MEMIC Safety Experts

Peter Koch
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Business
  • Updated Bimonthly

Because safety is more than just a policy, practice, or personal protective equipment, the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast hosted by Peter Koch will interview industry leaders every two weeks on the trends, tools, and techniques that are tried, tested, or emerging in the world of workplace safety. What you learn could save your life or the life of a friend or coworker, or at least save everyone from a few unnecessary cuts, burns and bruises. Make your work, and world, a safer place.

  1. 1d ago

    A Consolidation of Safety Subtleties: How to Build ReA Consolidation of Safety Subtleties: How to Build Resilient Safety Systems with Jake Mazulewiczsilient Safety Systems with Jake Mazulewicz

    Why do organizations continue to experience serious incidents even after implementing policies, procedures, training programs, audits, and investigations? The answer may lie in the gap between Work as Imagined and Work as Done. In Part One of this two-part episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast, host Peter Koch sits down with human reliability consultant, educator, and author Jake Mazulewicz to explore the often-overlooked factors that influence human performance, workplace safety, and organizational reliability. Using real-world examples from manufacturing, emergency response, utilities, and other high-consequence industries, Jake explains why traditional approaches focused solely on compliance, rule enforcement, and blame frequently fail to deliver the safety outcomes leaders expect. Instead, he introduces listeners to the concepts of psychological safety, learning-based leadership, tacit knowledge, and what he calls a "consolidation of subtleties" – the small details that often reveal how work is really accomplished. Whether you're a safety professional, operational leader, supervisor, HR professional, business owner, or someone interested in human and organizational performance (HOP), this episode provides actionable strategies to improve workplace safety, strengthen trust, and build more resilient organizations.

  2. Jul 27

    Saving Lives in the Trades - How the Practice of Leadership Creates Safer Workplaces with Jenn Ruggerio

    What if the most important safety tool on a jobsite isn't equipment or technology—but it's leadership? In this episode, we explore how leaders influence workplace safety, shape company culture, and help prevent injuries before they happen. From mentoring new hires and addressing risky behaviors to building psychological safety and accountability, we discuss the leadership practices that keep workers safe and engaged. Whether you're a business owner, supervisor, safety professional, or skilled trades worker, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for improving workplace safety, employee engagement, safety leadership, and risk management. Because when leadership is a practice rather than process, everyone benefits—and more people make it home safely at the end of the day. Learn more about Jenn and the Rugged Training Group at their website: https://www.rugged-training.com/

  3. Jul 13

    The Confluence of Human Resources and Workplace Safety with Michelle Allen

    Too often, HR and safety teams operate in silos—only collaborating after incidents occur. But what happens when these functions align? The result is a people-first culture that not only prevents injuries but also boosts employee engagement, strengthens leadership, and improves overall organizational performance. In Episode 125 of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast, host Peter Koch sits down with Michelle Allen, Chief Human Resources Officer at MEMIC, to explore the powerful connection between HR strategy and workplace safety. Michelle shares real-world insights on how organizations can move beyond compliance and build integrated, human-centered safety programs that protect employees and empower teams to thrive. Whether you're an HR leader, safety professional, business owner, or manager, this episode delivers practical strategies to help you improve workplace safety, reduce risk, and foster a culture of trust and performance. 🔗 Explore more workplace safety resources and episodes at memic.com/podcast 📩 Have a topic idea? Email podcast@memic.com

  4. Apr 21

    Cybersecurity and Workplace Safety: Protecting People, Operations, and Culture with Jay Carter

    Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern—it's a core business issue that aligns with workplace safety. With cyber and phishing attacks becoming more frequent, more sophisticated, and increasingly focused on people, even small gaps in awareness or process can create serious cybersecurity risks. Just as responsibility for Workplace Safety spreads beyond the Safety Committee or Risk Manager, cybersecurity is no longer just the job of the IT team. It is now a shared responsibility across the organization focusing on employee engagement to help mitigate the ever-changing threat. In this episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast, Jay Carter, Chief Information Security Officer at MEMIC explores how today's cyber threats impact employees, operations, and organizational culture, covering training tools, phishing simulations, message fatigue, and making security feel empowering rather than punitive. Key Takeaways: Why cybersecurity is essential to workplace safety culture How cyber incidents affect employees and operations Practical ways to reduce risk through awareness and strategy Listen now to learn how cybersecurity helps keep people—and workplaces—safe.

