IHSA Safety Podcast

IHSA Safety Podcast
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The IHSA Safety Podcast is a free podcast from the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association that seeks to improve the lives of workers in Ontario; one thought-provoking discussion at a time. We engage with professionals and industry influencers to help them implement and improve health and safety solutions for workers and the workplace. Each episode explores best practices, resources, and training to control and eliminate safety hazards in work environments involving high-risk activities in the industries that IHSA serves: construction, transportation, and electric utilities

  1. Oct 19

    A Day in the Life of a Logistics Supervisor: The Leadership behind Safe Fleets

    This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses fleet safety management in Ontario's transportation industry and features Courtney Foster, Logistics Supervisor with Salit Steel. Courtney discusses the role of a logistics supervisor, including reviewing pre-trip logs, coordinating with dispatch, and ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. She describes Salit Steel's in-house fleet operation and explains how open communication, driver support, and leadership commitment contribute to a strong health and safety culture. Courtney examines key challenges facing transportation companies, including traffic congestion, distracted driving, weather conditions, and driver fatigue. She explains how Salit Steel uses technologies such as electronic logging devices (ELDs), telematics, dash cameras, and fatigue-detection systems to monitor driver behaviours, identify potential risks, and support proactive safety management. Courtney highlights the importance of executive commitment to safety and driver mental health and emphasizes the value of clear policies, strong onboarding programs, and maintaining equipment to ensure drivers have the tools they need to operate safely every day.   Free resources Fleet Safety Council HSEp for transportation companies Struck-by hazards in transportation Ergonomics for Transportation – How to Prevent Strains, Sprains and Overexertion Keep your promise poster (transportation) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    A Day in the Life of a Logistics Supervisor: The Leadership behind Safe Fleets

  2. Oct 4

    A Day in the Life of a Tow Truck Operator: The Critical Role Operators Play in Roadside Safety

    This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses Ontario’s towing industry and features Max Worth, General Manager at Abrams Towing. Max discusses the wide range of responsibilities tow truck operators take on each day, from conducting vehicle and equipment inspections to responding to roadside assistance calls, collisions, police impounds, and commercial vehicle breakdowns. He explains that towing is far more complex than many people realize, requiring strong communication skills, critical thinking, mechanical knowledge, and the ability to make sound decisions in high-pressure situations. Max highlights the dangers of high-speed traffic, roadside debris, hazardous spills, and exposure to traumatic incidents. He emphasizes the importance of Ontario’s Slow Down, Move Over law, noting that near misses involving passing vehicles remain one of the most common hazards in the industry. He also shares real-life examples that demonstrate why motorists must slow down and give roadside workers space to perform their jobs safely. Max also discusses how advancements in technology, including remote-controlled towing equipment, navigation alerts, and in-cab cameras, are helping improve safety for operators. He also emphasizes on the value of mentorship, hands-on training, and a strong safety culture in preparing new workers for the industry. Free resources CAA: Slow Down, Move Over Slow Down, Move Over Sticker Motor Vehicle Incidents Defensive Driving: Highway Traffic See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    A Day in the Life of a Tow Truck Operator: The Critical Role Operators Play in Roadside Safety

  3. Sep 21

    Skilled Trades in Ontario: Your Guide to Apprenticeships and Career Opportunities

    This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast explores the career opportunities available through skilled trades and apprenticeships in Ontario, and features Candice White, CEO and Registrar at Skilled Trades Ontario. Candice discusses the growing demand for skilled trades workers, the apprenticeship journey, and the important role skilled trades play in Ontario’s workforce and economy. Skilled trades should be viewed as a first-choice career path rather than a fallback option, offering opportunities for meaningful work, stable income, career growth, and the ability to earn while learning. Candice outlines the apprenticeship process, from exploring different trades and securing a sponsor to completing on-the-job and in-class training requirements and achieving certification. She also shares success stories that demonstrate how apprenticeships can provide purpose, stability, and rewarding career opportunities for people from a wide range of backgrounds. Candice also highlights the resources, toolkits, financial support, career fairs, and outreach programs available through Skilled Trades Ontario, and encourages parents, students, and employers to be curious, explore the opportunities available, and recognize skilled trades as a respected and rewarding career path. Free resources About Trades Apprenticeship Apprentice Toolkit  Sponsor Toolkit  Experienced Workers Powerline Technician Apprenticeship (PLTN) Line Crew Ground Support (LCGS) program See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Skilled Trades in Ontario: Your Guide to Apprenticeships and Career Opportunities

  4. Sep 5

    Building a Strong Safety Culture: Lessons from Ontario's Safety Leaders

    This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the strategies and safety practices that set successful small businesses apart, and features Carrie Briley, Director of Health and Safety Program Design at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Carrie explains that successful businesses focus on practical, low-cost safety improvements, engage workers in identifying hazards and solutions, and treat health and safety as an ongoing part of daily operations rather than a standalone program. She shares practical advice for small businesses to improve workplace safety, including:   ·      Talking regularly with workers about risks and potential solutions ·      Keeping records of training, inspections, and corrective actions ·      Using WSIB resources such as the Business Safety Portal, Health and Safety Talks, and the Health and Safety Excellence Program (HSEp) to support continuous improvement and safety performance. Carrie also discusses the redesigned WSIB Small Business Safety Awards, which recognize businesses with fewer than 50 employees that have demonstrated innovative and effective approaches to workplace health and safety. Health and safety is an investment that supports employee wellbeing, and employers are encouraged to start small, focus on their most significant workplace risks, involve workers in safety discussions, and take advantage of WSIB resources and support programs to drive continuous improvement. Free resources  Small Business Resources WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program (HSEp) Small business services | WSIB WSIB See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Building a Strong Safety Culture: Lessons from Ontario's Safety Leaders

