Best WorkSAFE Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 165: Careers in Safety and Risk | Making an Impact and Saving Lives 32:06

Play Pause

6d ago32:06

32:06

Considering a career in safety? Brandon Jones, MEM Director of Safety and Risk Services, shares insights from his 35-year career helping businesses create safer workplaces. Discover why communication skills matter as much as technical knowledge, how technology is changing the field, and why this profession offers meaningful opportunities to impact …

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Dr Alexander Paselk 43:09

3d ago43:09

43:09

Dr. Alexander Paselk is a German national whose life and work stretch across continents and, really, across different worlds of thought. He lives in North America now, though much of his work takes him to the Middle East. That mix, the contrast, the constant switching of environments, it’s shaped the way he leads and how he sees people. Over time, …

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Susan Fleming ACT Hindsight 19:57

10d ago19:57

19:57

Today’s guest is Susan Fleming, Managing Director of ACT Australia, a company that’s changing how we learn about safety and leadership through powerful storytelling and live performance. From programs like Hindsight to The Slip, Susan’s work turns real experiences into lessons that help teams lead, reflect, and make safer decisions. Book here: http…

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Dr Drew Rae 38:05

10d ago38:05

38:05

Dr Drew Rae is an Associate Professor in the Safety Science Innovation Lab at Griffith University, where he teaches courses on research methods and safety engineering, and manages the lab’s research program. Drew’s own research uses a mix of ethnography, field experiments and theory-building to investigate organisational safety practices. He is par…

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Dr Sean Brady 33:55

17d ago33:55

33:55

I consider myself extremely blessed to have had a chat to one of my safety heroes, Dr Sean Brady. Dr Sean Brady is a forensic engineer who investigates engineering failures from a technical and organisational perspective. In 2020, he completed the Brady Review, an investigation into the causes of fatalities in the Queensland mining industry. The re…

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Ep. 164: Complex Workers Compensation Claims | High Risk, High Dollar 34:17

20d ago34:17

34:17

When workplace injuries become complex, high-dollar work comp claims, the financial impact extends far beyond immediate medical costs. MEM’s claims experts Shannon Fox and Lyndi Barthel share strategies for recognizing warning signs, managing costs, and successfully navigating the most challenging claims.…

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Nathalie Martinek 37:00

24d ago37:00

37:00

Nathalie Martinek, PhD, helps people build relational leadership capacity and cultivate effective relationships in professional life, while also supporting those who’ve been scapegoated, sidelined, or harmed in environments that protect image over people. As a coach, she works with professionals to shift unhelpful relational patterns and navigate s…

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Marc Miles and the Illusion of PD 21:24

1M ago21:24

21:24

In this episode Marc and I discuss some of the challenges around trainer PD in the VET sector. Marc Miles is a career presenter and trainer. He has written a book on Advanced Facilitation Skills, and for over a decade, has taught public speaking skills, and content from the Training and Education Training Package for Australian Vocational Education…

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Ep. 163: Working Near Roads | Safety Essentials to Reduce Roadside Risk 33:59

1M ago33:59

33:59

Work zone deaths are on the rise, affecting construction crews and everyday drivers. MoDOT’s Jon Nelson shares critical safety practices, including training, risk assessment, communication systems, and accountability measures that can prevent work zone incidents and save lives.By MEM

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Amanda Amaral 30:18

1M ago30:18

30:18

Amanda Amaral is a safety professional turned entrepreneur, with over a decade of experience in high-risk industries including Oil & Gas, Maritime, and Transport & Logistics. Throughout her career, she worked hands-on at the frontline, from offshore seismic vessels to logistics hubs, helping organisations reduce risk, improve training, and engage t…

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Sarah Barnbrook 57:24

1M ago57:24

57:24

Sarah Barnbrook is an award-winning advocate, international speaker, and best-selling author who is passionate about preventing harm in the digital world. She is the Founder of Away From Keyboard (AFK) Inc., a charity that delivers workshops, personalised support, and peer group sessions to help families and communities build safer online experienc…

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Ep. 162: Practical Home Safety Tips | Bringing Work Habits Home 25:47

2M ago25:47

25:47

Safety habits don't clock out when you do. The same hazards that cause workplace injuries occur just as frequently at home. MEM Safety and Risk Services Regional Manager Sheila Schmidt shares how to apply workplace safety principles at home, build a family safety culture, and create consistent awareness that protects you everywhere.…

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Sally North - Western Australia's Worksafe Commissioner 57:13

2M ago57:13

57:13

Truly honoured to have Sally North grace our podcast, and our home. Unprecedented. Sally North is the WorkSafe Commissioner in Western Australia, having acted in the role for about a year before being formally appointed in July 2024. In this role she is the work health and safety regulator for the resources and general industries sectors. Commencin…

