Speaking Up For Safety

Ep. 22 - Staff Interviews: John & Joy

Speaking Up For Safety - Staff Interviews: John & Joy

Ep. 21 - Eric Olsen, Communications Director at the Utah Labor Commission

We’re back—and better than ever—from our brand-new home in Sandy, Utah!

In this episode, Utah Safety Council President John Wojciechowski and Occupational Safety Program Manager Karen Kitiona sit down with Eric Olsen, Communications Director at the Utah Labor Commission, for a fascinating and fun conversation.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

• An inside look at the Workplace Safety Grant Program
• Eric’s career journey and impact within the Utah Labor Commission
• A one-of-a-kind comparative safety analysis of the Star Wars universe (yes, really!)

Whether you're a safety professional, Star Wars fan, or just love great conversations about making workplaces safer, this episode has something for you.

Tune in now and subscribe to “Speaking Up for Safety” wherever you get your podcasts.
Let’s keep safety top of mind—because speaking up saves lives.

Ep. 20 - The Pathways Program: Earn Your Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS) Bachelor's Degree

Brigham Young University, The University of Utah, Weber State, and Utah State University have teamed up to help students launch their EHS Education and Career.

Build Your Future.

Make a Difference. A degree in occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) opens doors to impactful careers—from safeguarding workers at manufacturing sites to pioneering research on workplace hazards. Whether you’re aiming for a role in industrial hygiene, corporate safety, or even medical school, OEHS blends science with real-world impact.

Utah is home to four top OEHS programs, each dedicated to preparing professionals to protect workers and the environment. With high salaries (averaging $112,281 for bachelor’s-trained professionals), diverse career opportunities, and the chance to save lives, OEHS offers a rewarding and in-demand path forward.

Ep. 19 - Safety Hits The Bottom Line - Work Place Safety Expert Doug Handy

In this episode, we dive into the world of safety with a passionate safety professional who’s on a mission to inspire managers to embrace safety as a core part of their business culture. His approach? Making safety practical, engaging, and—most importantly—fun!

From creative team-building exercises to hands-on demonstrations, he knows how to turn serious topics into memorable moments, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.

And, as he likes to say, he’s “serving up safety smiles” with every session. Listen to hear how he gets managers and teams alike to see safety from a whole new perspective!

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Do you work for a business with less than 250 employees? If so, you qualify for the Workplace Safety Scholarship. Reach out to us today for more information! - 801.746.SAFE (7233)

 

Utah Safety Council Website: https://www.utahsafetycouncil.org/content/Default.aspx

Ep. 18 - Martin Herrera // Zero Fatalities

In this episode, we sit down with Martin Herrera, a passionate advocate for road safety, especially within the Hispanic community. Martin shares crucial insights into the importance of driving safely and the devastating impact that accidents can have on individuals, families, and entire communities—including the tragic reality of fatalities.

 

With a strong focus on reaching out to the Hispanic community, Martin is dedicated to educating everyone about safe driving techniques that can save lives. From simple tips to life-changing advice, Martin's message is clear: every life matters, and taking the right steps behind the wheel can make all the difference.

 

Whether you’re a seasoned driver or just getting started, this conversation is a must-watch to better understand how we can all contribute to safer roads for ourselves and our loved ones.

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Do you work for a business with less than 250 employees? If so, you qualify for the Workplace Safety Scholarship. Reach out to us today for more information! - 801.746.SAFE (7233)

 

Utah Safety Council Website: https://www.utahsafetycouncil.org/content/Default.aspx

Ep. 17 - Utah Guardians Program Explained with Officer Matt Pennington

In this podcast, we sit down with Chief Matt Pennington, Utah’s state security chief, to clear the air about the new armed school guardian program that has sparked debate. From concerns about who these guardians will be, to rumors about minimal training and lack of mental health screenings, we address it all.

Chief Pennington explains how this program ensures that each school has a trained, prepared volunteer guardian on-site every day to protect against threats. We also dive into the rigorous screening process and dispel fears that school environments will become more dangerous or intimidating.

Do you work for a business with less than 250 employees? If so, you qualify for the Workplace Safety Scholarship. Reach out to us today for more information! - 801.746.SAFE (7233)

 

Utah Safety Council Website: https://www.utahsafetycouncil.org/content/Default.aspx

Ep. 16: Why Caring for our Young Matters - Tami Olsen: Director, Young Caring For Our Young

Tami Olsen - Director, Young Caring For Our Young // Speaking Up For Safety podcast made possible through the Utah Labor Commission

 

On this episode of "Speaking Up for Safety," we are honored to have Tami Olsen, a dedicated advocate from Young Caring for Our Young, as our guest speaker. Tami will dive into the impactful work their organization does to support the youth in their community.

 

Young Caring for Our Young operates on the fundamental belief that every child is entitled to the essential resources needed to shape a promising future. Their mission includes addressing and fulfilling the clothing, nutritional, educational, and hygienic needs of young people.

 

By providing these critical resources, they strive to ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Join us as we explore the inspiring efforts and achievements of Young Caring for Our Young in nurturing the next generation.

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Do you work for a business with less than 250 employees? If so, you qualify for the Workplace Safety Scholarship. Reach out to us today for more information! - 801.746.SAFE (7233)

 

Utah Safety Council Website: https://www.utahsafetycouncil.org/content/Default.aspx

 

Speaking Up For Safety Ep. 15 - Utah Refugee Connection

Join us this time as we welcome Amy Dott and Amanda Shirley from Utah Refugee Connection to our podcast. Together, we explore many initiatives and programs offered by Refugee Connection to support our refugee communities here in Utah. Their mission is perfectly captured in their mission statement to "Create meaningful connections between refugees, the community, and public and private organizations which support refugees in developing self-sufficient and fulfilling lives," a goal they embody in their daily endeavors.

Refugee Connection undertakes a wide array of initiatives, including providing education, supplies, and resources to those most in need. They take pride in identifying gaps in the social system and proactively addressing them to the best of their ability. Their passion lies in ensuring that refugees are seamlessly integrated into our society, fostering an environment where they can thrive, have a sense of belonging and live their best lives.

Join us as we delve into the inspiring work of Refugee Connection and learn how they are making a tangible difference in the lives of refugees in Utah.

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Do you work for a business with less than 250 employees? If so, you qualify for the Workplace Safety Scholarship. Reach out to us today for more information! - 801.746.SAFE (7233)

Utah Safety Council Website: https://www.utahsafetycouncil.org/content/Default.aspx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/utahsafetycouncil/