Safety as Unusual with Cal Beyer

NSSGA Podcast

Welcome to a special episode of Safety Shorts where Libby is joined by Cal Beyer, Vice President of Workforce Risk and Worker Wellbeing at Holmes Murphy and Associates. The focus today is squarely on the crucial topics of mental health and reframing safety, as Cal shares valuable insights and thought-provoking perspectives gleaned over his extensive 30+ years of experience in workplace mental health. Together, he and Libby explore the importance of integrating mental health into safety practices and creating a culture of care in the workplace.

Episode Highlights:

• Celebrate and recognize the significance of health and safety throughout the entire year, not just during National Safety Month

• Embrace a fresh approach to safety by breaking away from traditional norms and emphasizing mental health as an integral aspect

• Understand the historical separation between occupational safety and health, and the importance of bridging the gap for overall well-being.

• Explore the impact of workplace mental health and the significance of addressing mental health issues to promote a caring culture

• Discover how education and awareness play a vital role in achieving voluntary compliance and preventing occupational injuries

• Recognize the necessity of reframing safety practices to include mental health and suicide prevention, creating a holistic approach to well-being

• Understand the importance of involving families in safety initiatives to foster a comprehensive understanding of the significance of safety in all aspects of life

Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions:

• In this episode, Cal discusses reframing safety to involve not just getting people home safely but getting them back to work safely the next day. What do you think of this mindset?

• What safety elements can you use at home?

• Does anyone have a story about rethinking and reframing safety?

Quotes:

"What I learned over time, the way to win the hearts of employees, to win their minds, was to talk about safety as unusual."

"It was time to change and reframe safety 24/7 culture... We could offer workers hope, help, and recovery not only for themselves, their peers, but their families."

"There's always been this stigma around it, but we're, I think, finally making some strides into breaking into that space, normalizing it more."

"The importance of bringing in the family and the importance of bringing safety into the home... you're starting to get into people's minds of, 'Oh, this is really important for my overall life.'"

Links:

National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website

Cal Beyer