The Employee Safety Podcast

Introducing the FUTURE Operations Center Model

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Many organizations have strong risk functions, but when disruption hits, siloed teams continue to operate without a unified model. Bruce McIndoe, a global risk advisor with decades of experience, explains why this gap makes it harder to respond quickly and effectively when it matters most.

Bruce outlines how organizations can move toward a joint, multidisciplinary model by leveraging shared data and stronger coordination to help teams detect threats earlier, act faster, and protect business outcomes.

Episode highlights:

Why organizations struggle to move beyond siloed risk functions
How to create a shared operating picture to improve response speed
The importance of aligning risk reduction efforts to business objectives
What metrics leaders can use to measure operational effectiveness

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Understanding the Rise in Executive Targeting

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Threats toward business leaders are rising, and security teams are starting to see the shift firsthand. Bob Hayes, Managing Director and Founder of the Security Executive Council (SEC), shares what his team uncovered after analyzing new data on executive targeting.

In this episode, Bob explains what’s driving the surge in incidents, how executive exposure is changing, and why organizations may need to rethink how they assess leadership risk.

Key takeaways:

What new research reveals about the 313% rise in executive targeting incidents
The surprising shift in motives behind many incidents
How visibility and circumstance can quickly increase exposure
Why leadership risk often extends beyond the C-suite

For more insights, explore the Security Executive Council’s Executive Targeting Report and Beyond Incivility Report.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How to Build a Proactive Protective Intelligence Program

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Corporate security is at a turning point. With rising acts of violence and grievance-driven threats, protective intelligence is no longer confined to executive protection. Melissa Newberg, Global Head of Intelligence at Seerist, explains why it’s becoming the standard operating model for modern security teams.

Drawing on her experience building a protective intelligence program at Meta, Melissa outlines how organizations can shift from chasing isolated threats to analyzing big-picture patterns and trends to mitigate potential risk.

Episode highlights:

Balancing real-time social media monitoring with trend tracking
How to deliver stronger protection with limited resources
Why private groups, encrypted apps, and AI-generated content make online threats harder to spot

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Closing Security Gaps With the Zero Trust Model

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Dell Technologies’ Global Security Investigations Lead, Bo Bohanan, says most breaches start the same way: someone convinces you they belong.

In this episode, Bo shares how his team approaches fraud prevention and investigations, and why Zero Trust is as much about culture and process as it is about tools and technology. From role-based access to physical tailgating, he offers practical ways to tighten security without crushing productivity.

Key takeaways:

What modern impersonation fraud looks like in the age of AI
How to reduce risk with smarter access rules and ongoing checks for unusual activity
Why fusion centers reduce silos by routing threat intel to the right teams

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Inside U.S. Preparations for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Behind every Olympic Games is years of careful planning to keep athletes, officials, and spectators safe. As the 2026 Winter Olympic Games kick off in Italy, security efforts stretch far beyond the venues, spanning multiple regions, agencies, and international partners.

Nick Fanelli, Olympic Security Coordinator at the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), joins the show to break down how the U.S. prepares for one of the world’s most complex security operations.

Key takeaways:

How international partnerships strengthen threat prevention and response
Why long lead times and early planning are critical for complex security operations
What the most geographically dispersed Olympic Games in history mean for transportation security
Lessons corporate leaders can apply to large events and global travel programs

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Modernizing Executive Protection With Digital and Protective Intelligence

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Executive protection is evolving from traditional bodyguard work to a more intelligent, data-driven discipline that enables organizations to prevent threats before they materialize.

Steve Hernandez, CEO of The North Group, shares how modern executive protection programs rely on predictive intelligence, thorough threat assessments, and a clear understanding of the organization’s risk profile.

Listen to learn:

Why risk assessments are the foundation of effective executive protection
How organizations can rethink who needs protection as threats extend beyond the C-suite
What factors to consider when choosing between in-house support and external protection partners
How sharing an executive’s full risk profile helps overcome resistance to protection

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Top Threats Shaping Organizational Risk in 2026

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Organizations faced a record number of interconnected threats in 2025, from global political volatility and multi-city protests to emerging technology disruptions and extreme weather events. The sheer volume and variety of incidents forced leaders to rethink how they monitor risk, protect employees, and maintain business continuity in an increasingly unpredictable world.

In this episode, AlertMedia’s Senior Vice President of Global Intelligence, Sara Pratley, unpacks the top threats and key trends from the 2026 Threat Outlook Report and shares practical guidance to help leaders build resilience for the year ahead.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Tips for Improving Your Business Recovery Efforts

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Business recovery plans succeed when they include two crucial components: a prioritized list of operations to restore first and strategies for setting recovery expectations well in advance of an incident.

In this episode, Kye Kolar, Business Continuity Manager at Dimensional Fund Advisors, explains why post-incident recovery depends more on empowered employees than on static documents and how clear crisis communication helps teams stay aligned when conditions change.

Kye reflects on:

The experiences that shaped his approach to business recovery
Why supporting the people leading incident response and recovery is critical after a crisis
Practical ways leaders can modernize emergency preparedness training

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

A Leader’s Guide to Building Organizational Resilience

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Leadership can play a crucial role in fostering resilience by including employees in important decisions that directly impact their roles.

In this episode, organizational resilience expert Dr. Atyia Martin explains why inclusion is critical and provides additional advice for leaders on how to avoid or repair internal dynamics that can hinder resilience.

Dr. Martin also introduces innovative training approaches leaders can use to support organizational growth.

Key takeaways:

A structured framework for building resilience in practical steps
What “justice principles” are and why they matter in organizational decision-making
Leading and lagging indicators that highlight risks to resilience before they escalate
Best practices for ensuring you bring the right employees to the table

To learn more about the resource Dr. Martin mentions in the episode, visit https://intentionallyact.com.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Trends Defining the Future of Enterprise Security Risk Management

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Corporate security risks are evolving in ways that demand new mitigation strategies. Ryan Schonfeld, Co-founder and CEO of HiveWatch, an AI-driven physical security software platform, draws on his background in law enforcement and global enterprise security to offer a new perspective on how organizations can better manage today’s challenges.

From the rise of social media–driven civil unrest to the convergence of cyber and physical threats, Ryan discusses the security trends he sees shaping the future and what leaders must do to stay ahead.

Episode highlights:

Learn how to shift to data-driven resource allocation to increase efficiency
Identify cost-effective ways AI can support security teams
Accelerate the convergence of physical and cyber security to strengthen resilience
Align security programs with business objectives to earn leadership support and long-term impact

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Security Lessons From a Leading U.S. Blood Center

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

When David Fortino joined New York Blood Center Enterprises—one of the largest nonprofit blood collection and distribution organizations in the U.S.—as Head of Corporate Security, he was tasked with building the company’s first enterprise-wide security program. With 2,300 employees spread across more than 70 locations in 17 states, and a constantly moving fleet of mobile blood drives, the role demanded a security strategy that could adapt to both scale and complexity.

In this episode, David shares how his frontline experience in emergency medical services informs the security program he’s building to meet real-world demands. He breaks down how to tailor training by role, monitor risks, and align security priorities with business needs. Whether your team works in labs, offices, or out in the field, David’s approach offers an adaptable and hands-on model for building a security program.

David and Peter discuss:

How understanding an organization’s mission helps define its security priorities
The challenges of securing temporary locations and ensuring staff are equipped for unpredictable moments
Why strong relationships with HR, legal, facilities, and local law enforcement teams are essential for effective security programs
What it takes to embed security across departments and shift legacy mindsets over time

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How to Contextualize Global Risks for Your Leadership Team

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In today’s complex global risk landscape, enterprise leadership teams must have a complete understanding of their risk profiles to make informed decisions on how to protect their people and assets. Daniel Devery, Director of Enterprise Crisis Management at Assurant, shares how his team turns geopolitical risks into early warnings by contextualizing their potential business impacts.

From shaping business travel security protocols to delivering concise executive briefings, Daniel outlines how building trust through proactive communication results in streamlined crisis management.

Key takeaways:

How to make geopolitical risks actionable by linking them to business goals
Why understanding geographic context is essential to assessing real risk on the ground
How cross-functional collaboration strengthens early-stage incident response
How businesses of all sizes can contextualize risks to prepare for downstream operational and financial impacts

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Turner Construction’s Blueprint for Ensuring Jobsite Safety

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Construction sites are unpredictable by nature, with changing crews, high-risk hazards, and exposure to the elements. Eddie Barry, Director of Risk and Threat Intelligence at Turner Construction, shares how the international construction services company builds safety into every project from the ground up.

Eddie also discusses how Turner’s culture of care extends beyond its employees to ensure that a project’s community, its people, and its infrastructure are protected.

Key takeaways:

How Turner’s daily pre-task plans drive continuous safety improvements on jobsites
The benefits of a cross-functional and collaborative approach to incident response
How to quickly account for every person’s safety following an incident or weather event
The importance of integrating contractors into emergency communication and risk intelligence tools

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Introducing a New Era of Risk Intelligence

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Many corporate security teams struggle to keep pace with today’s rapidly evolving risk landscape. Most rely on a patchwork of disconnected tools for intelligence, response, and communication, which leads to duplicative work, slower detection, and inefficient threat resolution.

To directly address these challenges, AlertMedia recently released a major upgrade to its Risk Intelligence suite, delivering powerful new capabilities that enable security teams to identify risk faster, manage response workflows, and track resolution across their organizations.

In today’s episode, AlertMedia’s Senior Vice President of Product, Ben Schneider, breaks down the new products and discusses how they help businesses stay ahead of risks and take faster, more confident action.

Listen in to learn about three powerful new capabilities of AlertMedia’s Risk Intelligence suite:

Real-Time Signals: AI-Vetted initial reporting from thousands of sources in real-time for security teams to investigate.
Threat Management: Accelerate response and collaboration with a dashboard to investigate and triage alerts.
Social Intelligence: Monitor mentions of key individuals and brands to predict threats that could impact your organization.

Learn more about AlertMedia’s new era of Risk Intelligence.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Amtrak’s Rail Safety Month Initiatives

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

September is National Preparedness Month and Rail Safety Month, two annual efforts spotlighting emergency readiness and rail-related hazards. With trains running through communities nationwide, we turn to Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, to see how these initiatives come to life.

Amtrak’s Vice President of Operational Safety, Justin Meko, outlines how the nation’s leading passenger rail organization uses employee engagement, public education, and technology to reduce risk and raise awareness about the importance of rail safety.

Key takeaways:

What daily commuters and business travelers need to know about rail safety risks and trespassing laws
How to respond if you’re involved in or observe a rail safety incident
How Amtrak uses its ‘Safety Olympics’ to reinforce preparedness and boost employee engagement
The importance of confidential reporting programs that build trust and a proactive safety culture

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

20 Years Since Hurricane Katrina: Lessons in Emergency Response

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

This month marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina—one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history. When the storm struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Bonnie Canal was among the many New Orleanians forced to make an impossible decision: stay or evacuate.

In this deeply personal episode, Bonnie reflects on the chaos of evacuation, the shock of returning to a city in ruins, and the painful work of rebuilding a community. Katrina exposed deep flaws in emergency communication, disaster response, and systemic preparedness that continue to inform Bonnie’s career.

Today, Bonnie is a nationally recognized leader in disaster preparedness, community resilience, and business continuity. She currently serves as Tulane University’s Manager of Business Continuity. She’s also a certified FEMA instructor, a Disaster Recovery International (DRI) trainer, and a recipient of multiple industry honors.

Bonnie’s powerful story reminds business leaders to anticipate the unexpected, ask the questions nobody else is asking, and lead with clarity and compassion in times of crisis.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Inside Capital One’s Operational Resilience Framework

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

At Capital One, operational resilience is a long-term, companywide investment that prioritizes customer needs. Theresa Reynolds, Senior Director of Operational Risk Management, shares how her team ensures the company can deliver on its promises, even amid disruption.

From mapping essential services to tackling third-party risk, she breaks down the pillars of Capital One’s resilience framework. The insights Theresa shares can be applied to organizations of any size aiming to build lasting resilience and strengthen business continuity.

Episode highlights:

Capital One’s customer-first definition of operational resilience
How dependency mapping reveals hidden single points of failure
Resilience frameworks that align leadership and guide decisions
How to avoid burnout by building bench strength across incident response teams

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

A Collaborative Approach to Better Business Continuity

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Business resilience isn’t built overnight; Joel Navarro knows that better than most. As Vice President of Global Business Resiliency at East West Bank and President of the North Texas Chapter of ACP, Joel is widely recognized as a go-to expert in business continuity.

In this episode, Joel explains how close collaboration with business units leads to improved business continuity planning and fosters organizational resilience.

Episode highlights:

Active listening is key to earning trust and participation across business units
Customized training tools, like short videos, increase employee engagement and recall
Real-life incidents can be a catalyst for advancing continuity programs
Servant leadership builds bridges between risk compliance and collaboration

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

The Integral Role of Safety in Employee Experience

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0500

“Culture is a series of intentional actions that show care”—and for Jenna Eichberg, those actions begin with safety. As Chief People Officer at AlertMedia, she fosters a work environment where duty of care is a daily commitment, not just a concept.

In the 200th episode of the show, Jenna discusses why creating a foundation of physical and psychological safety in the workplace deepens employee trust and drives productivity. She offers a compelling blueprint for creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Key takeaways:

How to build resilient teams by leading with care
Why creating psychological safety helps people bring their best to work
The power of intentional actions that make employees feel valued and protected
Cultures of care drive exponential growth and long-term business success

Thanks to all our listeners and guests for helping us reach 200 episodes!

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Cyber Risk Readiness in the Age of AI

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

From AI-generated phishing to the growing threat of deepfakes, cybersecurity risks are evolving faster than most companies can keep up. Will Knehr, Global Cybersecurity Advisor at i-PRO, shares the most pressing cyber concerns facing organizations today and actionable tips on how to prepare and respond.

Whether your company is a global enterprise or a small business, Will’s insights will help you stay informed and ready for today’s AI-driven threat landscape.

Episode highlights:

How AI is lowering the barrier for inexperienced cyber attackers
The importance of an effective incident response plan
Why hands-on demos can make cybersecurity training stick
How to encourage reporting by building trust across teams

In this episode, Will suggests accessing CISA’s Incident Response Playbook to improve your organization’s cybersecurity posture.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Inside Uber’s Incident Response Plan

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Wellness checks and surveys are essential to any crisis communication plan, but what happens when an employee responds that they need assistance? In this episode, Ashley Guest, Head of Strategic and Operational Solutions for Trust and Security at Uber, explains how the company built a global support model to ensure that impacted employees receive the help they need after an incident.

Ashley breaks down how Uber aligns regional teams to deliver consistent resources, improve data transparency, and build real-time support systems to fulfill duty of care across its global footprint.

Key takeaways:

How Uber’s GSOCs support employees across 90+ countries
Real-world examples of the company’s global support model in action
The importance of developing valuable partnerships with vendors
How Uber improved its employee data process to ensure accuracy with emergency communications

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Security From Scratch: Tips on Building Scalable Strategies

Wed, 21 May 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Jared Greene brings a unique blend of federal law enforcement experience and corporate security expertise to his role as Head of Global Security and Safety at Vuori. Tasked with building a comprehensive safety program from scratch, Jared has implemented a scalable strategy that protects employees, assets, and operations across a rapidly growing global footprint.

In this episode, Jared shares how he approaches risk assessments, aligns security initiatives with business goals, and earns leadership buy-in—even when resources are limited. He also offers practical advice for professionals tasked with starting or scaling corporate safety programs.

Key takeaways:

Why starting with policies and SOPs lays the foundation for long-term success
How to tailor security programs based on industry, business model, and growth plans
Tips for navigating global compliance and cultural differences
The critical role of internal partnerships with legal, IT, and marketing teams

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How BeforeDuringAfter Is Boosting Business Resiliency in Texas and Beyond

Wed, 07 May 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Business resilience means effectively navigating organizational disruptions from preparedness through recovery, and it can be difficult for any business to achieve.

Emergency preparedness and business continuity expert, Justen Noakes, joins the show to discuss how his latest venture, BeforeDuringAfter, a free online resource providing crisis management tools and best practices, is helping to build a more resilient business community.

Originally designed to support small businesses across Texas, the program offers practical disaster preparedness, risk mitigation, and continuity planning guidance. But as Justen explains, its value extends beyond state lines and provides valuable insights for any organization looking to strengthen its resilience.

Listen to learn:

How the program’s Readiness Roadmap helps companies build a solid business continuity plan
Why having access to information from local sources that’s tailored to your business is an advantage in a crisis
How the program’s all-hazards approach prepares small businesses for each stage of an emergency
Tips on navigating insurance claims and working with vendors after a disaster

To build your own Readiness Roadmap, visit BeforeDuringAfter.com.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

“15 ‘til 50”: A Breakthrough in Mass Casualty Response

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

When a mass casualty incident occurs, every second counts. Chris Riccardi, Emergency Management and Business Continuity Manager at Rady Children’s Health, developed a transformative response program that enables hospitals and other facilities to triage and treat 50 victims in under 15 minutes.

