Ted and Barb welcome Donald Elswick, a former commander in the United States Navy and an occupational environmental health and safety solutions specialist for ELSMART Associates, LLC. He has over 30 years of experience in government and multi-industry and currently serves on the State of Alabama's Technical Advisory Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. 

Ted, Barb and Donald discuss the pros and cons of virtual safety training versus in-person training. While virtual training is cost-effective and timely, in-person training is necessary for life-critical situations, where hands-on practice and instructor-led sessions are required. Virtual training can be used to engage participants before in-person training and help them prepare questions. Donald also stresses the importance of making safety training engaging and effective by involving participants in projects and qualitative analysis. Ultimately, a combination of virtual and in-person training can be an effective way to train employees and make them feel confident in their safety skills. Donald talks about how everyone has their own frame of reference that they can share, and everyone can be lifelong learners, although it is harder for some than others. However, working together, having each other's back, and doing it for the right reason make a difference in the end.

This episode also discusses the future of the workforce and how technology can keep employees safe. Donald encourages emerging professionals, mid-career professionals, and mature professionals to consider a career in occupational and environmental health and safety. He reminds listeners that safety is not business confidential, and it's okay to steal from others in safety to improve. This episodes highlights the importance of safety, quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness in the workplace. Tune in now and discover how technology is being used to keep employees safe and promote a safer workplace.

References:

Safety FM

Total Health & Safety Solutions

Donald Elswick