The Safety Consultant Podcast

Sheldon Primus, MPA, COSM, COSS

The Safety Consultant Podcast with Sheldon Primus is your ultimate weekly guide to starting or growing a profitable occupational safety and health consulting business. Are you ready to be your own boss and make a greater impact? Your expertise can help more people create safer workplaces, and your skills deserve a platform where they can truly shine. If you feel limited in your current role and believe your knowledge could serve the broader workforce more effectively, this podcast is for you. Join us as we explore the steps to launch your own safety consulting business, share insights on navigating the industry, and provide strategies to maximize your impact on workplace health and safety. Now is the perfect time to take control of your career and make a difference!

  1. 6d ago ·  Video

    Finish the Year Strong: 3 Goals for Safety Professionals

    Are you ready to stop procrastinating and finish your year with a major win? Join Sheldon Primus for his annual end-of-year pep talk designed to help safety professionals turn their goals into reality before the calendar flips. In this episode of the Safety Consultant Show, Sheldon dives deep into the importance of accountability and taking immediate action on your business dreams. Whether you want to launch your consulting firm, earn a new certification, or master the latest AI tools, this session provides the roadmap and motivation you need to succeed. Sheldon shares his personal transition to Washington State and his own professional goals, including finishing his OTHM Level 7 diploma, to show you exactly how to map out your own path to success. You will learn about the upcoming AI workshop on November 17th where Sheldon teaches safety professionals how to use tools like NotebookLM, Gemini, and Spark to streamline their workflows. He also discusses the benefits of the Safety Consultant Blueprint course and how you can save on enrollment right now. If you have been waiting for a sign to start your business or level up your career, this is it. Don't let the year end without completing that one thing you have been putting off. Grab a pen and paper, write down your goals, and find an accountability partner to help you cross the finish line. Chapters0:00 Intro and Community Growth2:45 The Annual Finish Strong Pep Talk5:30 Personal Transitions and Setting New Goals8:15 Advancing Education with OTHM Level 711:45 Mastering AI for Safety Professionals15:15 Strategies for Hosting Your Own Events17:45 Accountability and Free Coaching Sessions19:40 Conclusion and Final Encouragement Ready to take the next step in your career? Visit safetyconsultantblueprint.com to join the course or head over to sheldon.coach to sign up for two free coaching sessions today. Subscribe to the channel and help us hit our 6,000 subscriber goal! #safetyconsultant #businessgrowth #safetyprofessional #oshacompliance #safetyfm My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com/

    Finish the Year Strong: 3 Goals for Safety Professionals
  2. Oct 21 ·  Video

    OSHA Inspection Survival Guide: Lessons from a Safety Pro

    Welcome to the Safety Consultant Show! In this episode, Sheldon Primus is joined by Alan Gervais, Director of Safety and Compliance and author of The Practical Guide to Managing OSHA Inspections. If you have ever felt the anxiety of an impending audit or struggled to navigate the complexities of Process Safety Management, this conversation is for you. Alan shares his incredible journey from a maintenance worker to a safety leader, including a harrowing story of an arc flash incident that led to his very first OSHA inspection. You will learn why he decided to compile ten years of notes into a comprehensive guide designed to help employers and safety professionals take control of the inspection process. We dive deep into the nuances of CalOSHA, the importance of professional conduct during informal conferences, and practical strategies for negotiating fine reductions. Alan also shares how he uses modern tools like AI to game plan safety strategies while maintaining the critical human element of decision-making. Whether you are a seasoned consultant or a new manager, these insights will help you protect your workers and your organization more effectively. Chapters 0:00 Introduction to the Safety Consultant Show2:15 Alan Gervais's Journey into Safety5:30 Understanding Process Safety Management and PSM8:45 The 2017 Arc Flash Incident and First Inspection13:10 Navigating Frequent OSHA Inspections in California16:45 Writing the Practical Guide to Managing OSHA Inspections20:20 Shifting from Survival to Active Management23:50 Tips for Professional Informal Conferences27:15 Strategies for Fine Reduction and Negotiation32:00 The Role of AI in Safety Compliance and Research38:30 Case Study: Using AI for Informal Conference Preparation42:15 Where to Find the Book and Connect with Alan44:00 Final Thoughts and Safety FM Outro If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell for more safety business brilliance. You can find Alan’s book on Amazon and connect with him on LinkedIn to continue the conversation. Alan Gervais | Author & Safety Professional Alan Gervais is the Director of Safety & Compliance and author of The Practical Guide to Managing OSHA Inspections. His career spans more than 20 years, beginning with hands-on work in construction before transitioning into industrial refrigeration, maintenance, operations, and workplace safety. His path into safety wasn't something he originally planned. It was shaped by experience, unexpected opportunities, and mentors who generously shared their knowledge. Holding multiple certifications including COSS and CSHO, Alan is passionate about helping others become more confident and prepared by sharing lessons learned through real-world experience. He continues to embrace a philosophy passed down by his mentors: Keep Paying It Forward. #OSHA #SafetyConsultant #WorkplaceSafety #SafetyManagement #PSM Alan's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Guide-Managing-OSHA-Inspections/dp/B0HL9L426W/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1HK6GQBVFAYVZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8Mcf6wB2Xb89s2rsUcBZghzRsijBkfll-smAbIzrdQcz854TkOmjRE8gQayYfz4g95xxE38rJ7QZw1JIWrG6mKUwL7z_Zg-lr8bRi0rXDMM.Wmvnj33h39O7f5nk-XuLVaDErLoPxJ14HJvaLxRX590&dib_tag=se&keywords=alan+gervais&qid=1791638232&s=books&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks%2C143&sr=1-1