In this episode, Chris breaks down how the “15 ‘til 50” protocol was born, what makes it so effective, and how it’s being adopted across healthcare systems, schools, warehouses, and more. Chris’ insights offer a practical approach to emergency preparedness that strengthens coordination, speeds up response, and helps save lives.

Key takeaways:

Why standardized role assignments are critical during disaster response
How regular drills help build muscle memory and identify real-world gaps
The importance of scalable plans for non-hospital environments
Tips for stress-testing your emergency management system with realistic scenarios

Download the full “15 ‘til 50” Mass Casualty Incident Guide and training materials at WRAP-EM.org.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Mastercard’s Proactive Approach to Climate Risk and Resiliency

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

As climate risks intensify globally, Mastercard is committed to ensuring the safety of its people, facilities, and communities, in part by mitigating risk from extreme weather.

Montana Eck, Ph.D., Director of Physical Climate Risk and Resiliency at Mastercard, shares how his team assesses and prioritizes climate risks across the company’s global operations. With a background in climate research and data analysis, Montana explains why prioritizing climate resilience is a business imperative.

Listen in to learn:

Tips on how to evaluate, assess, and address climate risks for each business location
How Mastercard balances short-term business needs with long-term climate planning
The role of partnerships in creating more climate-resilient workplaces
How companies can influence climate resilience beyond their own walls

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Advancing Executive Protection With Innovation and Technology

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Executive Protection (EP) isn’t just about keeping leaders safe—it's about empowering them to perform at their best. Whether supporting Fortune 500 CEOs or startup founders, modern EP programs must go beyond traditional security measures to drive real business value.

Brian Jantzen, an executive protection expert with over 30 years of experience, shares how organizations can modernize their EP programs in an evolving industry to enhance efficiency, streamline travel, and foster executive confidence.

Listen to learn:

Why EP should be viewed as a productivity enabler—not just a security function
The most common pitfalls organizations face when implementing EP programs
The role of trust in building an effective EP security strategy
How structure, science, and technology are reshaping modern security programs

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How the NCAA Mitigates Risk for Championship Events

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Jeff Stoll, Associate Director of Championships, Safety and Security, at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), oversees safety efforts for 90 college sports championships annually. Jeff brings 15+ years of experience in law enforcement and public safety, a love for live sporting events, and passion for ensuring the safety of staff, players, and fans.

In this conversation, Jeff shares details about his risk assessment strategies, the importance of collaboration with venue security teams, and the challenges of scaling safety efforts based on variables like location, size, and sport. Any organization can apply Jeff’s advice and best practices to their own risk management techniques to better protect their people and business.

Key takeaways:

When, where, and how effective risk assessments are conducted
Proper timing and cadence of after-action reporting
New and emerging event security challenges to consider
How to assess and anticipate crowd dynamics, size, and demographics
Collaboration and communication with local security is the key to a safe event

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

From FBI to Corporate Security: How Kurt McKenzie Stays Ahead of Emerging Threats

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Kurt McKenzie, Director of Physical Security at a major global tech company and retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent, has spent decades investigating financial crimes, terrorism, and organized crime. Now in the private sector, he applies that experience to help his company detect and mitigate risks.

Kurt shares how his law enforcement background shapes his approach to corporate security, the biggest threats companies face today, and tips for other professionals looking to improve their security programs.

Episode highlights:

Why insider threats, “hacktivism,” and espionage are growing concerns for businesses
The current state of business travel and how to prepare traveling employees
Proven strategies to gain leadership and employee buy-in for new initiatives
How to leverage relationships with internal and external networks to share best practices

This episode of The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Sara Pratley, SVP of Global Intelligence at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How Ingles Markets Responded to Hurricane Helene

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

When Hurricane Helene barreled toward North Carolina in September 2024, Johnny West, Safety Coordinator at Ingles Markets, sprang into action to notify employees and protect the company’s sole distribution center.

In this episode, Johnny shares the compelling story of how his team responded to Helene, ensured employee safety, and got the distribution center back up and running. Hear firsthand about the critical decisions and strategies that helped Ingles Markets navigate one of the most challenging moments in its history.

Johnny’s story highlights:

How Ingles Markets prepared for Hurricane Helene’s impact
The importance of emergency communication in high stakes situations
Lessons learned that informed the company’s future preparedness strategies
Practical tips for any organizations facing severe weather threats

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How to Manage Risk Using Human and Organizational Performance (HOP)

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Erick Anez, Head of Enterprise Risk and Resilience for Bridgestone West, explores Human and Organizational Performance (HOP)—a framework focused on reducing errors and improving outcomes by addressing systems, not blaming individuals.

With over 16 years of experience in high-hazard industries, Erick shares how HOP principles can transform enterprise safety and resilience. From creating safer environments to turning challenges into opportunities, he offers actionable strategies for continuous improvement.

Erick shares insights on:

Shifting away from a culture of blame to one of learning and improvement
Designing systems that anticipate and mitigate human error
Empowering employees to share feedback and observations
Applying HOP principles to drive safety in high-hazard industries

Whether you’re in a high-risk industry or a more traditional workplace, Erick’s insights offer actionable steps to build safer, more resilient organizations.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Preparing for the 2025 Threat Landscape

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

From climate extremes to escalating geopolitical tensions, 2024 presented significant disruptions that reshaped how business leaders approach employee safety, security, and business continuity. As we enter 2025, emerging trends suggest the global threat landscape will become even more interconnected, complex, and challenging to navigate.

In this episode, Sara Pratley, Senior Vice President of Global Intelligence at AlertMedia, breaks down the key threats likely to impact organizations in 2025 and shares her expert recommendations for navigating them.

Sara discusses:

Climate Extremes
Rising Global Elections Tensions
Concurrent Wars
Economic Uncertainty
Cybercrime
Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

Take a look at the full 2025 Threat Outlook Report for even more business resiliency insights and advice.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How to Build a Ransomware Resilience Plan

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Ransomware demands and payments reached unprecedented levels this year, and the attacks themselves are more complex than ever. That’s why we decided to re-release our episode on ransomware resilience with guest Heather Engel, Managing Partner of Strategic Cyber Partners. She has extensive expertise in risk management, cyber planning, and security program development, and shares her best practices for ransomware preparedness and response.

Listen in to learn how to:

Protect and recover critical systems and data
Train your team to stay vigilant against social engineering
Consider your options before paying a ransom
Mitigate reputational risk with effective communication

For more information on mitigating the risk of cyberattacks, check out the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Winter Weather – Preparing Your People and Business

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and the 2024-2025 season is shaping up to be no exception. With La Niña conditions influencing weather patterns across the U.S. and beyond, organizations must stay vigilant and proactive.

Peter Steinfeld is joined by AlertMedia’s Senior Meteorologist, Jason Moreland, to discuss how global weather patterns, climate change, and historical trends shape winter weather forecasts. Jason shares insights into how organizations can prepare for unexpected cold snaps, protect outdoor workers, and educate employees on weather and safety alerts.

Listen in to learn:

Early season global forecast predictions
How La Niña will impact the upcoming winter weather season
Why understanding weather terminology is crucial for safety professionals
The importance of flexibility as forecasts evolve

Jason encourages listeners to visit theweatherprediction.com and Comet MetEd’s site for education and training on weather forecasts. Also, visit weather.gov to better prepare yourself for this winter weather season.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

The Rise of Drone Threats and How to Mitigate Them

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Drones are an emerging threat that can disrupt business operations and pose risks to employee safety. With the evolution of technology, there has been an uptick in bad actors using drones and other unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with malicious intent.

In this conversation, Ryan Wallace, Associate Professor of Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, discusses the threat implications of drones for businesses, highlighting their capabilities, the emerging threats they pose, and the challenges organizations face in addressing these risks.

Listen in to learn:

Why organizations are often unprepared for drone-related threats
Key takeaways from real-world drone attacks
How laws and regulations for drones are varied and difficult to enforce
Why proactive measures are the key to understanding and mitigating drone risks

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

The Ins and Outs of Corporate Safety and Security at TaylorMade Golf

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Scaling safety and security is a daunting task for any organization, especially if your enterprise is a global brand with many moving parts. Today’s guest, Luis Duran, brings over twenty years of experience as a naval officer, NCIS Special Agent, and corporate security leader to his current role as Director of Corporate Safety and Security at TaylorMade Golf.

Luis shares his expert insights on risk management and provides a behind-the-scenes look at TaylorMade’s global operations, including support for remote employees, security for high-profile golf events, and the development of an ideal security program.

Listen in to learn:

How to adapt public sector strategies for enhanced effectiveness in the private sector
How to cultivate trust and foster strong relationships with your team
How to equip employees with practical security skills for everyday use
How to be aware of and mitigate challenges like insider threats

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Integrating AI to Improve Organizational Efficiency

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Automation and generative AI can streamline workflows and improve efficiency for corporate intelligence and security functions, especially when it comes to processing large data sets. But AI should be seen as a tool to enhance human capabilities, not replace them.

Matt Kish is the Head of Situation and Intelligence Analysis – Corporate Security at Siemens, a global technology conglomerate headquartered in Munich, Germany. In this episode, Matt explains how his team built and developed an AI platform to help process large volumes of information so their analysts could focus on high-impact tasks.

Matt and Peter discuss:

The benefits and challenges of building an AI platform from scratch
How Matt’s team got buy-in from leadership to create the platform
Common mistakes employees make when utilizing AI and how to avoid them
Best practices and advice for other organizations looking to incorporate AI into their businesses

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Election 2024—What Every Organization Should Know

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

With the 2024 U.S. election rapidly approaching, organizations should prepare their people and business for potential disruptions, from heightened security and demonstration activity to disinformation campaigns and personnel disputes.

Sara Pratley, SVP of Global Intelligence at AlertMedia, spends countless hours briefing customers and stakeholders on what to expect before, during, and after election day. In this episode, Sara provides valuable insights on the top three election-related threats her intelligence team is monitoring and actionable tips for how to mitigate their impacts.

Sara explains:

Key dates and locations of concern, from pre-election events to Inauguration Day
The potential risks businesses should prepare for—locally, nationally, and globally
The importance of monitoring election-related activities near your people and assets

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Optimizing Your Business Continuity Plan to Strengthen Resilience

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Whether your Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is inherited or created from scratch, it must be practical, efficient, and up to date—not put on the shelf to be ignored.

In this episode, Barry Morgeson, Business Continuity Director at Ryan Specialty, draws on his two decades of experience to offer actionable insights and recommendations for crafting a Business Continuity Plan that achieves ROI across the business.

Listen in to learn:

Why you should prioritize revenue-generating business verticals when building your BCP
Why you need internal champions to help your BCP succeed
How to identify the “must-haves” versus “nice to haves” for your BCP
How to develop a personalized approach to planning to maximize adoption across departments

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Identifying the Five Crisis Ready Hindrances

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0500

No organization wants to be unprepared for a crisis, but many internal and external obstacles can hinder its ability to manage and respond effectively. If these challenges are not identified and addressed in advance, companies risk damaging their brand and unintentionally conveying the wrong message in an emergency scenario.

In today's episode, we're joined by Melissa Agnes, Founder and CEO of Crisis Ready Institute, an organization dedicated to enhancing crisis resilience through training and industry standards. Melissa shares "The Five Crisis Ready Hindrances" and explains why you can't beat emotion with logic in a crisis.

Listen in to learn:

How to get your organization "Crisis Ready"
How to lean into vulnerability in crisis communications
How to lead with empathy and emotional intelligence during a crisis

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Developing a Comprehensive Security Program with Chime’s Head of Physical Security

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Physical security teams will always be a critical component of organizational risk management, no matter how many technological advances come along. According to today’s guest, the key to developing a successful and scalable physical security program is having the right balance of staff, technology, and external relationships.

Chad Bosques is Head of Physical Security at Chime, the online banking and money management platform. In today’s episode, Chad shares his advice on managing physical security from his fifteen years of experience, from public law enforcement to major organizations like Bank of America, Twitter, and DocuSign.

Listen in to learn:

Best practices for gaining employee and executive buy-in on your program’s initiatives
How to evaluate the program’s effectiveness and improve on it
How to scale programs to meet the growing needs of an organization

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Emergency Management Tips From UMass Memorial Medical Center

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Healthcare organizations don't have the option to temporarily pause operations when a crisis occurs. They must maintain, and often increase, their capacity to handle emergencies at a moment’s notice.

In this episode, Jarrid Pike, Director of Emergency Management and Preparedness at UMass Memorial Medical Center, discusses how he and his staff rely on constant communication and inclusive training exercises to stay prepared for any situation.

Listen in to learn:

How to adapt crisis response efforts on the fly and document those adaptations for future emergencies
How to foster a culture of collective responsibility in crisis situations, from hospital executives to frontline staff
How to ensure continuity of patient care in any emergency

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Insights From Visa’s Senior Director of Global Intelligence

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In a time of “permacrisis,” the complexity of navigating modern threats, from climate change to misinformation campaigns, highlights the necessity of building strong partnerships cross-functionally.

In this episode, Mary Hackman, Senior Director of Global Intelligence at Visa, shares best practices in global security and intelligence from her two decades of experience in both the public and private sectors.

Listen in to learn:

How to maintain a high level of engagement with executives while setting sustainable expectations
How to use “listening tours” to better understand company needs
How to offer real-time support to employees during a crisis

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Securing the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris begin July 26, and ensuring safety for athletes and visitors at the world’s largest multi-sport event is no small feat.

Today’s guest, Scott Kim, is the Director of the Office of Protection at the Diplomatic Security Service, the agency that helps protect Team U.S.A. during the Olympic Games.

Listen in to learn:

The unique challenges of securing the Olympics
The importance of rapid communication across languages
Advice for companies on how to keep their employees safe at the Olympics

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

The Impacts of AI on Corporate Intelligence

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Artificial Intelligence is here—and it’s here to stay. But when it comes to safeguarding employees, do the benefits of AI outweigh the risks?

Guest host Sara Pratley sits down with Dean Baratta, Group Regional Security Manager at Microsoft, to discuss how AI and large language models can impact the intelligence and security functions at organizations today.

Listen as Dean shares his advice on:

How organizations can leverage the benefits of AI while staying vigilant against its risks
Three major weaknesses of AI and how to work around them
Advice for those considering implementing AI to support corporate security

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Best Practices for Scaling and Improving Safety Training in Changing Environments

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Bob Smith has more than twenty years of experience in emergency management and communication roles in both the public and private sectors. He currently serves as Director of Service Assurance and Compliance at GCI Communication Corporation, the largest telecommunications carrier for the state of Alaska

Working on large-scale events, including the Olympics, the World Cup, and the Super Bowl, Bob developed safety exercises for global teams coordinating across cultural barriers, led engaging large-scale tabletop exercises in different time zones remotely, and taught a crisis workshop during an actual earthquake. In this episode, Bob shares his proven tactics for improving tabletop exercises and other safety training at scale.

Listen in to learn how to:

Effectively engage both remote and live audiences during training
Get the most out of large-scale exercises
Recognize and overcome common safety training challenges
Adapt your training procedures for changing environments

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Plans, Process, and Practice: Buffalo Bills Athletic Trainer Reflects on Reviving Damar Hamlin

Wed, 22 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

On January 2, 2023, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during a road game in Cincinnati.

The Bills’ Associate Head Athletic Trainer Denny Kellington quickly determined that Hamlin was experiencing cardiac arrest and worked with an expert team of medical professionals to perform CPR and restore Hamlin’s heartbeat. Hamlin has since made a full recovery.

In this episode, Denny shares the details of his team’s emergency action plan and how proper preparation and rapid response resulted in a positive outcome that fateful evening.

Listen in to learn:

How the Bills coordinate their emergency response before, during, and after an incident
Denny’s approach to building trust with players and staff
The contingency communication plans that ensure player health and safety
How the NFL’s robust mental health response supported the team
What every organization can do to prepare for cardiac emergencies

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How to Streamline Emergency Communications Through a Hurricane

Wed, 08 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Hurricane season officially begins June 1, and Colorado State University has predicted a historically active season for 2024.

Patrick Forand is a certified incident commander and FEMA instructor and was a contract manager at the Florida Department of Health for more than 16 years. He currently leads emergency management, disaster planning, and response for CAN Community Health.

In this episode, Patrick shares valuable lessons learned from two recent Florida hurricanes—Ian and Nicole.

Listen in to learn how:

Streamlined communication alleviates stress for staff and patients
Unified threat intelligence and emergency communications improves disaster response
Two-way communication and multichannel notifications empower emergency managers
CAN Community Health scales and improves their communication and response plans

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How to Adopt a Systems Approach to Improving Safety Outcomes

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In today's intensifying threat landscape, organizations must go beyond a check-the-box approach to achieve positive safety outcomes.

