NSSGA Podcast National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA)

Bill Duguay brings his vast amount of industry experience back to the podcast today to  discuss the importance of workplace safety, accident prevention, and the implementation of stringent safety protocols. Bill, who now advises leadership teams on running safety-oriented businesses, shares a personal and poignant story about a lockout/tagout procedure gone wrong, an incident that nearly cost his father his life, and that had a profound impact upon his family. 
Throughout the episode, he stresses the human element of workplace safety, advocating that the protection of workers extends beyond mere compliance with regulations—it is a fundamental duty of every employer. Bill’s powerful message here today underscores the necessity of constant vigilance to ensure the safety of all employees, ensuring they return home safely each day.
 
Episode Highlights:
Bill Duguay's extensive background in construction and road-building and his current role in enhancing business leadership and safety
A detailed recount of a lockout/tagout incident involving Bill's father
The evolution of safety measures over the years and the importance of modern safety equipment and procedures
The emotional and long-term impacts of workplace accidents on victims and their families
Strategies for improving workplace safety culture
The role of personal stories in reinforcing the importance of safety and humanizing the implications of neglect
The systemic changes needed to prevent similar incidents and the overarching responsibility of employers to safeguard their workers
 
Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions:
In this episode, Bill talks about a lockout/tagout incident that happened years ago. How have you seen lockout/tagout safety practices change over the years?
Bill said that his family didn’t receive emotional support from former coworkers following his father’s accident. Why do you think this is, and do you think it would be different today? 
Bill wants people to remember the human element following a catastrophic injury. How do you think we can learn from the accident while still remembering that real people were involved?
 
Quotes:
"It's so easy, as an employer, as an employee, when somebody is critically hurt, to lose track of what the impact on the family is from a catastrophic injury."
"We work so hard on creating safe workspaces and having systems and processes and training.”
"My message here is, when somebody suffers a catastrophic injury at work, it's so easy to forget that person, and we can't."
"Every day, I thank the people who were there to help him, to get him out of that manhole, to restart his heart, the clinicians, the physicians, everybody involved in his journey."
"It could be any one of us today, and our families impact the work that's required of us as employers to make sure we have identified and mitigated and eliminated hazards in our workplace."
 
Links:
National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website
Bill's LinkedIn
 

In a key Safety Shorts episode, Aaron Witt, CEO of Build Witt, shares crucial safety insights from his early construction days. Starting at 18 with no prior experience, Witt learned the hard way that following experienced workers without question doesn't guarantee safety. His narrative highlights the danger of neglecting safety protocols, especially around trenches, and the life-saving importance of adhering to guidelines. 
The discussion emphasizes the need for questioning, the courage to challenge unsafe practices, and the shared responsibility in promoting a safe work environment. Witt's story underscores that vigilance and speaking up are essential for accident prevention and worker safety. Advocating for a proactive safety stance, today’s episode transcends storytelling, advocating for a culture of safety that bridges generational gaps in the construction industry.
 
Episode Highlights:
Aaron Witt's transition into the construction industry at 18, bringing fresh eyes to the traditional practices of a pipe crew
The inherent dangers of working in trenches and Aaron's initial oversight of safety protocols, influenced by the actions of more experienced coworkers
A critical safety lesson learned: the importance of questioning and verifying the actions of others, especially in the context of construction safety
The pivotal role of experienced workers in setting a standard for safety, emphasizing "do as I do," rather than "do as I say."
The significance of speaking up when safety practices are in doubt, advocating for a culture of vigilance and responsibility in preventing accidents
Aaron's perspective on the importance of leading by example and the responsibility veterans have in teaching the next generation the correct safety measures
Libby Pritchard's reflection on the universal applicability of the episode's lesson, urging listeners to stay safe and proactive in their safety practices
 
Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions:
In this episode, Aaron talks about doing what he saw others do when he was new on the job site. Does anyone have a story about a similar experience they would like to share? 
Aaron says his boss gave him the sternest talking-to of the crew. Why do you think he did this? 
We often talk about how we train the next generation. How do you think we can best convey important safety lessons to people without industry experience?
 
