OH&S SafetyPod

March marks National Ladder Safety Month, and in this episode of the OH&S Safety Pod, we explore how safety leaders can reduce preventable ladder-related injuries through better habits, training, and daily reinforcement. Pat McAuliffe of the American Ladder Institute and Ryan Mittelmeier of Werner share insights on common ladder safety mistakes, practical jobsite corrections, and how employers can use free Ladder Safety Month resources to strengthen their programs year-round.
Sponsored by the American Ladder Institute:
The American Ladder Institute is proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of National Ladder Safety Month this March. The monthlong campaign promotes ladder safety awareness to help prevent injuries and fatalities. Access free safety resources and learn more at laddermonth.com.

In this episode, Dr. Travis Smith and Bobby Oberlechner of Columbia Southern University discuss the university's new maritime safety concentration—a program designed to equip safety professionals for one of the world's most complex and high-risk environments. They explore why maritime safety has historically lacked academic focus, how CSU's curriculum bridges that gap, and what students can expect to learn about global regulations, port operations, and systemic risk management. The conversation also highlights how this program helps shape the next generation of safety leaders both on land and at sea.
Sponsored by Columbia Southern University:
For more than 30 years, Columbia Southern University has been a leader in occupational safety and health education. Taught by experienced safety experts, CSU's bachelor's and master's degree programs in occupational safety and health are recognized by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals as Graduate Safety Practitioner® Qualified Academic Programs. Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu/OHS to learn more.

Content Editor Stasia DeMarco speaks with Claire Bryant, Senior Program Manager of Workplace Safety Programs at the National Safety Council, about a new tool designed to help manage the opioid epidemic in the workplace. With overdoses now linked to nearly one in ten workplace deaths, NSC has launched a free Overdose Emergency Planning Tool to help employers prepare for opioid emergencies and determine how much naloxone to keep on hand. Bryant also highlights the importance of quick response and recovery-supportive workplace policies to save lives and prevent future crises.

Lars Wismer, Director of A+A at Messe Düsseldorf, joins Executive Editor David Kopf to discuss the upcoming A+A 2025 International Trade Fair and Congress for Safety and Health at Work, happening November 4–7 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Wismer shares insights on the theme People Matter and previews highlights including global exhibitors, PPE innovations, exoskeletons, smart technology, and congress sessions on climate, mental well-being, and AI. It's a truly global event, with the 2025 edition expected to attract roughly 65,000 visitors and 2,200 exhibitors.

Increasing attention is being placed on workers' mental health, as well as their physical health, but how do safety managers approach this challenge? Sean Egan, the Deputy Director of Labor for the State of Michigan, joins the OH&S Safety Pod to discuss Michigan's groundbreaking workplace mental health initiative. Launched through the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), the program aims to help businesses reduce stress, burnout, and stigma in high-risk, high-pressure industries like construction.
Drawing from both policy expertise and lived experience, Egan explains how the initiative blends neuroscience, trauma-informed training, and innovative resources, such as the Man Therapy campaign, to support workers' behavioral health. More than awareness, Michigan's program calls for systemic changes, including revisiting work design, hazard assessments, and access to care to make mental health a core part of safety culture.
 This episode offers safety professionals a timely and practical roadmap for embedding mental well-being into their overall risk strategy, as well as redefining what it means to truly protect workers.