For Andrew Dingee, pilot, safety expert, and author of Delivering the Right Stuff, an effective safety culture is achieved through a systems approach—that catches human error while preventing blame. In this episode, Andrew shares how to:

Optimize checklists for busy workloads
Apply Thinking, Fast and Slow concepts to achieve safe workflows
Streamline incident reporting for continuous improvement
Develop a culture that embraces owning and learning mistakes

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How to Improve Your Workplace Violence Prevention Program

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

April is Workplace Violence Prevention Month, an important reminder for organizations to pause and analyze their readiness for workplace violence prevention and response.

Bryan Strawser is an expert in helping organizations uplevel their workplace violence prevention programs and adapt to stay resilient in the future. His consultancy, Bryghtpath, helps companies improve their corporate security, intelligence gathering, business continuity, and crisis management efforts.

In this episode, Bryan shares:

Pitfalls to avoid in managing workplace violence prevention programs
How to develop centralized reporting processes
When and how to communicate workplace violence incidents with employees
How to evaluate and mitigate workplace violence threats cross-functionally

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Tornado Preparedness Tips From the National Weather Service

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Tornadoes can damage or destroy anything in their path in seconds, leaving lasting impacts. With climate change driving tornado outbreaks year-round, organizations must continually review and update their preparedness and recovery plans.

Warning Coordination Meteorologist Jennifer Dunn and her team at the National Weather Service combine forces with storm spotters and on-the-ground reporting to ensure everyone in a storm's path receives life-saving information as quickly as possible.

Listen in to learn:

Key takeaways from 2023 tornado activity
How the transition out of El Niño influences tornado conditions in 2024
Tornado risk factors for organizations
Tips for effective severe weather emergency plans
How to alert employees to act fast in a tornado emergency

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How Frontier Communications Built a Scalable Security Organization

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Throughout his 30+ year career, Bart Brown has led teams of hundreds, securing both the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and critical national infrastructure.

In his current role as Vice President and Chief Security Officer at Frontier Communications, the keys to creating an effective security organization are adaptability, scalability, and automation. Listen in to learn:

Which processes to outsource versus keep in-house
How to lead the change from manual SOPs to automation
The importance of public-private partnerships and external relationship-building
How to scale a security function up or down based on the situation

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

The United Nations on the Rise of Misinformation in a New Era of Global Conflict

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In the two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, global supply chain disruptions, ballooning inflation, and unpredictable risks to employee safety have left organizations scrambling to adapt.

Today, as several global conflicts rage on with no end in sight, a new era of misinformation challenges resilience leaders to rise to a new level of vigilance—one that requires human-gathered and human-vetted intelligence—to succeed.

AlertMedia’s Senior Vice President of Global Intelligence, Sara Pratley, sits down with Ian Phillips, Director of the News & Media Division at the United Nations, to discuss:

The organizational impacts of conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and the Sudan
How the UN supports on-the-ground reporting in war zones
What to expect amidst concurrent global conflicts for years to come
How to fight misinformation with verified intelligence

Check out the Oscar-winning documentary Ian mentioned here.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How the Washington Commanders Secure FedExField

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500

There's nothing like an NFL game day. With 50,000+ people pouring into FedExField, the Washington Commanders rely on the elite coordination and collaboration of Director of Security & Transportation, Matthew Van Norton, to keep fans and staff safe.

By partnering with vendors, federal, state, and local officials, and the league itself, Matthew and his team ensure a secure and memorable experience for all.

Matthew joined the show to discuss:

How his team complies with the NFL’s best practices for stadium security and fan conduct
The technology and training the Commanders use to secure their facilities
The nuances of securing an open-air stadium
Special safety and security measures for high-profile concerts and events

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Insights From Zillow’s Business Resiliency Manager

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0500

As a remote-first organization with cloud-based headquarters, Zillow maintains its resilience with a 24/7 approach to business continuity and crisis management. Business Resiliency Manager Ryan Williams and his team of two rely on modern tools and technology to ensure any incident – from an app outage to an active threat – gets an immediate and effective response.

Listen in to learn:

How a small team can achieve and maintain organizational resilience
The importance of robust threat intelligence and emergency communication solutions
Strategies for gaining leadership buy-in for new resources and headcount
How to support strategic decision-making at the leadership level

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

The Top Threats to Business Resiliency in 2024

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0500

From natural disasters to the advancement of AI, 2023 saw various disruptive events that impacted business leaders' approach to employee safety, security, and business continuity. As we move further into 2024, trendlines indicate that the global threat landscape will continue to intensify.

Sara Pratley, Senior Vice President of Global Intelligence at AlertMedia, joins the show to help us understand the top threats facing organizations this year and provide expert advice on how to navigate them.

Listen for information and recommendations on how to get ahead of the top threats in 2024, including:

Climate change
Cybersecurity
Activism and civil unrest
Global turmoil
Digital disruption

Check out the full 2024 Threat Outlook report for even more business resiliency insights and advice.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How to Build Security Into the DNA of Your Organization

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Many companies view their corporate security function as a cost center—and miss out on the untapped potential of a robust security culture. In this episode, Wendy Bashnan, Director of Security and Fire Protection at Scout Motors, unpacks insights from her 30-year career—from government security at the U.S. Department of State, NATO, and the Diplomatic Security Service to the private sector as Chief Security Officer at Nielsen.

Listen to learn how to:

Engage with the business and get buy-in for the security function
Leverage public-private partnerships to achieve your goals
Effectively communicate “the why” at every level of the organization
Start building AI policies and protocols to protect your business

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Business Continuity at the World’s Largest Wine and Spirits Distributor

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500

John Liuzzi built the business continuity program for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits from the ground up.

As the world’s largest wine and spirits distributor, Southern Glazer’s complex global supply chain makes managing situational intelligence 24/7 an impressive feat.

In this episode, John unpacks the keys to a successful business continuity program, including how to:

Become a strategic business partner to the organization
Win executive support for your program
Nurture internal and external relationships before an incident happens
Articulate the value proposition of business continuity

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Preparing Your People for Large-Scale Event Emergencies

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Large-scale events raise unique safety concerns for organizers and attendees alike.

With event emergencies and attacks on the rise globally, organizations should prepare their employees to respond to any large-scale event disruption, from power outages and crowd surges to active shooter threats and natural disasters.

Nick Dawe is the Division Chief and Fire Marshal for Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services. After contributing to a recent Billboard article on the topic, Nick joined the show to share tips for staying safe and ready at any event, including:

Items to have on hand in the event of an emergency
Warning signs to watch for when attending big gatherings
The organizational benefits of preparing and educating your people on how to respond to active threats
Suggestions for how to respond to event emergencies based on the scenario

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Air, Land, and Sea: Emergency Response at Stratolaunch

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

At Stratolaunch—the company that built the world’s longest aircraft—emergency planning is unique.

From coordinating public safety officials to readying rescue operations, the experimental aviation company relies on an emergency response expert with experience at every altitude.

Linna Selbrede is the Emergency Response Program Lead with over a decade of experience in search and rescue spanning Virgin Galactic, Texas Search and Rescue, and more. In this episode, Linna joined the show to discuss:

A community approach to emergency planning
Preparing 95% of crisis communications in advance
Learning from other organizations’ tabletop drills
How volunteering in emergency services is a force multiplier for her career

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

What’s Working Now in Retail Asset Protection

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

With 694 fatalities and $112 billion in losses reported in 2022, retail crime is at an all-time high. And as Black Friday and the holiday shopping season approach, retailers are looking for solutions to ensure a safe and smooth atmosphere for shoppers and employees alike.

Khristopher Hamlin is the Vice President of Asset Protection at the Retail Industry Leaders Association. In this episode, Khristopher shares how retailers are leaning on technology, community safety initiatives, and partnerships with law enforcement to protect their most valuable assets—their people.

Listen in to learn about:

Startling statistics on the current state of retail asset protection and organized crime
How retailers are leveraging AI technology for staffing, safety, and more
RILA's new Vibrant Communities Initiative that supports retail asset protection
Strategies for tackling staff shortages and safety training in retail

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How to Tackle Threats to Business Resiliency in Healthcare

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In the healthcare industry, resiliency is more than ensuring continuity of operations—it’s about protecting the continuity of patient care around the clock.

Jonathan Arnburg is the System Senior Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management at Inova, Northern Virginia’s leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Jon joined the show to discuss how he’s navigating the biggest threats to healthcare safety and resiliency—including supply chain disruptions, workplace violence, and cyber-attacks.

Listen in to learn:

How the only Level 1 trauma center in the D.C. area stays resilient
Tips for developing critical relationships to bolster emergency planning
Strategies for facilitating effective drills and exercises

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Training Tips From GoFundMe’s Director of Training & Development

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Safety and security training can feel tedious and dull—but it doesn’t have to be. When organizations prioritize onboarding, training, and development, the entire business and workforce builds resiliency.

For Adam Corn, Director of Safety & Security and Training & Development at GoFundMe, the key to a successful training program is making it fun, thought-provoking, and adaptable to different learning modalities.

Listen to learn:

How to incorporate stories into your training to make it memorable
Tips for designing interesting onboarding, training, and development programs
How to track and articulate the ROI of training initiatives
Strategies to engage employees in program development

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Insights from MIT’s Director of Advanced Business Resiliency

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Resilient organizations can weather any crisis and come back stronger. But in today’s intensifying threat landscape, business resiliency requires going above and beyond standard drills and emergency planning.

Dr. Steve Goldman, Director of Advanced Business Resiliency at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) discusses lessons learned from over 30 years of experience in crisis communications, emergency exercises, and response strategies.

Listen now to learn:

Common pitfalls in crisis management and communication
Do’s and Don’ts for emergency drills and exercises
Tips for choosing the best crisis spokesperson for your organization
How to drill deeper during emergency planning to achieve resilience

Check out MIT's Crisis Management & Business Resiliency Course here.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

The Risks and Rewards of Leveraging AI in Threat Intelligence

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Today, more than 77% of companies are using or exploring the use of AI. With mountains of big data to sift through, organizational security and intelligence professionals are turning to automated solutions to speed up their information gathering and decision-making.

AlertMedia’s SVP of Global Intelligence, Sara Pratley, sat down with two intelligence experts to understand the opportunities and limitations of one of the world’s most popular AI tools, ChatGPT.

Sam Keller is an Intelligence Analysis Specialist and IT Engineer Consultant at Insource Services, Inc., and Steve Coulthart is an Associate Professor in the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity at the University at Albany. In this episode, they share how:

AI alters the intelligence field by streamlining tasks and saving time
Organizations can leverage ChatGPT in summarizing information and creating reports
Overuse of AI can impair analyst skillsets over time
The future of intelligence depends on the combination of human verification + AI

Read their article “What ChatGPT Can and Can’t Do for Intelligence,” in Lawfare here.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

The Texas Rangers on Stadium and Event Security

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0500

For the Texas Rangers Baseball Club, a safe and secure season requires careful planning and coordination of 200+ employees, vendors, contractors, and public safety officials.

Donald Paisant is the Senior Director of Event Security & Special Projects for the Texas Rangers. Donald has decades of high-profile sports security experience, from protecting Super Bowl stadiums to NCAA Final Four arenas. He joined the show to share how his team provides fans, players, and staff with safe and unforgettable experiences at Globe Life Field and Choctaw Stadium.

Listen in to learn:

The nuances of securing hundreds of games and events each season
Why winning baseball seasons pose additional security challenges
How Donald collaborates with venues across Arlington to ensure community safety
Insight into hosting and securing the 2024 All-Star Game
How the Rangers conduct on-the-job security training

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How Technology Drives Business Resilience in the Finance Industry

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Business resilience is essential for major financial institutions responsible for managing customer funds. In an emergency, finance companies must protect their employees and facilities while ensuring their customers’ cash is always accessible.

Jeff Dow is Manager of Protection and Resiliency at a major financial organization, after serving as a commanding officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. In this episode, Jeff discusses how technology helps his team of four manage business continuity planning, threat intelligence, and crisis communications for a geographically dispersed workforce and millions of customers.

Listen to learn how to:

Support organizational growth strategies with modern technology
Gain leadership buy-in on technological investments
Navigate resiliency challenges unique to the financial industry

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How to Build a Ransomware Resilience Plan

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0500

This October marks the 20th anniversary of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Now more than ever, organizations need a plan to face the ever-evolving threat of ransomware attacks.

In this episode, Heather Engel, Managing Partner at Strategic Cyber Partners, shares invaluable insights on building an effective ransomware attack response plan and navigating the complex decisions before, during, and after ransomware incidents.

Listen in to learn how to:

Protect and recover critical systems and data
Train your team to stay vigilant against social engineering
Consider your options before paying a ransom
Mitigate reputational risk with effective communication

For more information on mitigating the risk of cyberattacks, check out the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

The Anniversary of Hurricane Ian: Kohl’s Reflects on Their Response

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0500

When Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc on the shores of Florida in 2022, Kohl’s mobilized a task force of over 100 corporate leaders, deploying their National Disaster Playbook with precision and compassion.

To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the storm, Peter sat down with Stephanie Reissing, Kohl’s Business Continuity Manager, to hear the incredible story of the company’s unwavering commitment to employee safety and community support in the midst of a devastating storm.

Listen to hear Stephanie discuss:

How Kohls' incident management team sprang into action as the storm's path unfolded
Why business continuity is a crucial part of company culture
The role communication played in keeping their employees safe
The importance of updating their Natural Disaster Playbook post-storm

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How to Achieve Resiliency Through Strategic Crisis Communication

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Effective communication becomes the linchpin of organizational resilience in times of uncertainty. From weather disruptions to reputational crises, organizations need to master the art of communication when it matters most—before disaster strikes.

Julie Kay Roberts is the Founder of the Private Sector Emergency Management Association, which connects business resilience professionals with the communities they support.

Julie joined the show to discuss:

How to build a network of resources before threats develop
Lessons learned serving NOAA and past U.S. Presidents
Tips to avoid common pitfalls in crisis communications
The benefits of a comprehensive active threat program

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

The Power of Near-Miss Reporting in Healthcare Safety

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0500

The healthcare industry is currently grappling with a significant staffing shortage, which directly impacts employee safety. For hospitals and care providers overwhelmed by burnout, workplace violence, and other systemic issues, the key to improving their safety culture is near-miss reporting.

Heidi Raines is Founder and CEO of Performance Health Partners and author of Shared Voices: A Framework for Patient and Employee Safety in Healthcare.

In this episode, Heidi breaks down how to:

Embrace employee feedback to improve safety outcomes
Harness data to empower informed leadership decisions
Foster psychological safety that increases patient and employee well-being
Shift from a culture of blame to a focus on reporting and learning

This episode features data-backed insights on healthcare safety that apply to any industry.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How to Leverage Technology and Automation to Improve Physical Security

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In today’s threat landscape, physical security leaders face mounting risks with increasing resource constraints. At Datadog, a SaaS-based data analytics platform, Julius Jayasekaran embraces the lean security model by leveraging technology.

As Global Head of Physical Security with decades of experience in security operations, Julius discusses how utilizing technology and automation empowers his modern security team.

Listen to learn:

How technology and automation can elevate security operations
Strategies for internal needs assessments, cross-functional collaboration, and adept system selection
Proven methods to secure leadership buy-in through ROI analysis
Risks and rewards of incorporating AI into security operations

This episode is perfect for security leaders navigating the complexities of risk and technology.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How to Predict Human Behavior in a Crisis

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0500

People can be unpredictable, especially in a crisis. Organizations should understand how human behavior can impact emergency response and outcomes and update their plans, policies, and procedures accordingly.

Behavioral Scientist and Clinical Psychologist, Steve Crimando, is Founder and Principal of Behavioral Science Applications LLC. He helps organizations form accurate behavioral assumptions to develop effective strategies in security, emergency management, and business continuity.

Steve joined the show to explain how to:

Include a behavioral component in tabletop exercises
Anticipate human reactions to weather trends
Lead employees through a frightening scenario
Predict and prevent panic in any emergency situation

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

The Do's and Don'ts of an OSHA Inspection

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Knowing what to expect during an OSHA inspection can be a challenge for any organization. With more than 400 pages in OSHA's Field Operations Manual, companies need expert advice to prepare for unexpected visits from an inspector.

Michael Rubin is a shareholder and OSHA attorney at Ogletree Deakins. Michael joined the show to explain how to:

Prepare people, documents, and facilities
Conduct mock inspections to ensure readiness
Avoid common pitfalls like inaccurate admissions
Build a strong defense to contest an OSHA citation

Loaded with practical tips and advice, this episode helps safety leaders stay inspection-ready.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

Gap Inc. on Active Shooter Preparedness and Response

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0500

There’s no such thing as too much preparation for active shooter events. But what’s the best way to train your people to respond in a real scenario? And how do you support impacted employees if or when it happens at your organization?

