Farmers kickstart the journey many essential goods make from the field to the table. While farming is the backbone of many communities and economies, it is also one of the most dangerous professions. From heavy machinery and hazardous chemicals to unpredictable weather conditions, farm workers face safety risks at every turn. Learn how to reduce risk and introduce innovation with Brad Minor, Senior Safety and Risk Consultant at MEM.

Injuries and emergencies happen in the workplace. Critical minutes pass between calling for help and first responders arriving. First aid skills, such as CPR and giving rescue breaths, often make the difference between life and death. Learn the invaluable role of healthcare literacy for employees with Drew Toma, career paramedic, educator, and creator of Save with CPR.

As costs continue to rise, many business owners are looking for ways to save money and confirm their expenses reflect their priorities. Most businesses are legally required to have workers compensation insurance. Payroll and employee classifications play an important role in how much work comp premium costs. Learn why keeping accurate records is essential and can save you money on premium with Tina Austin, Premium Consultant Supervisor at MEM.

Planning ahead for workplace incidents is an essential task for any business. Despite safety rules and risk reduction, getting injured on the job is still a possibility. Emotions run high in the immediate aftermath of an injury. Learn how to put a plan of care in place ahead of time with Lyndi Barthel, Manager of Medical Services and Case Management at MEM.

Handling animals comes with unique risks and challenges. It's essential to equip yourself with the right knowledge and techniques to protect yourself. Join Dale Muenks, Safety and Risk Specialist at MEM, to learn about everything from understanding animal behaviors to implementing proper safety protocols.

Women are a growing employee community in the traditionally male-dominated field of construction. There are countless advantages to diversifying a company's workforce. With those advantages, there are also opportunities to make sure everyone is working in a safe and healthy environment. Discover how an increasing number of women in the construction industry is sparking new and important conversations with Susan Hart, Vice President of Reinhardt Construction.

The 2024 Show Me Your Score contest encouraged employers to hone in on driving safety by tracking and rewarding safe driving behaviors. The city of Ashland, MO took home the prize with a score of 97.3 out of 100 possible points. Learn more about their contest experience and how they keep their employees safe with Kyle Michael, Administrator for the city of Ashland.

In the past few years, marijuana use in Missouri has been a changing landscape. First, medical use of marijuana became more readily available. Then, recreational use was legalized. In a short window of time, how and when marijuana can be used has changed quite a bit more Missouri residents - and what that means for Missouri employers. Take away seven practical tips from Larry Lambert, a member of MEM's legal team and Director of Legal and Compliance.

Everyone deserves to work in a safe and healthy workplace. The health of a workplace's culture either contributes to the risk of on-the-job injuries or preventing them. Cultures are complex by nature and often feel difficult for employers to address. Learn practical ways to foster a culture of well-being in any workplace with Andrea Neal, Senior Health Management Consultant at Marsh McLennan Agency.

In today's world, neurodivergence impacts an estimated 15 - 20% of the world's population. Neurodivergent conditions include dyslexia, ADHD, ADD, social anxiety, or sensory processing disorder disorders. Employees impacted by one or more of these bring some unique strengths - and have some unique challenges - in the workplace. Discover how an understanding of different ways of processing and thinking can help ensure the success of a business in multiple ways with Daniel Wysocki, board-certified therapist with more than ten years of experience providing counseling and pyschological services.

When it comes to work comp, a common saying rings true: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The best way to ensure employees make it home safety every day is to prepare. However, injuries do happen. At the time of injury, choosing the right next step is crucial. Learn how a nurse triage program helps injured workers and their employers navigate what comes next with Lyndi Barthel, Manager of Medical Services and Case Management at MEM.

As the cost of doing business continues to rise, employers are always looking for ways to ensure their operations are efficient and cost effective. Workplace wellness focuses finding areas to invest in, rather than simply cutting costs. The return on those investments can be substantial - not just for operations, but also for employees. Learn how to implement a workplace wellness program with Paula Nicholson, Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), formed in 1972, serves as a way to ensure the safety of America's workforce. Every state has its own unique work comp laws; OSHA provides a set of standards. Managing the requirement, and protecting employees, can seem like a daunting task for employers. Learn how safety rules, standards, laws and regulations work together to keep employees safe with Sheila Schmidt, Safety and Risk Services Manager at MEM.

Trauma is a term we hear used more often today than ever before. It can lead to a ripple effect, impacting everything from a person's ability to make decisions to how they handle stress. What qualifies as trauma? And how to employers prevent it from leading to distraction and an uptick in injuries on the job? Learn what these stored experiences mean for our minds, bodies - and our safety - with Kelly Campbell, certified trauma-informed leadership coach, author, and keynote speaker.

Work-related injuries present a substantial hurdle to companies across all industries. Not only do they sap time, productivity, and financial resources, but they also damage employee morale. These issues are intensified when injured workers choose to pursue additional legal action. Learn how to prevent and prepare for litigation in your workplace with Laura Sides-Cooper, Managing Attorney at MEM.