    OSHA Inspection Survival Guide: Lessons from a Safety Pro
  3. Oct 14 ·  Video

    What do EHS Pros Think About AI: Understanding this Revolutionary Survey

    Are you ready to bridge the gap between traditional safety compliance and the cutting-edge world of artificial intelligence? In this episode, Sheldon Primus sits down with Hillary Waterhouse to explore how AI is reshaping the landscape for safety consultants and industrial hygienists. From OSHA litigation support to the latest trends in EHS technology, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for safety professionals. We begin by diving into Hillary's extensive background as a former OSHA compliance officer in New York and Georgia, offering a rare look at how to navigate informal conferences and agency interactions. The heart of the discussion focuses on a recent industry survey regarding AI adoption in the workplace. You will learn which tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot are leading the pack and how they can be used to manage heavy administrative workloads without sacrificing technical accuracy. Hillary and Sheldon also tackle the critical topic of AI ethics and the human in the loop philosophy. They discuss why AI should be treated as a highly capable intern rather than a final decision-maker, especially when dealing with high-hazard scenarios like process safety management. Whether you are curious about the future of technical writing or looking for ways to get back into the field by automating paperwork, this episode provides the roadmap you need to elevate your safety game. Chapters0:00 Intro and Welcome to the Safety Consultant Show3:15 Introducing Hillary Waterhouse and Her Background7:40 Working with OSHA in New York and Georgia11:50 Strategies for OSHA Informal Conferences16:15 The Direction of the Agency and New Programs21:30 VPP SHARP and the Safety Champion Initiative26:45 Mental Health and Psychosocial Hazards in Construction31:20 The Genesis of the EHS AI Questionnaire36:10 Analyzing Survey Demographics and Industry Use40:45 Comparing ChatGPT Gemini and Copilot for EHS45:30 Testing AI Confidence and Avoiding Hallucinations50:15 AI as a Team Member vs Decision Maker55:40 Effective Prompting for Industrial Hygienists1:00:20 Technical Writing and AI Ethics Codes1:05:10 Organizational Governance and AI Audits1:09:45 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Safety Events1:12:18 Closing Remarks If you enjoyed this deep dive into the future of safety consulting, please subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell. Visit our website for more resources on building your safety business and staying ahead of the curve! #safetyconsultant #oshacompliance #industrialhygiene #aiinsafety #ehsmanagement My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com/

    What do EHS Pros Think About AI: Understanding this Revolutionary Survey
  4. Oct 8 ·  Video