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Michelle Stephenson 44:46

2M ago44:46

44:46

Michelle is an endorsed Organisational Psychologist and works for FIFO Focus and PerMentis. She has experience in mental health assessment and treatment, psychosocial risk management, trauma-informed care auditing and training, recruitment and selection and psychometric assessment, in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. In recent years,…

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Ep. 161: Second Opinions in Work Comp | How They Work and When to Seek One 30:11

2M ago30:11

30:11

When treatment isn't progressing or complications arise in workers' compensation claims, second medical opinions can provide crucial clarity. MEM Claims Operations Manager Shannon Fox shares the warning signs that signal when a second opinion is needed, how state laws affect the process, and how employers can navigate these situations effectively t…

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Sandra Lam 41:53

2M ago41:53

41:53

Sandra Lam is an endorsed Organisational Psychologist and the Managing Director of FIFO Focus and Permentis. With over two decades of experience across public and private sectors in Australia and internationally, Sandra is recognised for her expertise in psychosocial risk, organisational wellbeing, and shaping positive workplace cultures. Through F…

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Nektarios Karanikas 55:28

3M ago55:28

55:28

Dr Nektarios Karanikas is Associate Professor in the Health, Safety and Environment discipline of the School of Public Health & Social Work (Faculty of Health) in the Queensland University of Technology (AU). Before his current appointment, he was Associate Professor of Safety and Human Factors at the Aviation Academy of the Amsterdam University of…

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Ep. 160: How Payroll Impacts Your Workers Compensation Coverage | Avoiding Common Mistakes 24:06

3M ago24:06

24:06

Most business owners know that payroll affects their work comp premium. Did you know it also determines who's covered if an injury happens? From naming the wrong business entity to classifying subcontractors, payroll mistakes can create coverage gaps and surprises at audit time. MEM Underwriting Specialist Tammy Canton shares how to protect your bu…

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Andreas Landwehr 49:14

3M ago49:14

49:14

Andreas Landwehr is a German journalist who worked for 30 years as Beijing Bureau Chief and also as Head of the Asia-Pacific region for dpa, the German Press Agency (Deutsche Presse-Agentur), until 2023. Since 2005, he has been covering G7 and G20 summits, focusing on trade and development issues, climate policy, and Asia. The former US corresponde…

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John Cherrie 33:07

3M ago33:07

33:07

Professor John Cherrie graduated in Physics from Edinburgh University and went to work at the Institute of Occupational Medicine. His early career involved measuring exposure to airborne fibres, both asbestos and man-made mineral fibres. The latter work was in support of a large European epidemiology study coordinated by the International Agency fo…

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Ep. 159: Industrial Hygiene | Your Guide to Hidden Workplace Hazards 29:59

3M ago29:59

29:59

Workplace hazards like noise, chemicals, and poor air quality often go unnoticed until employees develop serious symptoms. These invisible risks can lead to permanent health conditions and costly work comp claims. Industrial hygiene specialist Rhonda Kaufman explains how to identify hidden workplace hazards, address them cost-effectively, and prote…

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Marc Miles - Difficult Conversations and Situations 32:19

3M ago32:19

32:19

In this episode Marc Miles & I discuss those difficult conversations and situations that occasionally occuring during training. Marc Miles is a career presenter and trainer. He has written a book on Advanced Facilitation Skills, and for over a decade, has taught public speaking skills, and content from the Training and Education Training Package fo…

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Ep. 158: Frequency vs. Severity | The Impact of Claims Big and Small 26:37

4M ago26:37

26:37

In the world of workers compensation, loss runs affect a business's risk evaluation. Underwriters look carefully at a company's claim history. This process gives them an understanding of how frequently claims are happening, how severe they are, and if a business is putting effort into reducing workplace risk. Learn the differing impact of claim fre…

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Lisette Kanse 47:14

4M ago47:14

47:14

Dr Lisette Kanse is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychological Science at the University of Western Australia (UWA) and the Course Coordinator of UWA’s Master of and Graduate Certificate in Business Psychology. She has worked as an academic and as a consultant/practitioner in a variety of industrial settings across Europe and Australia, inclu…

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Nova Gibson 40:31

4M ago40:31

40:31

Nova Gibson is director, founder and primary counsellor of Brighter Outlook Narcissistic Abuse Counselling Service and the go-to expert on narcissistic abuse recovery in Australia. She is the author of Australia's best-selling practical self help book of 2023, 'Fake Love - Understanding and Healing From Narcissistic Abuse' published by Harpercollin…

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Ep. 157: Safety Recommendations | How Custom Solutions Benefit Businesses 25:53