Chris Nelson, SVP and Head of Asset Protection at Gap Inc., joins the show to answer these questions and explain how organizations can:

Leverage the Left-of-Boom strategy to stay ahead of threats
Coordinate employees and first responders in active shooter scenarios
Implement the Tell-Show-Do training method for hands-on preparation
Support affected employees through aftercare

With poignant anecdotes and actionable takeaways, this episode equips leaders and teams with the tools to tackle active threats head-on.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.alertmedia.com/podcast/.

How to Streamline and Implement Enterprise-Level Emergency Plans

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Enterprise-level emergency management requires standardization of local, regional, and company-wide preparedness and response plans.

For Kevin Hannes, Vice President of Emergency Management at AccentCare, a delicate balance of repeatable processes and agile implementation combine to ensure staff safety and patient continuity of care.

In this episode, Kevin breaks down how to:

Test and exercise enterprise emergency plans
Go beyond transmitting information to achieve effective communication
Apply the “The Seven C's of Emergency Management” to any crisis scenario
Excel at after-action reviews and improvement plans

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing here. here.

The U.S. Fire Administrator on Wildfire Risk Resilience

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Nearly one-third of the U.S. population lives in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). These fire-prone areas are a perfect storm of fuel availability, weather conditions, and ignition sources—leaving organizations and communities at serious risk of wildfire.

U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell joined the show to discuss how businesses within the WUI can innovate to mitigate wildfire risk.

Listen to learn how:

Recent wildfire trends impact organizations today
Building codes and standards keep facilities and people safe
Drones and ignition detection technology support response
Regular fuel clearing mitigates wildfire risk

Resources:

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing here.

How American Airlines Manages Risk Through “Stractical” Intelligence

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0500

With flights circling the globe from Dallas to Tel Aviv to Port-au-Prince, American Airlines operates in zones of significant risk. For Mohammed Baloch, Manager of Geopolitical Risk, strategic and tactical intelligence combine to ensure true risk resilience—an approach they call “stractical” intelligence.

Mohammed joins the show to discuss:

How strategic and tactical intelligence teams work together at American Airlines
The impact of AI on the field of intelligence analysis
How American Airlines tackles crisis response
How to build relationships that enhance information sharing and situational awareness

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing here.

Navigating Uncertainty: Strategies for Business Resiliency

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0500

For Andrea Davis, the key to business resiliency is applying lessons learned from past disruptions to continuity planning. As Founder, President, and CEO of The Resiliency Initiative, Andrea draws on her business continuity, crisis management, and resiliency experience at major enterprises to help private and public sector organizations navigate the growing threat landscape.

In this episode, Peter sits down with Andrea to discuss:

Using innovative technology in resiliency planning
Preventing burnout by engaging employees in safety
The benefits and risks of using AI in business continuity initiatives
Strategies for organizational resilience

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

Get every episode delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing here.

Extreme Heat: What Organizations Need to Know

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Extreme heat can have severe impacts on an organization’s people, facilities, and operations. With 2023 forecast to rival the hottest global year on record, we’re airing a refresher on how to prepare your employees and business to stay safe in the swelter.

Paul Yura is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service. Paul shares heat trends throughout the U.S. and how organizations can:

Keep employees safe during heat waves
Prepare infrastructure for extreme heat
Recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses
Develop and implement extreme heat plans and trainings

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How to Protect and Accommodate Employees With Disabilities

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0500

30+ years after the American Disabilities Act, many organizations still struggle with granting reasonable accommodations. Requesting accommodation often forces individuals with disabilities to disclose private health information, putting both employees and employers in uncomfortable positions.

This episode features Hannah Olson, Co-Founder and CEO of Disclo, a tech company that helps organizations manage health disclosures and accommodation requests. Hannah shares valuable insights on:

Cultivating an inclusive safety culture that prioritizes privacy
Ensuring compliance in the face of discrimination lawsuits
Encouraging able-bodied individuals to educate themselves on disabilities in the workplace

Hannah also recommends the Job Accommodation Network for employees and the Disability Management Employer Coalition for organizations.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Crisis Communication in California's 2023 Atmospheric Rivers

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In early 2023, California experienced multiple atmospheric rivers that dumped 30 trillion gallons of water across the state, causing weeks of widespread flooding, landslides, and power outages.

In this episode, Peter sits down with Scott Van Pee, Quality and Risk Project Director at CLA, an advisory firm with several offices affected by the storms. Thanks to CLA’s modern emergency communications solution, Scott led successful communication efforts from thousands of miles away to ensure the safety of his employees during this devastating crisis. Listen in to learn how to:

Roll out crisis communication efforts during the onboarding process
Avoid communication fatigue and message deliverability issues
Alleviate anxiety across the organization

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

The Power of Leadership in Shaping Safety Culture

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Organizations with strong safety cultures achieve better safety outcomes—but building and maintaining a great safety culture is no easy feat. So how should organizations approach it? And what is a leader's role in creating it?

Marcia Kay Thompson, Esq. is a former intelligence analyst at the DEA, a celebrated civil rights attorney, U.S. Capitol ombudsman, diversity, equity, and inclusion expert, and global Amazon executive. In this episode, Marcia answers these burning questions and explains:

How to rally every employee around safety values
Mistakes to avoid that erode a safety culture
How to leverage safety data for better decision-making
The key to creating memorable safety training

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How to Mitigate the Risks of Psychosocial Hazards

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Psychosocial hazards are factors in the workplace environment that can affect an individual's mental and social well-being. Things like poor working relationships, lack of role clarity, inadequate rewards or recognition, and traumatic events are potentially hazardous to employees.

Dr. I. David Daniels is the President and CEO of ID2 Solutions and host of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast. Dr. Daniels sat down with Peter to discuss what organizations need to know about psychosocial hazards.

Listen in to learn:

How to identify psychosocial hazards
How each employee’s unique vulnerability affects their experience
What organizations can do to mitigate the risks of psychosocial hazards

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Plastipak’s Strategies for Preventing Serious Injuries and Fatalities

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Accidents happen, but workplace incidents shouldn’t cost life or limb for employees. For Mark Jones, the key to reducing serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs) is building a capacity to fail safely.

Mark is the EHS Director at Plastipak, a packaging and recycling leader with more than 50 sites worldwide. Mark instituted a culture of transparent dialogue with associates to ensure that day-to-day operations don’t result in life-altering injuries or fatalities.

Mark shares his proven SIF prevention strategies and success metrics in the second of our two-part series on the topic.

Listen to learn:

How equipment reliability influences safe operations
Safety success metrics to track company-wide
Tips to encourage near-miss reporting
Mark's solution to bring SIFs to down zero

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

After the Accident: The Lifelong Impacts of a Workplace Fall

Wed, 31 May 2023 06:00:00 -0500

June is National Safety Month, so we’re sharing a special two-part series on preventing serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace.

In part one, Laurel and Russ Youngstrom, Co-Owners of Youngstrom Safety, share their deeply personal story of how a serious workplace injury changed everything. Laurel and Russ have dedicated their lives to speaking with organizations to ensure that leaders and workers take safety to heart.

Listen to hear:

How to transform safety from rules and regulations into relationships
The mindset behind the mistake that cost Russ his health and mobility
What organizations can do to better engage employees around safety

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Ensuring the Safety of Vulnerable Patients During Hurricane Ian

Wed, 24 May 2023 06:00:00 -0500

When Hurricane Ian battered the state of Florida in 2022, Family First Homecare faced the daunting task of ensuring their electricity-dependent patients were safe, accounted for, and receiving life-sustaining care.

In part two of our 2023 hurricane preparedness series, Beth Harbold, Director of Quality Assurance and Emergency Management, explains that fast and personalized two-way communication was essential for patient safety and continuity of care before, during, and after the storm.

Listen to learn how she:

Tailored emergency messages to improve response rates
Collaborated with teams in other states to reach every single patient
Implemented lessons learned into their hurricane response plan

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Tips From a Meteorologist on Preparing for Hurricane Season

Wed, 17 May 2023 06:00:00 -0500

The first step to hurricane readiness is knowing what to do and when.

In part one of our 2023 hurricane preparedness series, guest host Sara Pratley sat down with AlertMedia’s Senior Meteorologist, Jason Moreland, to unpack the early forecasts for the 2023 hurricane season and what organizations need to know to protect their people and property.

As Jason explains, now is the time to review communication plans, identify risks, and stock up on supplies.

Listen now to hear:

An overview of what meteorologists expect in 2023
What we learned from last year’s hurricane season
How El Niño could impact hurricane conditions
Tips for preparing your facilities and people

Jason also recommends visiting ready.gov/hurricanes and hurricanes.gov for the latest tropical weather outlook.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How Zendesk Aligns Systems and Security

Wed, 10 May 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Safety and security leaders need relevant, accurate metrics to properly evaluate the effectiveness of their systems and processes. Some systems are not designed to generate metrics at all, so it’s up to the organization to develop reporting systems from scratch.

Scott Napier, Global Systems and Technology Lead at Zendesk is tackling this by capturing data that enables him to justify expenses, track GSOC operator response times, and increase efficiency.

In this episode, Scott discusses how he aligned cross-functional priorities and operations to ensure a consistent security program across the organization. Listen in to learn how to:

Structure security policies and procedures
Prioritize system updates for a fast-growing company
Develop a cohesive access management and badging process
Help GSOC operators identify and respond to security threats more efficiently

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How to Protect Your Employees From Hearing Loss

Wed, 03 May 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Work-related hearing loss can have devastating effects on an employee’s physical and mental health and significantly impact an organization’s safety culture. Even work environments with relatively low noise intensity levels can cause hearing damage over time. To help prevent hearing loss in the workplace, employers must educate their workers on noise hazards and protect them from potential impacts, such as communication breakdowns and long-lasting fatigue.

Dr. Brian Taylor is the Senior Director of Audiology at Signia, a leading hearing aid manufacturer. Brian joined the show to discuss how:

Workplace conditions contribute to hearing loss
Extended noise exposure influences mental health and cognitive decline
Hearing health shapes job satisfaction and workplace turnover
Organizations can create safe hearing environments
To accommodate employees experiencing hearing loss

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

A Non-Linear Approach to Crisis Management

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0500

A traditional crisis management approach starts with planning, training, and exercises. Yet, in this linear model, organizations often find cracks in the system when the rubber meets the road.

Steven Kuhr is a crisis and emergency management leader with decades of experience spanning public service and private sector roles. For Steven, true resilience is a continuum of crisis management, business continuity, and preparedness—with one component flowing seamlessly into the next.

Steven sat down with Peter to explain his C.O.R.E. (Circle of Resilience and Excellence) process and how organizations can:

Turn a crisis management plan into a holistic program
Flip the script on traditional risk assessments
Weave narrative and numerical data together in reporting
Structure crisis management leadership training

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How to Prepare and Protect Your Business Travelers

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Business travel is back and rapidly returning to pre-pandemic levels—but managing risks for traveling employees can be complex and overwhelming, even for the largest companies. Business travelers can face many threats, from severe weather and natural disasters to geopolitical conflicts and IP theft. They expect their employers to both prepare and protect them when they’re on the go.

In this episode, guest host Sara Pratley sits down with Ben Schneider, Vice President of Product at AlertMedia. Ben and his team conducted interviews with risk managers from dozens of organizations and developed a solution that simplifies travel risk management for companies of any size or industry.

Listen in to learn:

Why organizations struggle to accurately assess travel risks
How remote work and “bleisure” trips impact corporate security
Why disparate systems create travel safety pitfalls
Where intelligence and automation intersect to keep travelers informed and safe

Check out AlertMedia’s new Travel Risk Management solution mentioned in this episode.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Bite-Sized Trainings That Drive Safety Outcomes

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Safety training has a reputation for being long and tedious. But as Rachel Walla-Housman puts it, bite-sized informational videos have been shown to increase learner retention, improve safety outcomes, and foster a better attitude towards safety.

Rachel is the Founder of Ally Safety, which creates instructional videos and modules that transform training from hard-to-consume to entertaining and impactful.

In this episode, Rachel unpacks how to:

Create training that resonates with every generation
Communicate your company cares about safety
Perform a cost-benefit analysis on your training efforts
Leverage point-of-use safety training

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How to Deliver and Communicate Your Team’s Value Proposition

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Even in the best economic times, doing more with less is an ever-present pressure. So, how do safety and security leaders get buy-in for their initiatives in an economic downturn?

John Robert is the Director of Global Intelligence and Protection at a major global manufacturer and has decades of previous experience in government intelligence. John joined the show to answer this question and explain how to:

Gather intelligence on business needs and goals
Deliver collaborative and cross-functional results
Communicate your team’s value to the organization
Leverage industry benchmarks to present a compelling business case

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

The Colorado Rockies on the Intersection of Security and Technology

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0500

For the Colorado Rockies, teamwork is the key to success on and off the baseball field.

This episode features Tony Lopez, Senior Director of Security, and Michael Bush, Senior Director of Information Systems at the Rockies. From securing 50,000 fans to scanning the skies for drones over Coors Field, Tony and Michael work together to ensure a safe and fun experience for staff, players, and fans year-round.

Listen in to learn:

How the Rockies collaborate with MLB, local first responders, and other Denver sports teams
The technology that keeps Coors Field safe and secure
How the Rockies coordinate across the league to ensure safe travels for the team
The nuances and challenges of innovating an older stadium

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Employee Expectations of Workplace Safety in 2023

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Employees expect their employers to not only care about their safety but actively keep them safe. How do we know? We asked them.

For the second year in a row, AlertMedia surveyed more than 2,000 employees from across the U.S. to understand their genuine feelings about workplace risks and their organizations’ safety efforts. The results are documented in AlertMedia’s 2023 State of Employee Safety Report.

Matt Paladino, Senior Vice President at Material, the research firm behind the survey, joins the show today to share how these eye-opening conclusions can help improve employee safety at your organization.

Key learning objectives:

Do employees think their employers’ physical and psychological safety efforts are effective?
How do employee perceptions of safety impact their retention, loyalty, and productivity?
Do they feel safer working onsite or remotely?
How safe do they feel during business travel?
What can employers do to help employees feel safer at work?

Download the full 2023 State of Employee Safety Report for more insights and findings.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Go Beyond Zero-Tolerance Policies to Prevent Workplace Violence

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In 2020, there were 392 homicides and more than 37,000 nonfatal intentional injuries by another person in workplaces around the U.S. These incidents, which occur coast-to-coast and impact virtually every industry, drive home how important it is for businesses to have a plan to prevent violence in the workplace.

Matt Doherty is the Managing Director of Workforce Risk Management at Sikich, a professional services firm with a broad spectrum of advisory services. Before joining Sikich, Matt spent more than 20 years as the special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center. In this episode, Matt shares specific measures organizations can take to prevent workplace violence incidents before they occur.

Listen to learn how to:

Go beyond zero-tolerance policies
Encourage reporting before an incident occurs
Identify warning signs and concerning behavior
Proactively collaborate with law enforcement
Safely conduct early intervention

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

The Starbucks Approach to Business Resilience

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0500

With more than 33,000 locations and 380,000 employees worldwide, Starbucks relies on a team of experienced experts to approach business resilience from all sides. One way the company achieves resilience is by ensuring every employee, from the CEO to store-level, knows their role in an emergency.

This episode features Meghan Murphy, Senior Manager of Crisis Management, and Michelle Kubo, Senior Project Manager of Programs and Strategies at Starbucks. Together, they help support the entire enterprise when there’s a business disruption. For Meghan and Michelle, training, communication, and employee feedback are the keys to achieving and maintaining business resilience at Starbucks.

Listen to learn how the company:

Builds trusting employee relationships through mindfulness, inclusion, and empathy
Tackles crisis response (with step-by-step priorities)
Incorporates employee feedback into interactive training
Proactively incorporates safety and security in all aspects of growth

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Cloudflare’s Approach to Travel Risk Management

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Now that business travel is back, risk management is a tall order. With a legal duty of care to protect employees while traveling, organizations have their plates full ensuring the physical and cyber security of their most precious assets.

So, how does a small team tackle travel risk management for thousands of employees?

Delia Midamba is Head of Physical Security at Cloudflare, where she sees a vast array of travel requests hit her desk. In this episode, Delia shares her approach to risk management that protects company IP, executives, and employees while traveling.

Listen in to learn how to:

Conduct a pre-travel risk assessment for employees
Rate, review, and manage travel requests
Account for legal and tax implications for remote work and business travel
Ensure executive protection while traveling
Balance company duty of care with employee right to privacy

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Crisis Communication: What to Do When Employees Don’t Respond

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0500

There’s no time for miscommunication during a crisis. Timing, messaging, length, and methods of delivery all affect how employees receive emergency communication.