Quotes:
"Just because someone is doing something does not make it correct or safe."
"Lead by example. It's not just a 'do as I say, not as I do' situation."
"If you have that little voice in the back of your head questioning safety, speak up."
"I needed to double-check what other people were doing to make sure I don't get myself into trouble."
"You never know what kind of accident you could be preventing by speaking up."
 
Links:
National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website
BuildWitt
 

Josh Ierna, Safety Manager at Tilcon Connecticut, joins Libby today to delve into the transformative journey of Total Worker Health and its profound impact on organizational wellbeing. Josh highlights the evolution of Total Worker Health, addressing multifaceted issues such as mental wellness, opioid overdose prevention, and suicide awareness, through proactive engagement with employees, fostering a culture of support and empowerment. 
Throughout the discussion, Josh elaborates on Tilcon Connecticut's journey, from raising awareness through dedicated training sessions to implementing innovative programs like onsite athletic training, demonstrating a commitment to prioritizing employee health and safety. Their collaborative approach emphasizes engagement and empowerment, tailored solutions, and continuous improvement, ensuring meaningful impact and paving the way for a brighter future of employee wellbeing and organizational success.
Episode Highlights:
Tilcon Connecticut's path towards embracing holistic well-being beyond traditional safety measures with Total Worker Health
Engaging employees in dialogue and empowering them to contribute to well-being initiatives
Evolution of initiatives from awareness campaigns to practical programs like onsite athletic training
Recognizing diverse workforce needs, and emphasizing personalized solutions and proactive support
Fostering a culture of shared responsibility through collaboration between management, employees, and external partners
Commitment to ongoing refinement through feedback solicitation
The impact of initiatives
The future of employee well-being
Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions:
In this episode, Josh comes on the podcast to talk about his company’s total worker health journey. What do you think about health programs like this that include wellness?
To get started on their total worker health journey, Josh’s company got buy-in from employees at all levels. Why do you think this kind of engagement is important?
Total worker health is a program that varies from company to company. Where can we improve or make changes to our company’s health programs?
Quotes:
"We need to constantly engage with our employees... It's where we found the biggest value."
"Taking safety, psychological safety, mental wellness, putting it all together into a program under total worker health's guidance benefits both the employee and us."
"Engagement is the key... Talk to your people, ask them what's important."
"Total Worker Health is about taking care of our workforce, both at work and at home."
"By prioritizing employee well-being, we ultimately drive positive outcomes for the company as a whole."
Links:
National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/twh/default.html
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oep/twhcenters.html

This week, Libby reunites with DJ Schmutz, Director of Operations with MSHA Safety Services, as he delivers a compelling narrative that transcends workplace boundaries to underscore the real-world significance of safety training. DJ's harrowing personal experience from a year and a half ago vividly illustrates the importance of being prepared for emergencies, as his son's seizure becomes a poignant reminder that safety skills can be a lifeline in unexpected situations. As you will hear, this episode not only emphasizes the critical need for maintaining composure and relying on training in high-pressure, adrenaline-fueled moments, but also stresses the value of regular practice to ensure readiness during crises both within the workplace and beyond. 
Episode Highlights:
DJ recounts a family trip when his son experienced a sudden seizure in a remote area, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for emergencies wherever you are
He reflects on his CPR and first aid training, acknowledging the hope never to use it but highlighting its life-saving potential
DJ describes the intense moments when he had to administer CPR to his son, illustrating the significance of staying calm and following training protocols
His story underscores the critical nature of checking for vital signs, initiating chest compressions, and maintaining focus during a crisis
The episode stresses the need for ongoing practice of safety skills, as DJ's preparedness ultimately played a pivotal role in his son's recovery
DJ's experience serves as a powerful reminder that safety training can be invaluable for family and friends, reinforcing its relevance outside of the workplace.
Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions:
In this episode, DJ talks about needing to use his CPR/first aid training on a family member. Does this make you think about CPR/first aid training drills differently?
DJ talks about needing to take a second to slow down and focus on his training. What can this tell us about how to react in a high-pressure situation?
Does anyone have a story about a time when they needed to use their CPR/first aid training?
Quotes:
"It really highlights the importance of why we get safety training integrated. I've been CPR First Aid trained for about 15 years, and honestly, hope to never, ever have to do CPR on somebody." 
"Once you get into an emergency situation, your adrenaline is going, things are different. You need to be able to call on that training."
"You don't know when you're going to need it. And who do you spend the bulk of your time with? You spend it with family and friends and outside of work. And that's really where a lot of that benefit can come in."
"Everyone out there, keep practicing your CPR. You really never know when you might need it." 
"I'm so grateful that your son is okay and you had that training and it really kicked in."
Links:
National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website
MSHA Safety Services

