NSSGA Podcast

National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA)
  • 4.9 (10)
  • Business
  • Updated Bimonthly

News, updates, and much more from the National, Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA).

  1. The Importance of Workplace Examinations with Dr. Hunter Clymore

    Jun 4

    The Importance of Workplace Examinations with Dr. Hunter Clymore

    Dr. Hunter Clymore, Director of Safety with Vista Minerals, joins Emily to discuss proactive safety through the lens of workplace examinations. As part of NSSGA's recognition of National Safety Month, Hunter shares his expertise on how companies can move beyond the "check the box" mentality to develop a culture that identifies and addresses hazards before they lead to injuries, accidents, or citations.   This vital conversation explores the difference between reactive and proactive risk management. Hunter highlights the dangers of "pencil whipping" examinations and explains why MSHA inspectors look for the "weak signals" that indicate a failing safety system. This episode serves as a guide for leadership and frontline workers alike to strengthen their hazard recognition and ensure that safety remains a dynamic, living part of daily operations.   Main Themes:   Moving beyond "pencil whipping" workplace examinations to ensure true regulatory compliance and safety. The importance of identifying "weak signals" and industrial challenges before an accident occurs. Adapting safety practices to the dynamic and ever-changing environment of a mine or quarry. The critical role of leadership visibility and field interactions in fostering a proactive safety culture. Engaging employees through open communication and active participation rather than passive attendance. Shifting the operational mindset from tracking incident numbers to monitoring trends and improving controls. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions:   Hunter joins the podcast to talk about the importance of workplace examinations as tools for proactive safety. How does this mindset of proactivity contribute to your understanding of risk management?  Hunter shares that proactive safety involves engaging with employees working throughout the site. Why do you think it's important to include this kind of feedback?  Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about their experience with proactive workplace examinations?    Key Takeaways:   "To have true proactive safety it needs to be more than just going through the exams and filling those out, and going through the motions and checking the boxes." "The best safety programs are not built around accident investigations. They're built around identifying weak signals before the accident happens." "You cannot change mining safety effectively with a static approach in a consistent changing environment. You must have a consistent finger on the pulse of safety." "Leadership must be visible out in the field. Employees notice where leaders spend their time. Safety cannot just exist in policies and meetings." "Engagement is not checking a box, signing training sheets, or passive participation. It's engaging everyone to help create a safety culture." "The goal is to build an operational system that consistently recognizes and controls risk before people get hurt." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Website: https://www.nssga.org/ Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities  Dr. Hunter Clymore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-clymore-m-s-csp-bab40049/  Vista Minerals: https://vistaminerals.com/

    8 min
  2. Bike Safety Month with Chris Kearnes

    May 7

    Bike Safety Month with Chris Kearnes

    Chris Kearnes, Vice President of Human Resources at Sunrock Industries, joins Emily to discuss the unique intersection between the aggregate industry and National Bike Safety Month. Drawing on his 26 years in the heavy construction industry and over 30 years as a competitive cyclist, Chris shares his perspective on how the materials we produce shape the roads, greenways, and paths used by millions every day. This crucial discussion highlights the shared responsibility of road safety for both drivers and cyclists. Chris explains the urgent need for dedicated infrastructure funding, better education for all road users, and the simple, yet vital, safety rules that prevent conflicts. This episode is a powerful reminder that the work the aggregate industry does goes far beyond the quarry, truly shaping how our communities move, connect, and stay safe. Main Themes: The aggregate and heavy construction industry's essential role in building critical transportation infrastructure. The importance of National Bike Safety Month and promoting the safe, shared use of roadways. Real-world risks cyclists face on the road and the need for mutual respect and education among all users. Advocating for increased funding and investment in dedicated infrastructure like bike lanes and greenways. Practical safety measures for cyclists, including high-visibility gear, lighting, and situational awareness. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Chris joins the podcast to talk about the intersection of the aggregates industry, infrastructure, and bike safety. What are some other recreational activities that our work contributes to?  Chris talks about the shared use of roads and safe driving. Whether that's riding a bike, driving your personal vehicle or operating heavy machinery at work, staying focused on your surroundings is key. What are some hazards you might see at our facility?  Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about bike or road safety? Key Takeaways: "As a cyclist and industry veteran, I see the overlap between bike safety and aggregates. Our products are crucial for safe infrastructure." "The goal of Bike Safety Month is to remind the public to prioritize safety and share roadways responsibly." "Bicycles and other road users should navigate transportation routes without fear of conflict. Education is key to this harmony." "Investment in infrastructure and education for both drivers and cyclists is crucial for safe shared road use." "Being visible is highly important. High visibility clothing and bicycle lights are essential for road safety." "Our industry's work shapes how people move, connect, and stay safe. It's far beyond quarries and construction sites." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Website: https://www.nssga.org/ Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities Chris Kearnes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-kearnes-phr-a389502b/ Sunrock Industries: https://thesunrockgroup.com/