Keri K. Stephens, Ph.D., is a Distinguished Teaching Professor at The University of Texas at Austin and a renowned author and expert in organizational crisis communication. Keri joined the show to share her research findings on how organizations can communicate effectively to protect their people.

Listen in to learn:

How to build employee trust so they respond when you need them to
The importance of tailored, multichannel messaging
How emergency communication affects employees' stress levels
The impact of irrelevant messaging
How to avoid information overload

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How to Plan for the Unexpected in Corporate Crisis Management

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Organizations regularly encounter unforeseen challenges. When faced with the unknown, a traditional approach to crisis management and resilience can limit an organization's ability to identify, assess, and respond to crises quickly.

Brendan Monahan is Head of US Resilience and Crisis Management for a major global pharmaceutical company and author of Strategic Corporate Crisis Management: Building an Unconquerable Organization. According to Brendan, the key to corporate resilience is agility, which allows organizations to plan for the unexpected.

Listen in to hear Brendan explain:

The three critical questions to ask in any crisis
How to delegate incident response to workers
Best practices to help organizations achieve resilience
How to turn planning into preparedness

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Making and Articulating Data-Driven Safety Decisions

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Safety professionals must make quick, informed decisions to create safer worksites. Those decisions depend on reliable data—from analyzed safety metrics and real-time reports from workers.

So how do safety professionals find time to mine data and nurture relationships?

Abby Ferri is the Chief Risk Officer at Insurate and ASSP’s Safety Professional of the Year 2022. According to Abby, the key is using technology to maximize your capabilities.

Abby sat down with Peter to explain how safety professionals can:

Use technology to scale communication
Build relationships through consistent interactions
Incorporate A.I. to analyze and articulate data
Learn more about ASSP’s Women and Safety Report

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Risk Mitigation for Large-Scale Events

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Planning and executing music festivals and community events requires meticulous risk mitigation to protect all attendees and staff.

Scott Davidson is the CEO and Founder of Code 4, an operations management and emergency services provider based in Austin, Texas.

For Scott, risk forecasting and mitigation are the keys to planning safe and secure mass gatherings.

Listen in to learn how to:

Assess venues for any safety, security, or transportation concerns
Determine which risks are “worthy of mitigation”
Communicate with staff and attendees about expectations before the event
How to train and prepare your team for mass gatherings
Build rapport with government officials and agencies in advance

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

The Atlanta Hawks Improve Security With Multifaceted Training

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0500

The safety and security team for the Atlanta Hawks is charged with protecting guests, fans, and employees for 40+ NBA games and more than 150 events per year at State Farm Arena.

For the Hawks’ Senior Director of Safety and Security, Emily Drexler, her team’s comprehensive and continual training program is the key to providing a safe experience for all guests, inside and outside the arena.

In this episode, Emily shares how her team:

Works with organizations across Atlanta to share information and best practices
Utilizes a variety of structures and formats to continually train for any scenario
Mitigates and prioritizes event-specific risks
Streamlines communication for lockstep decision-making

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Protect Your Employees With Heat Mitigation PPE

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In the U.S. alone, 11 workers are injured or die from heat stress every single day. It also costs organizations an estimated $100 billion yearly in lost productivity. The good news is that heat illness is 100% preventable—with the right equipment and education.

In this episode, Cam Mackey, CEO of the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) breaks down what organizations need to know about leveraging personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate the risks of heat-related illness and injuries for their employees.

Listen in to learn:

The dangers of heat stress and which workers are impacted by it
Tips on how and where to buy the right PPE for your employees
Why it’s important to invest in heat-mitigation PPE before temperatures rise
Factors to consider when developing or revising your heat mitigation plan

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

EHS Today on the Expanding Roles of Safety Leaders

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0500

EHS Today is an industry-leading publication with a mission to help safety professionals do their jobs better. Their annual audience survey received more than 1,100 responses from EHS leaders in 2022, revealing the top three challenges they face in their roles today.

Dave Blanchard, Editor in Chief of EHS Today, joins the show to deliver the results and break down how they could impact the future of the safety profession.

Tune in to hear learn how EHS leaders:

Navigate how to do more with less
Manage employee well-being
Encourage employee engagement
Earn leadership buy-in

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How Safety Leaders Influence Psychological Safety

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Psychological safety has a measurable impact on organizations. When employees feel psychologically safe, they are eight times more likely to be engaged, three times more likely to be productive, and three and a half times more likely to be innovative.

So, how do organizations measure the psychological safety of their workforce, and what is the safety leader’s role in creating a culture of psychological safety?

Dr. Rajni Walia is an organizational psychologist, consultant, and Vice President of DEKRA North America. Rajni joined the show to answer those questions and explain:

How to evaluate psychological safety gaps
Three factors of employee well-being that safety leaders can influence
Tips to overcome reluctance to change
How to turn transactional interactions into transformational conversations

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Top Takeaways From 2022

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This episode is a highlight reel of some of our favorite moments from 11 interviews with safety and security experts in 2022. These experts share bite-sized emergency preparedness, workplace culture, and safety leadership advice that you can implement in your organization today.

To hear more from the guests featured in this episode, check out their full recordings here:

This episode of The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Katie Goan, Senior Producer at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

The Top Five Threats to Prepare for in 2023

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500

As 2023 approaches, trendlines indicate that threats are on the rise globally.

The overlapping impacts of severe weather, economic uncertainty, geopolitical concerns, activism, and active shooter events are complex and difficult for any organization to navigate. According to AlertMedia’s VP of Global Intelligence, Sara Pratley, the number one thing safety leaders can do to protect their organizations is stay informed.

In this episode, Sara unpacks:

The most impactful crisis events of 2022 and what we learned
Data and insights on the top threat concerns for 2023
How to prioritize and prepare for likely threats
How timely intelligence supports business continuity, operations, and safety

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Securing the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosts 2,600+ events a year, where a revolving door of global VIPs presents unique security challenges. Vice President of Security, Jerry Marshall leans on his extensive experience in protective and investigative service—from the Air Force to Secret Service—to protect the Chamber, its personnel, and its guests.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Jerry’s pride and appreciation for his country ignite his passion to serve and protect.

Listen to learn:

Jerry’s experience serving on the President’s counter assault team during 9/11
Why the Chamber provides its security team with intelligence and investigative training
How security collaborates with the IT team to assess and investigate cyber threats
Steps businesses can take to strengthen bonds with law enforcement

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How to Prepare for Winter Weather

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Experts predict the 2022-2023 winter season will feature above-average temperatures for the third year in a row.

But as AlertMedia’s Senior Meteorologist Jason Moreland explains, that doesn’t mean we’re in for a winter without incident. The forecast includes a high likelihood of significant winter weather events as well as a wide range of downstream impacts that organizations and their employees should prepare for.

In this episode, Jason breaks down:

The surprising effect of warmer temperatures on winter weather events
How weaknesses in the polar vortex impact North America
How the third consecutive La Niña will affect the 22-23 winter season
Tips for assessing and mitigating winter weather threats
How to plan ahead for secondary impacts of winter weather

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Activating Leaders to Develop Belonging Cultures and Equitable Teams

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Strong safety cultures are achieved and sustained when workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility. Building equitable and diverse teams within an organization is no different—it’s all hands on deck.

Vanessa Mathews, Founder & Chief Resilience Officer of Asfalis Advisors, works with safety and security leaders to go beyond guns, gates, and guards to ensure that all people feel included and protected at work. Through her blueprint, she motivates leadership to be culture change agents for their teams and companies.

In this episode, Vanessa breaks down her roadmap for improving diversity, equity, and inclusion to create belonging cultures and equitable teams.

Mentioned in this episode:

DEI trends to be aware of in the workplace
Vanessa’s blueprint for high-performing teams
The book Vanessa considers her “business bible,” Traction by Gino Wickman
[Podcast] Business Resilience Decoded With Vanessa Mathews

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Emergency Management at H-E-B: Serving Partners, Customers, and Communities

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0500

H-E-B provides food, prescriptions, and fuel for more than half of the state of Texas. For this top-rated grocer, keeping stores open is critical to disaster response and recovery in each community it serves.

Staying on the front lines of disaster relief with mobile kitchens, food banks, and supporting local charity organizations, H-E-B maintains a “last to close, first to open” policy so Texans can get the supplies they need to recover faster.

Director of Emergency Preparedness Justen Noakes unpacks how H-E-B rises to the challenges of today’s threat landscape to better support its partners, customers, and communities.

Tune in to hear how Justen and his team:

Navigate rollercoaster supply chain challenges
Utilize modern threat intelligence solutions to protect their people
Prepare employees to respond to disasters at work and at home
Develop strategies for upleveling their emergency preparedness program

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How the Military Community Strengthens the Civilian Workforce

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0500

More than 200,000 transitioning service members depart the military each year. For veterans and military spouses, finding civilian employment that suits their skills and abilities can be a daunting task.

This Veterans Day, we’re spotlighting the amazing work of Hiring Our Heroes, a nonprofit arm of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that connects the military community with companies—creating economic opportunity and a strong, diversified workforce nationwide.

Through hiring events, fellowships, and digital programs, Senior Director of Programs and Events, Crystal Cochran, helps the military community transition to the civilian workforce.

Listen to learn:

The unique skillsets veterans and military spouses can bring to their roles
Why it’s good business to hire military community members
Tips for veterans and military spouses on translating skills and developing a network
How organizations can get involved with Hiring Our Heroes

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

FIFA's Safety Director on Preparing for the 2022 World Cup

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0500

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ will be an event like no other. With 500,000 fans and 32 teams descending on Qatar’s capital, Doha, it will be the most compact World Cup in history.

For Director of Safety, Security, and Access, Helmut Spahn, success is built not on individual performance, but on teamwork. Through careful collaboration between FIFA and Qatari leaders, professionals, and citizens, Helmut has laid the groundwork for a safe and secure Cup and a festive atmosphere for all.

In this episode, Helmut unpacks:

His culturally aware approach to safety and security
How this Cup’s security challenges compare to past years
Qatar-wide training for everyone from venue officials to taxi drivers
When to stick to the formula versus think out of the box

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Empower Your Employees With Situational Awareness

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Content Warning: This episode includes sensitive information about mental health conditions and suicide. If you or someone you know need support at any time, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Situational awareness is the ability to analyze, identify, and take action to prevent bad things from happening. While commonly associated with active shooter scenarios, situational awareness empowers employees to recognize and respond to all kinds of threats that organizations face today — from cyber-attacks to the warning signs of suicide. It’s a skill that simultaneously pays dividends in organizational safety and develops exceptional interpersonal skills in your employees.

As Founder and President of Paratus Group, Retired Colonel Brian Searcy coaches organizations of all sizes and industries through a program uniquely crafted to improve safety and security through situational awareness.

Brian joins the show this week to explain:

The key to developing habits, behaviors, and mindsets of situational awareness 
The critical skills needed to become situationally aware  
How to recognize and respond to warning signs in the workplace 
How to ensure situational awareness resonates with all employees

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Safety at Six Flags — Protecting Cities Within Cities

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0500

When you operate “cities within cities,” public safety is the top priority. For Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, that means every employee at its 27 theme parks has an important role to play, whether they are on the safety team or not.

Over the last 38 years, Jason Freeman, Corporate VP of Operations, Public Safety, Maintenance & Engineering, has overseen the growth of these "cities” from the ground up. Today, he takes a municipal approach to protecting them — complete with fire, EMS, and police services — to ensure a safe and seamless guest experience.

In this episode, Jason breaks down:

Fostering a guest-centric approach to security
Choosing technology solutions that enhance the guest experience
Training employees in tactical communication and de-escalation
Messaging that creates a feeling of safety before guests step foot in the parks
Using peer organizations to network and learn from colleagues

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Global Intelligence and Executive Protection at McDonald’s

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0500

For McDonald’s, the intelligence function serves as a trusted advisor and business partner to the organization. What started as a one-person executive protection team has grown into a fully integrated department of hybrid expertise backed by enthusiastic executive support.

How did it happen? Former military-turned-private-sector intelligence champion Ryan Long saw the business opportunity in a robust intelligence and protection function. Now as Head of Global Intelligence and Protection for McDonald’s, Ryan built success on a foundation of internal relationships and alignment.

In this episode, Ryan breaks down:

How to tailor intelligence for decision-makers to gain buy-in
How to build internal credibility and identify champions for your initiatives
Tips for transitioning from the public to the private sector
The future of the intelligence profession and associations like AIRIP

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

100 Years of Fire Prevention Week

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Before the formation of the National Fire Protection Association, city streets were littered with sawdust, buildings were constructed with dry wood, and fire escapes did not exist. Today, the NFPA’s codes and standards protect people and property from fire destruction, and its research and education campaigns have reduced fire risk, injuries, and losses for more than a century.

On the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, Technical Services Engineer, Brian O’Connor, joins the show to discuss how organizations can take advantage of decades of fire research and resources.

In this episode, Brian shares how to:

Fine-tune your organization’s fire prevention education
Avoid common fire prevention pitfalls
Form committees that secure buy-in for fire safety
Model the NFPA’s standards development process

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How Customer-Centric Leadership Strengthens Organizations From the Inside Out

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0500

By looking through the customer lens, businesses can build better products, provide better service, and embody the values of the organizations they serve. So why don’t more providers live up to customers’ expectations?

To celebrate the 100th episode of the show, we invited Christopher Kenessey, CEO of AlertMedia, to discuss his approach to customer-centric leadership. For Christopher, it’s about listening to customers’ challenges and becoming an active part of the solution.

Listen to the episode to learn:

How to create more value for the people and companies you serve
The importance of improving the customer experience at each touchpoint
Why today’s threat landscape is transforming the roles of EHS leaders
How your customers can be partners in your success (and vice versa)

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Business Resiliency at Macy’s—Past, Present, and Future

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0500

How does a small team of business resiliency professionals oversee three iconic brands, 850 locations, and 90,000 employees?

For Erica Reed, it’s through streamlining communication. In her role as Business Resiliency Analyst at Macy’s, she and her team are responsible for crisis management, communication, 24/7/365 situational awareness, and business continuity planning.

In this episode, Erica gives great advice on how to:

Work cross-functionally with other departments
Resolve gaps and failures in communication
Orchestrate enterprise training and exercise programs
Structure business resiliency for a large enterprise

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How Communication Supports Continuity of Care During Emergencies

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Mental health crisis services must be operational 24/7/365 to support communities, even during an emergency or severe weather event. But without effective communication, continuity of care can be compromised.

For Integral Care, the authority on local mental health and developmental disabilities in Austin, Texas, communication is the key to protecting employees and keeping vital programs up and running, no matter what.

In this episode, Teresa Williams, Director of Clinical Services, and David West, Associate Director of Integrated Systems of Care at Integral Care, share:

Why they adopted a plain language system for emergency response
Why communication should be a continuous area of improvement
How to support staff through workforce quality and satisfaction committees
How training builds employee competence and confidence

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Zoom Strengthens Security by Leading With Empathy

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Zoom describes its workplace culture in two words: Delivering Happiness.

Burke Brownfeld, Manager of Physical Security, Operations Awareness, and Partnerships at Zoom, discovered a simple and effective method of delivering happiness—apply empathy in every business interaction.

In this episode, Burke shares how he strengthened his working relationships and the security function at Zoom by leading with empathy and why he believes it should be at the core of every security professional’s approach to leadership.

Listen to our conversation with Burke to hear about:

Tips for being a more empathetic leader
How to focus on the process, not the outcome, to create more positive workplace interactions
Lessons learned on how to explain and implement procedural changes effectively
Why corporate security should evolve beyond the traditional “guns, guards, and gates” approach

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Preparing Safety Leaders for Crisis Management

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Safety leaders often receive a myriad of technical training for their roles, but one crucial aspect— how to lead people through a crisis — can be overlooked. The National Preparedness Leadership Initiative (NPLI) at Harvard University strives to change that by offering a crisis leadership training program that prepares safety and security leaders.

To honor National Preparedness Month in September, we are showcasing the incredible work of the NPLI by interviewing Eric McNulty, Associate Director, about what it takes to excel at crisis leadership. Eric is also the author of numerous books and articles on the topic and has spent more than 20 years teaching graduate level courses at Harvard, M.I.T., and other major institutions.

Listen to the episode to learn how safety leaders can:

Avoid common mistakes in emergency preparedness
Use data to drive decisions and measure success
Prevent secondary crises after an emergency
Get buy-in and “lead up” with executive leadership

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How to Build a Modern Security Operations Center

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Many organizations recognize the need for “always on” security, but few know how to achieve or sustain it.

Grant Hayes, Owner of Childers, Hayes and Richards, has more than 20 years’ experience in physical security, from protecting U.S. Presidents as a Secret Service Agent to leading security operations at major organizations like BP and Magnolia.