Welcome to another impactful episode of Safety Shorts with your host, Libby Pritchard. In this episode, Libby welcomes back a special guest, Cal Beyer, Vice President of Risk, Safety, and Mental Well-Being at ethOs, who brings with him his extensive experience and knowledge in addressing mental health and critical incident response in the workplace. Today, he shares a pivotal moment when he realized the importance of psychological first aid and critical incident response, while also offering practical strategies that can transform the way organizations support their employees through challenging times.
Episode Highlights:
Prioritizing mental health for those responding to workplace trauma
Acknowledging vulnerability and reshaping workplace culture for well-being
Destigmatizing mental health discussions
Vital self-care practices: hydration, nutrition, sleep, and socialization
Industry-wide adoption of critical incident response protocols
Simple strategies for integrating mental well-being into crisis plans
Empowering employees to overcome workplace stress challenges
Fostering resilience in the workplace
Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions:
In this episode, Cal talks about how support has changed for those who respond to critical incidents. Have you noticed this change over the years? How?
Stress and trauma have physiological impacts on the body. What can we do to support and check in with team members who have responded to a critical incident?
Does anyone have a story about a time when they responded to a critical incident or saw how responding to a critical incident impacted someone else?
Quotes:
"I've always called those the unthinkable moments."
"We could normalize the conversation by teaching how the body and the mind respond to traumatic events."
"The goal of critical incident response is to let workers know that help is available."
"We're not babying you; we're humaning you."
"Getting these steps more normalized as part of our workplaces can really help change the culture."
Links:
National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website
 

With the holidays right around the corner, Libby brings us this special installment of Safety Shorts that is both timely and timeless. Today, the spotlight is on Bill Duguay, an industry veteran with an impressive 40+ years of experience in constructing roads and bridges across the nation. Beyond his career in construction, Bill now collaborates closely with leadership teams, aiding them in the pursuit of business excellence. 
The central theme of this episode revolves around a powerful safety narrative, as Bill shares a personal account that serves as an unwavering reminder of the grave dangers associated with drinking and driving during the holiday season and beyond. In a world where safety and responsibility are paramount, this episode serves as an imperative reminder of our individual and collective roles in ensuring safety on the roads.
Episode Highlights:
Bill recounts a tragic incident from his early career, where two coworkers lost their lives in a drinking and driving accident just days before Christmas
With the holiday season approaching, Bill emphasizes the importance of planning for safe transportation after festive gatherings
Bill urges us all to engage in open conversations about safety, both in the workplace and among loved ones
Beyond drinking and driving, Bill emphasizes the need to address all forms of impaired and distracted driving
Prevention is always preferable to dealing with the aftermath of poor decisions
The importance of checking in with coworkers, friends, and family to ensure they have a safe plan for getting home after consuming alcohol
The holiday season should be a time of joy, gratitude, and family bonding, not marred by avoidable accidents - by making safe choices, we can ensure happier memories for all
Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions:
In this episode, Bill talks about an impaired driving accident that killed two coworkers over the holidays. 
Why do you think it is important to be especially vigilant around impaired driving during the holiday season? 
How can we apply the message of “Get home safe” to our personal lives? 
Does anyone have a personal story about impaired driving?
Quotes:
“They were fathers, they were husbands, they were coworkers, and they were friends. And sitting there sharing their pain, sharing their grief, knowing that their children were going to grow up without their fathers…it's just horrible that a season of joy turned into a season of misery for their families.”
"I can't imagine the pain the family went through.”"
"Find the courage. Find the time. Spread the message. Have a plan to get home safe and sound."
"My ask is that as we come into the holiday season, a season of joy and giving and gratefulness that we find time to talk about having a plan to get ourselves home safe and sound to our families and loved ones."
"Be brave and have hard conversations. Check in with your coworkers, your loved ones, your family, your friends."
Links:
National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website