    How to Use AI for Safety Programs and EHS Training-Part 2

    Are you ready to revolutionize your safety consulting business with the power of artificial intelligence? In this episode, Sheldon Primus breaks down how AI is transforming the EHS field and why you need to treat it as a high level mentee rather than a replacement for your expertise. Learn how to stay ahead of the curve by integrating these cutting edge tools into your daily workflow while maintaining the highest ethical standards. Sheldon explores the practical side of AI for Environmental Health and Safety professionals. He discusses the importance of fairness, transparency, and accountability when using generative models. You will discover how to use AI for copywriting safety messages, creating sample programs, and even conducting deep dives into incident investigations. The episode also highlights advanced techniques like using AI to compare your current safety manuals against the latest OSHA regulations to ensure total compliance. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a fresh face in the industry, this guide will help you navigate the future of safety technology. Sheldon also shares details about his upcoming AI for EHS workshop and how you can use tools like Gemini to streamline your business operations. Chapters0:00 Welcome to the Safety Consultant Show2:15 Upcoming Guest and AI Workshop Details5:45 Recap of AI for EHS Basics8:30 Ethics Fairness and Accountability in AI12:00 How to Join the Safety Consultant Community15:15 Managing Your Time with AI as a Team Member18:30 Using the SMART Acronym for Better AI Prompts21:45 Hazard Recognition and Incident Investigation24:30 Building a Profitable Consulting Business27:15 Advanced AI for Policies and Regulations31:00 OSHA Audits and Image Recognition Tools34:15 Final Resources and Event Links36:44 Outro and Closing Remarks Don't forget to subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Join our Facebook group or connect with Sheldon on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and grow your safety career. #SafetyConsultant #AIinEHS #OSHACompliance #SafetyManagement #WorkplaceSafety My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com/

    How to Use AI for Safety Programs and EHS Training-Part 2
  5. Sep 22 ·  Video

    How to Use AI for EHS: A Safety Professional's Guide

    Are you ready to level up your safety career by embracing the power of artificial intelligence? In this episode, Sheldon Primus breaks down how safety professionals can use AI as a high-powered team member rather than a replacement. Learn how to integrate tools like Gemini and ChatGPT into your daily workflow to save time and improve compliance. Coming to you from Cow Hollow Park in Oregon, Sheldon discusses the practical applications of AI for both independent consultants and in-house safety managers. The core message is clear: you are the decision-maker, and the AI is your assistant. You will learn the importance of being an expert editor to catch hallucinations and ensure your safety programs meet high standards. The episode covers specific ways to use AI, including crafting marketing copy for safety initiatives, building SMART incentive programs, and updating written compliance documents. Sheldon also walks through how to find reliable benchmarks on OSHA.gov to train your AI agents, ensuring the output is accurate and professional. Whether you are building a Hazard Communication curriculum or designing a PowerPoint presentation, this guide helps you navigate the new digital landscape of EHS. Chapters0:00 Welcome to Cow Hollow Park3:15 AI for EHS professionals event6:45 AI agents and the decision maker role10:20 Using AI for marketing and incentives14:00 Benchmarking and avoiding hallucinations18:10 Updating written safety programs22:45 Hazard Communication and training curriculum26:30 PowerPoint slides and presentation tools29:15 Final wrap up and event reminders If you want to dive deeper into these tools, scan the code mentioned in the video or visit the website to join the upcoming workshop on November 17th. Use the discount codes mentioned to secure your spot and start consulting like a boss. Don't forget to subscribe for more safety insights and updates on future episodes. #SafetyConsulting #AIforEHS #WorkplaceSafety #SheldonPrimus #SafetyManagement AI for EHS professionals Event: http:/safetyconsultant.ai/

    How to Use AI for EHS: A Safety Professional's Guide
  6. Sep 7 ·  Video

    Global Networking with Shebin Abraham

    Are you a safety professional feeling limited by local resources and looking to expand your reach? Discover how to take your safety consulting business global and leverage the latest technology to save lives and streamline your workflow. In this episode of the Safety Consultant Show, host Sheldon Primus sits down with Shabin Abraham, the creator of the QHSE Directory. Shabin shares his professional journey from India to the Middle East, covering industries from manufacturing to offshore oil and gas. He explains why he felt the need to create a centralized global ecosystem where safety professionals can find products, apps, and consulting services regardless of their geographic location. You will learn about the transformative power of AI in the safety industry, including how to use technology for gap analysis against OSHA standards. The conversation also highlights the importance of peer-reviewed data and resources like the OHS Book of Knowledge. Whether you are an independent freelancer or a global solutions provider, this episode offers practical advice on raising your profile and connecting with a worldwide community of safety experts. Chapters 0:00 Intro and Welcome to the Safety Consultant Show2:20 Introducing Shabin Abraham and the QHSME Directory5:10 Career Journey Across Global Industries8:30 Why a Global Safety Ecosystem is Essential12:00 Using AI for Gap Analysis and OSHA Compliance15:45 The Importance of Peer-Reviewed Safety Resources19:15 Live Walkthrough of the QHSE Directory23:30 How to List Your Business and Books Globally27:00 Adopting Technology to Save Lives at Work30:44 Conclusion and Final Disclaimer Ready to scale your safety consulting practice and gain more freedom? Visit sheldon.coach to take your consultant readiness audit and start your journey toward building a profitable business today. #safetyconsultant #healthandsafety #AIinsafety #QHSE #safetybusiness My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com/