    7 min
  3. Reimagining Annual Training with Cyrus Kezar

    Apr 2

    Reimagining Annual Training with Cyrus Kezar

    Cyrus Kezar, Safety Manager for L. G. Everist, joins Emily to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in safety and health: keeping training fresh and engaging. Cyrus shares his innovative approach to annual refresher training, designed to resonate with a multi-generational workforce, moving beyond passive presentations to dynamic, hands-on learning experiences. This crucial discussion highlights how understanding diverse learning styles and empowering frontline workers to shape their training can significantly boost engagement, retention, and ultimately, real-world safety impact. Cyrus explains how a collaborative effort led to the creation of interactive safety stations, directly addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by employees on the job. This episode is a powerful reminder that effective safety training isn't just about covering material; it's about connecting with people and truly holding their attention. Main Themes: The ongoing challenge of keeping safety training fresh and engaging for all employees. The importance of understanding and adapting training methods to different generational learning styles (Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z). Transitioning from traditional, passive (e.g., PowerPoint-heavy) training to interactive, hands-on experiences. Empowering frontline workers by involving them in the design and feedback process of safety training. Examples of innovative, interactive safety stations The value of continuous feedback from the workforce to ensure training addresses real-world problems and remains relevant. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Cyrus comes on the podcast to talk about how he and his company are reimagining annual safety training. He says that he wanted an annual refresher training that went beyond just checking the boxes. How do you imagine you would respond to a training approach that used hands-on learning techniques? Cyrus considered the need to think multigenerationally when redesigning the annual refresher training. How have you seen employees from different generations engage differently with training material?  Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about an annual training or safety briefing that stuck with them?   Key Takeaways: "To be an effective safety champion you have to meet people where they are." "Each generation has a different learning style and expectations." "We worked as a group to bring everything back to the basics and make training interactive and hands on." "Feedback is a gift." "Innovation in safety... doesn't always mean new technology or huge changes. Sometimes it just means rethinking how we connect with people." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Website: https://www.nssga.org/ Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities Cyrus Kezar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrus-kezar-csp-99451a98/ L. G. Everist: https://www.lgeverist.com/

    8 min
  4. A Leader's Perspective on Accountability and Loss with Mike Bush

    Mar 5

    A Leader's Perspective on Accountability and Loss with Mike Bush

    Mike Bush, President of Linwood Mining, joins Emily for a sobering conversation about a tragic loss of life. Sharing the heartbreaking story of a 2017 fatality at Linwood's underground mine, Mike details the search for an employee who never returned home. This crucial discussion demonstrates how the incident forever altered Mike's approach to safety and leadership. Noting that this tragedy was caused by a series of choices, including a failure to enforce rules consistently, Mike urges listeners to recognize that tolerated shortcuts are hidden hazards that cost lives. This episode is a powerful and tragic reminder that true safety requires unwavering enforcement, even when uncomfortable, because it literally is a matter of life and death. Main Themes: The devastating reality, timeline, and emotional toll of responding to a mine fatality. The catastrophic consequences of inconsistently enforced safety policies. Understanding that near misses and tolerated shortcuts are warnings, not proof of safety. Shifting leadership focus beyond production and schedules to true safety accountability. The heavy burden of knowing a fatal accident was entirely preventable. The importance of making safety more than just a set of written rules. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Mike joins the podcast to talk about a fatality at the jobsite and how it changed his perspective on safety. What does Mike's experience tell us about safety, accountability and leadership?  Mike says that near-miss situations and tolerated shortcuts are warning signs, not proof that everything is okay. How does this relate to working safely, including things like risk assessments and stop work authority?  Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about an incident that changed their perspective on safety? Key Takeaways: "The company president had to make the call no one ever wants to make. He had to tell the miner's wife that her husband had been found and that he did not survive." "The rules that are sometimes enforced aren't actually rules and hazards that are known but tolerated will eventually hurt someone." "Near misses and tolerated shortcuts are warning signs, not proof that things are okay." "Policy only protects people when it's consistently applied."" "The choices we make or don't make can follow us forever." "I think about that miner, I think about his wife, and I think about the fact that this didn't have to happen. If sharing this story prevents one person from taking a risk they shouldn't, then it's worth telling." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Website: https://www.nssga.org/ Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities

