • 41 minutes, 6 seconds
Safety First: Back to Basics with the Hierarchy of Controls
In this episode, Julian and Langdon discuss the common misconceptions people have about PPE and emphasize the importance of adhering to the Hierarchy of Controls in workplace safety. They explore the trap that many organizations fall into of failing to regularly review and improve their safety protocols, relying too heavily on existing measures without considering technological advancements or engineering out hazards. Highlighting the need for proactive hazard identification and rectification, the bald duo advocates for making safety integral to every task, emphasizing that this approach is the key to reducing serious injuries and fatalities.
5/23/2024 • 28 minutes, 33 seconds
Diverse Voices, Safer Spaces: Empowering Women in Health and Safety
In this episode, Julian and Langdon are joined by special guest Crystal Danbury, a seasoned safety professional with over two decades of experience and co-host of the health and safety podcast, Speak! Working for a leading FTSE 100 retailer, Danbury discusses the significance of women's representation in the safety industry and highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of workplace hazards. Tune in as she shares insights on empowering women and creating safer workplaces for everyone.
5/9/2024 • 55 minutes, 44 seconds
Leveraging EHS Software To Supercharge Your Career
In episode 246, Julian and Language delve into AI's evolution and ethical concerns like algorithmic biases and job displacement. Emphasizing the need for AI literacy, they explore the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders for responsible and equitable AI development and governance.
5/2/2024 • 46 minutes, 33 seconds
Recorded at Red Bull Studios: Inside Wings for Life's Fight Against Spinal Cord Injury
In this episode, Julian and Langdon visit Red Bull headquarters to speak with Emma Hind, CEO of Wings for Life UK, about the global foundation’s mission: finding a cure for spinal cord injury. Hind gives the bald guys a history lesson on the foundation's origins, tied closely to Red Bull through its founders, Dietrich Mateschitz, the late founder of Red Bull and Heinz Kinigadner, two-time motocross world champion. Wings for Life would like listeners to know that despite the devastating nature of spinal cord injuries, individuals impacted by them show incredible resilience and positivity, refusing to be defined by their condition. Join us as we explore the inspiring stories and impactful work of those dedicated to making a difference for the future.Support Wings for Life here: www.wingsforlife.comSign up for the World Run here: www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com
4/11/2024 • 31 minutes, 11 seconds
Workplace Culture Is Like a Jar of Jelly Beans
In this episode, special guest Ryan Costello, director of safety and risk at Sila Services, joins Julian and Langdon as they explore the intricacies of workplace education and the importance of individuality. Highlighting his company's dedication to continued learning, Costello walks us through the significance of hands-on training in controlled environments and emphasizes the importance of treating employees as intelligent individuals. Join these THREE bald guys as they navigate how to tailor approaches to meet the specific needs of each employee, cultivating a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture.
3/28/2024 • 56 minutes, 19 seconds
Why We Hate "Safety Culture"
In our first-ever live episode, Julian and Langdon explain why they hate the term, “safety culture.” They discuss the dangers of merely claiming to have a “safety culture” without integrating it into the broader business culture. Drawing on personal experiences and industry insights, they highlight the importance of aligning safety initiatives with overall organizational goals and values. Through introspection and a commitment to ownership and accountability, they advocate for a holistic approach to safety that fosters a culture of continuous improvement and genuine commitment to worker well-being.
3/14/2024 • 48 minutes, 41 seconds
The Power of Safety: Alcoa's Journey to Success
In this episode, Julian and Langdon focus on how safety measures not only protect workers but also enhance business performance. Using the prime example of Alcoa, a leading aluminum company, the bald guys discuss how CEO Paul O'Neill initiated a bold safety-driven strategy, aiming to make Alcoa the safest company in America. Discover how O’Neill’s revolutionary approach was able to unite disparate groups within the company and ultimately lead to significant improvements in both worker well-being and business outcomes.