  5. Aug 25

    Creating Better Safety Talks: Tips for Engaging Workers and Preventing Injuries

    This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses safety talks and features Mike Estalilla and Karolina Chelminiak, Program Developers and Instructional Designers at IHSA.  Mike and Karolina explain that a safety talk should be a short, interactive discussion that addresses real workplace hazards and encourages worker participation. Safety talks are most effective when they are relevant, engaging, worker-focused, and followed by meaningful observation and feedback. When properly planned and delivered, they become a valuable tool for changing behaviours and improving workplace safety Mike and Karolina explore practical strategies for planning and delivering safety talks, including understanding the workforce, using storytelling to create relevance, and applying principles of adult learning and neuroscience to encourage knowledge retention and behaviour change. They also highlight ways supervisors can evaluate whether safety talks are effective, including asking review questions, observing worker behaviours, measuring understanding over time, and adjusting future talks based on worker feedback and performance. Safety talks should be viewed as an ongoing learning process rather than a compliance exercise, helping to build a stronger safety culture and improve workplace performance.   Free resources Safety talks Safety talks manual See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Creating Better Safety Talks: Tips for Engaging Workers and Preventing Injuries

  6. Aug 7

    Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in Aggregates

    This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast focuses on slips, trips, and falls in Ontario’s aggregate industry and features Ryan Smith, Health and Safety Consultant at IHSA. Ryan discusses why slips, trips, and falls remain one of the most common workplace injuries in the sector, highlighting key contributing factors such as poor housekeeping, unsafe surface conditions, complacency, inadequate risk assessments, weather conditions, and insufficient hazard reporting. He also discusses how fatigue, distractions, rushing, and routine work can increase the likelihood of incidents when workers fail to recognize or address hazards. Ryan emphasizes the importance of maintaining three-point contact when accessing equipment, using fall protection when required, and ensuring pedestrian walkways, tool storage areas, and equipment access points remain free of hazards. He also discusses the importance of proper safety footwear, regular inspections, worker involvement in hazard identification, and ongoing safety conversations to combat complacency. Preventing slips, trips, and falls is a shared responsibility, and even small hazards should never be ignored, as they can lead to serious injuries if left unaddressed.   Free resources Aggregates - Slips, trips, and falls Aggregates   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in Aggregates

  7. Jul 25

    Improving Heavy Equipment Safety in Aggregate Operations

    This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast focuses on heavy equipment safety in Ontario’s aggregate industry and features Ryan Smith, Health and Safety Consultant at IHSA. Ryan discusses the key hazards associated with working around heavy equipment, including blind spots, pedestrian interactions, unstable ground conditions, stockpiles, articulated equipment, and heavy equipment right-of-way. He highlights the importance of equipment-specific training, pre-shift inspections, preventative maintenance, and effective communication in preventing incidents. Ryan also explores how emerging technologies, such as proximity warning systems, fatigue detection tools, autonomous equipment, improved cab filtration, and automatic greasing systems, are helping improve worker safety. Ryan highlights broader industry challenges, including exposure to silica and diesel exhaust, slips, trips and falls, and labour shortages. He emphasizes that building a strong safety culture, providing comprehensive training, encouraging proactive hazard reporting, and continuously identifying ways to improve are essential to creating safer aggregate workplaces.   Free resources Aggregates Silica Control Tool See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Improving Heavy Equipment Safety in Aggregate Operations

  8. Jul 15

    Tiny Ticks, Big Risks: How to Prevent Lyme Disease and Protect Ontario Outdoor Workers

    This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast focuses on tick risks in Ontario and how workers can protect themselves from tick-borne illnesses, and features Dr. Curtis Russell, Senior Program Specialist at Public Health Ontario. Dr. Russell explains that while tick populations and Lyme disease cases can vary year to year depending on weather, the long-term trend in Ontario shows a steady increase—particularly for black-legged ticks, the only species in the province known to transmit Lyme disease. He outlines where ticks are most commonly found, such as brushy, wooded areas with leaf litter, and notes that their range has expanded across much of southern Ontario. Dr. Russell shares practical prevention strategies for people working outdoors, including wearing light-coloured clothing, tucking in clothing, using repellents, and performing thorough tick checks both before leaving a worksite and again at home. He also explains how to properly remove a tick, the importance of early removal to reduce the risk of disease transmission, and why common myths—such as ticks jumping or falling from trees—are inaccurate. In addition to Lyme disease, Dr. Russell briefly discusses other tick-borne illnesses in Ontario and reinforces that the same prevention measures apply. Free resources ·      Guard against insect bites and stings ·      Insect bites and stings (safety talk) ·      Lyme disease (safety talk) ·      Ontario Vector-Borne Disease Tool  ·      Ontario Tick-Borne Diseases ·      eTick ·      TickTOOL See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Tiny Ticks, Big Risks: How to Prevent Lyme Disease and Protect Ontario Outdoor Workers
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About

The IHSA Safety Podcast is a free podcast from the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association that seeks to improve the lives of workers in Ontario; one thought-provoking discussion at a time. We engage with professionals and industry influencers to help them implement and improve health and safety solutions for workers and the workplace. Each episode explores best practices, resources, and training to control and eliminate safety hazards in work environments involving high-risk activities in the industries that IHSA serves: construction, transportation, and electric utilities

Information

  • Creator
    IHSA Safety Podcast
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    144
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021 Copyright 2021
  • Show Website
    IHSA Safety Podcast

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