    6 min
  5. Road Construction Work Zones and Distracted Driving with Kelly Kanaras

    Feb 5

    Road Construction Work Zones and Distracted Driving with Kelly Kanaras

    NSSGA's new Director of Membership Growth & Engagement, Kelly Kanaras, joins Emily to humanize the critical issue of work zone safety. Drawing on her infrastructure background, Kelly discusses the "Watch for Us" campaign and the urgent need to address distracted and aggressive driving.  Together, they explore how personal experiences transform safety from a professional obligation to a deeply human priority. Kelly recalls standing with a flagger as traffic roared past at 65 mph, witnessing workers' vulnerability firsthand. Discussing the hundreds of lives lost in 2021 alone, she and Emily urge drivers to see work zones not as an annoyance, but as a workplace for someone's family. In essence, they highlight the sobering physics of accidents and the power every driver has to save lives. Main Themes: The impact of the "Watch for Us" campaign on work zone awareness. The life-altering consequences of distracted and aggressive driving. Humanizing work zone employees: seeing them as loved ones, not just obstacles. Understanding the physics of speed: the "football field" distance of a five-second distraction. Shifting driver attitudes from frustration to empathy and shared responsibility. The role of compelling testimonials in bringing safety statistics to life. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: Kelly joins the podcast to talk about her experience visiting a road construction work zone on the side of a highway, and shares how it changed how she drives. Have you ever had an experience at work that changed your behavior in your personal life?  Kelly shares that while she was in the work zone, she saw drivers using their cell phones. How does eliminating distractions connect to other safety topics?  Does anyone have a story they'd like to share about distracted driving or road construction work zones? Key Takeaways: "These people are not just people who work in work zones. They're someone's father, their mother, sister, brother, partner or child." "It is an incredibly vulnerable feeling because you know in your mind it only takes one second of them looking away to answer a text and they hit you." "Stats show that at 55 miles per hour, your car can travel the length of a football field in five seconds. So a lot can happen in that time." "We all share the responsibility to slow down, eliminate distractions, and watch out for the people working just feet away from that traffic." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Website: https://www.nssga.org/ Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities Watch for Us Campaign: https://www.asphaltpavement.org/expertise/health-safety/health-safety/watchforus Kelly Kanaras on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkanaras/

    6 min
  6. Leadership Perspectives on Safety and Health with Ross Boeker

    Jan 8

    Leadership Perspectives on Safety and Health with Ross Boeker

    Ross Boeker, Manager of Safety Services at Vulcan Materials, joins Emily to discuss shifting safety leadership from "command and control" to a growth mindset. Exploring how "humble inquiry" and experimentation bridge the gap between corporate policy and field reality, Ross shares how a failed PPE mandate and a successful road project demonstrated that involving workers builds the trust and ownership necessary for better safety results and compliance. Main Themes: From Clarity in Chaos by Megan Tranter: "A crucial element of leading with a growth mindset is encouraging experimentation." From Next Generation Safety Leadership by Clive Lloyd: Trust doesn't exist outside of a relationship. Trust is relational, not structural. Trust is the primary currency for leaders. Without trust, even the best programs and initiatives will not be embraced. Workers don't "own" problems when they aren't involved in solving them. Ways to Build Trust: Develop a relationship, even if it is just a few moments in the field, to develop a "micro-relationship" and build some rapport. Understand that simply saying your door is open is not effective if you have not made it safe for people to bring you problems. Also, "open door" suggests people must come to you, rather than you actually engaging them where they are at. Be humble, solicit input, and accept input even if you haven't asked for it. Your eyes may be opened to obstacles you did not know existed. Don't show up as the "knower of things." Engaging in what Ed Schein called "Humble Inquiry" builds trust, shows that you don't have all the answers, but are genuinely interested in learning and pursuing mutual gains. When asked for guidance or assistance that you aren't necessarily able to provide, offer to work through it together (and LEARN together). Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Emily and Ross talk about leadership perspectives on safety and health, and what a growth mindset can mean when working in this field. Do you feel like we have a culture where people can suggest process improvements to safety and health policies? Ross shares an example of a policy that was written with boots on the ground input, shelved at the management level, then later implemented. What does this example show us about the benefits of policies that start with the people on the ground? Does anyone have a story they would like to share about a leadership interaction that made them feel their input was valuable? Key Takeaways: "When you allow stakeholders to experiment and have input, that leads to innovation and really a greater sense of ownership." "A leader with a growth mindset knows the importance of modeling vulnerability. Showing that you don't have all the answers... demonstrates authenticity and openness, which creates trust." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities Ross Boeker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-boeker-csp-meng-3017a813/ Clarity and Chaos by Megan Tranter: https://megantranter.com/book/ Next Generation Safety Leadership by Clive Lloyd: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/next-generation-safety-leadership-from-compliance-to-care/9780367509569.html Humble Inquiry by Edgar Schein: https://www.amazon.ca/HUMBLE-INQUIRY-SCHEIN-EDGAR-H/dp/1626562547