Many employers invest a lot of time in maintaining a safe workplace. They arrange safety training, buy personal protective equipment, and call out risky behavior with corrective action. But what impact do these efforts have beyond the business? Learn how employees take these safety lessons home and the benefit of applying them with return guest Aaron Paris, Director of Safety at the Robert E. Miller Group.

Safety in the job is widely associated with doing the right thing. That usually translates into performing our workplace duties in an ethical way. However, no one is perfect. Unexpected scenarios often require us to pivot from our usual way of doing things - and in reality, making the right choice is often more gray than black and white. Learn how to adapt to these challenges and gather the information you need to make the best choice with Dr. Dan Snyder, owner and founder of Safety Mentor.

Unless they are paid to compete professionally, most employees don't consider themselves to be athletes. However, manual labor and frequent movement are a requirement in many industries. Commitment to physical and mental health is critical to an athlete's success - and for any employee. Learn how using the industrial athlete mindset can kickstart the average employee's approach to work with Kelly Feldkamp, founder of ProVention Plus.

Getting employee buy-in is an essential step in building a safety culture. Forming a safety committee is a great way to engage with employees and empower them to work safely. Safety committees are considered so effective that in some states, they are actually required in the workplace. Learn how to start your own safety committee with Sheila Schmidt, Safety & Risk Services Manager at MEM.

Telematics is a form of technology that allows us to pass information over long distances. For an employer managing drivers, whether it's a single delivery driver or a fleet of truckers, telematics is a way to keep employees safe. Learn about the science of telematics and its benefits with Ryan McMahon, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development for Cambridge Mobile Telematics.

A safety plan is essential for any business owner who directs employees in the course of daily operations. Safety risks are present in every industry. Whether your employees use tools or equipment, operate company vehicles, or deal with the public, it's essential to outline safety expectations. Learn how a safety plan goes a long way in preventing injuries and reducing on-the-job incidents with Mark Woodward, Senior Safety and Risk Trainer at MEM.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are terms used increasingly in the workplace today. At the center of the movement is an effort to include employees from all different walks of life. However, these terms can often mean different things to different people. Learn what DEI efforts look like and how they can make a difference in your workplace with Dan Lester, Director of Vice President of Field Culture and Inclusion at Clayco, and Burnea Lester, Director of Communications and Community Relations at SITE Improvement Association St. Louis.

Employers shouldn't leave workplace safety down to luck. It's essential to measure risk exposure, or the potential that an incident might occur. Learn how to create safe environments where people want to work and be with Elizabeth Prazeres, organizational effectiveness and change management expert at DEKRA.

Struck-by incidents are a common workplace hazard in bustling industries. Where there is moving machinery, whirling equipment, or turning wheels, employees are at risk of being struck. Learn how to reduce this kind of exposure and keep employees safe with Terry Dussault, environmental health and safety professional and founder of Yellowknife Consulting Services.

A safe work environment is essential to running a business safely. The International Code Council is a collection of professionals who set building safety standards, from building design to codes and regulations. Learn how these standards shape the structural integrity of buildings today with Dominic Sims, Chief Executive Officer of the International Code Council (ICC).

Workplace violence is unique in that it's a hazard any industry is subject to. Certain employee groups are particularly at risk in today's workforce: those who serve customers or patients, handle a lot of cash, or are undocumented. Learn what an employer's role is in protecting these vulnerable groups with Yasmine Mustafa, co-founder and CEO of Roar, and workplace violence prevention expert Kimberly Urbanek.

Creating an effective safety plan can seem like a huge undertaking if  you don't specialize in it. They are often made of multiple moving parts. Small- to medium-sized businesses are growing every year. How can they put together an effective safety plan for the first time, or even with limited resources? Learn about building an effective safety plan using safety rules - and what they can and can't do for your business, with Mark Woodward, Senior Safety and Risk Trainer at MEM.

Businesses often see workplace safety as something that requires a lot of time and money. They worry that the extra effort may threaten existing productivity and processes. However, studies continue to show that employees that feel safe perform better on the job than those who don't. Learn how leaders can leverage safety as a tool that provides for business growth with Greg Davis, CEO of Big Leaf Networks.

Mental health and work comp claims are often tightly intertwined. Many people think of only the physical side of a claim: the injury, the doctor's visits, and the rehabilitation. But an injured worker's mental health can actually become a documented part of a claim - with or without a physical injury. Learn how mental health claims are managed with Vickie Egan, Case Management Services Supervisor at Missouri Employers Mutual.

The impact of a toxic work environment can affect employees' mental health and a business's bottom line. But what's the difference between naturally-occurring differences and something more hazardous? Learn about the hallmarks of a toxic work enviroment with Jessica Childress, award-winning employment attorney.

Having zero injuries in the workplace is the right goal for any business. But the reality is that occasionally people get hurt on the job. What happens after a claim is filed? Discover the benefits of getting employees back on the job sooner with Human Resources professionals Debbie Larsen and Pam McCracken of The Arc of the Ozarks.

Employee burnout affects nearly 77% of today's workforce. With such a large portion of employees affected, this issue is one employers should keep their eyes on. But what does the word 'burnout' really mean? Learn what burnout looks like in affected employees and the risks it brings to the job with Dr. Arpit Aggarwal, the Medical Director of Psychiatric Emergency Services at the Missouri Psychiatric Center.