4M ago25:53

25:53

For many policyholders, the thought of a visit from a loss prevention or safety consultant feels intimidating. It's easy to assume a visit like this is all about finding mistakes or pointing out what's wrong. But these visits aren't about catching business owners off guard; they are about helping them succeed. Learn how customized recommendations m…

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Tori Cooke 52:20

5M ago52:20

52:20

Tori Cooke is a thought leader in family and domestic violence practice, prevention, and systems reform. With over 30 years of frontline social work and teaching experience, Tori is the Consultant/Practice Educator behind Pandora Projects - a feminist consultancy grounded in transformative education, reflective practice, and trauma-informed care. H…

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Ep. 156: Separating Fact and Fiction | Busting 7 Common Work Comp Myths 30:06

5M ago30:06

30:06

Many employers have misconceptions about how workers compensation actually works. Some don't understand what types of injuries are covered. Others aren't sure how claims impact their business - or how they can be involved in the process. These misunderstandings can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities to improve workplace safety. Separa…

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Sarah Thomas - All that is NZ in safety catchup 30:06

5M ago30:06

30:06

A regular part of the podcast Sarah brings us news of what's happening in New Zealand in terms of safety and social issues. Sarah is a Health and Safety specialist, Professional Member of NZ Institute of Safety Management (ProfNZISM), Health & Safety Australia New Zealand Registered (HASANZ) and ANZCAL (Australia and New Zealand Coaching Allian…

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Cathy Oddie 1:03:28

5M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

Cathy Oddie worked for Centrelink for seven years, before moving on to work in the Superannuation and public mental health sectors. After her role as Business Development and Policy Coordinator at HESTA ended in 2019, Cathy embraced the opportunity to become Monash Health’s first ever Family Violence Lived Experience Consultant within their Mental …

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Ep. 155: Claims and Artificial Intelligence | Transforming the Post-Injury Process 35:31

5M ago35:31

35:31

Organizations are always looking for ways to be more efficient. While some of those efficiencies are gained through changing standard operating procedures, others come from technological advancements. Learn how artifical intelligence (AI) is set to change the work comp claim process, lowering costs and improving overall outcomes with Mark Phillips,…

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Marc Miles - Is the TAE fit for purpose 24:23

5M ago24:23

24:23

The wonderful Marc Miles, the font of knowledge on all training and assessing matters in the vocational education and training sector helps disect the TAE qualification. An honest, sometimes brutally honest about whether the keystone qualification required for all trainers and assessors in the sector actually is fit for purpose. Marc Miles is a car…

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Dr Megan Tranter 32:54

6M ago32:54

32:54

Dr. Megan Tranter is a recognized global voice in Health, Safety, and Environment leadership. She is among the few women who have held top EHS roles at Amazon, PepsiCo, Novartis, and Netflix. Megan has extensive experience in global strategy development and implementation, risk management, cultural change, and Board and CEO-level engagement and coa…

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Ep. 154: The Policyholder Journey | A Guide to Work Comp with MEM 29:50

6M ago29:50

29:50

If you're a business owner, you know that workers compensation isn't just a policy. It's a tool to protect your employees and your bottom line. But what happens after you receive your policy? How can employers control work comp costs and set themselves up for a smooth renewal at the end of the year? Follow each step of the policyholder journey and …

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Ep 153: Work Comp Claim Length | How Employers Can Improve Post-Incident Process 34:26

6M ago34:26

34:26

A claim that lingers for months—or even years—can create uncertainty, increase costs, and impact both the injured worker and the business. Several factors can keep a claim open longer than expected, such as medical complications or legal roadblocks. Learn why claims are often delayed, and what employers can do to help keep the process moving, with …

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Steve Hearsum 31:02

6M ago31:02

31:02

Steve Hearsum has worked for over 20 years as an organisational consultant, coach and more recently supervisor. He has a keen interest in the human side of change, which in recent years that has grown into a fascination with how shame and anxiety drive behaviour in organisations, particularly at senior leadership levels. He supports and challenges …

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Darryl Jonson 30:14

7M ago30:14

30:14

Darryl Johnson, Owner and Director of Mental Health Journey Australia, is a Registered Nurse with Post Graduate qualifications in Mental Health Nursing and Occupational Health and Safety. Additionally, he holds qualifications as a Trainer Assessor. With extensive experience spanning industries like manufacturing, the Australian Army, oil and gas, a…

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Ep. 152: Slips, Trips, and Falls | Don't Sweep Safety Risks Under the Rug 30:18

7M ago30:18

30:18

Slips, trips, and falls are a persistent problem across industries. Despite extensive studies, detailed recommendations, and countless safety initiatives, these incidents continue to rank as the number one cause of workplace injuries. Learn how these safety risks can be symptoms of an unhealthy company safety culture with Tim Wilson, Safety and Ris…