    Global Networking with Shebin Abraham
  7. Aug 26 ·  Video

    Grow Your Safety Consulting Business by Hosting Your Own Events

    How to Grow Your Safety Consulting Business by Hosting Your Own Events Are you ready to take back control of your schedule and unlock your true income potential as a safety professional? Hosting your own events is one of the fastest ways to build authority and turn your expertise into a thriving, independent consulting practice. 🚀 In this episode, Sheldon Primus shares the blueprint for organizing and hosting successful events that attract your ideal clients. You will discover why building your own platform is more beneficial than just working for other organizations and how to use these events as the top of your sales funnel. 📈 We dive into the technical side of event planning, including how to use advanced artificial intelligence tools to find trending topics and how to monitor regulatory agencies like OSHA, the EPA, and the DOT for content ideas. Sheldon also breaks down his personal pricing strategy, explaining how he tested different rates to find the sweet spot for his audience. 💡 Whether you are interested in finding corporate sponsors, repurposing your video content for social media, or building a massive email list with free guides, this episode provides the actionable steps you need. Stop being a passenger in your career and start leading the conversation in the safety industry. 👷‍♂️ Chapters0:00 Intro and Welcome from Palm Beach3:15 Why You Should Host Your Own Events7:30 Solving Problems and Building Your Reputation11:45 Using AI and Regulatory Data for Research15:20 Building a Strategic Sales Funnel19:45 Coaching Resources and the Consultant Blueprint24:10 Pricing Strategies and Testing the Market29:30 How to Secure Sponsors for Your Events33:15 Promotion Tips for LinkedIn and YouTube37:00 Closing Remarks and Future Schedule If you are ready to elevate your career and start your own practice, visit SheldonPrimus.com to explore the Safety Consultant Blueprint and our personal coaching programs. Let us get to work! 🤝 #safetyconsultant #oshacompliance #businessgrowth #safetyprofessional #webinarstrategy My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com/resources

    Grow Your Safety Consulting Business by Hosting Your Own Events
  8. Aug 13 ·  Video

    Burnout is Real! What do you do for fun? I play poker.

    Being a safety consultant is high-pressure work, but if you do not take time to recharge, you are on a fast track to burnout. In this episode, Sheldon Primus explores why fun is a critical component of your business strategy and how stepping away from the audit sheet can actually sharpen your professional skills. We often focus so much on safety sparks and business brilliance that we forget to nurture our own interests outside of the industry. Sheldon shares his personal journey of finding balance while living the RV life, from hiking near the Grand Tetons to the surprising patience required for baking sourdough bagels. These moments of downtime are not just distractions; they are necessary resets for a high-performing analytical brain. A significant portion of this episode dives into Sheldon's love for poker, specifically Omaha High-Low. He breaks down why he views poker as a premier mind game that helps develop executive decision-making skills. You will hear about the math involved, the psychological aspects of the game, and how he uses a specific poker app to stay sharp. Sheldon even provides details on how you can join his private league if you are looking for a way to engage your brain outside of your typical work hours. The core message is simple: if you do not take time for yourself, burnout will eventually change how you see your business. Whether it is playing an instrument, hiking, or gaming, find what works for you and make it a priority. Tune in to learn how to keep your safety game elevated while keeping your sanity intact. Chapters0:00 Intro and the Importance of Fun2:45 Hobbies from RV Life to Sourdough Baking5:30 Why Poker is the Ultimate Mind Game8:15 Joining the Agents of Poker League11:00 Poker Math and Executive Decision Making14:30 Avoiding Professional Burnout17:45 Final Thoughts and Outro Subscribe for more insights on the business of safety consulting and visit our website for additional resources. #safetyconsultant #burnoutprevention #businessmindset #pokerstrategy #worklifebalance My website: http://www.sheldonprimus.com/poker

    Burnout is Real! What do you do for fun? I play poker.
4.8
out of 5
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About

The Safety Consultant Podcast with Sheldon Primus is your ultimate weekly guide to starting or growing a profitable occupational safety and health consulting business. Are you ready to be your own boss and make a greater impact? Your expertise can help more people create safer workplaces, and your skills deserve a platform where they can truly shine. If you feel limited in your current role and believe your knowledge could serve the broader workforce more effectively, this podcast is for you. Join us as we explore the steps to launch your own safety consulting business, share insights on navigating the industry, and provide strategies to maximize your impact on workplace health and safety. Now is the perfect time to take control of your career and make a difference!