NSSGA Podcast

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

  1. Reimagining Annual Training with Cyrus Kezar

    23H AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. World Mental Health Day with Emily Hargrove

    10/02/2025

    World Mental Health Day with Emily Hargrove

    With World Mental Health Day approaching next week, today's episode features host Emily Hargrove, NSSGA's Director of Occupational Safety and Health, as she explores the critical link between mental health and workplace safety in the aggregates and mining industry. Highlighting how an individual's mental well-being directly impacts their ability to work safely, she reveals the ways in which stress and anxiety affect job performance and overall safety. Emily transparently shares her journey, details how exposure to serious incidents in her safety career impacted her mental state and led to burnout, and advocates for mental health as a core safety issue, not an "extra." She stresses normalizing discussions on mental well-being and seeking support via counseling or EAPs, as well as the vital role of leaders' in fostering a psychologically safe workplace. This episode reminds us all that every day, and especially World Mental Health Day, is the right day to champion a holistic approach to occupational safety to nurture both the body and mind of the workforce. Main Themes: Mental health is a core safety issue. Workplace stress impacts focus and job safety. Emily shares her personal safety career's mental toll. Normalize conversations on mental well-being and counseling. Utilize mental health resources like EAPs. Leaders must encourage mental health support. Foster a psychologically safe workplace for the "whole person." Insights for aggregates, mining, and industrial safety to improve safety culture. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Emily shares with the audience about how mental health is key to safety and health. How do you describe our company culture around mental health? Are there any areas for growth?  Emily shares that during her career, working daily with materials about serious injuries and fatalities and STCKY (stuff that can kill you) started to impact her mental health. She was able to reach out and get support. Does everyone know how to access our Employee Assistance Program?  Does anyone have a story they would like to share about mental health and how it can impact our daily work?  Key Takeaways: "It shows up in their focus, their decision making and ultimately their safety on the job." "The risk of a mistake goes way up. And in this line of work, one small mistake can have very serious consequences." "That's why mental health is really a safety issue. It's not an extra or a soft topic. It's at the core of keeping people safe." "Everything became STCKY and it really had an impact on my mental well being and how I was walking around in the world." "I realized I needed some help. I needed an outlet to talk about and process those parts of my job and how it was affecting me." "We need to normalize, talking about counseling, about therapy, about needing outlets for help and support with our mental health." "We should feel comfortable checking in on how people are doing mentally, not just physically." "The strongest safety culture is one that takes care of the whole person because our people are our most important resource and supporting their mental health supports everything we do." 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 Mental Health Resources: https://www.nssga.org/industry-priorities/health-safety/safety-month-2025

    4 min
  8. Safety and Sustainability with Kyle Brashear

    09/04/2025

    Safety and Sustainability with Kyle Brashear

    Emily welcomes colleague Kyle Brashear, NSSGA's Director of Sustainability, to explore the crucial link between sustainability and workplace safety. Kyle explains that sustainability is about much more than just the environment; it rests on three pillars: environmental, economic, and social. He identifies workplace safety as the most critical component of social sustainability within the aggregates industry. This episode delves into how a world-class safety culture provides a "social license to operate," attracts high-quality talent, and ultimately strengthens a company's economic and social capital. Kyle discusses how this capital can be reinvested into sustainable technologies, such as the automation of aggregate plants and autonomous fleets. He shares powerful insights on how these innovations not only boost efficiency and reduce emissions but also significantly enhance worker safety by removing employees from potentially hazardous situations. The conversation highlights the reinforcing cycle where safety and sustainability are not competing interests, but powerful allies that drive the industry forward. Main Themes: The three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, and social. Workplace safety as a cornerstone of social sustainability in the aggregates industry. How a strong safety culture improves community relations, workforce development, and retention. The role of sustainable technologies like automation and autonomous fleets in improving worker safety. How technology can reduce exposure to hazards associated with haulage, processing, and maintenance. The circular, reinforcing relationship between safety, economic capital, and investment in sustainable technology. Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions: In this episode, Kyle shares this definition of sustainability: meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. How would you say this definition relates to safety?  Kyle talks about how implementing autonomous fleets offers both safety and sustainability benefits. What other practices can you think of include both of these benefits?  Does anyone have a story they would like to share about a workplace practice that's both safe and sustainable?  Key Takeaways: "Sustainability means meeting present needs without compromising future generations. Safety is essential for this."   "Safety is crucial for the aggregate industry to meet current and future demands."   "Social sustainability includes worker health and safety, community relations, and workforce development."   "Sustainable technology can improve worker safety and enhance environmental, economic, and social metrics."   "Automated plants increase profits, reduce emissions, and limit exposure to hazards, boosting safety."   "Autonomous fleets remove environmental hazards and reduce human error, enhancing safety and efficiency."   "Innovation in autonomous vehicles reduces downtime and maintenance, improving safety for technicians."   "A safe workplace increases economic and social capital, enabling sustainable technology implementation."   "Safety and sustainability goals can reinforce each other, not compete, in the aggregate industry." Links: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website

    7 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
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © NSSGA 2018
  • Show Website
    NSSGA Podcast

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