2/29/2024 • 34 minutes, 46 seconds
Mastering Regulatory Conversations: A Proactive Approach
2/15/2024 • 47 minutes, 3 seconds
Near-Misses to Safe Landings: Lessons Learned From Aviation Safety
2/1/2024 • 26 minutes, 7 seconds
The Unspoken Hazard: A Conversation on Construction Safety
1/18/2024 • 52 minutes, 46 seconds
New Year, Safer You: Turning Resolutions into Real Workplace Safety Habits
1/4/2024 • 25 minutes, 13 seconds
Echoes of the Past: Applying Bhopal Lessons to Today
12/14/2023 • 30 minutes, 13 seconds
Shifting the Mindset: From Safety Culture to Safe Operations
11/30/2023 • 42 minutes, 4 seconds
How to Help Health and Safety Make A Bigger Impact In 2024
11/16/2023 • 41 minutes, 38 seconds
Spooktacular Safety: Navigating Workplace Safety and Avoiding Common Ghoulish Mistakes
11/2/2023 • 37 minutes, 39 seconds
The Road to Safety: Paving the Way for Sustainability
10/19/2023 • 48 minutes, 23 seconds
Health and Safety Doesn’t Cost, It Pays
10/5/2023 • 43 minutes, 41 seconds
Rethinking Job Hazard Analysis to Improve Safety and Prevention
9/21/2023 • 37 minutes, 50 seconds
Inspection or Audit? Understanding the DNA of Workplace Safety
9/7/2023 • 42 minutes, 30 seconds
Safety: Cost or Investment? Changing Leadership Perceptions
This week Julian and Langdon are joined by Karen J. Hewitt who shares her fascinating journey in the health and safety industry and how her background in communications has been a key driver in getting to where she is today! Starting as an interpreter for the UN and moving into health and safety, this episode is jam-packed with advice on how we can better communicate and engage with those around us, as well as insights on how to create meaning for people when it comes to health and safety. 💡
8/24/2023 • 58 minutes, 3 seconds
A Real-Life Story of Mesothelioma Caused By Workplace Hazards
8/10/2023 • 37 minutes, 30 seconds
Reimagine Serious Injury Fatality Prevention: A Journey Towards Operational Learning: Part 2
7/27/2023 • 31 minutes, 15 seconds
Reimagine Serious Injury Fatality Prevention: A Journey Towards Operational Learning: Part 1
7/13/2023 • 37 minutes, 46 seconds
No Hair, No Fear Celebrating a Year of Safety Talks
7/6/2023 • 14 minutes, 27 seconds
Is National Safety Month Long Enough to Make a Difference?
6/29/2023 • 33 minutes, 8 seconds
How To Create Engaging Safety Training for the Goldfish Attention Span
6/15/2023 • 32 minutes, 4 seconds
Safety Simplified: Engaging Everyone in Workplace Health and Safety
6/1/2023 • 50 minutes, 11 seconds
Unleash Your EHS Potential by Leveraging Safety as a Catalyst for Industry Change
5/18/2023 • 53 minutes, 33 seconds
Minisode: Shaping Your Safety Culture From Traditional to Proactive
5/11/2023 • 12 minutes, 6 seconds
Disrupting the Safety Blame Cycle: Insights from Diane Chadwick-Jones, former Director of Human Performance at bp
5/4/2023 • 49 minutes, 55 seconds
The Maturity Curve: A Roadmap to Safety Excellence
4/20/2023 • 44 minutes, 40 seconds
Simplifying Safety Cutting Through the Pile of Paperwork
4/6/2023 • 38 minutes, 31 seconds
Contractor Management - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
3/24/2023 • 52 minutes, 37 seconds
Breaking Down an Actual Incident...Now What Happens?
3/9/2023 • 26 minutes, 59 seconds
The Next Generation of Health & Safety Professionals: Setting Them Up for Success
2/23/2023 • 33 minutes, 28 seconds
Failing To Fail: How To Redefine Safety Failures
2/10/2023 • 29 minutes, 46 seconds
Applying Marginal Gains To Achieve A Gold Medal in Safety...Part 2
1/26/2023 • 33 minutes, 16 seconds
Applying Marginal Gains To Achieve A Gold Medal in Safety...Part 1
1/12/2023 • 36 minutes, 45 seconds
What Comes First? Managing Workplace Incidents or Risk Mitigation?
12/22/2022 • 32 minutes, 25 seconds
Safety Trends Are Overdone! Top 5 Safety Tips To Actually Make a Difference in 2023
12/8/2022 • 32 minutes, 28 seconds
Looking for a DeLorean to Rescue Your EHS Data From the Past?
11/24/2022 • 19 minutes, 20 seconds
How to Gain MORE VALUE From Your EHS Data
11/10/2022 • 26 minutes, 48 seconds
Is Your Action Management As Effective As A Chocolate Tea Pot?
10/27/2022 • 28 minutes, 9 seconds
If Workplace Safety Incident Investigations Were Left To Magnum, P I
10/14/2022 • 34 minutes, 52 seconds
Dukes of Hazard (Spotting)
9/29/2022 • 35 minutes, 42 seconds
Why is Incident Management Important for EHS Professionals?
9/15/2022 • 31 minutes, 51 seconds
How to Make Safety Engagement Mean Something To Your Frontline Workers
9/1/2022 • 29 minutes, 50 seconds
Getting Your Senior Leadership Involved With EHS
8/18/2022 • 31 minutes, 28 seconds
Don’t Assume Training Means Learning
8/4/2022 • 31 minutes, 47 seconds
Using Wordle to Define What is 'Good' EHS
7/21/2022 • 33 minutes, 27 seconds
Safety 2022 in the Windy City
7/7/2022 • 19 minutes, 44 seconds
New Year, New Safety Goals?
1/6/2022 • 28 minutes, 26 seconds
If you're not zero, are you failing?
12/16/2021 • 28 minutes, 26 seconds
The Lone Wolf: The 'Myth' of the Solo Safety Professional