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Marc Miles Consistency vs Innovation 21:29

7M ago21:29

21:29

Marc Miles is a career presenter and trainer. He has written a book on Advanced Facilitation Skills, and for over a decade, has taught public speaking skills, and content from the Training and Education Training Package for Australian Vocational Education and Training. During his time in the Vocational Education and Training sector, Marc has taught…

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Ian Collins and David Wollage - Safety Coach 29:04

7M ago29:04

29:04

Joining us today are two passionate leaders in safety coaching, Ian Collins and David Wollage. Ian is a dedicated advocate for workplace wellbeing and human performance, with a strong presence in the safety coaching space. He has founded three companies - Safety Coach International, Wellbeing Daily and How2HOP. David, is a seasoned professional in …

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Ep. 151: New Hire Onboarding | Setting New Employees Up for Success 29:30

7M ago29:30

29:30

Year over year, new hires account for many on-the-job injuries. With increased turnover and higher expectations, employers often expect new hires to get right to work without proper onboarding and training. Expecting a new hire to use "common sense" while working is not a safety strategy. Learn how to properly onboard new hires and set them up for …

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Ep. 150: From Baby Boomers to Gen Z | Building Safety Programs for a Multigenerational Workforce 30:06

8M ago30:06

30:06

Across industries, many companies share a commonality: a multigenerational workforce. Whether it's fresh-from-school Gen Z new hires to seasoned baby boomers, employers face the challenge of creating a safety program that works for everyone. Learn how to bridge the gap between generations - and keep everyone safe - with Curt DeWeese of Briotix Heal…

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Sarah Thomas 32:08

8M ago32:08

32:08

Sarah Thomas joines us to talk about issues in New Zealand at the moment. We touch on safety, politics, road cones, and so much more. Sarah is a Health and Safety Professional with over 2 decades of experience. She also delivers Crisis Leadership Training. Sarah has always been into the outdoors and once claimed to be a travel addict fuelled by caf…

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Tanya Hallett - Lego Serious Play 20:18

8M ago20:18

20:18

Tanya Hallett - Lego Serious Play In this episode Tanya Hallett dives into the transformative world of LEGO Serious Play. Discover how this innovative approach, once seen as child’s play, has become a powerful tool for team building, strategy planning, and fostering psychological safety. Tanya shares heartfelt stories from workshops, including prof…

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Ep. 149: Safety Grant Program | Investing in Innovation and Risk Reduction 43:56

8M ago43:56

43:56

Every business faces safety challenges. For some companies, addressing those challenges can become difficult or cumbersome. The cost could potentially grow too high for them to afford. MEM offers an opportunity to help offset those costs and tackle safety challenges head-on. Discover how MEM's Safety Grant program offers businesses the opportunity …

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Ep. 148: Safety Communication | Creating a Safety Strategy for All Audiences 39:09

9M ago39:09

39:09

In today's workplace, safety isn't considered a "sexy" topic. Some employers consider safety communication challenging, unengaging, and not always very impactful. What if there was a better way to engage employees? Learn how to plan your safety communication strategically and take your audience into consideration with Blaine Hoffman, host of the Sa…

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Ep. 147: Fidget Toys | Sharpening Focus and Engagement in the Workplace 34:09

9M ago34:09

34:09

Consistent safety training is essential to protecting employees. Not only does it help prevent on-the-job injuries, but it also controls work comp costs. While much of today's training is regulatory or an industry requirement, it isn't always engaging. As a consequence, employees may unplug and miss critical information. Learn how fidget toys, and …

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Ep. 146: Early Intervention | Prevent Pain from Becoming a Future Problem 32:27

10M ago32:27

32:27

At some point in our lives, we all experience aches and pains. Often, these pains are temporary. But at other times, the discomfort eventually becomes a part of our everyday lives. Understanding the source of the pain is important, but so is addressing it before it becomes difficult to manage. Learn the importance of early intervention in preventin…

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Ep. 145: Watson Concrete | Where Safety is a Core Value and Commitment 30:51

10M ago30:51

30:51

Many of MEM's policyholders have found ways to go above and beyond keeping their employees safe - they help them work with confidence. At one organization, safety isn't just a concept - it's a core value and a daily commitment made by each employee. Discover why Watson Concrete has become a standout in its industry for its safety culture with its o…

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Ep. 144: Farming Safety | Uprooting Risk in the Agricultural Industry 27:50

11M ago27:50

27:50

Farmers kickstart the journey many essential goods make from the field to the table. While farming is the backbone of many communities and economies, it is also one of the most dangerous professions. From heavy machinery and hazardous chemicals to unpredictable weather conditions, farm workers face safety risks at every turn. Learn how to reduce ri…