In this episode, Grant shares the basic building blocks of launching a SOC and provides actionable advice on how to up-level your security program.

Listen in to learn:

The benefits of a modern SOC
Expected costs
Common roles and responsibilities of SOC personnel
How to fully integrate a security team into your organization
Tips on choosing the right vendors and contractors

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

175 Years of Adaptive Safety at Tribune Publishing

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Workplace safety has evolved dramatically since 1847. When Tribune Publishing first opened its doors, regulatory agencies like OSHA and the EPA did not exist and safety policies were implemented reactively. 175 years later, Tribune has created a robust, sustainable safety culture that protects thousands of dispersed, contract, and on-site workers from a myriad of potential threats.

So how did Tribune achieve this staying power? By embracing change, remaining agile, and applying adaptive safety.

In this episode, guest host Sara Pratley sits down with Jerry Glotzer, Corporate Manager of EHS, Security, Workers Compensation, Emergency Preparedness, and Risk Management for Tribune Publishing. For Jerry, the key to protecting employees is staying flexible and keeping a thumb on the pulse of emerging risks.

Listen in to learn about:

How to assess hazard vulnerability by region
How to modify safety plans and policies for risk
Tailored training for journalists in high-risk areas
Why adaptive leadership and safety go hand-in-hand
Risks that should be top of mind for safety leaders

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How Panasonic Successfully Scaled Its Security Program

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0500

A “good-on-paper” security program isn’t enough to reduce risk and protect employees in today’s threat landscape. It takes a visionary leader to scale a siloed corporate security function into a robust, successful company-wide program.

Andrew “Drew” Schrader, Head of Corporate Security at Panasonic North America, knows this all too well. He joined the company to help build strategic partnerships and secure stakeholder buy-in on security initiatives that protect Panasonic’s more than 250,000 employees. Drew joins the show to share how his background in law enforcement and non-traditional skillset contributed to Panasonic’s transformative security evolution.

Listen to our conversation to learn how to:

Approach security improvement like Panasonic
Secure buy-in for new security initiatives
Align safety goals with company goals
Bring the private and public sectors together to share information

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Liberty Mutual’s Strategies for Building a Successful Resilience Program

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0500

To achieve business resilience, organizations must be prepared for any emergency that comes their way. For Liberty Mutual, that means building preparedness plans that include three primary components: Crisis management, emergency response, and business recovery.

Ashley Goosman, Risk Manager of Business Continuity & Crisis Management Specialist at Liberty Mutual, has helped managers and employees worldwide prepare for and respond to business interruptions for the past 10 years. She joins the show to share lessons learned that can help other organizations build strong resilience programs.

Ashley explains:

How Liberty Mutual has streamlined its operational structure to improve crisis decision-making and business continuity
When and why the company has pivoted or modified resilience strategies
Guidance on how to measure the success of your resilience program
Suggestions for building community engagement within the risk and resilience industry

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

A Day in the Life of a Global Threat Intelligence Analyst

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In today’s heightened threat landscape, organizations have a greater need for innovative threat monitoring and identification tools to protect their people and business. But who are the people working behind the scenes to ensure these tools are surfacing fast, accurate, and relevant information to those who rely on it to keep employees out of harm’s way?

At AlertMedia, it’s the Global Threat Intelligence Team—a group of experienced in-house analysts, meteorologists, and researchers who work around the clock to monitor thousands of data sources, filter out noise, and deliver timely, accurate information about critical events occurring around the world.

Kathan Fish, Lead Global Intelligence Analyst at AlertMedia, joins guest host Sara Pratley to demystify the role of a threat intelligence analyst and discuss what it’s like to help more than 3,000 customers save lives and minimize loss. Kathan explains:

The day-to-day roles and responsibilities of a threat intelligence analyst
The tools and processes the Global Threat Intelligence team uses to determine credible threats
How analysts provide clarity and context directly to customers in developing emergencies
Why the increasing volume and availability of information continually challenges analysts to adapt how they gather information

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How OSHA’s New Heat Hazard Program Affects Organizations

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In response to rising temperatures and concern for vulnerable workers, OSHA recently implemented a National Emphasis Program (NEP) to protect employees from heat-related hazards and illnesses in the workplace. Understandably, many organizations have questions about how they will be impacted by the program and how to comply with the new guidance.

Courtney Malveaux, Co-Leader of the Workplace Safety and Health Practice Group at Jackson Lewis, is the featured guest for the second episode of our two-part series on extreme heat. Courtney is a former labor commissioner and currently represents employers in regulatory issues and OSHA citations, so we invited him to the show to break down everything you need to know about OSHA’s new NEP.

Courtney explains:

Why the NEP includes protections for both indoor and outdoor workers
How to develop heat safety plans that comply with OSHA’s guidance
Tips on what to expect from an OSHA visit
The surprising industries and workplace environments under new heat safety scrutiny
Why proactive relationship building with OSHA can build trust and communication

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

The National Weather Service Explains Impacts of Extreme Heat

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Extreme heat is a growing threat, nationally and globally. With temperatures rising—especially in traditionally cooler regions—it’s crucial that organizations understand how extreme heat impacts their people, facilities, and business.

In part one of our two-part series on extreme heat, Paul Yura, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service, shares significant heat trends throughout the U.S. and how organizations can prepare their people and property.

Listen to our conversation with Paul to learn about:

Tips to keep employees safe during heat waves
The impacts of extreme heat on infrastructure
Early and immediate symptoms of heat-related illnesses
Why organizations should develop and implement extreme heat plans and trainings

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Preventing Workplace Hazards Through Design

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 11:00:00 -0500

A new research study revealed that 2.8 million workplace accidents and injuries occur in the U.S. private sector each year. One of the best ways to prevent and control occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities is to “design out” or minimize hazards and risks. This concept is known as Prevention Through Design.

Mike Taubitz, Senior Advisor at FDRsafety, joins us this week to explain how applying the Prevention Through Design program can help organizations identify risks and embed hazard prevention into their safety culture.

Listen to our conversation with Mike to hear about:

Why you should incorporate Prevention Through Design early in the design process and continue it throughout the lifecycle of materials and processes
How lean thinking can work in conjunction with Prevention Through Design to prevent or even eliminate hazards
Why there is no such thing as zero risk in the workplace
The importance of implementing task-based risk assessments that include frontline workers and safety managers

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Safety Lessons From Journalists in War Zones

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0500

How can military and journalist training benefit an organization’s safety and security programs? By applying the same universal safety principles to improve risk management and situational awareness in the workplace.

Tim Crockett, Founder and Senior Consultant at Flying Frog Consultants, is a veteran of the British Special Forces and spent his life and career in and out of war zones. His training has helped journalists survive unbelievable news gathering missions around the world.

Tim joins our guest host, Sara Pratley, to share his core safety principles that can be applied to any organization to keep their people and business safe and secure.

Listen to our conversation with Tim to hear about:

The concept of “The Three As”—Awareness, Anticipation, and Avoidance
Why there is no such thing as a risk-free work environment
How regular training gives organizations an edge
Risk mitigation for traveling workers
The importance of empowering employees with competence and confidence

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Meteorologist Advice for Wildfire Preparedness

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe, affecting thousands of lives and properties each year. For organizations located in areas threatened by wildfires, or with remote workers located in those areas, it’s vital to have a wildfire preparedness plan to protect people and minimize impact.

Jason Moreland, Senior Meteorologist at AlertMedia, joins us for part two of our 2022 Weather Series to discuss everything organizations need to know to prepare for wildfires.

In this episode, Jason explains:

How increased wildfire frequency and severity threatens national fire response resources
A long-term forecast of how wildfires will continue to affect the United States
How the impacts of wildfires can extend far away from the actual fire line
The concept of “Ready, Set, Go” and other approaches to wildfire preparation that can minimize risk

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Whataburger’s Best Practices for Emergency Management

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Whataburger is a household name and a staple of communities across the country. With 860 quick-service restaurants in 14 states and more than 50,000 employees to protect, safety is a top priority for the beloved burger chain 24/7.

Ron Derrick, Corporate Senior Emergency Manager, leads Whataburger’s robust command center and is responsible for all escalated incidents at the restaurants, learning centers, and corporate offices. His passion for emergency management was inspired by his 30-year career in fire and EMS, and he incorporates that passion into Whataburger’s preparedness and response plans to help mitigate issues before they happen.

In this episode, Ron describes:

How Whataburger’s contact center serves as a “911” for all locations to ask questions or report disruptions
The structure of Whataburger’s command center that triages any escalated incidents
Why an effective communication matrix expedites crisis response and recovery
The importance of continuously monitoring and identifying threats to stay ahead of potential emergencies
How Whataburger supports their local communities after natural disasters

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How Organizations Can Prepare for Workplace Violence

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0500

2021 was the deadliest year on record for gun violence, and this year is already on track to surpass it. Considering the recent mass shooting events and millions of employees going back to the office, it’s important for organizations to re-evaluate their workplace violence preparedness plans to ensure the safety of their people.

Proper preparedness and training can mean the difference between life and death in an active shooter situation.

In this episode, Bill Flynn, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at The Power of Preparedness, discusses how organizations can assess workplace risks to create or improve a violence preparedness program.

Bill shares:

Why “checking the box” on workplace violence preparedness is no longer acceptable
How full employee participation and executive buy-in is crucial for an effective preparedness plan
The importance of building muscle memory through active shooter training
Why probability, vulnerability, and potential consequence evaluations are necessary for accurate risk assessments

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

The CDC on Improving Total Worker Health

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0500

The CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) believes that organizations should look beyond traditional safety programs to create healthier, more fulfilling work environments for their people.

Today’s guest, Dr. Casey Chosewood, is a Senior Medical Officer and Director of the CDC’s NIOSH Total Worker Health® Program. The program seeks to improve the overall health and well-being of employees by shaping the policies, programs, and practices organizations incorporate into their safety cultures.

In this episode, Casey explains why the needs of workers should be front and center at every organization.

Listen to our conversation to hear about:

How organizations can adopt the Total Worker Health® Program to keep employees safe at work and empowered in their overall health
How prioritizing employee well-being can benefit the bottom line
Why workplace flexibility is key to a happier, more engaged, and fulfilled workforce
Why total worker health is good for companies, communities, and the economy as a whole

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Total Worker Health® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Participation by AlertMedia does not imply endorsement by HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

The Evolution of Cyber Risk: What Every Business Should Know

Wed, 25 May 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Hundreds of ransomware attacks threaten organizations every day. As the world integrates technology into more aspects of daily life, experts predict cyber crimes will only become more prevalent.

Corey White, Co-founder & CEO at Cyvatar, has more than 25 years of experience crafting security strategies and leading teams across various industries, such as government, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. He understands that as technology evolves, so must every organization’s approach to cybersecurity.

Listen to our conversation with Corey to hear about:

Why organizations are experiencing an increase in sophisticated hacks
The role remote workers play in a company’s cyber hygiene
The biggest mistakes organizations make with their cybersecurity programs
Tips and best practices for cyber-attack preparation and response
What the future of cybersecurity looks like for businesses

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

The American Red Cross on Disaster Preparedness

Wed, 18 May 2022 11:00:00 -0500

When disaster strikes, thousands of American Red Cross employees and volunteers work tirelessly to provide immediate aid and assist in recovery. However, the Red Cross must ensure the safety of their own team before they can help others.

Jennifer Pipa, VP of Disaster Programs at American Red Cross, oversees the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of disaster services programs. In this episode, she offers her expert advice on how emergency managers can improve their organization’s preparedness and response programs to better protect their people.

Jennifer discusses:

How to use situational awareness to pivot and adapt response protocols
The importance of monitoring and identifying threats to proactively prepare and inform impacted individuals
Why you should continuously assess and improve your communication strategies
How organizations can support their local communities and American Red Cross chapters before and after a disaster

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing directly on our website.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Meteorologist Predictions for the 2022 Hurricane Season

Wed, 11 May 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Jason Moreland, Senior Meteorologist at AlertMedia, fills in for Peter this week to break down the official 2022 hurricane season forecast.

From what to expect to how to prepare, Jason offers his expert advice to help organizations save time, minimize impact, and protect their people, no matter where they work.

In this episode, Jason explains:

Detailed forecast predictions and how they compare to past seasons
Tips for safeguarding critical infrastructure and employees
Recommended resources to stay informed of storm updates

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by following The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribing directly on our website.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

From People to Pups: Safety Lessons from Austin Pets Alive!

Wed, 04 May 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Austin Pets Alive! is not your average animal rescue organization. It has multiple locations, hundreds of employees and volunteers, and has saved nearly 100,000 animals over the last decade.

But the organization has a number of safety and security challenges to overcome, like workplace hazards in an older building, dispersed workers and pets, severe weather, and location-based security concerns. Stephanie Bilbro, Director of Lifesaving Operations at Austin Pets Alive!, and her team have created unique solutions to these challenges that any organization can learn from and apply.

Stephanie describes many of these solutions in this episode, as well as:

Why two-way communication is crucial in an emergency
The importance of involving frontline employees in preparedness planning and after-action reports
Creating adaptive protocols versus fixed protocols
Working with partners and third-party organizations to conquer logistical challenges

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

The Science Behind Psychologically Safe Workplaces

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we are fostering discussion around psychological safety in the workplace.

Dr. Tracy Brower, Sociologist and Author, joins the show to explain the sociology of work — the scientific study of the relationship between people and their jobs. Understanding the sociology of work can help organizations improve the psychological safety and mental health of their employees, as well as their company’s reputation and bottom line.

We discuss:

The significant data and research that demonstrate how work can impact employees’ mental health and happiness
Why prioritizing employee well-being is a business imperative
Actionable advice for creating a psychologically safe work environment
How leadership can help employees avoid burnout
Why employees at every stage of life appreciate a reimagined safety culture

Visit www.tracybrower.com for more resources on the sociology of work, mental health in the workplace, and psychologically safe work environments.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Safety Leadership for the Hybrid Workforce

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Today’s hybrid work environment has altered the traditional employee-manager relationship. Leaders can no longer rely on in-person interactions to know how their employees are feeling and performing in their roles.

How are great safety leaders adapting to ensure a physically and psychologically safe work environment for their people?

Michael Teape, Owner and Lead Training Consultant at Teape Training International explains:

The most important skills a safety leader should develop to effectively lead a hybrid workforce
Why emotional intelligence and empathy can be more important than strategy and processes when managing employees
Applying the SCARF model to stimulate meaningful conversations with your direct reports
How over-communicating can help you identify and support employee needs

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How the Dallas Zoo Protects Their People and Wildlife

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Maintaining workplace safety is a challenge in its own right, but at the Dallas Zoo, wildlife adds an extra layer of complexity.

What does it take to keep workers, guests, animals, and the 106-acre park safe and secure while still providing the fun, memorable experience the Dallas Zoo promises?

Diana Worden, Director of Safety & Security at the Dallas Zoo explains:

The unique challenges of keeping visitors, employees, volunteers, and animals safe year-round
How the zoo embraces a positive safety culture with buy-in at every level of the organization
The importance of regular safety training that is fun and engaging
Why maintaining relationships with emergency services and outside agencies is crucial to support safety and security initiatives

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Jenn Lim on Creating Workplace Happiness

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0500

As The Great Resignation continues, investing in your employees and their happiness is more important than ever.

Jenn Lim, Co-Founder, CEO, and Chief Happiness Officer at Delivering Happiness, believes that companies should build a workplace culture where employees can experience meaningful happiness, feel psychologically safe, and personally align with the company’s core values.

When organizations double down on their people, it comes back to them financially.

In this episode, we discuss:

How Jenn and Tony Hsieh (the late CEO of Zappos) created the framework for Delivering Happiness
Why workplace happiness leads to better employee retention and more profitable business
The importance of adaptive intelligence within a leadership team
Why aligning purpose with profit is a competitive advantage and differentiator for organizations

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Employees’ Perceptions of Workplace Safety in 2022

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Workplace safety is more important than ever, yet employees’ perceptions and opinions are often missing from the conversation.

To help change that, AlertMedia surveyed more than 2,000 American workers to uncover how safe employees feel at work and if their employers’ efforts to protect them are meeting their expectations. AlertMedia used the findings of this survey to create its inaugural State of Employee Safety Report.

Danielle Sherman, VP of Communications at Material, the research firm behind the survey, joins the show to share how the results can help organizations improve the safety and well-being of their employees.

We discuss:

Which emergencies and disasters employees are most concerned about experiencing in the workplace
How prepared employees are to respond to those emergencies
If employers’ safety communications are meeting employee expectations
What employers can do to help their people feel safer at work

For more insights and findings, download the full 2022 State of Employee Safety Report.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Improving Emergency Management in Healthcare Facilities

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0500

The healthcare industry has been under constant pressure since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Lori Price, Emergency Management Coordinator at Memorial Health System, has witnessed firsthand the challenges that healthcare facilities have faced over the past two years, from how to maintain daily patient care during a pandemic to crises like cyber attacks and severe weather.