    8 min
  7. A Safety Case with Robin Markussen

    12/04/2025

    A Safety Case with Robin Markussen

    Emily is joined by Robin Markussen, Director of Occupational Health and Systems at Heidelberg Materials, to explore the shift from reactive to proactive safety. Drawing on her oil and gas experience, Robin explains how tragedies inspired the "safety case," a proactive risk assessment method. They discuss how this comprehensive tool can be used in any industry to prevent incidents before they happen. Robin recounts the 1988 Piper Alpha disaster, a catastrophe that prompted major safety reforms, and explains how it led to the "safety case" process of identifying hazards, assessing risks, and ensuring controls are in place. She and Emily discuss how this is not just a document but a fundamental safety "mindset," offering insights on building a resilient culture by making a case for safety daily. Main Themes: Shifting safety culture from reactive to proactive. The concept of a "safety case" as a proactive risk management tool. Learning from the 1988 Piper Alpha industrial disaster. Actively identifying hazards and quantifying risks before work begins. Safety is a mindset, not just a document or a procedure. Applying large-scale safety principles to any task or operation. The importance of thorough risk assessment and control measures. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Robin talks about the mandatory development of a safety case, initially for the oil and gas industry, but it has implications for other industries. What does this kind of planning do to shift safety mindsets?  Emily notes that a safety case can be scaled up or down, depending on the need. What are the benefits to making a safety case that works specifically for your facility?  Does anyone have a story they would like to share about proactivity rather than reactivity? Key Takeaways: "So how do we help shift that focus from look back to look forward prevention?" "The health and safety lessons for the oil and gas industry are written in blood." "The proactive journey it takes you on when evaluating risk can be applied on a small scale anytime for any workplace or operation." "Focusing on all aspects of risk early on and actively making a case for the safety of your operation, project or task leaves less chance that you will need to react to an unfortunate event." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Robin Markussen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-markussen-ms-cih-csp-48298311/

    6 min
  8. Diabetes Awareness with Rachel Proper

    11/06/2025

    Diabetes Awareness with Rachel Proper

    Emily welcomes Rachel Proper from Caterpillar Safety Services, for a special episode in recognition of National Diabetes Month. Rachel shares a deeply personal and powerful story about her 13-year-old daughter's recent diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes. She explains how her own family history with the disease allowed her to recognize the subtle but serious symptoms, leading to an early diagnosis that prevented a life-threatening situation. This episode is a crucial listen for everyone, as it details the specific signs of both high and low blood sugar. Rachel provides a firsthand account of the symptoms her daughter experienced - from unintentional weight loss and increased hunger to excessive thirst and urination. The conversation also explores the importance of fostering a "culture of care" in the workplace, where employees feel psychologically safe and supported, whether they choose to disclose a health condition or not. Rachel's story is a poignant reminder of how awareness and early detection can save lives. Main Themes: The signs and symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), such as weight loss, excessive thirst, and frequent urination. The signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as shakiness, paleness, confusion, and fatigue. The role of family history and personal experience in recognizing health warning signs. The seriousness of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication of diabetes. The importance of creating a workplace with strong psychological safety. How a "culture of care" encourages openness and allows coworkers and leaders to provide appropriate support. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Rachel shares about how her daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Thanks to her awareness of the disease, Rachel and her daughter were able to seek medical attention and get her treatment before there were any serious complications. How can we relate this kind of awareness and quick thinking to safety on site? What do you think are some of the benefits of sharing important medical information with coworkers?  Does anyone have a story they would like to share about recognizing the symptoms of a disease or condition? Key Takeaways: "Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Our body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas."   "Early detection of diabetes can prevent severe complications, including death."   "A culture of care with strong psychological safety encourages openness about health conditions."   "Employees don't have to disclose they're diabetic, but sharing can help coworkers respond appropriately."   "Awareness of diabetes symptoms can help catch the disease early and save lives." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website Take Control: Prevent Serious Injuries and Fatalities: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/take-control-prevent-serious-injuries-and-fatalities Rachel Proper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelproper/ American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/

    6 min
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4.9
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About

News, updates, and much more from the National, Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA).

Information

  • Creator
    National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA)
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © NSSGA 2018
  • Show Website
    NSSGA Podcast

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