Episode 13: Total Worker Health Solutions - August 29, 2024

When employers are expertly equipped, businesses can integrate effective workplace health and safety initiatives for their workforce, they experience happier and healthier employees, increased production, higher retention rates and fewer medical and work comp claims.

How does it work and more importantly, how do you get started? Join the CONNECTIONS Podcast and learn more from Shelly Campo, Director, Center for Health Communication & Social Marketing, Department of Community & Behavioral Health at The University of Iowa, along with NESC Worker 360 Award Winner, Danielle Frewing from Columbus Community Hospital, Kelsey Pruss, MS, Wellness Services Manager at Nebraska Safety Council and John Lefler, Jr., Executive Director (host) at Nebraska Safety Council. This episode of the CONNECTIONS Podcast is brought to you in part by Black Hills Energy.

Episode 12: Road Safety - Heading in the Wrong Direction? - July 25, 2024

Nebraska is experiencing an alarming increase in speeding and distracted driving incidents. Unfortunately, seatbelt usage in Nebraska continues to be the lowest in the country. And recent incidents, including an NDOT worker, who was struck and injured by a motorist in an active work zone highlights the severe consequences of poor decision-making on the road. This episode of the CONNECTIONS Podcast examines what needs to be done to improve awareness and build a culture of safety, care, and consideration on our roads. Our guest panel includes Matt Neemann, Traffic Engineer at Nebraska Department of Transportation, Cody Thomas, Nebraska State Patrol Public Relations Director and John Lefler, Jr., Executive Director (host) at Nebraska Safety Council.

Episode 11: Safe Driving - Habits, Behaviors & Education - June 27, 2024

As we navigate through the 100 days of Summer, traffic fatalities in Nebraska are ahead of where they were at this time last year. Distracted driving is the new impaired driving and breaking this cycle is rooted in education, the behaviors we model for our kids behind the wheel and committing to a safe driving environment in all areas of our lives. This requires a collaborative effort with individuals and businesses working together to prioritize road safety. Our guest panel includes Brian Ortner, Public Affairs Specialist for Nebraska/Iowa AAA – The Auto Club Group, Michael Palmer, Lead Instructor of B.R.A.K.E.S. and John Lefler, Jr., Executive Director (host) at Nebraska Safety Council. 

Episode 10: Outdoor Safety & The 100 Days of Summer - May 16, 2024

This episode focuses on outdoor safety, signs and prevention for heat exhaustion and stroke, the importance of adequate hydration and more. Hear more about how to avoid accidents throughout the summer when we often see an increase in collisions with motorists, impaired drivers and teen drivers. Our guest panel includes; Lisa Newell Seemann, Founder of Aspen Drake Seemann Foundation, Jeff Rawlinson, Education Manager at Nebraska Game & Parks, Cody Thomas, Public Relations Director at Nebraska State Patrol and John Lefler, Jr., Executive Director (host) at Nebraska Safety Council.

Episode 9: Social Wellbeing at Work and Home - April 18, 2024 

This episode focuses on how to create an environment for a recovery friendly workplace and online safety. Our guest panel includes; Ann McCauley, RFW Project Director at the University of Missouri Extension, Michelle McDowell, Senior Coordinator at the University of Missouri Extension, Rian Beyers, CEO at aZen Technology Solutions, LLC, Kelsey Pruss, Wellness Services Manager at Nebraska Safety Council, and host John Lefler, Jr., Executive Director at Nebraska Safety Council.

Episode 8: Financial Wellbeing - Mental Wellbeing & Money Matters - February 29, 2024

According to the American-Psychological Association, 72% of adults in the U.S. report feeling stressed about money, with 22% reporting extreme stress related to financial concerns. This stress has also been linked to an increase in anxiety and depression. Our guest panel includes; Chris Bedient, Wealth Advisor at HBE LLP, Brittany Planos, Financial Literacy Program Manager at Union Bank & Trust, Michael Henkenius, Trust Officer at Union Bank & Trust, Kelsey Pruss, Wellness Services Manager at Nebraska Safety Council, and host John Lefler, Jr., Executive Director at Nebraska Safety Council.

Episode 7: Occupational Wellbeing - February 8, 2024

Hear from guest panelists Beth Livingston, University of Iowa (Department of Management & Entrepreneurship Tippie College of Business) affiliate of the Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest, Gail Sutter (Continuum EAP), Doug Kavanaugh (Lincoln Physical Therapy), Kelsey Pruss, MS (Nebraska Safety Council - Wellness Services Manager) and your host John Lefler, Jr. (Nebraska Safety Council – Executive Director). In this episode, we take a deep dive into Occupational Wellbeing. This discussion is centered around work from home challenges and solutions, workplace ergonomics in the office and at home and how to manage those that suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Episode 6: Wellness Steps That Work Well - December 7, 2023

Episode 5: Motorcycle Safety - Should You Even Ride - October 5, 2023

There is no doubt riding a motorcycle is fun, but is it safe? With news almost daily highlighting yet another collision or fatal crash, beginner, and experienced riders alike question if it is worth the risk. How do motorcycle riders, as well as car and truck drivers reverse this trend? In this episode, join David Halen from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation & DMV and Dan Wurm from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for a discussion on motorcycle safety. The CONNECTIONS Podcast is hosted by Nebraska Safety Council Executive Director, John M. Lefler, Jr.

Episode 4: Agriculture Wellness & Safety - August 3, 2023

The strength and success of agriculture in the U.S. is a vital part of our economy. A noble and rewarding occupation, it is also a source of immense stress affecting farming operations, individuals, families, and their communities. In this episode, join Linda Emanuel from the AgriSafe Network, Kellan Heavican from Brownfield News, and Nebraska Wellness Services Manager, Kelsey Pruss for a discussion on the unique stressors that impact the agriculture sector and the wellness strategies that can be used to meet these challenges head on. The CONNECTIONS Podcast is hosted by Nebraska Safety Council Executive Director, John M. Lefler, Jr.

Episode 3: 100 Deadliest Days - June 1, 2023

In this episode of the Nebraska Safety Council Podcast, John Lefler, Jr. sits down with Jeanne Bietz (Nebraska DHHS) and Cody Thomas (Nebraska State Patrol) to discuss the 100 Deadliest Days.

Episode 2: Building a Safety Plan - April 6, 2023

In this episode of the Nebraska Safety Podcast, John Lefler, Jr. sits down with Brian York (Safety Services Manager at NESC), Nick Senior (Assistant Area Director/Lead Industrial Hygienist at OSHA), Ric Voelker (Senior Safety Trainer & Consultant at NESC), and Doris Burns (Retired Army Major & Occupational Safety & Health Manager) to discuss the importance of building a safety plan for the workplace. 

Episode 1: Emotional Wellbeing in the Workplace - February 3, 2023

In this episode of the Nebraska Safety Council Podcast, John Lefler, Jr. sits down with Karen Rehm, Aaron May, and Dave Mlnarik to discuss the importance of emotional well-being in the workplace. With the current stressors of the pandemic and remote work, it's more important than ever to prioritize our mental health and create a supportive work environment. Our guests share their insights and experiences on how companies can promote and maintain emotional well-being for their employees. From effective communication strategies to offering mental health resources, this episode provides valuable tips for companies to enhance the emotional well-being of their staff. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation about how we can create a healthier and more resilient workplace.