In this episode, Lori shares how Memorial Health System has responded to these challenges and how the organization is improving emergency management processes for the future.

We discuss:

The benefits of an all-hazards approach to emergency management
How Memorial Health System responded to a recent cyber attack
Why it’s important to offer a variety of safety trainings and drills
How changes to human behavior can decrease the likelihood of disasters

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Campbell’s HR Strategies to Improve the Employee Experience

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0500

HR teams seek to empower employees with the tools and resources they need to be successful at their jobs while ensuring their safety and well-being.

Saad Qureshi, Human Resources Manager at Campbell Soup Company, believes that a one-size-fits-all approach to human resources is not effective. Instead, HR professionals should involve employees in the conversation to learn what works and what doesn’t.

In this episode, Saad shares the tactics Campbell’s uses to improve culture and enhance employee engagement.

We discuss:

The evolving responsibilities of HR leaders
Tactics for improving employee engagement
How a focus on employee safety boosts retention
The importance of mental health resources for HR professionals

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

The ROI of Emergency Preparedness

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Emergency preparedness shouldn’t be viewed as an expense. It’s an investment in your ability to provide your customers with goods and services no matter what happens—and ultimately, that ability will lead to the growth of your business.

Al Berman, President of DRI Foundation, explains how organizations can experience the ROI of emergency preparedness through real money and hard savings.

We discuss:

Tips for talking to executives about the business impacts of preparedness
The importance of reviewing your insurance coverage to make sure it benefits your organization
Moving past a fear-based approach to business continuity to focus on competitive advantages
How to measure the effectiveness of your preparedness program

Email Al Berman at aberman@drii.org.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

An Engineer’s Advice on Ensuring Structural Safety

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Many organizations don’t realize that building safety codes were designed to ensure human survival and nothing more. They don’t guarantee that your building will be operable or even occupiable after a disaster.

A building needs to go beyond that minimum safety standard to support business continuity.

In this episode, Tracy Kijewski-Correa, Structural Engineer and Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame, explains the steps that organizations should take to enhance building safety and maintain operations following a disaster.

We discuss:

Why the loss of life and property is often preventable
Setting safety goals to thrive, not just survive
The competitive advantage of exceeding minimum safety codes
How organizations can help create market demand for safer construction

Mentioned during the podcast:

StEER Network

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How Chubb Fosters a Culture of Leadership

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0500

A great safety leader possesses more than just business continuity, security, and risk mitigation skills. To be a well-rounded leader, individuals must also develop soft skills and a holistic mindset to help keep their employees and business safe.

In this episode, Rick Kelly, Senior Vice President of Global Safety, Security, and Business Continuity at Chubb, explains why emotional intelligence is an important aspect of effective leadership and how he prepares the next generation of safety leaders for success.

We discuss:

Rick’s approach to cultivating leadership in a multi-generational workforce
The skills and experience Rick looks for when hiring future leaders
Why incorporating servant leadership helps reinforce Chubb’s safety culture
Advice for professionals looking to pursue a career in safety or security

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

The Associated Press on Improving Journalist Safety

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Journalists face increasing risks today. From civil unrest and military coups to stalking and online harassment, responding to and reporting on events can come with a lot of danger.

That’s why Ian Phillips, Vice President of International News for The Associated Press, was tasked with launching a new initiative focused on the safety, security, and mental well-being of journalists.

In this episode, guest host Sara Pratley speaks with Ian about his new role and his advice for ensuring the safety of any traveling, dispersed, or lone workers.

We discuss:

The evolution of journalist safety
The need for risk analysis when traveling to hotspots
The benefits of partnering with industry peers on safety
AP’s initiatives to support employee mental health

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Response Plans for Protests & Civil Unrest

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Many protests and demonstrations are planned in advance, but civil unrest often occurs spontaneously, creating unique challenges for organizations nearby.

In these situations, safety professionals have little time to identify potential threats and ensure employee safety.

However, there are response and mitigation strategies that every organization can put in place to protect their people, maintain business continuity, and stay informed during fluid situations.

Suzanne Bernier, President at SB Crisis Consulting, explains how both organizations and individuals can prepare and respond.

We discuss:

Unique challenges associated with protests and civil unrest
Mitigation and response strategies to protect your business and people
The importance of having a crisis communication plan and a skilled spokesperson
Safety tips to consider when attending a mass gathering

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Marathon Petroleum's Best Practices for Corporate Travel Safety

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0500

Brian Cooke, Corporate Security Manager of International Security Operations at Marathon Petroleum, joins the show to explain how organizations can build a comprehensive travel safety program that protects traveling and dispersed workers, no matter where they are.

We discuss:

The excess of threats that could impact traveling workers
How to educate employees about travel risks
The start-to-finish process of mitigating risks for traveling employees
A simple methodology for developing travel risk profiles for each traveler

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How the Vegas Golden Knights Manage Security On & Off the Ice

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Managing safety and security for the Vegas Golden Knights is a huge job. It involves safeguarding their NHL and AHL arenas, as well as the restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores contained therein.

Joanna Packard, the Golden Knights’ Director of Safety and Security, joins the show to explain what it’s like to secure these facilities and protect thousands of fans, guests, and employees during hockey season and year-round.

We discuss:

The unique safety and security challenges in arena facilities
The nuances of managing events of varying sizes and audience demographics
Policies and procedures that help employees identify and respond to crises
The benefits of learning from emergencies at other organizations

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Maintaining a Constant State of Readiness

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Any organization can benefit from operating at a high level of readiness.

Besides supporting employee safety and business continuity, it’s also critical for ensuring the resilience of the surrounding community.

In this episode, Justin McInnis, President and Elected CEO at Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR), explains how his team achieves and maintains a constant state of readiness through sufficient training, support, equipment, and resources for their employees and volunteers.

We discuss:

How TEXSAR mentally and physically prepares volunteers for difficult missions
On-site safety for search and rescue workers
The importance of mental health support for the response community
The long-term benefits of achieving a constant state of readiness

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Business Resiliency in 2022: A Practitioner's Blueprint for Success

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Business resilience is not about bouncing back. It’s about bouncing forward.

This is exactly what Michele L. Turner, Author and Head of Global Business Resiliency at Amazon, realized and channeled into her book, Lessons Learned: Short Stories of Continuity and Resilience.

In this conversation, Michele shares concepts and anecdotes that can help business continuity practitioners build better resiliency programs for their companies and communicate more effectively with their stakeholders.

We discuss:

Methodologies for creating sustainable resiliency strategies
The framework of The Three Cs: Clarity, Communication, and Cost
How to “slow down to speed up”
The importance of active listening in the planning process

Contact Michele on LinkedIn or Twitter.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500

A paradigm shift is taking place.

As younger generations enter the workforce, employees desire better integration of life and work—and if they don’t receive it at their current job, they aren’t afraid to leave.

As a result, companies are becoming more aware of the emotional and psychological well-being of their people.

David Hassell and Shane Metcalf, Co-Founders of 15Five and hosts of the HR Superstars podcast, join the show to discuss how organizations can make psychological safety a top priority.

We discuss:

HR challenges that business leaders are facing today
The benefits and impacts of psychological safety
Strategies for fostering a psychologically safe environment
How to communicate clear cultural expectations

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

The Importance of DEI in Emergency Management

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Creating a strong emergency management program starts with people, not planning.

Vincent B. Davis, Founder and President of Preparedness Matters, is committed to helping organizations improve their emergency preparedness and response programs by encouraging them to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the process.

After all, diversity is not just about racial disparities, it’s about bringing a group of diverse individuals to the table to offer different perspectives on preparedness and how to respond to disasters.

In this episode, Vincent discusses:

How past roles at Walgreens, Amazon, and FEMA inspired him to help other organizations diversify
Intentionally recruiting, hiring, and mentoring people of diverse backgrounds
Steps for eradicating racism in emergency management
Why organizations should strive to build a sense of community around emergency preparedness

Mentioned during the podcast:

https://www.vincedaviscem.com/

https://www.thenativefamilydisasterhandbook.com/

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Communication Strategies to Effectively Navigate a Crisis

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Many companies struggle with crisis communication because they don’t have tools in place to manage it.

Communication expert Jeff Hahn recognized this barrier to entry and set out to demystify the field of crisis communications with his book, Breaking Bad News: 12 Essential Crisis Communication Tools.

In this episode, Jeff shares a framework that can help companies successfully navigate a crisis event.

We discuss:

The most common roadblocks many organizations experience
Helpful steps for successfully navigating a crisis
Tips for effective internal and external communication
Why options are better than answers in crisis management

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Prepare Your Business for the 2022 Threat Landscape

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Sometimes businesses need to look back to move forward.

Guest host Sara Pratley, Vice President of Global Intelligence at AlertMedia, joins us for a special bonus episode to reflect on the threats organizations faced in 2021 and how they can help companies prepare for 2022.

She discusses:

Physical and economic threats that are on the rise
Extreme weather event predictions
The increase in cybersecurity threats
How global events can have local impacts

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Developing an Effective Cybersecurity Program

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500

With the rise of remote work and mounting ransomware attacks, securing your organization against cyber threats has never been more crucial.

In this episode, Dax Streater, Director of Cybersecurity at LCRA, shares essential cybersecurity and risk mitigation strategies that every organization should consider to protect their people, data, and assets.

We discuss:

Potential ripple effects of a cybersecurity incident
Why cybersecurity should be a focus for all departments within your organization
Tips for training employees on cyber hygiene
Why effective communication is essential for successful cyber incident response

Resources mentioned:

NIST Cybersecurity Framework

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Eliminating Bias in Emergency Response

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Many organizations operate under the assumption that the future will look fairly similar to the present. The reality is—that’s not often the case.

With disasters increasing in size and frequency, it’s critical to consider how disruptive changes in the broader environment can impact your people, mission, and operations.

David Kaufman, Vice President and Director for Safety and Security at CNA, shares how companies can overcome preconceived notions and recency bias to develop adaptive capacity in their emergency response efforts.

We discuss:

Bridging the gap between theory and reality in emergency planning
The confluence of trends leading to bigger and more frequent disasters
How the relationship between the public and private sector impacts response
Why rigid plans can be detrimental to emergency management

Reach out to David at kaufmand@cna.org or on LinkedIn.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Why Investing in People is Good Business

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500

The workforce has evolved. Studies show that many workers don’t want to return to a traditional work environment.

Some say the nature of work changed, but according to today’s guest, what actually changed is the values of today’s workers. They want to be seen, heard, and appreciated at their jobs.

Bonnie Canal, Founder and Managing Partner at The Resiliency Institute, joins the show to explain why embracing this paradigm shift will allow companies to attract and retain top talent.

We discuss:

Why management should be more flexible in how they define “work”
The importance of remembering that employees are humans
How to establish a culture that reflects employee values

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How the City of Indio Prepares for Coachella & Other Major Events

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Indio, California, is known as the “City of Festivals.” It is home to major music festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach as well as numerous other arts, food, and sporting events.

When one of these events takes place, the population of Indio doubles, making it vital to have an adequate emergency plan in place.

Dennis Day, Emergency Operations Center Manager for the City of Indio, shares how his team engages in year-round efforts to prepare for festivals and major events.

We discuss:

Adapting preparedness efforts in response to population growth
How Indio protects its citizens, festival-goers, and visitors during events
The importance of building relationships to improve emergency management

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Improving Incident Outcomes with Modern Emergency Communication Tools

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500

It’s not easy to secure huge campuses, multiple buildings, and hundreds of employees and visitors. Emergency communications can be a complicated challenge for organizations with a large geographic footprint and a steady flow of people coming in and out of their facilities.

David Markley, Director of Operations at Grace Covenant Church, joins the show to share the tools and strategies he uses to effectively communicate with his employees, volunteers, and congregation during emergency situations.

We discuss:

The benefits of maintaining a “defense mindset”
The importance of disseminating critical information quickly and accurately
How two-way communication improves incident outcomes
Why organizations should not wait to implement a modern emergency communication solution

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How FEMA Helps Businesses & Communities Navigate Disasters

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500

FEMA has supported businesses and communities before, during, and after disasters for more than 40 years. It provides emergency assistance that includes ongoing coordination, integration, planning, and training exercises to improve organizational resilience.

Robert Glenn, Director, Office of Business, Industry, and Infrastructure Integration at FEMA, explains how businesses can receive disaster assistance, help their communities, and better prepare for emergencies.

We discuss:

How a disaster gets declared
The resources and services FEMA provides
How businesses can apply for disaster assistance
Important lessons for preparedness and recovery

Contact the Office of Business, Industry, and Infrastructure Integration at ob3i@fema.dhs.gov.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Why Organizations Should View Safety as a Service

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 05:30:00 -0500

Safety professionals provide a valuable service to an organization. Their job is to protect the people, the business, and the company reputation, and they must ensure that everyone is working toward the same safety goals.

Mark French, Senior Health, Safety, and Environmental Manager at Dalkia Solutions and owner of TSD Amalgamated Safety Consulting, joins the show to explain why more organizations should embrace the philosophy that safety is a service.

We discuss:

How building trust with employees motivates them to be safe
Why a sustainable safety culture requires both creative thinking and integration
How safety leaders can better engage their workforce around safety

Check out these resources we mentioned during the show:

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How Salesforce Safeguards Its Global Workforce

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Salesforce released its return to the workplace plan in April 2021, which the company refers to as “Success from Anywhere.” It allows employees to choose the model that best suits their needs, whether that’s working from home, the office, or both.

The plan revolutionized how Salesforce employees work. However, it presented new challenges for safeguarding the physical and mental well-being of the organization’s global workforce.

In this episode, Stasha Wyskiel, Senior Director of Resilience, Global Safety, and Security at Salesforce, shares how her team navigates employee safety for 60,000 employees across 28 countries.

We discuss:

The specifics of the “Success From Anywhere” plan
Safety and security challenges of a dispersed workforce
How Salesforce’s Global Operations Center assists employees no matter where they are

Reach out to Stasha at swyskiel@salesforce.com.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

A Better Way to Communicate During Emergencies

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0500

To celebrate the first anniversary of the show, we invited Brian Cruver, founder and CEO of AlertMedia, to discuss his storied career path as an entrepreneur and how he arrived at the idea for AlertMedia.

In this episode, Brian describes the circumstances that led to his passion for creating businesses that help people during emergencies and how they influenced his decision-making while building a purpose-driven organization.

Establishing core values like “simplicity is a strength” and “customers come first” is essential to the company’s success, according to Brian.

We also discuss:

His scientific method approach to starting a business
The importance of transparency within an organization
Why ease of use is essential in an emergency communications tool
How he keeps products and employees mission-focused

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How Sally Beauty Minimizes Loss & Protects Lone Workers

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Loss prevention in the retail industry is more complicated than ever. LP professionals must constantly peek around the corner to identify potential disruptions to their business and mitigate the associated risks. That means implementing an asset protection plan that prioritizes employee safety before anything.

This is the case at Sally Beauty, and it isn’t just lip service.

Jim Mires, Vice President of Loss Prevention and Safety, shares the steps his team takes to protect an increasing number of lone workers, partner with industry peers to solve problems, and achieve alignment on the company’s safety culture from the top down.

We discuss:

Safeguarding employees across thousands of locations
Implementing security devices and new policies to protect lone workers
Why effective communication is about speed, accuracy, and knowledge
Networking and sharing information with peers in the industry

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Boeing’s All-Hazards Approach to Business Continuity

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0500

It’s challenging for any organization to prepare for every possible emergency.

For that reason, many businesses use an all-hazards approach to emergency management, focusing on the impact of the incident—not the cause.

In this episode, Keith Berthiaume, Enterprise Emergency Preparedness Program Manager at Boeing, joins us to discuss how an all-hazards approach works across Boeing’s large geographical footprint to ensure business continuity.

Keith discusses:

Boeing’s five distinctive preparedness programs
Implementing a Crisis Management Group
How to prepare for a global incident
How Boeing established a unified command and coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Check out this article on Boeing by Security Magazine, as mentioned in the episode.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How L3Harris Cultivates Preparedness During Organizational Change

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 06:30:00 -0500

Mergers and acquisitions are common in business. When they occur, it is paramount to create a holistic plan that unifies culture and operations, including emergency preparedness.

In this episode, John Brooker, Director of Industrial Security for Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris, describes how his team consolidated existing plans to develop a cohesive, standardized crisis management program for all locations.

We discuss:

How their newly-merged company handled the switch to remote work
Upgrading infrastructure and technology for more collaborative crisis planning
How to create and disseminate a standardized crisis management plan
The importance of including your entire team in the development and execution of your emergency response plans

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Community Preparedness in Advance of Major Events

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0500

When you work at a vital blood provider for multiple hospitals and healthcare facilities, people depend on your services — especially during emergencies.