  5. Mar 9

    Combustible Dust in the Workplace What Weve Learned and Whats Changing with James Burke

    Combustible dust remains a major—but often overlooked—industrial hazard. In this episode, we break down what combustible dust is, why deadly explosions continue to occur, and what's changing in regulations and industry best practices. We also explore practical steps organizations can take right now to strengthen prevention, improve training, and build a safer workplace. Perfect for safety leaders, supervisors, risk managers, and anyone responsible for protecting workers and preventing catastrophic incidents.

  6. Feb 5

    The Winter Work Playbook: Ranger Lessons for the Everyday Jobsite with Matt McGuire and Rob Tice

    Practical winter safety strategies for outdoor workers and supervisors, informed by the field experience of Maine's Baxter State Park rangers. Rob Tice - Baxter State Park District Ranger. He began his career in Baxter State Park in 2001 and was hired as the Alpine Ranger spending nearly a decade of winters at Chimney Pond, in a remote cabin, 15 miles from his truck. Conducting search and rescue, Avalanche, education and ice climbing. Rob is a law-enforcement supervisor and enjoys spending time in the park to recreate and has been participating in search and rescue for 33 years. Rob has had the opportunity to climb and mountaineer on Mount Rainier, Denali and in the Canadian Rockies. Matt McGuire - Chief Ranger (Director of Operations).   Matt worked 26 years for Maine Stare Parks as a Ranger and Supervisor before joining Baxter in August of 2024. He oversees law enforcement, campgrounds, trails, and maintenance & transportation divisions, as well as wild land fire, emergency medicine, and Search and Rescue operations. Matt has been climbing in the park for more than 20 years, with the majority of that time being in the winter. He is a licensed EMT and MASAR certified Search Team Member and Technical Rope Rescue Team Member.

  7. 07/16/2025

    The Safety Dividend: Leadership Lessons from WD-40 to Boeing with Randy Klatt

    In today's competitive landscape, workplace safety isn't just about compliance – it's a critical driver of success, deeply intertwined with an organization's culture and leadership.   This episode unwraps two case studies: the remarkable journey of WD-40, guided by a CEO whose unwavering dedication to employee well-being has not only minimized incidents but also fueled innovation and profitability.  Contrast this with the ongoing challenges at Boeing.  Once a titan of engineering excellence, the aerospace giant continues to face significant scrutiny and setbacks due to a perceived erosion of its safety culture. Joined by Randy Klatt, former director of Loss Control at MEMIC, who now sits on the Advisory Board for the Foundation for Aviation Safety - we'll analyze how principles of strong safety leadership, from transparent communication to empowering frontline workers, can either elevate a company to new heights or bring it to its knees. Whether you're a CEO, a safety professional, or simply interested in the dynamics of organizational success, this podcast will illuminate why safety is, without a doubt, the ultimate dividend.

  8. 02/11/2025

    Slip Trip and Fall Prevention with Kim Block and Rose Wess

    On this episode of the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast I am joined by MEMIC safety consultant Rose Wess and former WGME 13 news anchor Kim Block to talk about the critical importance of slip, trip, and fall prevention. Learn how these accidents happen, the devastating impact they can have, and practical strategies to keep yourself safe at work and home.

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Because safety is more than just a policy, practice, or personal protective equipment, the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast hosted by Peter Koch will interview industry leaders every two weeks on the trends, tools, and techniques that are tried, tested, or emerging in the world of workplace safety. What you learn could save your life or the life of a friend or coworker, or at least save everyone from a few unnecessary cuts, burns and bruises. Make your work, and world, a safer place.

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