From mass shootings to classroom assaults, schools today are fraught with violence. Studies show nearly half of all educators and a third of administrative and support staff are considering transferring or leaving the field for good. School violence poses a threat not just to students, but victimizes employees in the process. Learn how schools can support educators with Dr. Susan D. McMahon, Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Programs for the College of Science and Health at DePaul University and Chair of the American Psychological Association Task Force on Violence Against Educators

Safety in the workplace is critical for all businesses, regardless of the organization's size. Depending on your industry, hiring safety professionals, investing in equipment, or providing safety training may be part of a comprehensive safety plan. Learn how to find a solution that fits your business with Gavin Coyle, consultant and author of Workplace Safety on a Budget.

Heart health matters in the workplace. High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease go hand in hand. Many Americans are unaware they are affected by these conditions. Learn how preventative action and disease management save lives with Dr. Sudhi Tyagi, interventional cardiologist and board-certified provider in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, echocardiography and nuclear medicine.

Audits are an essential part of any work comp policy. This process helps employers pay the right amount of premium - nothing more, nothing less. Discover what an audit does for your business, and how to prepare for one, with Tina Austin, Premium Consultation Specialist at Missouri Employers Mutual.

Temporary employees are a much-needed solution in many industries. Extra hands help businesses get through the busiest times of the year. However, temporary employees can be much like new hires: untrained, unfamiliar with the industry, and unsure on the job. Learn how to reduce seasonal safety risk with Bill McDonald, Area Director of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) St. Louis office.

Heat stress is a hidden hazard that comes with warmer weather. The U.S Department of Labor reported 344 worker deaths related to heat exposure between 2011 and 2019. Learn how this common workplace risk can be avoided with return guest Rod Harvey, Director of Industrial Hygiene and Field Operations with RHP Risk Management.

Drones are at the forefront of the new technology frontier. These high-flying machines range from the size of a small airplane to pocket-size. Available for non-military use for more than 15 years, they are used in many industry areas. Discover what drones are capable of, and how they can be used to increase safety on the job, with David Day, certified drone pilot and co-owner of Altitude University.

Running a business often requires an owner to wear many hats. Understandably, some details of workplace safety get lost in the mix. One area that is commonly overlooked is fire safety. Many people know the basics: fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency exits. However, there are a few items that go unnoticed. Learn how to check essential requirements off your fire safety list with Tim Beam, Missouri State Fire Marshal.

Have you ever been involved an incident that appeared to only be partially or completely not your fault? These situations can get complicated quickly. It can often become a he-said, she-said disagreement. Work comp insurance companies have tools and resources to help sort through the facts. When another party is liable for damage or injuries, an important process begins: subrogation. Learn what the subrogation process is and how it benefits employers with Michelle Palmer, Subrogation Manager at Missouri Employers Mutual.

Marijuana is more accessible than ever in Missouri. Residents can now purchase it for medical and recreational use. Cannabis in the workplace has significant implications. Learn practical ways to protect your business and your employees with Larry Lambert, General Counsel at Missouri Employers Mutual.

Machines are an essential to getting a job done in many industries. But this energized equipment holds unseen hazards, and it only takes one moment to change a life. Discover how a lockout/tagout (LOTO) program can differ between an efficient workday and a catastrophic incident with Rod Harvey, Director of Industrial Hygiene and Field Operations with RHP Risk Management.

Being tired on the job is nothing new for the average employee. But a fatigued employee can create liability for a business. But how do employers know when a worker has reached the tipping point - when being mentally and physically drained becomes dangerous? Learn how a new form of technology is bridging the gap with Jeff Akers and Jeff Sease, CEO and COO at Predictive Safety.

The WorkSAFE Podcast began in 2017 as a way to spread workplace safety and workers compensation information to a broad audience. Join us for a special anniversary episode where host Heather Carl and Marketing Content Strategist and podcast producer Alan Combs share our top five episodes and some hidden gems.

Insurance is something that provides protection against a possible eventuality. You can pay to insure just about anything you value: your home and health, even treasured possessions. Understand how a work comp policy protects your business with Christian DeLozier, Proactive Business Risk & Insurance Consultant for Mike Keith Insurance, Inc.

What does it take to produce the goods that feed a nation? Further, what happens when your livelihood depends on it? Stress and uncertainty are a part of daily life in the agriculture industry. Learn how farmers and ranchers can get the support they need with Dr. Tara Haskins, Total Farmer Health Director for AgriSafe.

The cost of goods and services is increasing, and buyers aren't the only ones affected. Businesses are also battling to maintain their bottom line. Understand how inflation impacts work comp and how claims costs are handled with Andy Ribaudo, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Missouri Employers Mutual, and Lyndi Barthel, Manager of Medical Services.

Getting employees to buy into safety can be a challenge for employers, no matter what industry they're in. But when you include them in the conversation, it isn't impossible. Learn how to use stories of risk and injury to fuel workplace change with Patrick Nelson, founder of Loyalty Point Leadership.