In this episode, DeKeitra Fitzgerald, Claims and Safety Manager, and Richard Dunn, Security and Resilience Manager, from Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, share the strategies they use to ensure they can provide the community with those essential services when they are needed most.

Topics covered:

Security challenges at donor facilities
How they prepare their organization and the community for a major event
Resiliency management and disaster mitigation initiatives

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

How Toyota Accelerates Emergency & Incident Response Times

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0500

With 50 facilities and nearly 80,000 employees spread across the continent, Toyota Motor North America has a lot of ground to cover with their emergency communications.

Hannah Kinnett — a member of the emergency management and business resiliency team at Toyota — explains how they leverage mass notifications and a level system for emergency alerts to accelerate incident response times.

Topics covered:

How Toyota’s resiliency team operates
The most common emergencies at Toyota’s manufacturing plants
The level system used for emergency management alerts
Backup routes for emergency notifications

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Employee Safety Podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Remembering 9/11: Lessons Learned From a World Trade Center Survivor

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 07:30:00 -0500

This week marks the 20th anniversary of September 11. To honor that anniversary, we invited Joe Dittmar, a 9/11 World Trade Center survivor, to share his incredible story of that fateful day. Joe offers lessons learned about situational awareness and crisis management, as well as the importance of communication.

Joe is a founding member of the Naperville 9/11 Memorial Commission and an advocate for the Always Remember Initiative. Over the past 20 years, he has shared his experiences and insights into one of the most significant events in U.S. and world history.

We hope you gain value from hearing firsthand what it feels like to be in the middle of an unprecedented crisis and to navigate a chaotic situation with minimal information.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Creating a Workplace Culture That Prioritizes Mental Health

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 06:30:00 -0500

Content Warning: This episode includes sensitive information about mental health conditions and suicide, including risk factors and warning signs, which may elicit an emotional response in some listeners. If you need support at any time, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. To learn more, we spoke with Maggie Mortali, Senior Program Director at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention programming in the workplace. Maggie shares why businesses play a critical role in mental health and how they can set the tone for the well-being of our workforce.

We discuss:

How mental health and suicide prevention education creates a stronger workforce
Risk factors or warning signs that could indicate an employee needs help
Guidance on how to incorporate suicide prevention programming into your Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Mental health resources available to all organizations

Check out AFSP’s events and initiatives supporting National Suicide Prevention Day, Week, and Month.

Connect with Maggie on Twitter.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Emergency Preparedness Tips from the National Safety Council

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 07:30:00 -0500

September is National Preparedness Month, recognized each year by FEMA to raise awareness for emergency preparedness by promoting business, community, and family disaster planning.

In honor of National Preparedness Month, we invited JoAnn Dankert, Senior Safety Consultant at the National Safety Council, to share some safety tips and guidance from the NSC. JoAnn has more than 30 years of diversified experience helping organizations fully integrate EHS practices into their business operations.

Topics discussed:

Most common preparedness challenges faced by businesses
Conducting risk assessments, drills, and exercises in the workplace
Involving your neighbors in your emergency preparedness plan
How to effectively communicate with employees, leadership, and emergency responders

Learn more with these resources:

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

The Weather Channel on Improving Risk Management Tactics

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0500

It doesn’t take a major newsworthy weather event to produce dangerous weather impacts. It’s critical for businesses to understand the weather hazards in their area and develop a risk management plan accordingly.

Jonathan Erdman, Senior Digital Meteorologist at The Weather Channel, shares his insights and experiences with weather risk management in this episode.

Topics discussed:

Tactics meteorologists employ to encourage people to act on warnings
Lower-level weather risks that are often overlooked
Strategies that businesses can adopt to improve weather preparedness
How research methods and technologies have changed to improve forecasting

Follow Jonathan Erdman on Twitter.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Solving for Safety Challenges in At-Risk Environments

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Valley View Hospital is located in a remote, mountainous Colorado town and is accessible by one major highway. Mudslides, wildfires, and winter weather are prevalent in the area and often shut down the highway for prolonged periods of time, hindering access to the hospital.

In this episode, two safety leaders from Valley View Hospital, Josh Anderson, Manager of Safety, Security, and Emergency Management, and Stacey Gavrell, Chief Community Relations Officer, join us to discuss how they manage patient and employee safety in this at-risk environment.

We discuss:

The unique challenges with Valley View Hospital’s location
How to gain leadership buy-in for tools used to improve safety and communication
Why after action reports are crucial for preparedness

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

The Three C’s of Corporate Security

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Applying collaboration, curiosity, and continual improvement to your corporate security program allows for iterative processes and strengthened procedures that can impact life safety.

Bridget Guerrero, a security operations professional with more than 30 years of experience in security and intelligence, joins this episode to discuss how to improve corporate security through "The Three C’s."

Bridget talks about:

Her career as an intelligence analyst for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Knowing when to push boundaries and take risks
Why having a feedback loop is integral to a strong security program
How to apply The Three C’s for peak program performance

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Building a Wildfire Preparedness Plan

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Wildfires are creating historic levels of danger and destruction in our communities each year. Fire behavior these days is entirely uncharacteristic of what urban and wildland firefighters dealt with in the past. What does this mean for businesses? It’s now more important than ever to build and implement a wildfire safety plan.

In this episode, Stan Szpytek (aka Stan the Fireman), President and CEO at Fire & Life Safety, Inc., gives actionable advice for conducting a vulnerability assessment that translates into an emergency management plan for wildfires and how it can save lives.

What we talked about:

Why wildfires consistently break historical records
Overlooked risks in wildfire incidents
The importance of an all-hazards emergency management plan
The concept of optimistic bias and how it relates to wildfire preparedness

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

A Hazard Vulnerability Analysis Tool produced by Kaiser Permanente
Episode 30 with Alexander Maranghides from NIST on lifesaving lessons from a wildfire study
Episode 35 with Gianetta Jones from Coca-Cola UNITED on post-storm recovery

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Emergency Staffing on the Frontlines of the Pandemic

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0500

No one could have predicted the sheer volume of medical support staff needed in New York at the epicenter of the pandemic.

Nonetheless, 4,000 nurses, nurse practitioners, paramedics, and physical therapists arrived just in time. Krucial Staffing was the company behind this logistical feat. In this episode, we speak to CEO Brian Cleary about how it was accomplished.

Topics covered:

Deploying a huge volume of medical support staff to New York
The logistical challenges of coordinating thousands of people
The importance of communication in such a massive effort

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

How Rakuten’s Facilities Team Elevates Employee Safety

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0500

For Rakuten Americas, acquisitions have been a near-constant part of the company's growth. As a result, there was an organizational need for a cohesive facilities team and a new approach to facility safety.

That’s where Donna Kelly, Head of Facilities, stepped in. Her priority: creating a consistent safety program so that each site would have the same playbook when dealing with emergencies and other exceptional circumstances.

On this week's episode, Donna and Peter discuss:

Implementing consistent safety programs across all locations
Elevating the visibility of the facilities team to enhance employee safety
Personalizing safety communications to each site

Contact Donna on LinkedIn or at donna.kelly@rakuten.com.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Fostering a Safe & Inclusive Workplace

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Making safety and inclusion priorities in your workplace is the best way to ensure that employees feel happy, protected, and productive.

In this episode, Edgar Ndjatou, Executive Director at Workplace Fairness, joins Peter to talk about why empathy and transparency are integral to this process.

Edgar discusses:

The most common reasons employees seek information on worker’s rights
The most significant issues surrounding the fair treatment of workers
Essential components of a safe and inclusive workplace

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Hurricane Preparedness (Part 3): Coca-Cola UNITED on Post-Storm Recovery

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0500

During a hurricane, organizations must have a way to contact their employees to ensure their physical safety and offer disaster relief.

In 2018, Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc faced an enormous challenge when Hurricane Michael devastated the cell phone infrastructure in Panama City.

In the final episode of our three-part series on hurricane preparedness, we interviewed Gianetta Jones, Vice President & Chief People Officer at Coca-Cola Bottling, to learn how the company overcame this destructive event and why communication was key to doing so.

What we talked about:

How to contact and care for your people before, during, and after a hurricane
Strategies to help disaster communications run smoothly
How to respond when power and telephone infrastructures are unavailable
Why there’s no such thing as over-preparing for a hurricane

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Hurricane Preparedness (Part 2): Year-Round Mitigation Strategies

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Don’t wait until a hurricane is imminent to prepare. Disaster mitigation should be a year-round initiative.

In part two of our three-part series on hurricane preparedness, Millie Starliper, Disaster Mitigation Consultant, shares hurricane mitigation strategies for organizations and communities.

Topics discussed:

Identifying risks and vulnerabilities within your infrastructure
Issues non-profit organizations face with hurricane recovery
The role technology plays in hurricane preparedness
Tips for hurricane response and resilience

Learn more about disaster resiliency at milliestarliper.com.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Hurricane Preparedness (Part 1): Understanding Hurricane Hazards

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0500

The 2021 hurricane season is upon us.

In part one of our three-part series on hurricane preparedness, Melissa Huffman, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service, shares her expert knowledge on common and not-so-common hurricane hazards and how to prepare for them.

Topics covered:

What to expect from this year’s season
How hurricanes are measured
Hazards that can impact you during and after a storm
How Hurricane Harvey’s unprecedented rainfall influenced social science initiatives at the National Weather Service

For more information, visit hurricanes.gov.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Protecting the Safety of Human Rights Workers

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0500

A human rights professional’s mission includes protecting people from different forms of violent oppression. But what goes into ensuring that these professionals are also protected while they do that important work — oftentimes in dangerous locales?

In this episode, John McLellan, Global VP of Security at International Justice Mission (IJM), discusses how his organization ensures the safety of its employees, people who often need to operate in perilous and unstable environments.

John talks about:

Unique security situations that IJM encounters
The key elements of their emergency response plan
Communication tools the organization utilizes
Creating relationships with local contacts for additional support

Want to reach out to John? Connect with him on LinkedIn.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

How the Houston Astros Simplify Operations to Protect Employees and Fans

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Simplifying processes is critical to ensuring that employees can easily take the appropriate steps to protect themselves and others during an emergency.

In this episode, Chris Josefy, Director of Applications and Data for the Houston Astros, discusses how he and his team remove friction around incident management and emergency communication to better protect employees and fans.

Chris talks about:

Supporting the day-to-day operations of the Astros
Removing complexity from processes to make them easier to scale
New systems put in place to protect employees and fans
The role of communication in streamlining operations

Want to reach out to Chris? Connect with him on LinkedIn.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Emergency Preparedness: Lifesaving Lessons from a Wildfire Study

Wed, 26 May 2021 06:30:00 -0500

Researching emergencies from the past can lead to lifesaving insights for the future.

In this episode, Peter speaks with Alexander Maranghides, Fire Protection Engineer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), about his recent study of the Camp Fire, California’s deadliest and most destructive wildfire that occurred in 2018. They discuss:

Why Alexander’s team chose to study this particular wildfire
The five factors that made it so devastating
How the data from the report is guiding lifesaving research and emergency preparedness efforts

Read NIST's Case Study of the Camp Fire here.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

How Texas Roadhouse Enhances Operational Efficiency and Safety Through Automation

Wed, 19 May 2021 07:00:00 -0500

When you operate an organization with a large geographical footprint, it can be difficult to manage operational tasks consistently and efficiently. A lot of companies have turned to automation to provide solutions for daily business-critical functions and to guarantee nimble responses to emergency situations.

In this episode, Matt McMahan, Senior Manager of Business Continuity and Records at Texas Roadhouse, joins Peter to discuss how they have integrated automation to enhance operational efficiency and safety.

What they talked about:

Restaurant safety concerns that don’t initially come to mind
Adjusting safety protocols for the pandemic
How Texas Roadhouse delivers critical communication
Automating tasks that impact operations during emergencies

Want to reach out to Matt? Connect with him on LinkedIn

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Tornado Safety Lessons from the 2011 Super Outbreak

Wed, 12 May 2021 05:00:00 -0500

The 2011 Super Tornado Outbreak was historic. Between April 25-28, more than 360 tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service in 21 states from Texas to New York.

In this episode, recorded on the 10-year anniversary of the event, John De Block, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service, talks about the importance of having a safety plan for tornadoes so that you can protect life and property wherever you may be.

Topics discussed:

The experience of living and working through a severe tornado outbreak
Getting people to move from curiosity and fascination to active preparation
Actionable takeaways from the outbreak

Want to reach out to John? Connect with him on LinkedIn.

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

How to Engage & Protect Your Remote Workforce

Wed, 05 May 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Many companies are redefining the meaning of employee safety when it comes to their remote workforces.

Mari Anne Snow, CEO & Founder of Sophaya, joins Peter to talk about how companies should invest in skill development so that managers and team members know how to operate safely no matter where they sit.

The two also talk about:

The current state of remote work
Biggest concerns regarding remote worker health, well-being, and safety
Advice for engaging and connecting with remote workers

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Loss Prevention in Retail (Part 2): Asset Protection at Warby Parker

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Loss prevention isn’t only about protecting stores and merchandise from theft.

In part two of our two-part series on loss prevention in retail, Chris Hinger, Director of Loss Prevention, Corporate Security, Corporate Facilities, and Risk Management at Warby Parker, explains how loss prevention strategies have shifted into overall asset protection, including employee safety.

In this episode, Chris discusses:

Identifying loss prevention goals
The importance of making safety a company value, not just a priority
Shifting strategies in asset protection
Integrating emergency communication solutions into preparedness and response efforts

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Loss Prevention in Retail (Part 1): Loss Prevention Strategies

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0500

When you think about loss prevention, it might conjure an image of kids stealing bubble gum from a store. But in part one of our two-part series on loss prevention in retail, Jacque Brittain, Editorial Director at Loss Prevention Magazine, explains why it’s much more than that.

He talks with Peter about:

Top challenges facing the retail industry today
How loss prevention teams have adapted to the pandemic
Safety challenges retailers face during times of civil unrest
The importance of continuing education

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Incorporating External Communications Into Crisis Management

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Effective external communications are a critical part of crisis management. But when a crisis event occurs, many companies struggle with acquiring factual information and responding in a way that doesn’t cause undue panic.

In this episode, Larry Robert, VP of Business Continuity and Risk Management at Rockland Trust, joins Peter to break down the challenges of external communication and offer advice on how companies should approach it.

What we talked about:

The framework for building an effective business continuity program
Common internal and external communication challenges and how to solve them
Implementing a mass notification tool for faster crisis response
The importance of crisis management training for employees

Resources mentioned during the podcast:

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Keeping Home Healthcare Workers Safe in an Emergency

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Employee safety is a major consideration in-home healthcare work. After all, the job involves entering into an unknown, uncontrolled, and unpredictable home environment.

Kristen Husen, Senior Director of Home, Health, and Hospice at CentraCare, joined Peter on this episode to talk about what her organization does to ensure the safety of its home healthcare workers.

They also talk about:

A typical day in the life of a home health worker
Safety concerns that arise from being in unfamiliar home environments
Ways to ensure the safety of home health workers
The benefits of Employee Safety Monitoring (formerly SafeSignal)

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Cox Enterprises on Improving Physical Security in the Workplace

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode, Peter is joined by two guests who manage security for Cox Enterprises. Tony Putzig, a Supervisor of East Region Security, and Joe Holokan, a Manager of Central Region Security, discuss how an effective security program builds trust and ensures that employees feel safe and heard.

Topics they covered include:

The basic elements every organization should include in their security plan
Extending duty of care beyond the workplace during the pandemic
How security departments can build trust with employees
The importance of consistency in communication

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Building a Company-Wide Culture of Preparedness

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Building a culture of preparedness is one of the best things you can do for your organization today.

But where do you start?

In this episode, Jeffrey Trask, the Enterprise Emergency Management, Business Continuity, and Insurance Risk Manager at ISO New England, joined Peter to share his advice for creating a strong safety culture in your workplace.

Topics they discussed:

How to assemble an effective communications infrastructure
The importance of building relationships with local public safety officials
4 steps to create a “culture of preparedness” in your organization

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.

Monitoring the World: How to Stay Ahead of Global Events

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Information overload is a huge challenge for organizations. But how can you tell the difference between a critical piece of intelligence and useless noise?

In this episode, Sara Pratley, VP of Global Intelligence at AlertMedia, speaks with Peter about how both technology and subject matter experts are critical to staying ahead of threats with the potential to impact your business and your people.

They also cover topics like:

How to monitor and deliver global intelligence in real-time
Organizations’ ability to track world events
Zeroing in on the right intelligence to share
How to categorize and communicate information about global events

The Employee Safety Podcast is hosted by Peter Steinfeld, SVP of Safety Solutions at AlertMedia.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to The Employee Safety Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here.